The PDFs of this issue can now be found at http://rhodeways.com Rhodeways Summer 1995 Issue 5 [Picture Break] The Happy Medium . . . [Graphic Break] Hi, Happy Heads - - welcome to issue five. Ths issue marks the commencement of our second year of Rhodeways. We had a wonderful first year and are excited to continue the rapture. Hopefully this year will be even better for the 'zine . . . and for Hap! If you are a 'zine connoisseur (as I seem to be), you may have noticed that the 'zine changes a bit as far as the paper, halftones, etc. With the Rhodeways relocating to New York, finding an affordable (yet decent) printer has been quite the nemesis. Therefore, each issue may seem slightly different. Please bear with us and hopefully in a few issues things will be a little more uniform. Of course, those of you who have been with us since issue one have seen a BIG change! Speaking of issue one, I am still receiving many requests for a re-print. Personally, I would like to see a re-print, just because the quality of issue one was so much more inferior (it was on non-gloss, lighter-weight paper and had only 12 pages). If you are interested in a copy, please drop us a note (if you already requested one, you don't need to). I would like to get some sort of idea how many of you would like one. Perhaps you already have one, but would like a nicer one. We are offering autographed copies now (see page 3), and perhaps you would like one of those. In any case, it will still be a while . . . but I think it's definitely coming. As for this issue, this one is for YOU! I really love this one. Our big feature is the results of our first readers survey, which I found immensely fun and hope you did too. It was very interesting to read your stories of meeting Happy, your first contacts with her music, etc. Many of you have expressed to me how much you enjoy reading what the other members have to say about Happy . . . well, here ye be! I found myself nodding emphatically at much of what was said. I know how you feel . . . Happy is the BEST! Now, if only we could cram that into everyone's head. Also featured is a piece written by Happy, telling us which songs of hers are some of her favorites and why. And there is something very strange that came out of Hap's head that I hope you find as amusing as I do (or maybe I'm just whacked). How fortunate we are that Happy makes the time to sit around and think up this stuff for the 'zine. She's a pal. I would like to extend a special thank you to those of you who have contributed fundage to Rhodeways for whatever reason. Keeping a fanzine alive is tough when you are promoting an artist that is not widely known, and your thoughtfulness means SO much to me. You guys are the best readers I could have hoped for. I'm beholden! [Graphic Break] Sharon Nichols, Editor Kissy noises to: Hap, K.B., S.W., Charles de Lint, Bob Lovejoy, Randy Stevens, Larne Pekowsky, the folks at Rainbow, all our contributors and readers, and especially Bob Brown for holding the lens cap. Absolutely no thanks to Richard Butler whatsoever. Big kiss, Xena. Go Ahras. See a smiley face? Your subscription has expired. Don't miss your next issue . . . renew today and stay Happy! [Graphic Break] Contributors Cover Art: R. Bart Vinore Photos on p. 5 & 6: Sharon Nichols Photo on p. 10: Bill DeMichele Infrared photo on p. 16: Susan Beard Artwork on p. 7 & 9: Happy Rhodes Artwork on p. 11: Jered Hundley Toon on p. 13: Ted Delorme [Graphic Break] HAPPY-NINGS [Graphic Break] Videos The most frequent question of late has been "Where can I get video footage of Happy Rhodes?" and Rhodeways has been bombarded with requests for The Prism video. This film. which contains footage of Happy's January performance at the Middle East Theatre, is not being sold through Aural Gratification at this time. It is our understanding that the video is being circulated by way of bootlegs. Happy and those at AG expressly disapprove of this, but of course are powerless to stop it. It is possible that the video will be offered through AG in the future, so it would be advantageous to wait and see what happens. Bootlegs are always of inferior quality. There is still hope, however, by way of the YesFest video. This video, which features Happy performing an acoustic Yes medley, is near completion. It also contains footage of Jon Anderson, Tony Kaye, Chris Squire, Alan White, Patrick Moraz, Geoff Downes, and Peter Banks and is being offered through Wonderous Stories Magazine. If you would like a copy, send a check for $35 payable to Suzanne Cerquone. 