Motosierra, the cut throat speed-rock outfit from Montevideo, Uruguay have re-started the machine  and graced the masses with a new 7” EP entitled Buzo Nuevo/La Marcos via the Spaghetty Town imprint.

This EP clocks in under 5:00 of blistering music which combines balls out punk rock fury and a hard rock groove with lyrics shouted in their regional Spanish dialect.  Rock n’ roll is dead? What does that even mean!?  From the sounds of it, groups like Thin Lizzy, Negative Approach and Nashville Pussy STILL leave a considerable impact across the earth to this day and this 7” is proof of that. The A-side “Buzo Nuevo” could have very well been a song that Valient Thorr wrote during their tour through South America last year, only to be given to these guys to go nuts with.  The B-side rips through a minute and a half of stripped down, explosive punk with singer Marcos Motosierra’s snarling vocals lending the impression that their hiatus didn’t let up on them in any way.  These guys are tight throughout the recording.  Don’t expect any shout-along choruses or themes/messages in their songs; this is not that kind of band, just look at the 7” artwork. Play this loud, with your buds and plenty of Norteńa to pass around in the process. HAILS!
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Grab a copy of the 7” for yourself over at Spaghetty Town Records and experience all that is mentioned above.
–The Heathen

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/SpaghettyTown/
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Instagram
@spaghettytownrecords
@pibedestroy

These last few weeks have been anything but normal around GEARHEAD HQ. Final preparations for GEARFEST 2016 have occupied more time than I planned for, but that is normal when you’re putting on a festival that has so many moving parts.
​
Organizing Gearfest has been a labor of love. It feels great to have the passion flowing through my veins again. I feel like a car that just had an oil change and tune up—revved up and ready to go go go!

I am excited, really truly excited to meet, hang out, rock out and just enjoy something social again. Listening to music that fuels my soul, drinking a few brews, checking out cool cars, eating some good food…. this is what running a company like Gearhead is all about.

I’m excited for the Ms. Gearhead Contest as well. Doing something good for the community and recognizing powerful creative women in our scene at the same time is a win-win for everyone. And besides, it’s fun! To sign up, or just learn more about the contest check out the contest page.

Think back on those dark days not so long ago when I wasn’t sure I ever wanted to listen to a record again or pull myself out of my pajamas, get dressed up and go see a band or a car show. Times were pretty rough, and it looked like GEARHEAD was gonna go the way of so many other small creative businesses. But thankfully, with the help, support and enthusiasm of you, my community, things have come 180 degrees around. Its like doing donuts in the dirt; the thrill is back, enjoying doing something really fun, even if it’s kind of risky, makes life worth living.

For those of you who can’t make it, don’t despair. I plan on making Gearfest an annual event, each year a little bigger, a little better and with a lot more warning than I gave you this year. I have no excuse; I am simply learning once again to navigate the trials and tribulations of running a small business and learning to ask for help.
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Please make sure to introduce yourself if you're coming. I love meeting the people who support Gearhead! For a full schedule, please check out the Gearfest page.
To commemorate the event, a limited run of Gearfest shirts is now available featuring the poster on the back and the Gearhead logo on the front of a white t shirt.

I’m getting better with the social media thing and will hopefully have photos and video up pretty quick after the event. I’m sure other folks will be sharing as well: use #gearfest2016 and #gearheadrocks as the hash tag if you do!

Finally, I want to take a moment to thank the sponsors who helped make GEARFEST 2016 possible: Asphalt Rodeo, Sacramento Tattoo and Piercing, Rolling Rock Beer, Beautiful Disaster Cosmetics, Kustom Koffins Apparel, Tres Noir Optics East SMF, and Dave’s Dawgs. You guys rock!
Now let’s go shake some action!
XoXo Rev. Michelle

(Elk Grove, CA) Inez Whitlow is a tough chick. In fact, she was once a Chick in Crisis, having become pregnant as a teen. Inspired by her experience and wanting to help other chicks navigate the trecherous waters of an unplanned pregnancy, she started Chicks in Crisis to help teens and young women facing the mental, physical and emotional challenges of an unplanned pregnancy. With a goal to keep babies  and young children from entering the foster system, Whitlow created a one-stop shop of sorts for these young women, providing everything from counceling, clothing and cooking classes to facilitating adoptions.

