Since July, my podcast RadioJ (Radio for the Scene) has given local bands the opportunity for exposure, and when they become the band of the month it lets everyone know about talented bands that deserve a shot at the next level. Now that brings me to an announcement that many may or may not know of by now. It upsets me to say that one of my favorite local bands, who were also last month’s band of the month, has decided to call it quits after years of being together and go their separate ways. Of course I’m talking about Magnetic North. The band just had their final show at the Velvet Lounge on February 16th. So I wish the members of the band good luck with their future projects. To me it is a travesty that they couldn’t continue on, but I’m sure their next projects will be just as sick, or maybe even sicker! Now, with all that said lets move on to the band of the month for March.

This month I bring to you a band that I can not stop talking about. Ladies and gentleman allow me to introduce to you the band known as Cortez the Killer. The name was inspired by the Neil Young tune. The band is originally from Long Island and currently residing in Brooklyn and have been around for a few years. The band’s founding members are Jun Lyle Kamesaki and Justin Parker. After going through several line up changes CTK’s current roster consists of Justin Parker (drums, keyboard), Jun Lyle Kamesaki (vocals, guitar), Joe Nerve (vocals, bass), and Ricky Wells (vocal, guitar).

Not many of you may know this, but Parker was originally in the band Stage, with well known recording artist and Long Island native Ryan Star. Cortez The Killer’s 2006 debut was the first chapter and now the band is just finishing their up their new CD entitled, “Car Crash Music.” The name, coincidentally, according to Kamesaki, was the idea of long time friend Ryan Star.

Every Cortez song is different from the other. One moment you have an up beat bassy style sound, the next you have something that is slow and melodic. Before you know it you’re listening to a sound that’s right up in your face, and gives you the urge to move your head. The musicianship of this band, in my own opinion, is flawless.

I have seen these guys perform twice in the span of two years. The first time that I saw them they were good, however they didn’t blow me away. Fast forward two years later at round one of the Emergenza competition at Fontana’s in NYC, and a new band emerged. This was my first time seeing members Joe Nerve and Ricky Wells, and I wondered if they would fit in this band, and were they as good as the other two members who formed it? Not to mention that this was Well’s first gig with the band. The club started in a lounge setting with a pool table, couches and two bars. The actual show was downstairs in a tiny cramped room. The stage was very small, however, when it was time for Cortez The Killer to go up, the place was packed. The band opened with “Make a Move”(which we will get into a little later), which was a good opener. Justin was on, the opening beats to the song were amazing, and sounded just like the CD. Watching the guy play you tend to think, ok how many sticks will you break before the night is over? Justin is an intense machine behind the kit.

Joe was moving all over the place, he has a great stage presence, and did some nice back ups. He definitely brought a new approach to the band. The newest and youngest member Ricky ,was dead on for his first performance with the band. He nailed the solos and pretty much all of the riffs as if he has always been playing with the band. Singer/guitarist Kamesaki has a great range and an energetic presence. When he goes to the mic, he lifts it up and leans back, looking like he in complete control of everyone around him. Whether he plays the guitar or sings, there is no question he has the crowds attention. That is what I saw that night, although there were some sound issues, he looked better on stage then he did the first time I saw him. I thought the band reinvented themselves that night. There was so much energy going through that band. Applause through out the set, the crowd screaming CTK!!!

I enjoyed the first EP a lot , however, from what I am hearing so far “Car Crash Music” seems to be stronger musically and especially lyrically. With that said, welcome to the bizarre world of Lyle Kamesaki. The man has stories that have become memorable songs. Each song has it’s own interesting tale. Kamesaki’s has a writing style that grabs the attention of the listener. He writes about life lessons, mythical monsters and a lot of topics that anyone can relate to. For example, “Chemical LA” from the first EP is about battling drug addiction: “A joke a day they say, keeps the pain away but just in case I'll bump a taste now keep your fingers crossed hope to god you have lost your way to chemical L.A”.

Another great example comes from the upcoming EP “Car Crash Music” with a fictional tale of a bank robbery gone completely out of control in “Make A Move.” The song speaks for itself: “But I cannot see clearly through this ski mask behind every fortune lies a task, make a move, step aside no don't ask just take it stick'em up, stick'em high or I'll strip you naked face down get on the floor and I'll make you scream for more.”

Top it off with an older song that shows you how insane the writing style of Kamesaki is. Basically the song is about a car ride that has a mind of it’s own, figure it out for yourself as you read the following:

“The coast is clear but you respect the law
wink, wink nod she loves the taste
so she goes for more
oh my god hang on‘ cause the brakes are out and I’m about to turn go on
better lick your lips and show me
what you learned”

The lyrics are very honest, make you think and have shock value all at the same time. That’s what I love about the band both their music and lyrics go hand in hand; they make sense together. In my eyes this is a band that you really have to watch out for. You never know, they may be the next big thing if they keep going in the direction they are heading. I want to see big things happen for this band. Definitely be on the look out for “Car Crash Music,” or grab their self -titled debut EP to hold you over.

Of course, being the band of the month means they will be in studio for the RadioJ (Radio for the Scene) show on www.auralfix.net. Check them out on www.myspace.com/ cortezthekiller. You can also check out their video for “Make A Move.” Again, you do not want to miss out on any opportunity seeing this band live, it is quite an experience. On that note…LATER!!!