320 E. 85th Street #5C, New York, NY 10028. There are tentative plans for Happy to shoot her first music video. The song that has been chosen is "Collective Heart." It could be a simple l6mm black and white video with possible shooting sites of upstate New York or New York City. The video will initially be for promotional purposes. We will keep you posted as this project progresses. Tour Information As most of you know, Happy is an independent artist with virtually no tour support, which makes a full scale tour impossible. Aural Gratification is also in the midst of several projects. At this time. we have no information on dates or venues. We do appreciate your concern and will keep you posted when possible venues are secured. Autographed Issues of Rhodeways Happy has been kind enough to offer autographed issues to our readers for $10 apiece to help cover 'zine production costs. If you are already a subscriber and would like your next issue autographed, please send $10 and your subscription will be extended by one issue. We are also offering autographed back issues of #2 through 5. So if you haven't picked up those yet, make sure to order an autographed one! Happy Rhodes Internet/Web Sites Happy now has several sites that can be accessed if you have a computer and modem: Ecto Mailing List: <"subscribe" in message> Happy's Web Site: The H.R. Encyclopedia Site: Aural Gratification is also working on its own official web site. We'll let you know about that as soon as we can. Meanwhile. . . Happy surfing! Happy mentioned in Science Fiction Novel Charles de Lint, an extraordinary sci-fi author (and Rhode ways member), has made mention of Happy in his latest work The Ivory and the Horn and uses a quote from "Words Weren't Made For Cowards." Make sure to look for this book at your local retailer. Survey winner Philip Sainty of New Zealand is the winner in our first readers survey! He was chosen at random by our illustrious Ms. Rhodes and will receive an autographed photo of Equipoise's "Tirk." Congratulations, Philip! Radio programs Happy, along with Kevin Bartlett and Carl Adami, recorded a radio program in late March called Echoes. As a correction, this is not affiliated with WXPN in Philly, but may be carried by W XPN as well as other APR/NPR stations. This radio program was also videotaped for use at radio conventions. The set consisted of "Temporary and Eternal," "Save Our Souls," "Summer," and "Hold Me." Happy also performed on May 19 for WPKN in Bridgeport, CT. Her solo acoustic set consisted of "Ashes To Ashes," "Feed The Fire," "Save Our Souls," and "Big Dreams, Big Life. New AG releases Aural Gratification projects several releases for the remainder of 1995. Aural Gratification Vol. 1 and 2 are both ambient albums compiled of various artists (including Happy). AG is shooting for a July release of Volume I and October for Volume 2. These volumes also feature some interesting cover art by Happy. Kevin Bartlett's album will possibly be released fall/winter. There is also a fourth album in the works. HR-5 Aural Gratification has a limited number of HR-5 for sale. This is a radio-only EP that was released in 1993. The EP consists of "Feed The Fire," "Ashes To Ashes," "Save Our Souls," "I Say," and "Feed The Fire (acoustic)." These same versions are found on Rhodesongs, but the CD has a different cover and is a collectors item. If you would like a copy, remit $10 (plus $2 s&h) to AG, P.O. Box 380, Bearsville, NY 12409. Remember that these CDs are on a first come, first served basis. Also available is the Happy Rhodes t-shirt which sells for $13.99 plus $2 s&h and can be obtained through AG. We'll let you know when other merchandise items become available. Photo Credit The cover photos of issues #3 and 4 were taken by Ilene Hoffman. [Graphic Break] DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION YOU WOULD LIKE TO ASK HAPPY? For our next issue I Happy has graciously offered to have a question and answer section. If there is anything you would like to ask her about herself or her music I please send your questions to Rhodeways no later than August 25th. We look forward to hearing from you II [Graphic Break] Subscriptions Rhodeways is a non-profit organization which exists solely to promote Happy Rhodes and has the full support of Ms. Rhodes, her manager, and Aural Gratification. Subscriptions are $15 annually in the U.S. and $18 overseas. Rhodeways is published quarterly and welcomes correspondence, stories, photos, and artwork. Back issues of 12, #3, and #4 are aval1able for $4 each; autographed issues are $10 each. Please send subscriptions and submissions to: Rhodeways, P.O. Box 1953 Kingston, NY 12401 USA Phone/Fax: (914) 339-2561 Rhodeways is @ 1995. [Graphic Break] A LIVE BURNING FORCE Going on the road with Happy has proven to be a treat. Here's a peek into the events that transpired for the latest Philly gig WXPN, the public radio station in Philadelphia that chose to "Feed The Fire" of Happy's career in 1991, hosted a benefit at the Middle East Theatre on April 21, with Happy Rhodes as one of three acts to perform that evening. This show, which featured Willie Porter and Steve Forbert as opening acts, sold out in three days. Hence, many of Happy's regular crowd were unable to [Picture Break] Rehearsing at the Turning Mill obtain tickets and attend the show. On the other hand, many new listeners were able to see Happy for the first time. As seems to be my most recent (and favorite) pastime, I offered to help out Aural Gratification with merchandise sales. I was situated in an out-of-the way spot and was unable to see or even hear the musical talents of Willie Porter and Steve Forbert. I