To the Tribes
The Waco Texas affairs have burned to the ground and the verdict in Los Angeles was guilty, temporarily settling the unrest. The world keeps spinning on an unknown course, hot we stiff have hope that somewhere in the craziness, strength of heart will prevail. I recently heard Henry Rollins do a concert of spoken word. He hod many insights on the hypocrisy of this life and I suggest if you have the chance, treat yourself to his presence. We hope you enjoy the European compilation coming out this June. It was quite difficult to decide which songs should be omitted, but we did our best. Working with Nuno Bettencourt was a complete joy. He's a talented producer, quite a good drummer and a genuine kick to be around. So for all you EXTREME fans who wondered, he's cool. Looking forward to performing in Europe this summer and meeting as many of you as possible. Until then, explore your individuality, and keep the peace.
Together- Dan Reed
Network News
By Matthew Nelson
Welcome to the Slam Society. We here at DRN wore astounded by the overwhelming favorable response of our decision to begin the fan club. The merchandise orders keep coming in, and the membership keeps getting stronger. We are sill in the process of creating the membership kits. They will be completed by the end of April- beginning of May. We will ship them to you as soon as they are ready. Due to the overwhelming numbers of orders for merchandise, we have been forced to back order many of our products. We have found that, due to these back-orders, shipping of some merchandise tokes much longer than the 6-8 weeks. For this we apologize. We can assure you that everyone who orders and pays far a product through our merchandise service will get what he/she ordered.
If for any reason you have a problem with an order or would like addiiional merchandise information, please give our membership hot-line a call and we will work together to remedy your situation. Our membership - merchandise number is (503) 452.5960.
If you would like to leave a message for any member of the band, you can do so on our Network Hotline, the number is (212) 459- 4025. Once again, long distance charges apply for both of our numbers.
If you are currently a member of the Slam Society we ask that you please send us your telephone number, with area code. (Country code where applicable) This will enable us to get a hold of you easier, and keep you up to date with all the Network happenings. It will also help us in efforts to make sure your merchandise orders arrive, or to let you know if merchandise is on backorder. Who knows, you might even get a phone call from a bond member. You may send us a post cord containing your phone info.
The New Album & The European Tour
This June, in Europe only, the Network will be releasing a compilation album called "Mixin' It Up.' It will contain some of their favorite cuts from their first three albums. The album will feature some new surprises on some Network classics. For Example: Nuno Bettencourt of the rock band 'Extreme' will be performing with Dan Reed on a remake of "Long Way To Go," Other surprises include a possible remix of 'Get to You' and a live version of 'Forgot To Make Her Mine." Look for it in stores this summer. Tell your friends! There is also a very good chance that a compilation video tape of the Network's videos will become available, worldwide, by August 1993.
With the release of this album, the Network will be touring certain countries in Europe this summer. We will keep you up to date on all tour information. In May, tour information will be available on the Network Hotline. For fans outside of Europe, we ore working on a deal with Mercury/Polygram to make the new album available through the Slam Society. We promise to keep you informed on this exciting event, and will let you know when we have the new album in our hands.
ECOPRINTed with soy-based ink and recycled paper.
What’s up with the band?
Dan Reed
The real question here is what hasn't Dan done? He has traveled to Sweden twice. Both times he has been the guest performer of a band called "Johan and the Yobs." Dan first went over in November, where he performed Network songs with the Yobs. The club tour was so successful that Johan invited Dan back in February for another round of Sweden Shows. Network fans fear not about a band break up. As Dan puts it, "The Yobs sure a kick in the pants to work with, but my heart lies with the Network, they are my family." Dan would like to personally thank all of the fans who turned out for the Sweden shows.
Dan has been very busy with his production company, Hypedreamz. In late November, Hypedreamz began production of a Tacoma band called Dred Serious. Although they have been called a cross between Alice In Chains and Metallica. We prefer to call them "grunge with a groove." You can order their cassette from our merchandise sheet. If you would like more information about Dred Serious you may write or call them at: P.O. Box 45069, Tacoma, WA 98445. Band Hotline (206) 539-0711
In March,-Hypedreamz began production of a Portland band called Monde La Bella, which in Italian means "The beautiful world"...meant to be honest and endearing and simultaneously sarcastic, (see Musical Notes section for more information). If you would like to order their latest 10 song release "Exquisite Corpse" you can do so on the merchandise page. If you would like more information on Monde La Bella call (503) 236,0111, or write:
2632 SE Morrison, Portland, Or 97214
If you know of any talented, cutting edge bands that are looking for that final touch for success, have them mail their demo tapes to: Hypdreamz P.O. Box 2947 Portland, Oregon 97208-2947
Be sure to include contact information on the tape.
