First Preview Track from Upcoming ‘Carnival Arcane’ CD Dropping on August 2nd!

When it comes to Haunt Industry music, once set of pioneers always pop into your head the moment you think music to enhance your attractions’ room….Midnight Syndicate.

Midnight Syndicate were the pioneers when it comes to Haunt and Halloween Sountracks for your Attraction, Home Haunt, or just to enjoy some Spooky Tunes. From such albums as Vampyre, to the Cemetery Gates, and The Dead Matter, they have done it all, well except a Circus Theme until now.

‘Carnival Arcane’ marks the team of Ed and Gavin’s jump into the long anticipated, long asked for, long needed Evil Horror, Halloween Circus Theme fans have been asking for!

Ed had the pleasure of stopping by with Rotting Flesh Radio while at Transworld (Click Here to Hear Ed Douglas of Midnight Syndicate on Rotting Flesh Radio at Transworld 2011), and there he spoke about the fans needs, wants and how they have finally tapped into their dark minds to create the perfect circus to accompany us haunters, halloween enthusiasts and twisted minds. The CD is officially dropping on August 2, 2011 following a red carpet roll out release party on the 1st with Midnight Syndicate, Fans and Friends.

Edward Douglas stated:
“We had a difficult time picking a Carnival Arcane “preview” track as it’s hard to single out any one track as being indicative of the CD. There’s a lot of things going on in this one. The song we chose is Freakshow as we think it bridges some familiar elements with a taste of some of what’s in store… Inspired by research, this track incorporates some of the more tragic elements of carnie life and the original freak shows as well as the macabre. We hope people enjoy it.”

The CD ‘Carnival Arcane’ centers around the Lancaster-Rigby Carnival, a shadowy, turn-of-the-century traveling circus with more than a few skeletons in its closet. “We spent a lot of time researching circuses and carnivals of that time period to ensure that the sounds and music work together to immerse you in this world,” said Edward Douglas. “There’s also a big tip of the top hat to Mr. Bradbury whose work inspired many of the more horrific elements on the disc.” Carnival Arcane also features the vocal talents The Dead Matter alumns Jason Carter, Brian Van Camp, and Dennis Carter, Jr.

So as we prepare for the big release and Midnight Syndicate’s return on RFR, Sit Back, Relax and Rot Away to….FREAKSHOW! For more on Midnight Syndicate visit them at: www.MidnightSyndicate.com.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO ON YOUTUBE

Eating Purple People? Or much Worse?

by: RFR Casket Crew Claymation Werewolf

Monsters. They come in all shapes and sizes. They all have different motivations but never forget that they are all very dangerous. Some monsters come from the darkest bowels of our world but sometimes they don’t come from our world at all. The history of these “visitations” has been a constant source of debate throughout society and has been largely ridiculed by those who claim to be experts in the journalism and science communities. Even the most extreme skeptics however would have to admit that there have been cases that aren’t so easily explained away. Cases that are so compelling that anyone would have to admit that maybe, just maybe, they’re true.

Today I would like to talk to you about one such case, a case that has been suppressed by those in power over the years but at the time of “the event” caused an incredible stir. On August 2nd 1958, a young farmer by the name of Sheb Wilhelm Wooley was out in the fields inspecting his crops, picking up handfuls of dirt and letting them run through his fingers…basically doing all the things that farmers enjoy. At around 2 o’clock pm , while Sheb was adjusting his scarecrow, he noticed a flash above him, and then what appeared to be something coming out of the sky. As the object grew closer, Sheb realized it was heading directly for his farm. He was able to avoid the impact and the scattered debris, but his farm was not so lucky.