did, however, close up shop to catch most of Happy's set. Once again, Happy was backed by the talents of Kevin Bartlett on guitar and keyboards, Martha Waterman on keyboard and backing vocals, Kelly Bird on backing vocals, Dean Sharp on drums, and Carl Adami on bass. All of the band members were sharply dressed in black, yet Happy sported a beautiful gray silk suit as she stepped out to an enthusiastic crowd and began her set with "Building The Colossus." She then grabbed her guitar and went into "Collective Heart," and "Dying." As always, she next mesmerized her listeners with her popular "Feed The Fire." For this performance, she added the alternate ending as featured on Rhodesongs, with her extractions from Yes, David Bowie and Kate Bush tunes, which was a delight for everyone. Following "FTF" was the wonderful "Hold Me." Next Happy, seated on a stool with her guitar, introduced something new: an acoustic version of "Temporary and Eternal," which proved to be my favorite number by far. The acoustic nature of the performance, which was accompanied by Dean Sharp on tabla drums, produced an interesting twist. Happy then continued with "Save Our Souls," "I Say," and "Poetic Justice." She then added another new tune, "Glory," which was very beautiful to hear live. Everyone exited the stage then and came back for an outstanding encore consisting of "Ashes To Ashes," "Cohabitants," and "All Things." After her performance, everyone met downstairs for a little chit chat. Happy was able to meet many new admirers, and entertain her friends and "family" with her usual biting wit. [Picture Break] Happy meets and greets at Rainbow Records The next morning, the crew arose to prepare for an in-store signing at Rainbow Records in West Chester, PA, an event hosted by Advertising Manager Mike Brewer, a good friend of Happy's and enthusiastic Rhodeways member (and well, just a groovy guy). The signing took place just after 1 :00 in the afternoon, where Happy, looking cute as ever, attended to a long line of admirers clutching albums, t-shirts, and fanzines for her to sign. Happy, who should run for office with her flair for entertaining babies, was quite gregarious with everyone, and even wound up drawing pictures on a few fans' attire. The afternoon was fun and created a wonderful opportunity for everyone to meet their favorite gal. The ride to and from Philly was both long and entertaining, and included lots of coffee, goofy songs, and food launching. The entire "Rhode" crew is quite a fun group to be around. Thanks, Hap, for the opportunity you have afforded me to be part of your crew and for sharing your career and friendship with me. It's quite an honor to help out my favorite artist. Smooch! [Graphic Break] Sharon Nichols [Picture Break] You can color it! You can cut it! You can laminate it! You can stick it on your fridge! /tIS the original. . . HAPPY MONSTER DOLL!! It's another Rhodes original and Rhodeways exclusive. Terrorize your friends and loved ones! Experience the other half of the psychopath. [Graphic Break] [Graphic Break] Let Me Know You All, Just Like I Know Myself [Graphic Break] Thank you so much to all of you who chose to participate in our first reader surv'ey! We appreciate you taking the time to help us find out about you and what you would like to see in future issues of Rhodeways. Happy randomly chose the winner of the autographed "Tirk": Philip Sainty of New Zealand. And now, on with the survey. . . 1. What is your age and sex? Out of those that responded, our readers range from age 11 to 49 with the average age being right around 31. Our readers are 64% male and 36% female. Hmm . . . 2. How did you first hear of/become interested in Happy Rhodes? What year? One-third of our readers said "through a friend." As it turns out. many of these "friends" were either Kate Bush or Tori Amos listeners who had turned onto Happy. Twenty-seven percent discovered Happy through radio. Nearly one-quarter first heard of Happy on the internet, both on Ecto and other music newsgroups. The remainder of you were enlightened through XesFest, other 'zines/catalogs, or music stores. As for the year of discovery, 1993 was the most common response with with 36%; 30% said 1994,21% said 1992. and 9% said 1991. A few of you have been listening since 1987, and one of our readers was enlightened only three months .ago. 3. Which song or album did you hear first? What was your reaction? The most popular answer was Warpaint with "Feed The Fire" (49%), then Rhodesongs (24%), Equipoise (15%) and BTC (12%). Your reactions were very interesting. Many of you used words such as "utter amazement," "blown away," "overwhelmed," "mesmerized," and "better than Kate." Some even said they didn't like it at first, then fell in love with it. Here's what others said; "I first heard Happy and her music when a friend sent me a few selections from Equipoise on a tape. . . I was impressed enough to make a few calls around town and when I found a store that had her two most recent discs, I walked there after work the next day. It was only two miles or so, and I didn't want to wait for my wife to come home with the car" -- Ted Delorme, Lumberton, NC "I first heard Rhodesongs. I appreciated the honesty in the lyrics and the earthy simplicity of the music. I liked her music even more with repeated exposures. Her songs are much more heartfelt than Kate Bush's (I used to be abig fan of Kate's -- I'm not so much anymore). .