As a tough chick herself, Gearhead owner Michelle Haunold decided to host a fundraiser during the upcoming Gearfest 2016 to help Chicks in Crisis. “They’re right around the corner from my house, “ Haunold says. “I stopped by one day to see what it was all about and was inspired by Inez and her dedication to these girls and babies. She’s making a difference in our community, and I wanted to help.”

The garage-punk hot rod exravaganza Gearfest 2016 will take place at the Blue Lamp, 1400 Alhambra Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95816 Sept. 24, 2016. The underground rock festival will begin at 6:00 pm with a free hot rod show in front of the club followed by a garage-punk rock show for 21+ featuring bands, food and a Ms. Gearhead contest.

What exactly is the Ms. Gearhead Contest you ask? Sponsored by Beautiful Disaster Cosmetics, an El Dorado Hills, CA based brand of hypoallergenic cosmetics, any woman can take part in the contest by donating $20 for a chance to win the title of Ms. Gearhead 2016. All proceeds from the contest will be donated to the non-profit Elk Grove, CA based Chicks in Crisis.

Women don’t need to dress or look a certain way. They just need to be able to speak for three minutes about how they embody the qualities of Ms. Gearhead, which, according to the website is “… strong, independent and above all, true to herself and her inner voice. She is compassionate and kind, and works for the rights of those less fortunate than herself, but she is not a push over. She is a protector and voice for animals and the earth, conscious that being a leader comes with great courage to do what is right and stand up against what is wrong. She is diplomatic and follows a path of peace when facing conflicts.”

After a short deliberation by three independent judges, the winner will be crowned and given the title of Ms. Gearhead 2016. She will win a feature article and photo shoot for the Gearhead website, as well as a basket of goodies valued over $500 including Beautiful Disaster Cosmetics, a Lux DeVille handbag and wallet donated by Kustom Koffins Apparel, sunglasses from Tres Noir Optics and a gift basket from Sacramento based restraunt East SMF.

In addition, raffle tickets will be sold for $1 a piece with half the cash prize going to Chicks in Crisis and the other half to one lucky raffle winner.

Guests can get a $2 discount by buying their tickets early, which Haunold encourages. “Space is pretty limited at this club, so get your tickets in advance to make sure you can get in!” Tickets are $10 at the door, but guests can get a $2 discount by bringing one or more of the folllowing: Diapers Sizes 4, 5 and 6, Clothing: Newborn to Size 5T, Baby Wipes, or Gift cards ($25 or less). All these items are on the Chicks in Crisis wish list.

For more information, please visit the Gearhead website at http://www.gearheadhq.com

Contact Information:                                                                                                          
Michelle Haunold, CEO/President                                                                                    
Phone:916-897-2451                                                                                                                                                                                 
E-Mail: [email protected]                                                           

                                                                                                                              ###           

Ms. Gearhead is strong, independent and above all, true to herself and her inner voice. She is compassionate and kind, and works for the rights of those less fortunate than herself, but she is not a push over. She is a protector and voice for animals and the earth, conscious that being a leader comes with great courage to do what is right and stand up against what is wrong. She is diplomatic and follows a path of peace when facing conflicts.

She is 100% her own person, not following trends or fashions but her own inner guidance and passions. She feels safe expressing her opinions even if it is not popular. She is honest and forthright, and speaks from her heart. She follows the path less walked by others and enjoys the challenge of finding her way in a sometimes-overwhelming sea of conformity and expectations about what a woman should do and be.

Whether Punk Rock or Pin Ups, Rosie the Riveter or The Rockettes inspires you, please join us in selecting the next Ms. Gearhead during intermission during Gearfest 2016.
​The first 15 women to donate will be entered in the contest.

*All contestants may dress however they feel most inspired, at their best and most powerful.
*Each contestant will have 3 minutes to speak about why she embodies the qualities of Ms. Gearhead.
*After a short deliberation our judges will select Ms. Gearhead 2016 based on how closely she meets the personal qualities of Ms. Gearhead.