The otherworldly object tore through the middle of his land, displacing all of his carefully organized dirt and killing his scarecrow. Consumed by confusion, terror and heartbreak at the loss of his straw-stuffed friend he approached the crash sight to investigate. What had appeared to be a silver streak when in flight now looked to be a craft of some sort. Badly damaged but still structurally sound. He approached the ship and suddenly it began to hum. Then it started to rock, really rocking around. It was a crazy movement that he had never seen before and he started to quickly back away when the ship opened. A creature stepped from the shadows of the craft. An alien, a…monster. And monster was a good description according to Wooley, the creature was covered in fur from head to toe. In the center of what you would call its face, was an enormous eye and at the top of his head was one long horn. Sheb has gone on record as saying “Ooh eeh, as it stepped into the daylight it commenced a shaking, I still got me a fairly good look at it. It had the look of….well I guess the best way I could put it is that it looked like some sort of people eater. Maybe even a purple people eater but I’m not sure.” When asked if he meant the alien was purple he replied. “Well sir! I tend to be fairly vague on that particular subject. I have to admit I was horrified, I actually began to beg the creature to spare my life, and ideally not eat me” The creature seemed confused and then after possibly taking a moment to process our language said, and I can still remember it like it was yesterday, it said “I wouldn’t eat you because your so tough.” It seemed utterly ridiculous. The creatures voice was so gruff… and yet, it was also high pitched and not gruff in the least…I can’t explain it, it was a confusing time. The creature than began to fly by its own power.

(CLICK HERE TO SEE SHEB ORIGINAL VIDEO)

This one eyed beast eventually landed on a tree. It looked undeniably menacing and Sheb Wooley knew instinctively that while he might not be directly in danger,this creature would feed and WE were its food. He tried to keep the creature talking and come up with some sort of plan but the monster seemed to see right through his actions. It started to cause the tree to swing and sway all the while talking about a plan to blend in to society enough to begin a proper “harvest“. What happened next is best expressed in Wooley‘s own words “Well bless my soul that monster transformed before my eyes he began to look more and more human all the while creati’n this terrible sound kinda like a boop boop aboopa lopa lum bam boom. Now you understand that’s not word for word but it was something pretty similar.”

After it completed its horrific transformation and went on its way, Sheb tried to reassemble the shattered remnants of his life. But never seemed to be able to go back to life among the normal. One evening while watching the television he saw a report about a riot at a rock concert. One girl in extremely short shorts was being interviewed and began to frantically talk about a member of the band. Apparently, during the concert one of “people” on stage suddenly grew a horn from the top of his head and began to blast an incredibly loud sound from it. He dove among the confused audience and chaos ensued. Very few of the people attending the audience survived as most were either brutally killed by the rampaging rocker, or trampled by fellow victims trying to escape.

As Wooley watched in disgust, a powerful fire began to rise within him and he knew what he had to do he had to stop the people eater. He armed himself with all of the high tech weaponry and state of the art armor available to the average farmer and sought out a partner, a partner by the name of Dr. Elliot Demento. Dr. Demento is one of the most respected theoretical biologists in history and would be key to finding a weakness in the creature’s physiology and bring him down. Understandably, it took a little convincing to get Demento on board. “When Sheb first approached me I actually laughed him out of the office, I mean wouldn’t you? A one eyed, one horned flying purple people eater? Sure looks strange to me! But after seeing his persistence I finally took a real look at all of the evidence. It totally blew me away. I mean, this was real and it needed to be stopped. Not everyone believes us but we know our destiny and we will succeed.”

No one has heard anything from Wooley or Demento in many years but it is my true belief that they are still out there still hunting the monster that in turn hunts us all. I think they will destroy the creature, save us all, and go down in history finally gaining the respect and the appreciation of all of the people they have spent their lives attempting to protect.

…Tequila.

Ask the Maestro: Multiple Sounds on a Budget

by: RFR Casket Crew Maestro

Greetings Deadites,

I recently received a question about sound and thought, “this would be a great way to share my advice with everyone at once,” and so “Ask the Maestro” is born.  Here’s a question from Hayman:

“I wondered if you could help me with something. I’m not looking to spend a ton of money, but I have 4-5 displays set up in a room, and I would like specific sounds (of my choosing) to come from behind each. So for example behind the ghost set up would be ghost sounds, and behind the wolfman would be wolf sounds.  Doesn’t really matter what order they would play in.”

Hayman,

The way I would go about such a project is to first cut in half the amount of sources, (i.e. cd player, mp3 player or computer.)  The way I go about this is by using the magic of stereo!  You can play two separate sounds on two separate channels from the same source.  I use my studio to do this, but on a budget you can utilize a program such as Audacity.  You can take your two sounds load them in to the program and pan one to the FAR RIGHT and the other to the FAR LEFT.  Then save the project as one file, mp3.  What you are doing essentially is creating one sound from a left speaker and one sound from a right speaker.  Essentially giving you a speaker per sound.