- Richard Ledford, Orem, UT "When I went to look at Happy's CDs, the store I went to only had Equipoise, so I bought that one. It knocked me off my ass. I had to have them all." --Wayne Rubenstein, Monrovia, CA "I decided to go for Rhodes I, so the first song I heard was" Rainkeeper," and I was amazed with the melody and her clear and powerful voice. By track number seven, I started to wonder if it was only a dream. How could that be? Someone sounding like two? Whenever I hear Happy Rhodes I think 'Oh! God must be Happy with this one'." -- Denisnorthon Mascarenhas, Oakland, CA "I was stunned, amazed, heart racing a million miles a second. I cried!" -- Marjorie Harvey, New Carrolton, MD "The first album was Warpaint and the first song was "Phobos." We had been out shopping with friends and put Warpaint in the 5-disc player in shuffleplay along with their purchases. I was a little nervous about buying music totally unheard and was really curious what she would sound like. We listened to two or three songs from other discs before "Phobos" came on. All of us listened to it with growing excitement. We immediately stopped the shuffleplay and listened to the disc straight through. Magic. Our friends went out and bought Warpaint in the next few days and have bought all the rest of Happy's music as it became available." - Neile Graham, Seattle, WA "I bought an old beat up Ecto tape at a library sale for 25 cents. I listened to it in the car tape player right after I bought it. I remember thinking it was very beautiful, but it wasn't until I started listening to the words that my heart started screaming its recognition. Especially "because I have the strength of a million souls" . . . that line caught my heart and I wanted to scream it to the world. But I just turned the volume up." -- Shelly DeForte, Capitola, CA "The first song was "Collective Heart." I was painting in my studio I think, and my sister had died a few months earlier. She had a bad heart and died in front of me. I was painting small hearts in icon cases and this song cut through and absolutely astonished me. It wasn't so much the lyrical references to the heart -- there isn't time for that when you first hear something. The first impact was definitely the balance and subtle changes in the voice -the control, the range, the sadness held in tightly by a striking strength." -- Wendy Costa, Berne, NY "I bought Warpaint first because it was the disc that was recommended on the computer bulletin board. After hearing it, I went back to the store and bought the rest of the catalog the next day! -- Lynn Garrett, Toledo, OH "[I heard] "Rainkeeper," "Oh, The Drears," and "Given In" off Rhodes I. Her songs grabbed me -- reached out of the radio with both hands and grabbed me firmly by the head." -- Russ Schnoop, Albany, NY 4. Which is your favorite album and why? Once again, Warpaint won by quite a stretch, capturing 43% of our readers. This album was described over and over as having a cohesive feel to it, being not quite right with one song added or taken away. Second place was a tie between Rearmament and Building The Colossus (15%), and third place went to Rhodesongs (12%). Every album received votes, many of you were undecided, and some of you voted for them all! "I don't really know which album is my favorite album. They cannot be compared. Many lyrics create a sad, mysterious atmosphere I can't explain. They are about strange places, strange people with strange problems and strange situations. I can feel the song and it creates pictures in my mind and inspires my fantasy to fly. Her music has changed. Perhaps BTC is more about Happy herself and the world she lives in than the older albums. It sounds more grown-up. The image I see in my mind is no longer the elve-girl with a white shimmering dress and paperthin wings, sitting on an old, old stone in an old mystic wood, playing a golden harp and singing for herself while sunlight shines through the leaves of the trees -- and also not a girl or alien on a strange planet somewhere in space. I suppose Happy has changed a little. She doesn't need hiding in fantasy worlds anymore. For me she seems somehow grown-up, a self-confident woman. -- Matthias Menk, Wetzlar, Germany 'Happy is amazing. Rhodes I explores the wilderness of her soul. She has a circle of imagination in her being. She walks with the untamed, wild, instinctual side of her nature, all the time knowing its power, like a woman aware of her own possession and yet moving through the round of daily tasks. Creativity is within the crystal palace of your mind. Happy's albums are the embodiment of pure creativity. Her creativity is as a story; it has a voice, a way to be heard in the world." -- Jered Hundley, Provo, UT "Warpaint -- because there is a subtle