When the lights went out on the world last year, the boyband like progressive metallers FilmsCrewBand shut off the web, sort of. The website for ShawnZone, Aaron H. James and Levi D Wall’s FilmsCrewBand Collective seemed unreachable, not entirely the case for members. The booked tour for the 2020 European Festival circuit, as well as Japan and Australia cancelled beforehand, as every other tour was, but unlike others who clamored for attention online, ShawnZone and Aaron James only let us know they were quarantined together high atop Gotham, resuming their position as an NYC power couple. Full stop, sort of.
Last week one of the spokespersons for FilmsCrewBand did an invite only livestream where so tea was spilled. The band had been on track to release a fourth full length with another cryptic Greek title after the then cancelled 2020 tour, the way this works is even more cryptic. The album already recorded is not the one that will be released. Their spokesperson let us in on their work cycle. They will record an album or more worth of material, rehearse it, tour on in it, and then finally after they feel the material has reached its potential make a final recording, and then promptly move on from it. Spokesperson Tom Morris casually mentioned that three such full length albums had been recorded and a fourth will likely be recorded before they tour again. Not so fast Mr.Morris, Films Crew did a livestream for a Swedish Audience with all new material, and it will never be heard again? Spokesperson Tom Morris says that is probably correct, if it didn’t work out to their standards. He did hint at the possibility of a very limited vinyl EP release to “Close that chapter of Films Crew”.
Let’s do a cut away in time to make some sense of this. Also occurring last week, Films Crew’s Aaron didn’t know their website was live when making a test post from London, which gives us some more insight. FilmsCrewBand hadn’t felt satisfied with their output and seems to want to move in more of an experimental direction, which is welcomed, although some of the European audience garnered from the still streaming two songs from the last limited vinyl only release might be caught off guard. It’s good to have Aaron back and writing again.
Cutting back to their spokesperson Mr. Morris, he made reference of a new project known as Method Method which ShawnZone and Aaron had been quietly working on. A snippet of sound of that has been making the rounds, it’s a big deal. It doesn’t seem like a full step away from FilmsCrew. A soundbite of a track called Produce The Body appeared and disappeared from a leak site, it’s monstrous, chilling, and there’s nothing like it. Spokesperson Tom Morris said that Method Method wouldn’t be taking any time away from FilmsCrew because Method Method has been a “Background process” for a few years. Morris noted that besides the world crisis, it was post-graduate degrees competing for the band’s attention in their schedules. In this brief we learned that Sony International hired them away from Warner Chappell UK in 2020 and that many changes were afoot. Two new Brits have been working with The Collective, (as they would like to be referred to), with Levi putting his attentions elsewhere in how they are presented. Zac Malone seemed to have been picked up for Method Method, yet performed with Films Crew in the recent livestream, having a history with them since their last tour. All in all this makes Films Crew Collective mostly European.
FilmsCrewBand didn’t completely go silent until Aaron’s last Tweet, proclaiming ShawnZone was no longer grounded. Spokesperson Tom Morris mentioned a situation had occurred on livestream which Shawn had been a guest on, in which Tom made a point of Shawn was cancelled for simply being a part of a livestream where nothing took place, he also cautioned that they weren’t “Going to get in a situation with sociopathic Boomer, when the host of the livestream had thrown Shawn under the bus”. This is why we can’t have nice things. Mr. Morris did ask me to make a few adjustments, which I will, however history is something that happened.
FilmsCrewBand, ShawnZone and Aaron’s website is slowly coming back online, with an intro from one of Sweden’s premier drummers and a post from Aaron. A members only site has always been there. Something tells me it will be more intense than the last outing. Their spokesperson said it was a soft relaunch.
Cameron / Christopher R and ShawnZone was more of the concerning issue as Reyher had been the pursuant of ShawnZone from the Periscope.tv app, where they had developed a close intimate relationship where Reyher called the shots, and there was evidence in Shawn’s data that Reyher had been abusive to Shawn, and this is what they want an explanation for. Morris went on to say that Shawn is owed an explanation.