Example Left speaker=ghost and Right Speaker=werewolf

If your props are close enough to your props you can get away using a cheap computer speaker plugged into a cheap cd player or (my preference) mp3 player.  So that’s one source (Player) and one set of speakers for two props/sounds!

You don’t need a high capacity mp3 player as the sound may only be about a minute loop. Speakers can be bought at a great value too if you look at the right place!

As for sounds there are great royalty free sounds out there, but Scare Tactic Productions will mix high quality sounds for you at a very low price!

Thanks for the question Hayman!

Sit back, relax, and rot on!

If you have a question for the Maestro you can e-mail him at scaretacticproduction@gmail.com or on twitter @rfr_maestro

RFR Casket Crew: Meet the Maestro of the Macbre

by: RFR Casket Crew Maestro

Greetings Deadite Army,

Let me Introduce myself, I am the Maestro of the Macbre and I am thrilled to join the Casket Crew!

Having several years experience scoring, designing sound and running haunted attractions, I will share with you my secrets of sound, the importance of ambiance and general principles of haunted attraction. I will also have interviews with some of the greatest haunt composers and creators in the industry.

A little about myself, I hold a Bachelors in Music and Composition, and have adapted this into sound design for props, rooms, and overall haunts. I began by wiring a working tour mine for sound, with a source over 100 feet away. I’ve worked with small budgets and large. I’ve used my knowledge to create new sounds and songs for the Haunt industry. This experience led me to create “Prelude to a Nightmare”: A new haunt sound.  Which subsequently led to Scare Tactic Productions, which specializes in everything audio for your haunt.

In 2010 I released my first commercial work entitled “Carpe Noctem” which is available on iTunes and any other music download site. In the footsteps of great haunt composers such as Midnight Syndicate, Nox Arcana, and Virgil; I looked to create something new and unique while respecting what they have done for the industry. My second album “Dark Ride” will drop in September and contain haunting melodies for Carnival Themed haunts as well as provide music for general creepy events.

I am also working on a top secret 3D Zombie flick, scoring and designing sound. That will be set to release within the year.

In addition to my music and sound work I am also very avid in the Haunt and Halloween communities. I will share also many industry reviews, interviews and events.

So check back often. In the meantime keep up to date with me on: Twitter @preludetoanight or @rfr_maestro

or join the mailing list at: Revebnation

And as always…Sit Back, Relax and Rot Away!

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PRELUDE TO A NIGHTMARE CARPE NOCTEM VIDEO

Haunt Tactics and Zombie Go Boom Join Forces

Haunt Tactics, a supplier of Costumes and Props for the Haunted Attraction Industry is also the supplier for Zombie Go Boom.

Haunt Tactics believes that the Haunter is your tactical advantage. With NEW Zombie Armor they have created full body zombie costumes. The body parts are fused to lightweight compression suits in the molding process giving amazing 360′ detail. These costumes are amazing to say the least and add to any haunted attraction.

Now you can see these costumes in use as part of Zombie Go Boom. When thinking of how to describe Zombie Go Boom, you have to think recent televisuion shows like ‘Deadliest Warrior’ or ‘Mythbusters’ to get in the mind set and then think Zombie Zombie Zombie.

Anyways, the combination of these two is fun, hilarious, keeps zombies in our culture and adds a bit of humor to your day if sitting in that office at work, your garage building new props, painting walls black for your haunt, or just interested in getting exposed to zombie culture.

For more on Haunt Tactics visit: www.HauntTactics.com And to get your first viewing of Zombie Go Boom….Check out the Video below.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO ON YOUTUBE

Danny Elfman Brings His Haunting Music to Cirque du Soleil’s IRIS

From his days with Oingo Boingo, to being one of Tim Burton’s go to men, Danny elfman is no stranger to those of us who love the strange and are “strange and unusual”. And with the heat of summer comes a refreshing feeling of music, mayhem and more as Elfman is has been preparing the score to the all new CIRQUE du SOLEIL Show themed with a Hollywood feel IRIS

Danny Elfman has written some of the most hauntingly beautiful scores your will hear from Edward Scissorhands, Batman, Nightmare Before Christmas, and more. And this new venture is one that is taking him into a new realm he has yet to tap in to. In fact much of a Cirque show is fluid, based on an artists body movements, driving the crowd, the motion and the story forward much faster than a movie score.

