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Hi. 

My name is Alf aka LIGHTNING GUSTO, which is my artist name and also this "one man rock & roll band" project I've been working on since late 2016. I was a busy touring musician before I started this "thing" called Lightning Gusto. Then in 2015, I was forced to retire from touring and all band activities due to severe back pains and skeletal issues that I won't get closer into here. Anyway, I toured alot all over the country and did several tours in the UK from 2002 up until 2015 with the band I was in at the time so I've done my share of mileage in rain and sleet, snow storms, on dangerous icy roads and temperatures below minus 35 Celsius. It went on like that for almost two decades. I'd say that qualifies for a premium cigar and a fine Cognac. It was great fun too and I miss it alot.

After my retirement, (I hate that word) I didn't pick an instrument for over a year. No singing, no guitar playing, no songwriting, no nothing. I think I went into some sort of weird depression after realizing it was over. All I wanted to do was sleep. After a while, the lust for playing and composing music returned. I decided I had to do something about it and bought some cheap recording equipment and slowly started building what is today become my beloved little studio. It took some time and effort before it was completed and up and running but that's where I write, record, mix and release my music from today. It's a hybrid studio consisting of mostly analogue gear because I love recording and mixing in the analogue domain. There are of course also some digital stuff involved like the DAW I'm using and the studio computer itself. I can't afford a huge tape machine and I don't have enough space for one either so the computer will have to play the role as a tape machine. It's ok though, tapes are super expensive nowadays. 

I am still unable to tour and I have no band going so I sing and play everything on my songs myself. That way, I make it work very well and on my own terms. Sounds a wee bit egoistic but that's how it is. I've produced and written a few songs for other artists since my studio was finished but for the last two years or so, I've concentrated on working on my own song material as well as upgrading my studio to make it sound better and I'm very pleased with the way it sounds now. 

What else is there to say? Oh, soon my first self titeled album under the name LIGHTNING GUSTO is ready to launch and I'm very excited about it. March 21st is the date. I'm getting nervous just thinking about it. I haven't released any album since 2012 with the band I was in then, The Maudlin Hounds and it's a bit scary, I must admit. Will I be able to do it? Do I still got it? Oh hell yea, I do. It's gonna be great, I just know it. It doesn't matter whether the album is going to be a success or not. It's just gonna be awesome no matter what. Ten smashing, rocking and irresistible ear-catchy tunes to set your heart racing and feet stomping. What's better than that?

So there you go. That's my story in short terms and hope to see you on Facebook, Instagram, Soundcloud, Spotify, Youtube, Bandcamp and all those other cool places. Well, you know where. Have a great day and Rock On! 

Cheers & Regards - LIGHTNING GUSTO,….

  ***MIXTAPE ALERT*** " Throwback Mixtape (The Lost Archive) " has dropped and is now available!!! 

After a lengthy hiatus, West Coast rap superstar DraMatiQue has triumphantly returned to the music industry. "Throwback Mixtape (The Lost Archive)" is an incredible collection of unreleased tracks & b sides written and/or recorded between 2008 and 2014. With innovative songs, & production inspired by the late 90's to mid 2000's era of hip-hop, DraMatiQue delivers another hip-hop gem highlighted by musical interludes and collaborations with various international artists from around the globe.

Stream/download FREE - 

https://www.reverbnation.com/1180895/album/322440

https://dramatique.bandcamp.com/album/throwback-mixtape-the-lost-archive

https://www.certifiedmixtapez.com/Main/Details?refId=1a688128

https://offtheave.com/audio/mixtape/7431/throwback-mixtape-the-lost-archive

https://www.247mixtapes.com/mixtape/3739/throwback-mixtape-the-lost-archive

I am stoked to announce that I have been nominated for the "Best Classic Rock & Blues Act" at Radio Wigwam. Not expecting to win, but I will be going to the awards ceremony to bump shoulders with the good and the great.

About Sean Winthrop: " Sean Winthrop is a Jazz Composer, Producer, Multi-Instrumentalist & Recording Artist. They Say Jazz was Born in New Orleans, but it Grew Up in Kansas City. As a Native of  Kansas City, Sean has Been Deeply Influenced by its Rich Jazz History & Culture. "Kansas City by Night" is his New Album; a Love Letter to his Home Town, and is Poised to be a Landmark in an Unusual Career. Difficult to Pigeon-Hole, His Work Ranges from Cool & Latin to New Age Jazz.  Often Topping the Indie Charts, Sean's Music has Been Heard in Over 130 Countries, and Called "Heartfelt, Tasteful & as Smooth as Glass!"

You can hear Sean's music right here:Kansas City by Night

Song Of The Month is from Ian Burrage, and it's amazing! You can hear it right here:His Dirty Black Wings

My new single, a rocking version of the Eurythmics "Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)" is out today 15th Nov 2024. Available on all good download and/or streaming sites

Tristyn has been selected as Artist Of The Month for November 2024. And he is an amazing songwriter and performer.  He has a new album coming out this month on all platforms: 

"da boi" derinho pronounced "dereenyoh"... aka Derek Damico... aka boi Snarky, aka boiJangles, aka boi Jolson, aka boi Shady... is a solo artist... the boss of The Magneto Flobe, and the mastermind of Maloa Warriors... and half of the rock duo da Snarks... aiiiiiight... come join us, and let's climb that wall... together! ya boi

You can hear Da Boi right here: https://mixposure.com/ddamico3/audio

Song Of The Month is from Rich Lodato, Cooter Ford, Stephan Lapping, called Tangent. You can hear it right here:TANGENT with Rich Lodato & Stephan Lapping

Well, ok here is the big announcement. We are proud to have revived our original website and domain www.scarecrowz.ca ! Many hours of planning, content loading and discussions with Bluehost (Sven). We also want to thank Lynne Casiple for all of her hard work and without her assistance, this may not have come to fruition. Please go and check out the site. let us know what you think. Have a great weekend, all!

Invitation to Perform at Our Christmas Party Entertainment Showcase!

As the holiday season approaches , we are excited to announce our upcoming Christmas Entertainment Showcase, and we would love to invite you to share your musical talents with us.

This festive party entertainment event will be a wonderful gathering filled with holiday cheer, and we are looking for exceptional musicians like you to create a magical atmosphere with live performances. Your music could be the perfect addition to an evening of joy, connection, and celebration!

Head on over to the ticketing platform to apply for your inviteh.ttps://www.fatsoma.com/e/qzs4tejp/christmas-party-showcase-for-entertainers

We are seeking a range of performances from party entertainers , from traditional Christmas carols and contemporary holiday hits to original festive compositions. Whether you’re a solo artist, a band, or an ensemble, we welcome you to bring your unique sound to the stage.

15 tracks of blues and rock with hooks to hang your hat on!   Includes the acclaimed tracks "Bounty Hunter" and "Stella's Aunt" 

Avalable on all good streaming and download sites and Bandcamp: https://rondbowes1.bandcamp.com/album/this-aint-a-movie-show