undertone of overcoming pain, of really understanding one's own voice, the vision of an artist. There is a genuine sense of hope somewhere in all of this turmoil -- she brings it back around with a forceful steady motion by repeating and reassuring us with sounds and words," -- Wendy Costa, Berne, NY "Building The Colossus," because of the song "Down, Down." I've studied deep sea robotics and have been searching for a way to describe how a sentient robot would swim. "Down, Down" describes that," -- Alexander Teitz, Denver, CO "Building The Colossus. . . because it kicks buW" -- Tamar Boursalian, New Haven, CT 5. Are you an Ectophile? Oops! I was quickly met with shouts of "What's an ectophile?!" and one wise guy who said "I always thought I was a Taurus." An Ectophile is an individual who participates in Ecto, the Happy Rhodes electronic mailing list. If you are interested in joining, the information is given in the "Happy-nings" section on page 3. In answer to the survey question, 40% of our readers are Ectophiles and the other 60% are not. [Graphic Break] 6. Have you ever met Happy? Where? Sadly, a whopping 80% of our readers have never met Happy, while a small but lucky 20% have. Of that 20%, half of the meetings were in Philly. Other meetings occurred at YesFest, Joyous Lake, the Bottom Line, and radio appearances. As one of our readers said: "If I ever did [meet her], I could then die a happy man. But then I'd miss her next album. Forget it!" -- Lou Pratico -- Coatesvil/e, PA 7. Have you ever seen Happy perform? Where? These- figures (80%--20%) exactly match those of question #6, which would seem to indicate that Happy is not too hard to meet if she's nearby. And as no surprise, the most common performances have taken place in Philly. "I was riveted to the floor directly in front of the stage. Her performance was stunning. You could see her putting her heart and soul into it. And it was fun to watch her loosen up and become more comfortable throughout the night. Kevin was great too. And the back-up singer, Kelly, was EXCELLENT!" -- Marjorie Harvey, New Carrol/ton, MD "The entire band is so great and it was a lot of fun hearing their thoughts about which direction the band would be taking and their hopes that things would all work out well as I'm sure they will. I only hope that success will not get so great that we old folk can't get good tickets!" -- Marc Schwegel, Pine Hill, NJ 8. Name your top three favorite Rhodes songs. Once again, I apologize on bended knee for the evil nature of this question. I have received the lash from most of you. Twenty-four percent of you named "Feed The Fire" as a top favorite, but almost every imaginable song made the list. Since many of you cheated and insisted on listing four, so be it: the next most popular Rhodes songs were "Collective Heart" (21%), "Words Weren't Made For Cowards" (18%), and "Wrong Century" (15%). 9. Name some of your other favorite artists. This question was my punishment for question #8. I was bom barded with hundreds of names, which I'm [Picture Break] sure are all quite good, but there's no way in hell I'm listing them all. Kate Bush was the winner, sweeping away 61% of you, but Tori Amos trailed closely with 58% of the vote. Your third favorite was Sarah McLachlan (30%), followed by Yes and all of its offshoots (24%), Lorenna McKennitt (24%), Peter Gabriel (21%), Jane Siberry (18%), Genesis (18%), King Crimson (15%), and the Beatles (15%). From the looks of those listed, Happy's listeners seem to be a combination of the female vocalist audience and the art rock crowd. The pertinent question that I failed to ask was "Is Happy your favorite artist?" Damn. 10. Where did you hear about Rhodeways? Happy wins! Thirty-six percent of you heard about the 'zine either through Aural Gratification mail order, Hap's previous newsletter, or straight off the BTC CD or tape jacket (I'll give her credit for that). Thirty-three percent heard through Ecto (thanks guys), 12% from Really Deep Thoughts, and 12% through a friend. The others heard through Yes affiliations or through me (there's a thought). 11. Do you subscribe to any other fanzines? A very warm and fuzzy 64% of you are exclusive Rhodeways readers (joy). The most popular 'zines listed among the more avid 'zine readers were Tori's Really Deep Thoughts (27%), Tori's Upside Down (15%), and various Yes 'zines (12%). Other names that popped up were Jane Siberry, AI Stewart, and Peter Gabriel. With 60% of my readers being Kate Bush fans, I was puzzled as to why only two of you mentioned Kate 'zines. 