The winner will receive a photo-shoot with the pictures to be included with a write up for the Gearhead website, Facebook and other social media sites, and the title of Ms. Gearhead 2016. She will also get to wear the Ms. Gearhead tiara and carry the Gearhead sceptor until the next Ms. Gearhead contest.

The entrance fee is a $20 donation, which includes the price of admission to Gearfest 2016. All proceeds from the Ms. Gearhead contest will be donated to Chicks in Crisis, an Elk Grove, CA based non-profit dedicated to providing support and resources for pregnant women (and their partners) with prenatal care, life skills training, parenting assistance, clothes, emergency food, baby supplies, and legal guidance.

In addition, a raffle will be held during Gearfest 2016 with half the proceeds going to one raffle winner and the other half going to Chicks in Crisis. To further support this charity, every Gearfest 2016 attendee can get a $2 discount at the door by bringing one or more of the following:
• Diapers: Sizes 4, 5 and 6
• Clothing: Newborn to Size 5T
• Baby Wipes
• Maternity Clothes
• Gift cards ($25 or less)

Are you our next Ms. Gearhead? Please join us to find out!

Fifteen years ago this month Bay Area power poppers Red Planet released their masterpiece Let’s Degenerate on Gearhead Records. Following a national tour the band that was hailed as the next Green Day by fans called it quits as the original members splintered into separate factions due to life circumstances.

Coming together for the first time since then, the original band will play Gearhead’s Gearfest 2016. The garage-punk hot rod exravaganza will take place at the Blue Lamp, 1400 Alhambra Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95816 Sept. 24, 2016. Doors open at 6:30 with Red Planet scheduled to take the stage at 10 pm. Space is limited and guests are encouraged to buy their tickets in advance from the Blue Lamp website. The cost is $8 in advance or $10 at the door.
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Hailed as “Darn Infectious” by the SF Bay Guardian and raved about by the underground press far and wide, Red Planet played hooky power-pop new wave melodies inspired by The Cars, The Knack, and later-period Redd Kross. “This young, Ritalin-deprived quartet let loose with big barbed hooks, Diamond Dave-era Van Halen influenced guitar leads, and vocal harmonies inspired by a rich collection of British Invasion vinyl.” (Listen.com)

After releasing their debut full-length Revolution 33 in 2000 on Gearhead Records, the band was poised to explode to a wider audience with the release of their 2001 sophomore release Let’s Degenerate. Produced by award-winning indie producer Kurt Bloch (Fastbacks, Mudhoney, Nashville Pussy) and photographed by Grammy-nominated photographer David Perry, the album was rapidly climbing the indie charts with enthusiastic reviews and an ever growing rabid fan base. Fans were calling them “the next Green Day” because of their catchy-punk-laden hooks, Bay Area roots, cheeky attitude and incendiary live performances.

To promote the new record, the band went on a national tour September 2001 opening for the New York Dolls’ Syl Slyvain. Looking forward to playing to larger audiences and traveling the country for the first time, the band was fueled by high hopes and a brash certainty only a young band on the rise can harness. All done before the era of social media, the word of mouth buzz was excited and expectant. Then came the tragedy of 9/11 and every thing fell apart.

Playing to half-empty halls and struggling to get paid because promoters were losing their shirts due to low turn out, the band arrived home from the month long tour exhausted, hungry and demoralized. Drummer John Messier was the first to call it quits. Family demands, trying to make rent and frustration proved to be too much and the rest of band went on hiatus for several months to recover.

In 2004, with a replacement drummer, the band released their final record We Know How It Goes to critical acclaim but mediocre sales. Displaying a more introspective dreamy quality, the songs on this record reflected a more grown-up view of the world, where love doesn’t win out in the end, and dark things sometimes overpower even the most positive mindset. Produced entirely in-house by Red Planet guitarist Chris Dunn, the record resonated with a late-period Brian Wilson feel, more echoey layered production and less in-your-face punk rock enthusiasm. After several months, despite repeated requests for the band to perform these songs live, they officially called it quits and went their separate ways.

Gearhead owner Michelle was heartbroken, dashing high hopes that this band would be a commercial success. But more importantly, Red Planet was Haunold’s baby, bringing the band to Gearhead after stumbling across them opening for Kevin Second’s (7 Seconds) band Grand National at a small Sacramento club. “They played music like I grew up listening too. Power pop new wave with infectious melodies and a cheeky in your face attitude that only a great young band could pull off. I fell in love instantly.”