Internet Griefers Disrupt Unbeknownst to FilmsCrewBand, ShawnZone GONE
By Kurt Parker
After a 3 week delay Warner Chappell UK shipped 15,000 sold out units of APARNEOMAI the limited edition double vinyl set by Films Crew. 5,000 sets on clear collage vinyl and 10,000 sets on 3D clear vinyl, sold out far before ship date. All pressings stamped by the band and numbered are on audiophile quality 180 gram Japanese vinyl. Warner rep Julie Gordon said at today’s Tuesday presser, the 5,000 collage clear vinyl pressings have a “Slightly different track listing”, possibly an extra track though the pressing seems tight for space since the with all 9 tracks clocking in between 7 to 11 minutes. While FilmsCrewBand has generously streamed some choice deeply mysterious lengthy moments from ‘Aparneomai’ from their website and they are indeed pieces to the puzzle of what we are to understand, meant to be listened to with Aaron’s, Levi’s, Shawn’s, Andrew’s and Kurt’s written commentary on the site, the vinyl release is immersive, expansive, a puzzle. As we said last time, FilmsCrewBand is mood, about the night, things that happen in the night to explore in a poly-rhythmic sonic awakening of the senses to understand and bring light t the shadow self, in a mastery of musicianship and welcoming. And FilmsCrewBand are taking us on a journey of understanding ourselves. The title of the album took us by surprise, ‘Aparneomai’ is Greek for ‘In Denial’ further down ‘Ana Stigma’, translation, ‘In Denial of Stigmas’, and Films Crew explores it in depth. This is FilmsCrewBand at their most musically adventurous, heaviest, psychedelic, and emotional. The entire album was written by the swoon worthy ShawnZone and adora-drummer Aaron Housos James, with scant credits to the svelte Levi D Wall.
ShawnZone Shawn Kyle Walker Warner Promo photo July FilmsCrewBand
The ‘Aparneomai’ release starts out with a heavy atmospheric track Memorium that sets the somber mood for the journey we are taking here, leading into an 11 minute version of Syndrome, with Andrew Self and ShawnZone both on vocals, followed by Sensoria Spectrum, taking us out of uncertainty of Syndrome into a jarring panic of highly sychopated intensity for 9 minutes. Leading us into the 8:30s cryptic Blackmailer, re-written from last years’ tour, followed up with the Prologue to ‘Denial is the Betrayal with the Broadest Shoulders’ at 9:27s, this is a continuation of the original track from ‘Narcissus Echos’, leading into the 11:21s Stigmatized where ShawnZone is more apparent vocally, followed by 8:11s for Crying To Crisis, possibly the most beautiful and accessible Films Crew track to date, done their way, leading us into 7:27s of ‘Fraud’, rounding out the album with the Epilogue to ‘Denial is the Betrayal with the Broadest Shoulders’ at 10:29s, not echoing the ‘Epilogue’ but building on the theme where Kurt echoes ShawnZone in the repetition of the lyric “Taste my wrath”. FilmsCrewBand’s Aparneomai (Stigma) is a masterpiece in the vein of Tool’s Lateralus, but Films Crew steps up the game here, blending genres of Progressive, Post, Math, and Psychedelic Metal, with themes of Jungian symbolism in what appears to be a concept album woven together with great care to be listened to on their terms. They have musically taken pages from film director David Lynch’s playbook and applied it to their craft, where you have to pay attention to the details to get the benefit of the experience. It’s very apparent why they took this route of release, and it hasn’t slipped passed anyone that this is a cliff-hangar release with 2019-2020 references throughout the cryptic and enigmatic printed material, and that it is a 2018 release. This is far more than we were expecting, this is art.
In the credits we have ShawnZone Kyle Walker, guitars, basses, sound design, percussion, vocal, keyboards, producer. With Aaron Housos James, drums, percussion, guitar, bass, vocal. Aparneomai (Stigma) was entirely written by the former power couple, and mostly played by them. Levi Dennis Wall, bass, visuals. Andrew Self, vocal, guitar, keyboards. Kurt Vogl, vocal, additional drums, percussion. Chris Sweeney, mastering. There are extensive notes which point back to the FilmsCrewBand website entries over the last year, all very cryptic, and the web address for the private section of the site which you have to be a member of to access, not that this has been a secret for those in the know, Warner rep Julie Gordon indicated there would be more limited runs, and that the band was trying to make arrangements for those who could not afford the steep 150 Euro price tag to get their hands on these intense platters, keeping in mind they will only be in limited edition runs.
Friday’s Warner Music presser hosted by Julie Gordon tried and failed to quash the Cameron R / Christopher R scandal that overtook FilmsCrewBand causing all operations to screech a halt over a week ago as the rumor mill continues to spread despite FilmsCrewBand’s dashing bassist Levi pinning the band’s official statement, or FilmsCrewBand spokesperson Tom Morris attempts to quell the scandal which has now gotten out of the confines of music outlets and onto the web at large despite the band themselves asking their audience’s patience, issuing an apology, the spreading scandal seems to have nothing to do with the band who hasn’t updated their site for 3 weeks, but with instigators gone rabid by the far right live stream broadcasters.
Levi D Wall skeptical as ever at Tuesday’s Warner presser, calling for patience during the Christopher R Scandal of which he says is “Christopher’s responsibility to come forward and leave cruelty behind.”.