Dan Pred
The Skinman of the Network has been:
-Performing with local artist Tracy Klas
-Hosting Portland cable television show "Lost In Portland."
-Raising his two year old daughter Amanda with his wife Teresa.
-Traveling to South Dakota and Minnesota to visit friends and relatives.
Brion James
The Network's six string king has been:
-Recently attended a film scoring seminar at UCLA
-Learning how to ride a horse.
-Writing various music for film scores.
-Helping Kevin Cozad with his New Age Project.
Melvin Brannon
The funk-meister of the Network has been:
-Playing music and writing new songs.
-Giving bass lessons to young thumpers of Portland.
-Performed with local artist Tracy Klas.
-Spinning the potters wheel.
Doin’ the Live Thing
Dan Reed Network
Friday June 4th
Alladin Theater
Portland, Oregon
Tickets $8 Advance $10 Day of Show
For ticket info call 503-224-8499
Oregon / Washington members may use enclosed order form.
Musical Notes!
Here is a description of the music available through our merchandise department.
Dan Reed Network
"Breathless" (1986)
The locally released Ep by the Network before they were signed with MercuryPolygram. This tape is very rare. If you are into the Network, you need this tape!
Beruit Soundtrack--
"Live or Die" (1992)
Music by Dan Reed & Clark Stiles.
This instrumental tape is the soundtrack for the 1992 theatrical presentation that Dan Reed was in. Beruit is futuristic story of people who have a virus, not unlike AIDs, who are quarantined in a concentration camp worth others who have tested positive with the virus.
Dred Serious (1992)
Tacoma based, sonically superb. This six-songer is kinda like grunge-meets-Kings X. This Ep was produced by Dan Reed and engineered by Ken Lomas (Aerosmith, Bryan Adams.) It is available on cassette.
Monde La Bella
"Exquisite Corpse" (1993)
Stylistic diversity, ranging from eerie acoustic tracks to intense punk influenced rock songs. Melodically dynamically and lyrically strong, the songs are topped off by rich textural vocals which add a haunting sensuality. This album was produced by Dan Reed and is available on CD and cassette.
Featured Interview
BLAKE SAKAMOTO - Keyboards
Where did you grow up?
Portland, Oregon. I am the only true Portlander in the band.
What got you started playing?
My parents made me start taking piano lessons when I was seven years old. I didn't want to, but I ended up enjoying it tremendously!
How many years of experience do you have?
I have ten years of classical piano, 2 years of jazz piano and five years of classical voice training. I studied music in college for a few years. I played in a few Top 40 bands for awhile before I moved down to Los Angeles in 1986 to play with a band called Dear
Mr. President. They eventually got signed to Atlantic Records after I joined the Network.
What has been your most exhilarating experience since joining the Network?
The Bon Jovi and Rolling Stones tours were great :fun! One of the best times I’ve had was a trip to Canada that Dan and I took. We were visiting Bon Jovi while they were recording their "New Jersey" album at Little Mountain Sound. It just so happened that Def Leppard was in town, so Jon invited Dan and I to dinner and we were joined by Joe Elliot. We ended up going out to Club Soda in downtown Vancouver and had this massive jam session. This was a lot of fun for me ’cause I’m the biggest Def Leppard fan. So here’s three of the coolest singers in the world, Jon, Joe and Dan with Paul Dean of Loverboy on guitar, David Bryan of Bon Jovi on keyboards, Darby Mills of the Headpins and myself playing cover tunes badly because we were all drunk! Wow!
What do you do outside of the network?
Well, my wife Brenda (a news anchor for our local MBC affiliate) and I are expecting our first baby. We should have had it by the time this newsletter comes out. My 8-track studio is finished in my basement. Other than that, I’m getting some of my songs published and I also have been working with some other artists.
Like who?