12. What would you like to see in future issues of Rhodeways? This was my favorite question, since I loved hearing your ideas! The most popular request was for more pictures, which is something we'll always gladly provide. The next most popular request was surprising: reader input. Many of you want to see more fan letters and submissions (art, stories, etc.), and I would do a backflip if this prompts more of such. But please remember to keep it Happy-related or chances are it won't be printed. Other popular requests (in no particular order) were more interviews, more of Happy's art, more about Happy's music (the creative process and procedure), Happy talking about her favorite Rhodes songs (oops! this issue!), more news, more reviews, more pen pals (that's up to you), more concert info (sorry), merchandise (sorry again), more of Happy's life stories and writing in general, and even a few of you asked for song transcriptions, which is a possibility. Several of you also requested poetry (which is something we've never featured) while some of you emphatically said "no poetry." I personally would like to see 3-D color pictures, scratch and sniffs, and pop-up Happies. Whatever we decide to do, we we promise to keep it fun (with Happy at the helm, it can only be such). "I really enjoy Rhodeways. Finding a copy in my mailbox can make a whole crappy day seem, well, significantly less crappy." -- Lame Pekowsky, New York, NY "It really is fun to read Rhodeways and every time a new issue comes it is like Christmas. Thank you ( . . . we are family. . . ) ~ Matthias Menk, Wetzlar, Germany [Graphic Break] [Graphic Break] These Glorious Songs At your request, Happy has offered to elaborate on some of her songs: Those that are either her favorites or just interesting to her in some way. Give them a listen and see how they recapture you . . . I Say This song started out as two separate songs. I wrote the chorus first, then went on to write what what is now the second part of the verse: “I like the wind and rain, I don't wear red, I dream, etc” This was all I had, and it just wasn't right, but I was very happy with the chorus. So I started over and wrote a completely different verse for it: “As I walk through the streets, I could be anyone that you need, etc.” I had these two versions recorded back to back on a cassette of my material that I was listening to. I wasn't very happy with the new version of the song either. Then it occurred to me that I should try to put the two sections together, just for the hell of it. I was certain they would not sound good together. Well, immediately I heard the potential. Of course, I had to make some minor changes to make the two sections transition smoothly. But there it was. I usually know when a song is good for me, if I'm immediately compelled to sing a phrase to it over and over again. In this case, it was a rather clumsy grammatical phrase, but sometimes you just have to let your soul take you in whatever direction it chooses. Cohabitants Truly one of my all-time favorite songs. I began developing a science fiction storyline before this album was recorded. I thought perhaps someday I could find a writer to help me see it to fruition. Then I wrote this piece of music. It was instantly clear to me that this would be my medium for getting the story out. The plot is actually much more involved than the music allows, so I had to try to get as much “color” into the song as possible, while still allowing for a musical flow. I worked very hard on the lyrics. It was important to me that a creepy feeling resided throughout. Recording and mixing this song also turned out to be one of my fondest memories. I could really break free of standards and embrace the “anything goes” motto. I was so excited when I was mixing that song - - you couldn't wipe the smile from my face. Ecto I am always surrounded by instruments, a lot of which I never use because I can only do so much. But one weekend a long time ago, I was completely alone so I decided to play around with some stuff. First, I grabbed Kevin's bass (an instrument I'm not allowed to play), and I came up with this bass line. Then I fired up his old Roland Space Echo, which is run with analog tape, and I ran the bass through it, creating this strange groove. I then began to form the song around that groove. This was at a time when I did not have sequencers or any kind of multi-tracking. So I would just record one part on one side of my dual cassette recorder, then play it back and record the next part on the other side of the cassette deck and so on. That's how I wrote all my stuff back then. The next thing I did was pick up my electric guitar. I used an E-Bow on it and found it sounded quite nice with the track. Eventually, I added some lame, archaic drum machine stuff and it was done. The lyric content, of course, is not so much a death wish as it is a nice, twisted song of romance. Incidentally, this is not one of my favorite songs, but I thought it was an interesting recording for me. Warpaint I love this song melodically, but I especially love it lyrically. That's because it really sums up my life and why I write music. I don't particually enjoy wallowing in the past, but at the same time, I feel that if you don't take the time to examine it closely, then you don't learn and grow from it. I was truly beginning to do that when I wrote this. The funny thing about this and other songs from Warpaint is that I actually performed some of these songs before the album was recorded. I sang to backing tracks that I had done in the studio and Kevin played behind me on stage. The backing vocals were completely different then and the