The new show as described from its’ makers is “a lyrical, fanciful, kinetic foray into the seventh art. Bringing together dance, acrobatics, live video, filmed sequences and animation, the show takes spectators on a fantastic voyage through the history of cinema and its genres, taking them into the heart of the movie-making process. From illustration to animation, black and white to colour, silent films to talkies, fixed shots to swooping camera movements, spectators witness the poetic construction/deconstruction of this art as an object and as a way of transcending reality.”

With that being said, we can only imagine what Danny has planned in that creative twisted mind of his. IRIS opens on preview audiences in Hollywood, beginning July 21st 2011; opening day is Sept. 25th, 2011.

For more on the show visit:www.CirqueDuSoleil.com

CLICK HERE TO SEE A VIDEO PROMO OF IRIS

Rotting Flesh Radio: Dusting the Morgue, Announcements, Casket Crew and Recent Updates

Welcome Deadites back to Rotting Flesh Radio once again. Well it is mid-summer, a holiday weekend so we figured we would add some dust to the morgue and give you a mid-summer report on RFR. So grab a Ice-Scream Cone and read on:

Rotting Flesh Radio “The Original Haunt Industry, Halloween Weekly Show Since 2005″ has wrapped up all filming on the new Haunt Industry T.V. Show coming to stations soon. The “untitled” as of yet project has been filming for the last 10 months and has currently wrapped. It will now go into post for mixing and editing. Details will be announced closer to the pilot airdate.

RFR is also launching a 24/7 Streaming channel RFR2.com. This new sister station to Rotting Flesh Radio will be available 24/7 with haunt industry music, past interviews, and more. “RFR2″ will be launching August 1.

And finally RFR would like to welcome new members to our team in the last 60 days. Brian Warner (Gadget – Evilusions), Tristin Pierce (Arx Mortis), Jim Millspaugh (The Dent ShoolHouse), and Jon Shroyer (Dreadworks FX) who have joined the RFR Team and will be bringing new segments, insights, coverage and posts for RFR. So we welcome them as part of the Rotting Flesh Radio Casket Crew. In addition we also have a celebrity coming to the show with a new segment. Think Horror, Think Haunt Industry, Think of a Horror Icon…..well I will announce it on RFR Show #245 in a few weeks.

So until next time Deadite, THANK YOU FOR LISTENING and SUPPORTING RFR for OVER 5 YEARS! And Sit Back, Relax and Rot Away…

Home Haunt News and Reviews is Returning

Alright all you Home Haunt Deadites, the time has come for a return from the grave! Yes, Home Haunt News and Reviews the online E-Publication is returning on July 15, 2011!

Home Haunt News is an E-Publication dedicated to the home haunter! With how-to guides, make-up tricks, party ideas, and everything else
related to home haunting! This is a fantastic e-pub that really helps Home Haunters grow in their prop making, gearing up for the haunt season, getting those trick or treaters in and more. HHN has been a friend of Rotting Flesh Radio since they began, and as we have said before…we all started as home haunters!

So be sure to get articles in, submissions, and you can get back issues in the flash page format or as a downloadable PDF, on their website at: www.HomeHauntNews.com. And be sure to check them out on July 15 for the all new re-launch of the publication!

This is Heavy Metal on a Sunday Night

As the weekend is almost over, let’s keep the party going with some Heavy Metal! Yes, one of our favorite Horror Bands LORDI can help keep the party going with rocking tunes, riffs, horror, zombies and more.

Sit Back, Relax and Rot Away Rotting Flesh Radio style this Sunday night!

Heather Langenkamp: Nancy Thompson – She’s A Rebel!

With Heather Langenkamp as one of our best returning guests stopping in this week, we have fun talking movies, legends and the future with her. She was a blast to have on the show as always. And be sure to Sit Back, Relax and Rot Away… and listen to Heather on Rotting Flesh Radio Show #236 And since she is a rebel, one of the leading lady horror icons….here is a musical tribute to the woman who won’t fall asleep!

I