Author: Vince Azzarello

Hello all, Vince here. I am the production director at Kheart 106.9 FM and KHRT 1320 AM, in Minot, N.D., and a big Christian music fan of all genres. My first love was hip-hop, dated indie rock for a while, swooned over hardcore, and now I've grown to appreciate all of them in different ways. I host my own show on Kheart called "The Alternative Takeover," which is aimed at the younger audience (middle school to college) and features hard rock, alternative, rap, and other unique Christian artists and genres.

June 18, 2015

INTERVIEW : Come and Rest

Chances are you might not have heard of Come and Rest. The metalcore group out of Atlanta, GA, recently released a new EP called Blacklist. This stuff is hard-hitting with dark melodies and a tone to match. Frontman Noel Alejandro was kind enough to chat with me over the phone to discuss the thought process behind their second independent release. Discover more about Come and Rest by checking out their Youtube page and enjoy the interview below. IVM: This is Vince and I’m so glad to be joined today by Come & Rest.Continued →

March 12, 2015

March 5, 2015

INTERVIEW : Disciple

Hello my friends, it’s been a while, but I’ve got another sweet interview for you to enjoy. Recently I attended the City Rock Fest Tour, featuring Disciple, Decyfer Down, Nine Lashes, and Seventh Day Slumber, when it made a stop in Minot, North Dakota. I didn’t have a chance to plan an interview in advance, but I figured I’d bring my iPod and mini microphone and see if any of the groups would be willing to chat for a few minutes. Disciple was glad to oblige (the other groups were too, it just never materialized), and amongst the talk of the tour and their album Attack, they informed me of an upcoming release fans will be happy to hear about.… Continued →

September 9, 2014

INTERVIEW : Those Who Fear

Sonshine Festival was a huge success, as far as getting to see some amazing groups perform and being able to interview a few bands. Honestly, the crowd was down from a year ago. One of the groups kind enough to chat with me was Those Who Fear, a hardcore outfit on Facedown Records. They were a long way from their hometown of Pittsburgh, PA, and it showed a little bit in our short interview. I think they must have been driving all night, because they seemed a little tired.… Continued →

July 9, 2014

INTERVIEW : B. Cooper

His name is unfamiliar, but he’s been involved in hip-hop since he was 14 years old. B. Cooper is about to get his due. July 15 marks the release date for his new album, While The City Sleeps, being released by Reflection Music Group. We spoke on the phone concerning his excitement for the new release, the privilege of working with other amazing artists, and the state of hip-hop in general. Enjoy! IVM: What’s up guys! I get the distinct privilege of talking with B.Continued →

June 17, 2014

April 30, 2014

INTERVIEW : Playdough & DJ Sean Patrick

The week after Playdough & DJ Sean Patrick dropped their new collaboration, Gold Tips, they were kind enough to spend some time discussing the new project with me over the phone. In this interview you’ll discover that these guys are hilarious, fun-loving, humble men of God that know how to “turn the party out.” IVM: This is Vince, and I’m very excited to be talking with two awesome guys. Playdough, the MC from Dallas, TX, rapping since before his debut album in 2002, and DJ Sean P.Continued →

April 29, 2014

April 1, 2014

March 3, 2014

INTERVIEW : Spoken

A couple of weeks ago I spent an entertaining evening with Matt Baird (and some local talent) at a coffee shop, where Matt was performing an acoustic set.  He had been traveling for 2 weeks playing acoustic gigs, just him, his guitar, and his family.  The city of Minot, where I currently reside, was his final stop before a very short 2-day break until it was back on the road again, this time with the entire band in tow.  The tiny coffee shop was filled with young aspiring artists, and as each performed Matt paid close attention. … Continued →

February 3, 2014

The Letter Black - Up From The Ashes

The Letter Black just posted another music video from a song featured on their latest release, Rebuild. “Up From The Ashes” is the fifth track on the album and is actually a cover from secular band Burn Halo that was released in 2011. Since they are a secular band I won’t add any links, but just search it on Youtube if you want to hear the original. The video isn’t nearly as creative as their previous one for “Pain Killer“. You can expect a lot of shaky cam, but it’s a fun ride.… Continued →

January 27, 2014

INTERVIEW : My Epic

Hey guys, Vince here back with another artist interview. This time around I’m chatting with Aaron Stone, the voice behind the music and lyrics of My Epic, the band that doesn’t quite seem to fit on Facedown Records, yet they form a perfect union. My Epic released their new effort Behold last month to stellar reviews. Fans have been connecting with it lyrically and musically, and in our talk Aaron explains all about the ambient tone, what it takes to write an album, and their recording process.… Continued →

January 17, 2014

INTERVIEW : Everything In Slow Motion

I was lucky enough to have the privilege of interviewing Shane Ochsner, the man behind Everything In Slow Motion. Shane is a great conversationalist, and I felt like I really got to know him during our 80 minute chat. He was by far the longest phone interview I’ve ever conducted, but he was also the most personable guy. Maybe it’s because we’re both living in North Dakota, but probably because he is the most genuine, humble person I’ve ever had the pleasure of speaking with.… Continued →