music was much less refined. I'm Not Awake. I'm Not Asleep This song interests me, because it was such a free-form project. I rarely do things in that manner. One day it was dark and cloudy, and I guess I was meditating, although I wouldn't have known it at the time. I began to see this scenario unfold. Well, I tried to translate it the best I could into song. It has two distinct sections that are determined basically with just a key change (something I rarely do). Interestingly, there is another unfinished version that I recorded in another studio. I did it after my original recording. The orchestration is very different, and on this one Kevin guested on a couple of instruments including fretless bass. Dying I truly love this song, although I can't pinpoint why. I wrote the chorus first and felt it was the strongest part of the song. It has a very rigid structure and my better songwriting sense told me I should smooth it out a bit and make it less "section-oriented." But every time I tried to, it just ruined it for me. So I decided to let the song go where it wanted. Not many people know this, but the song was very much inspired by Duran Duran's "Come Undone." I thought that was a magical tune, and it brought all these ideas to me. (Are there other songs you'd like to know about? Let us know and we'll tackle them in a future issue.) [Graphic Break] [Graphic Break] BOX H.A.P. [Graphic Break] Dear Sharon: I found Happy's childhood musings to be endearing. I'll bet that many of us were "odd" children in the eyes of other children we grew up with (I used to playa lot in my closet with the doors mostly closed. It served as a secret cave, a place to dream.) I also used to "meditate" in front of the console stereo n the kind with the record player. 8~track, and radio. Again, how many of us children growing up in the '70s were held mesmerized by the radio (raised on the radio)? . , . I love the new issue (actually. I loved the previous one as well). You do a splendid job with the layout, the print, the writing, etc., and the glossy stock is a nice touch. Keep up the good work -- and convince our musical muse to venture beyond Pennsylvania so more of us could see her. I would even travel to Michigan, but Ohio would be great! Ideally, she would find a trip to Chicago profitable, but I do know that accommodations here can be quite expensive, and it may not be reasonable for her at this point in her career n but here's hoping. Peace and Music! Amy DeFalco Chicago, IL Dear Sharon, Are there any videos of Happy available, concert or others? And are there really nine releases of Happy's CDs as stated in the Building The Colossus review on p. 14 of Rhodeways issue #47 I only know of eight. Rhodeways is a great publication. It's informative and fun to read, You have a great sense of humor. Thanks again, Lou Pratico, Coatesville, PA (Thanks for the compliments! The answer to the video dilemma can be found in the "Happy-nings" column. As for the information from the B-Side review, either Ms. Garcia was mistaken, or perhaps she was referring to HR-5, the 5-song radio-only CD compilation that came out in 1993. Nope, she only has eight. -- Ed.) Hi, As a member and director of the French Tori Amos Fan Club, I often hear talk about Happy Rhodes. I read in Really Deep Thoughts, the American Tori Amos fanzine, that she was a great artist very close to Tori in style. Unfortunately, it's impossible to find anything in France. So I write to you and hope you will be able to send me her discography and the best way to obtain her CDs, I hope I can listen to her very soon. Friendly and Torisly, Didier Janeault Longjumeau, France Dear Sharon, The 'zine looks really good. Please don't take this as bubble~headed praise, but I honestly think they are getting better each time: more pictures (and better quality), more involvement on the part of her Happiness, and a more balanced format subjectwise as well as aesthetically. In other words, you're really getting good at this shit. Thanks for my inclusion in the pen~pal listings. Mike Strother Louisville, KY Dear Rhodeways, 1995 has been a very Happy year for my wife Terry and I. We have purchased all eight of Happy CDs, een her and the "Rhode Warrior" band twice, met the band and Happy, and got their autographs. I even have Happy's water bottle from the show recorded and filmed by Prism at the Midle East in Philadelphia. Of course, we signed up for Prism as soon as we heard that they would be showing a portion of the concert. It was great reliving that tremendous show, but it left us wanting more (as all things with Happy leave us). So we were hoping we could get the uncut version of the Middle East show. The people at Prism did say that Happy had control over any possible video sales. Please let us know how we can get a copy. Can't Get Enough, Marc Schwegel Pine Hill, NJ P.S.: Can't wait till April to see Happy once again at the Middle East. P.P.S.: Just heard the news that Kevin will be out with a CD. I must have it, so keep us informed! Dear Rhodeways, I found out about Happy from the great article on her in Tori Amos' fanzine