Now, after repeated requests for the band to play, they have agreed. All four original members, drummer John Messier, keyboards/ guitarist Chris Dunn, guitarist Jeremy Powers and bassist Gordon Evans, will once again take the stage at Gearfest 2016, scheduled for Sept. 24, 2016 at The Blue Lamp. Still based in the Bay Area, the band will play a selection of songs from their four Gearhead releases as well as some new songs. “I am over the moon with excitement,” enthused Haunold. “I can’t wait to see them and hear those songs that I still have on constant rotation in my Itunes played live once again”. Old fans are excitedly expectant and Haunold is hopeful the new generation of music fans who are pushing the sales of power pop vinyl at indie stores around the country will finally check out Red Planet.

Doors open at 6:30 and the first band goes on at 7 pm sharp. Red Planet will hit the stage about 10 pm sharing the bill with several other veteran bands from the late 90s, including Sacramento’s Troublemakers, LA’s The Rankoutsiders and Leesa G from the 80’s girl punk band The Creamers.

GEARFEST 2016, the rock and roll/hot rod show is back! Show up at The Blue Lamp Saturday Sept 24, 2016 and get ready to rock! The line up this year is a celebration of the best of underground rock and roll and punk: Sacramento’s Troublemakers, The Roxy Suicide from Colorado featuring Dave Mansfield from Gearhead recording artists The Mansfields, the long loved Bay area band Red Planet coming out of retirement especially for this show, and Pat Todd and the Rankoutsiders with special guest Leesa G from the Creamers, performing a bunch of Creamers songs with the Rankoutsiders backing her! 

At intermission the contest to crown Ms. Gearhead 2016 will once again take place, with the proceeds going to local women’s shelter Chicks in Crisis.
​And of course there will be cars, food and other contests plus a cool poster for all participants! Tickets are $8 adv, $10 at the door.
For more information click here!

“For one great day, June 20th, 1998 to be exact, all the stars, planets and whatever other space junk is floating around in our atmosphere all lined up perfectly….and it was called GEARFEST. The place was Tantogarden in Stockholm Sweden, and the event was a big party celebrating the ongoing transcontinental love fest between Scandanavian rock and roll and Gearhead Magazine. The American muscle cars rolled in, the cold Swedish beer flowed freely, and the bands rocked like it was the last day on Earth! ”

These words were written by Gearhead founder Mike LaVella in the liner notes to the 2001 CD compilation Gearfest (now long out of print). After several more festivals in the early 2000s in Sweden and Austin, TX, Gearfest was put on hold as we struggled with the challenges of a growing small business.

Gearfest once again saw the light of day in 2015 to an overwhelming turnout of enthusiastic fans. Much to my surprise and delight, seven of the original partygoers from that iconic day in 1998 flew over from Sweden to join in the revived celebration. Click here to see pictures!

Gearfest 2016 is right around the corner and it looks to be another day when all the space junk and stars align. Sept. 24, 2016 is the date, 6 pm is the time and The Blue Lamp is the place. If you drive a hot rod, get there early for Rock Star parking in front of the club and across the street at the host hotel The Red Lion. Fans can view the cars before doors open at 6:30 pm. Rolling Rock, our beer sponsor for the evening, will be on hand with surprises and cheap beer to keep the fans lubricated. Event sponsors Sacramento Tattoo and Piercing, one of Sacramento’s oldest tattoo shops and Asphalt Rodeo, an Elk Grove based hot rod and customs builder will be hanging out talking tattoos and hot rods.

BAND LINE UP:
7pm The Troublemakers -- Sacramento-based garage-punkers kick things off!
8 pm The Roxy Suicide -- a glam-pop punk band from Fort Collins, CO (featuring Dave Mansfield from The Mansfields)
9 pm Ms. Gearhead Contest (see below for description and entry details)
10 pm Red Planet -- the long-loved Bay Area power pop outfit performing for the first time after a fifteen year hiatus
11 pm Leesa G -- former front-woman of the 80s punk band The Creamers performing several Creamers songs with The Rankoutsiders backing her
11:30 Pat Todd and the Rankoutsiders -- bluesy balls-out country-punk from Los Angeles
For more information about the bands and schedule, click here!