I just finished working with a guitarist from cleveland named Neil Zaza down in San Antonio. Michael Morales, a former label mate was producing the project and I’ been wanting to work with him for sometime. Later this year I’m hoping to work with a singer named Sass Jordan who’s on Impact Records and Stevie Salas, an incredible session guitarist and songwriter out of Los Angeles. Locally, I’m still working on a deal for here comes Everybody and a singer named Tracy Klas.
What is your most memorable experience from the Australia tour?
Besides the incredible Baby Animals and the great people of Austrailia, I remember walking throught theSydney Botanical Gardens with Tom Abraham who was doing sound on that tour and we looked up and saw a couple thousand fruit bats resting in the trees. I watched CNN a couple of months later and saw a story about how much trouble those bats were to the people around that area. Scared the hell out of me! Despite that I’d still live sown there or in Northern Ireland which has some of the most wonderful people and scenery in the world!
What are some of your hobbies?
My brother Scott is a graphic designer and I work on his computers in his office a few times a week. My major in college was art and his was music. We both decided to pursue the other’s interests as a career. I recently got excited about comic books again and have a passion for movies. I have a library of over 3,000 films and related subjects on Beta at home so no one can borrow them!
Who are some of your influences?
Obviously the Beatles had some kind of impact on people around my age, but also my parents listening to all kinds of music around the house while I was growing up. Broadway musicals have always been a favorite. In high school I loved Michael McDonald and the Doobie Brothers because of the way one could hear the different influences in their music which is something we do in our band as well. I’m a big fan of producers David Foster and "Mutt" Lange. Producers have been a big source of inspiration to me for the past fifteen years, because that’s something I aspire to do in the near future....
Next up:
Melvin Brannon
Say What?!?
"If we are to reach real peace in this world and if we are to care on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with children; and if they grow up in their natural innocence, we won't have to struggle; we won't have to pass fruitless idle resolutions, but we shall go from love to love and peace to peace, until at last all the corners of the world are covered with that peace and love for which consciously or uncousciously the whole world is hungering."
Mohandas Gandhi 11/19/31
"A Warm smile is the universal bngunge of kindness."
William Adhur Ward
"I take a simple view of life; keep your eyes open and get on with it."
Laurence Oliver
"Democracy is the recurrent suspicion that more than half of the people are right more than half of the time."
E.B. White
is what you gut when you don't get what you went."
Don Stanford
"A leading authority is unyone who has guessed right more than once."
Frank A. Clink
"Discoveries are often made by not following instructions, by going off the main road, by trying the untried."
Frank Tyger
"Every Dohl'ftion is Dangerous."
Erasmus
"Speech is too often the art of concealing though, but of quite sifting and suspneding thought, so thot hie is noneto cwd..
Tom Cartyb
"Words, like eyeglasses, blur everything that they do not make more clear."
Joseph Jouber
"From listening comes wisdom, and from speaking n~eatouco."
Italian Proverb
'lfow hgd fn~ioms, Such ns that of spnech. But there is soma nend of substanco Something more than screech. - Ad Buck "What must the Engl'r,h and French think of the language of our philosophers when we Germans de not undersmd oundves? .Goethe "What is conceivnd wdl is exs.nd clmty, mithe words to soy ~ will.,Tive with em," - Nicholas Boileau HESITANCE AND OPPORTUNITY HAD A Cliff .13 NAMED DESPAIR, DESPAIR MET HOPE AND NOW THEY LIVE TOGETHER IN HAPPINESS. GREGG ZUBOWlCZ LAURENCE HARBOR Films . The crying Game- Directed by Nell Jordan Lawrence Directed by of Arabia David Lean T h e A b yss- sp, ,o[ Ed ,,o, Directed By James Cameron Aliens - The directors cut Directed By James Cameron BOOKS THE LAY SHIPS.~ BY FRANS G. B[NGTSSON BILL GRAHAM PRESENTS BY BILL GRAHAM & ROBERT GREENFIELD Cut out thi~ form beloW: fill it out- Mail it to · MTV 1515 Broadway New York, New York 10036 U.S.A. Hey MTV "It's Not ToO Late To Wake Up!" We want to see Dan Reed Network VideoS! They are Mercury/PolYgram Artists. Don't leave us in the dark!!!!!!! Name Address City ST Zip reen=251 PgaTar
December 1992
Volume One, Number Two 1993
Blake's Newsletter 1993
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