10 Questions with Jeff McKenney!

Jeff McKenney, the Frontman, Guitarist, Song Writer and Creator of King Belvedere, has been part of the Baltimore Music Scene for over a decade. Hailing from upstate NY, he moved to Baltimore to help make Baltimore a “Heavy Hitter” in the music scene. “When I first saw Jeff perform, there was no doubt that he had what it took to perform on any stage, anywhere. He is super talented and fearless!” says Jay Hitaffer-Bassist/vocalist for King Belvedere. Some of you may know a thing or two about Jeff. If you don’t, we’ve put together 10 questions that will help you get to know him a little better. If you feel there’s something we’ve missed, don’t hesitate to reply with a question of your own!

10 Questions with Jeff McKenney!

1. Do you have a favorite vocalist and if so, who is it?

Prob Axel Rose from Guns & Roses. He did his thing like I do, and he inspired me to be myself.

2. What is it about the music industry that intrigues you?

The spontaneity of it all, and that it doesn’t matter who you are. If you have a strong message it can be heard.

3. Favorite topping at the all you can eat ice cream bar?

Reese’s Pieces all day.

4. When did you first get start singing?
When I was really young. I was in chorus and hated it. So, I took years off and rediscovered it in high school. Then I was asked to be a bass player in a band. I never played bass before and they hadn’t found a lead vocalist yet. So I did both.

5. Was it love at first song?
Yes, without a doubt.

6. Favorite fast food?
“The Whopper” at Burger King

7. How does Jeff McKenney relax?
I don’t. lol!!!

8. Vacation at the beach, in the snow, or in an inflatable pool on your deck?
Beach baby! I hate cold weather. I love the summer time!

9. Most memorable performance?
Signing our first record deal. It taught me a lot about the industry.

10. You put your faith in a lot of products, who puts their faith in you?
I’m endorsed by Clayton Custom Picks and Accessories! But, my family, band mates and fans have always shown their endless support. I love them all!

As you can see, Jeff is a Awesome guy with a love for music…and Whoppers! Next time you’re at a KB show, don’t hesitate to come up and say “Hi!”.

10 Questions with Johnny Sexx

Having a firm grasp of the music industry comes from over 30 years of deep involvement in it. Johnny Sexx has firmly grasped the music industry with both hands….and he’s not letting go!

There are very few players in the Baltimore Music Scene that can say, “I don’t know who Johnny Sexx is.” He has been playing professionally since birth, and has rocked with some of the best. This alone would make most musicians pompous and arrogant. Not Johnny Sexx. After almost every performance, you will see Mr. Sexx out in the audience “Smoozing” with everyone and anyone. “It’s one of my favorite things to do with my clothes on (or off)!” says Sexx. “The audience is the other half of the perfect recipe for the perfect show. Great Musical Performance + A Great Audience = A Perfect Show.” So make sure you get out to see King Belvedere at one of their upcoming performances, and make sure you wait around afterwards to meet Johnny Sexx.
For those of you who haven’t met Johnny, we put together 10 Questions for Johnny to answer. Feel free to reply with any other question you may have for Mr. Sexx! Enjoy!!!

10 Questions with Johnny Sexx!

1. Do you have a favorite drummer and if so, who is it?

I have a few Favorite Drummers. Each one of them inspired me in different ways.

John Bonham

Alex Van Halen

Phil Collins

Dean Castronovo

Tommy Aldrige

AJ Pero

Johnny Dee

 

2. Do you have any family in the business?

My Mom’s Father was a Jazz Drummer,

My Mom plays upright Bass (Bluegrass Music)

My Dad (RIP) played Mandolin & Guitar

(Bluegrass Music)

& my Uncle Dick Hutmier (RIP) played Sax for tons of folks Touring the World, like Frank Sinatra, Buddy Rich, Louie Belson, just to name a few.

 

3. Favorite topping at the all you can eat ice cream bar?

Whip cream of course

 

4. When did you first get behind the Drum Kit?

when I was 2-1/2 years old.

 

5. Was it love at first strike?

oh hell yeah…& I’m addicted to Drumming ever since

 

6. Favorite fast food?

Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich. BTW is also a #6

 

7. How does Johnny Sexx relax?

riding my Harley with Family & Friends, and getting tattoos (I have 12…soon to be more!).

 

8. Vacation at the beach, in the snow, or in an inflatable pool on your deck?

Beach! Funny thing about that is I hate the water. Sure I love Shark Week on the Discovery Chanel just don’t ever want to see on up close.

 

9. Most memorable performance?

not to sound like a dick but I honestly have a ton of highlights in my life. I feel I’ve been blessed. But I will share a few moments with you.

Playing the Kennedy Center. Recording with Chip Znuff in Chicago. Playing live on TV, & Radio. Being the Drummer for KB since 2009. Opening for a lot of Bands I grew up listening too & love, like KIX, CINDERELLA, Faster PussyCat, LA Guns, Bang Tango, ZO2, Kip Winger, & list goes on.

& lately when you the Audience sings WE’RE ALRIGHT hearing that gets me choked up. Thank you all for being my biggest high light of all. I HAIL YOU!

10. You put your faith in a lot of products, who puts their faith in you?

products that believe in me; SALUDA Cymbals, Cymbal Boss,

The Grombal.

Thank you guys for making the coolest stuff on Planet Earth

As you can see, Johnny is a Awesome guy who loves to work hard and play harder. Don’t be afraid to find Johnny after a KB show and ask him some more questions!

 

 

 

Ye Royal BLOG!

The latest King Belvedere Album is almost finished! And we’ve started a KickStarter to help get it pressed. In the KickStarter, we’re gonna offer all of you an Autographed Pre-Release of this awesome up-coming album, shipped to you, for only $20. This Album will feature all of our newest original music, such as “Cold Blooded”, “Stand up! Get up!”, and “Just Because”, as well as a remake of the first King Belvedere Album Title Track, “Ain’t Got No Shame”. To say these tracks sound great would be a complete understatement. We believe that these are the best songs we’ve EVER written! The buzz that’s been generated about this album has been unbelievable. And we can’t thank you enough for that.

There’s nothing like knowing that you’ve got the right people working on a project with you. Picking up Jay Hitaffer and Alex T. White was the icing on our cake! These amazing musicians have taken our song writing to the level that we always talked about achieving. Jay is an awesome song writer/lyricist and responsible for 2 amazing songs on this album. One of which is a song that he wrote in grade school to help him take on the bullies, called “You Will Never Break Me.” and the second is a stunning ballad called “Endless Road”. Both songs are complete with those beautiful 4 part harmonies that Jay is known for.

Joining us on the Album is second generation Rock Vocalist and Song writer, Taylor Lee Hitaffer. Taylor’s father is Bill Craig of The Raz, The Nightmen, and Jr. Kline and the Recliners. She spent many a night backstage at her father’s performances waiting for her opportunity to take the stage. Taylor established herself in the local theaterical scene while in high school and college, and over the past few years has taken the Rock & Roll Reigns with her husband’s former band, Wasabi. We would like to thank Taylor for all her hard work on this album, and are honored to have her working with us.
Our newest T-shirt is out and available! If you go to http://www.kingbelvedere.com/store we have made a direct link to the ebay store which may house all of our Merch. This way, you can buy it all now and wear it to our show when we come through your town.

Amazing things are happening to us! Some of which we can’t even mention yet!! So hold onto your hats and stand by for the next Royal Rocker Blog!
Thanks so much for reading this, and as always, thank you for all the LOVE and SUPPORT! We can’t wait to see you on the road!!

 

King Belvedere is…