So what, you ask, is a Ms. Gearhead Contest? Held as a fundraiser for the non-profit Elk Grove, CA based Chicks in Crisis, who provide support and assistance to young women facing pregnancy and child-rearing issues and sponsored by Beautiful Disaster Cosmetics, any woman can enter for $20 with all proceeds going to Chicks in Crisis.
Each woman gets 3 minutes to share why shy represents the qualities of Ms. Gearhead after which the judges will choose the next Ms. Gearhead. The winner gets a feature on the Gearhead website as well as gifts valued at over $300. In addition, raffle tickets will be sold for $1 with half the cash prize going to Chicks in Crisis and the other half to one lucky raffle winner. Click here for more information and advance entry. Contestants can also enter day of the show. To see pictures of last year’s contest and winner click here.

HOTEL INFO:
A limited number of rooms at The Red Lion Hotel have been reserved at the discounted rate of $79 plus taxes and fees for partygoers. It’s right across the street from the Blue Lamp which makes getting to the show really easy. Plus the rooms have microwaves, a fridge and guests get a free breakfast the next morning. There’s a pool there too, so you can enjoy some sun and playtime before the show starts! For more information and to reserve a room, call Michelle today at 916-897-2451 or send an email.

Free posters, goody bags and digital download cards plus a full Gearhead merch table will round out the evening. Food will be available for purchase from Dave’s Dawgs so no one will have to miss any of the shindig!

Please join Gearhead for a kick-ass punk rock fueled fun time. Make tracks to the Blue Lamp. It is the ONLY place to be Saturday Sept. 24, 2016.

Keepin’ the rubber on the road with Lots of love,
Rev. Michelle

(Elk Grove, CA) Let the beer flow and the music blast! The garage-punk hot rod exravaganza Gearfest is back! Hosted by Gearhead, the record label/magazine located in Elk Grove, CA, Gearfest 2016 will once again take place at the Blue Lamp, 1400 Alhambra Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95816 Sept. 24, 2016. The underground rock festival will begin at 6:00 pm with a free hot rod show in front of the club followed by a garage-punk rock show for 21+ featuring bands, food and a Ms. Gearhead contest. Space is limited and guests are encouraged to buy their tickets in advancefrom the Blue Lamp website.The cost is $8 in advance or $10 at the door. The first twenty-five guests will receive a Gearhead Goody Bag, and everyone attending will get a show poster to take home.

Live performances start at 7pm with Sacramento-based garage-punkers The Troublemakers, followed by The Roxy Suicide, a glam-pop punk band from Fort Collins, CO, the long-loved Bay Area power pop outfit Red Planet making a triumphant return after a fifteen year hiatus, Pat Todd and the Rankoutsiders playing bluesy-country-punk from Los Angeles, and as an extra treat, Leesa G, former frontwoman of the 80s punk band The Creamers will perform several Creamers songs with The Rankoutsiders backing her.

Halfway through the show, women will compete in the Ms. Gearhead Contest, a fundraiser for the non-profit Elk Grove, CA based Chicks in Crisis, who provide support and assistance to young women facing pregnancy and child-rearing issues.
Gearfest 2016 will be co-hosted with hot rod fabricators Asphalt Rodeo from Elk Grove, CA and Sacramento Tattoo and Piercing, one of the oldest tattoo shops in Sacramento, CA. “Asphalt Rodeo has the best slogan,” exclaims Haunold. “Rusty Parts, Over Priced Sales, Shitty Service.” Haunold chuckles and shakes her head. “These guys have a great sense of humor, commitment to building cool cars, and they’re nice guys. I’m really pleased to be working with them. Sacramento Tattoo has been supporting Gearhead for a number of years with great artwork and promotion, so I’m happy to have them on board again with Gearfest 2016.”

