Summer is a funny thing. The days get longer, yet it seems like there’s less time to get things done. Well, less time to get the work done, I suppose. Our editors have been crunching the deadline with our third issue due to midnight bonfires and all sorts of outdoorsy shenanigans. It’s the price we pay for getting to enjoy palatable weather for such a short time here in Alberta, and this year is no different. Hell, it seems like just last month we had snow. Wait a sec, we did! And that’s why we have to pack as many road trips into a couple months as possible. Save the global treks for later. You won’t have to hit the highway for those, and chances are if you’re flying, you’re gonna go somewhere that’s not the Arctic. Or Siberia. Unless, of course, you’re me.

And because not all of you are afraid of the light, new contributor Terry Baldwin – who some of you might recognize as the bassist for Calgary-based metal trio Phantom Limb (and former groove master for Caveat and Verbal Deception) – has some great tips INSIDE THE MUSICIAN’S STUDIO based on his own trials and tribulations on the open road. And they’re quite helpful, whether you’re a musician, or just on your way to another city to check out one of your favourite bands. Plus, we even swindled him into find out where along the seven seas his old band Verbal Deception has been hiding out. Turns out… well, you’ll just have to read about them in HOMEGROWN HELLIONS for yourself. I need to go hide from the sun.

But before I do, we’d also like to welcome writer Dave Sanders to the fold. He went out and got a few words on what’s new and exciting in the musical realm of Baroness, who are visiting our multi-temperate province this month.

Don’t forget to check out THE PIT STOP this month. Local photographer Monika Deviat got French with Gojira, while editor-in-chief Pamela Porosky captured the truly weird and wonderful Les Claypool.

This month’s issue has a great many other goodies for you to navigate; just click around and be sure to drop us a note with questions, comments, gripes, complaints or female dogs. We also enjoy the occasional rant.

Oh, and before I forget, we’re looking for someone who has a knack for art and a passion for metal and mascots to illustrate me every month. If you’re interested, don’t be shy. We don’t bite… hard.

Yours truly, plastered with SPF 55,

Mistress Morwyn

The Keeper of the Lair