Really Deep Thoughts. Being a singer myself, I was anxious to hear the four-octave voice mentioned. Also, her music was described as being as mesmerizing as Tori's. I recently bought "Rhodesongs" and was an instant Happy Rhodes fan! Within two weeks I had purchased over half the collection and joined Rhode ways. I was fascinated by her voice. I have a three and a half-octave voice and always wondered if I'd ever "make it." But here was an artist whose voice sounded like a woman, then a man, then a woman again. This gives me great hope! Happy's music is so different from one song to the next. I don't believe there is a category of music she couldn't perform. My favorite of her sounds are the electronic songs. The keyboards are so hypnotic and relaxing. Her lyrics can touch many souls. If any fans out there don't have "Rearmament" that should be next on their lists. That seems to be the most electronic one yet and my favorite. I am looking forward to receiving the next issue of Rhodeways and cannot wait for Happy's next album. Thank you for being here for us fans to have a way to find out more about Happy and her music. Loyally, Kevin D. Highnight Willow Run, MI Hello there kind people of Rhode ways: My name is Liam Hayes and I live in a slow-paced little university city called Halifax. Things here are pretty standard: high unemployment, complacent denizens and the highest density of bars in North America. Now, living a rather puritan lifestyle of no booze and no drugs means that I have to find alternative ways to unwind. Y'see, that's where music comes in (sex is unreliable and risky, not to mention. . . I better shut up now). Anyway, music is a constant and equally easy to obsess over. So self employed, abstinent, obsessive and presently numb, I find my refuge in music collecting. I've just placed an order for all eight Happy Rhodes CDs and one t-shirt for my best friend Kathleen. She and I are a couple of romantic waifs who, like most of us I'm sure, pick our lovers from the "Satan" bin at WalMart. The music is a tangible element in our friendship, an element that both grounds us and gives us the power to fly (sort of like a pidgeon with big feet). I'd never heard of Happy Rhodes until Kathleen took a trip to Ottawa searching for rare Kate Bush vinyl. While there, a serious collector taped some Happy for her and she brought the tapes back to me. I just about died when I heard them. "Paula Cole and Kate Bush?" I said. "Nope. . . Happy Rhodes and Happy Rhodes," she said. "But the range!?!" I said. "That's bloody amazing. Where can I find her?" Well, I tried all the local record importers: Sams, R.O.W., Cargo, etc. Nothing! So with help from "Boneheads Records and Tapes" in Ottawa, I found you guys. Happy is on her way. I'm delighted to have contacted you and would like to find out more about this amazing artist. How come she's so obscure? Is it a political decision on her part? Please tell me more. I'd be happy as hell to hear back from you guys. Don't eat anything you haven't cooked first, and stay away from women wearing more than 20 pounds of leather. Hope to hear from you soon. Liam Hayes Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Dear fellow H. Rhodes enthusiasts: I have an alternate-week Saturday night program on one of the few remaining freeformprogressive FM radio stations in existence, WPKN in Bridgeport, CT. I t was there that I recently came upon Happy's new release, Building The Colossus. From roughly fifteen seconds into the first track, I realized that this was one of the most fascinating recordings I have ever been privileged to hear! Mysterious and beguiling, it truly weaves a magic spell. I was especially captivated by "Hold Me," "Down, Down," and "Glory" (believe me, ALL the tracks will be receiving airplay on my program!) The music so masterfully blends pop elements with vaguely operatic sensibilities. It made such an impression that I'm curious to learn more about this amazingly talented woman. Although a regular reader of Billboard and other music-industry tade papers, I can't recall ever encountering any stories about her or Kevin Bartlett. So please help quell my newfound curiosity. . . Who is she? Where is she from? What musical training enables her to spin music so beautiful yet ominous? And lastly, where does she perform? Any information would be greatly appreciated and will surely be passed on to my listening audience. Sincerely (and quite eagerly), Andy Bologovsky Pearl River, NY (Happy is occasionally mentioned in Billboard and other publications, yet as an independent artist she receives less recognition than she deserves. Happy is from upstate New York and has had no formal training whatsoever. She performs in the northeast but has big plans for the U.S. Looks like we need to do another brief profile on H.R. for our next issue. . . with a few more cutsie kiddie pies! -- Ed.) [Graphic Break] This Collective Heart Ariane Jackson 798 North Hills Ave. Ardsley P A 19038 Kevin Highnight 1184 Duncan Ypsilanti, MI 48198 If you would like to add your name to our pen pal list, please drop us a note. [Graphic Picture]