Not only will the event be totally rocking, but there is an underlying theme: do something good for the community. “Combining a fundraising element with a party means everyone has a good time and supports a local non-profit to boot!” enthused Haunold.
Hosting a festival is a lot of work. Why do it? “At 52 years old, I have been witness to a lot of explosive moments in music, seeing bands just starting out that went on to become superstars,” Haunold shares thoughtfully. “In the ‘80s and ‘90s, there were festivals like this all the time; Underground rock and roll shows with a theme brought people together and energised everyone with unique ideas and a common ground. People were a part of something. Not to diss on them, but the millenials think that being punk rock or DIY is just dying your hair nad making fish-faces for photos and posting it on the internet. I want this new generation to feel what a REAL DIY punk rock show feels like. It’s magic. Plus, its so cool to give people from my generation something like this again. They come out of the woodwork for shows like this, which is awesome.”

Strating at 6 pm with hot rods and custom cars gathering in front of the club and across the street at The Red Lion, guests should arrive early to enjoy the cars for free. As the doors open at 6:30 pm Dave’s Dawgs will be selling their signature brand of hot rod inspired hot dogs and sausages both including vegetarian alternatives. Rolling Rock is the sponsoring beer for the evening including $3 beers! The first band goes on sharp at 7 pm. At 9 pm The Ms. Gearhead 2016 contest will start with up to fifteen women competing for the title. Any woman can enter for $20with all proceeds going to Chicks in Crisis. After talking for 3 minutes on the theme of empowerment, creativity and individuality, the judges will choose the next Ms. Gearhead who will win a feature on the Gearhead website as well as gifts from local businesses. In addition, raffle tickets will be sold for $1 with half the cash prize going to Chicks in Crisis and the other half to one lucky raffle winner.

Guests can get a $2 discount by buying their tickets early, which Haunold encourages. “Space is pretty limited at this club, so get your tickets in advance to make sure you can get in!” Tickets are $10 at the door, but guests can get a $2 discount by bringing one or more of the folllowing: Diapers Sizes 4, 5 and 6, Clothing: Newborn to Size 5T, Baby Wipes, Gift cards ($25 or less). All these items are on the Chicks in Crisis wish list.
For more information, please Contact:

Michelle Haunold, CEO/President
Phone: 916-897-2451
E-Mail: [email protected]

As a child, I was painfully shy. I had several close friends but relied mostly on my brothers and sisters for playmates. We had fabulous imaginary forts and tree houses and romps in the woods. We rode our bikes and played pirates and cowboys and Indians and all sorts of fantasy games inspired by TV shows on the air at the time such as I Dream of Jeannie and Bewitched.
 
I also spent hours with my nose buried in books, sometimes reading 4 or 5 books a week. One of my favorites was Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, followed by Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator.
 
When the story made its TV debut in 1975, I was eleven years old. I had a vivid, colorful imagination, encouraged by my mother and the playtime with my siblings, but nothing prepared me for seeing Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in living color. It blew my mind in a way nothing up to that point had, except maybe The Wizard of Oz. To see the strange and curious Willy Wonka come to life I could imagine him no other way except as actor Gene Wilder played him in the weird and wonderful show.
 
As I became a teenager, Gene Wilder movies figured prominently. It gradually dawned on me that being weird, funny and a little off was OK, and in fact, maybe a desirable thing. Which was good because I was definitely a weird kid.
 
Young Frankenstein became a favorite movie in my family. We’d laugh hysterically repeating lines from that movie like “Werewolf! There wolf!” I sought out the movies Gene Wilder starred in because I knew they would make me laugh.
 
It was inspiring to me that this pop-eyed, frizzed haired zany man was a movie star. He wasn’t cast for his looks, but for his personality.  His humor wasn’t forced, and he didn’t rely on profanity. He was truly a silly funny guy who made his quirky personal style the basis for laughter. I always felt better after I watched one of his movies: it gave me hope that, as different as I was from my siblings and friends, it would be ok. The taunt of “you’re weird” didn’t hurt so much.
 
His relationship with the unconventional Gilda Radner was also inspiring, proving there was a special someone out there for everyone.
 
The remarkable impact Gene Wilder had on pop culture cannot be emphasized enough, and I am so sad to hear of his passing. The world has lost a man who made us laugh but more importantly gave all us weirdoes permission to be goofy and unconventional. RIP Gene Wilder, your laughter, light and quirkiness will be deeply missed.
(6/11/33 - 8/29/16)