FilmsCrewBand’s release of Aparneomai (Stigma) has been marred by the ongoing uncertainty of , with FilmsCrewBand remaining completely quiet about it except for an apology and a plea for patience and understanding by their audience from the gymnastic bassist Levi, and a cryptically heart wrenching puzzle left by ShawnZone. Ford Model and one of FilmsCrewBand’s spokespersons, Tom Morris was on hand at Tuesday’s Warner presser, fielding to select music outlets again. Tom made it clear that ShawnZone’s seemingly on again off again hinting at leaving Films Crew had been taken out of context, he had experienced the death of 2 family members last year, one after the tour, while dealing with his grieving he was immersed in his internship program at school while recording for months with Aaron. Morris stated the band, ShawnZone’s family were skeptical of an outside individual being able to obtain the access to ShawnZone that he did, and all are on record stating that an unknowing Shawn did not pursue this relationship, the outsider did, full knowing how vulnerable ShawnZone was after these traumatic events. Morris also stated that Aaron was present during this period when ShawnZone and the individual claimed to become extraordinarily close, further adding to the confusion. Morris also stated that it had been no joke when Shawn had referred to himself as a novelty, further stating in his position he become a target for people taking advantage of him, that if there is is an altruist out there it is Shawn. Morris went on to say that an individual had in fact stated to Aaron and Levi that he loved Shawn and would never hurt him and that they were having a hard time making any sense of it. When asked about the individual’s identity fraud, Morris stated that the band wasn’t at all concerned about that. When the band learned of this individual, they had to inform their management, who’s legal team demanded all of the blonde bombshell ShawnZone’s data, from cell phone records to personal files, Morris went on to say that Shawn probably felt violated, but this was for his own safety, and the band had access to these files. Morris indicated the individual had sent Levi a message with stating that he wasn’t playing some elaborate game, “If that’s not the case we would like to know the truth”. Tom Morris went on to illustrate with the help of Aaron’s past few months of updates, that the individual thought it crucial for black metal musician Daniel Lukas to have a restraining order taken out on him by Shawn, Morris indicated this was more of a demand, according to Aaron, who is also refusing to speak with anyone. Morris also indicated the band was quite confused that this was occurring.
Morris further stated that the relationship between the individual and ShawnZone was more of the concerning issue as the individual had been the pursuant of ShawnZone from a live streaming app, where the individual thought they had developed a close intimate relationship where the individual called the shots, and there was evidence in Shawn’s data that the individual had been abusive towards Shawn in live stream broadcasts that had no bearing on the band nor was Shawn aware of, and this is what they want an explanation for. Morris went on to say that Shawn is owed an explanation, and if he does not get one, it is likely the band’s management will either be in contact with the individual’s in family or pursue legal action against the band’s wishes. Morris went on to say that Shawn had indeed left, with no one knowing exactly where he was, “NYC is a big place. Morris said that if the entire matter was a hoax on Reyher’s part, his family would be contacted or charges filed, or both, the matter will be taken out of their hands if the individual doesn’t speak up.
One of the individuals at the center of the scandal to damage FilmsCrewBand, ShawnZone and Aaron James
When asked about Daniel Lukas’ role in the individual’s psychodrama, Morris stated that Lukas had been cooperative, though the members of the band and management had only spoken to Lukas briefly, and Lukas was obviously not in contact with Shawn. Morris stated that the band’s website had received email claiming that FilmsCrewBand had outed the individual’s identity. where as before the incident the site had received email claiming the individual was engaged in fraud. Morris stated he had not spoken to Lukas, but it is obvious that Lukas had outed the individual’s identity in January if not before then, and it was Morris’ understanding that a far-right conservative Periscope.tv and livestream broadcaster anonymously known as @frenchguy1 had known of the individual’s identity in December, having broadcast it. With this information out there about the individual’s identity for over half a year, the individual’s reaction to it is like the pot calling the kettle black. Going back into Daniel Lukas’ archives, Lukas had indeed revealed the truth about Reyher. And Lukas was not the only one, some small web hosters had single page websites dating back to October of 2016 had outed the individual’s identity. Daniel Lukas had made reference to the far-right Gays for Trump movement taking responsibility for those sites via email. Lukas made some astonishing claims, that during May his Twitter account had been suspended, while Morris indicated FilmsCrewBand’s Twitter account had been reported during the same time period which Lukas attributes to one far right live streamer, who Lukas has stated allegedly wanted to do away with ShawnZone because of the individual’s alleged non-existent involvement with him. Tom Morris confirmed that Aaron had stated the middle-age woman attempted harassment of all members of FilmsCrewBand on a live streaming app and Twitter, when she had followed them all.
Daniel Lukas had recently updated his websites to include apologies to FilmsCrewBand including a thorough confession of his role in the matter which is somewhat minor, Lukas states that he tried to indicate to the individual that not only he knew of his fraudulent identity, only to be subject to online trolling by the individual, so he took to emailing the FilmsCrewBand website, then later tampering with the website. Films Crew Spokesperson Tom Morris was aware of the emails and indicated the band believed only one of the emails had originated from the far-right Gays for Trump movement. Morris stated that the website has been inundated with emails regarding the individual’s scandal, further stating any threats to the band have been handed over to the authorities. While Daniel Lukas has apologized and given a thorough confession to FilmsCrewBand publicly, he also has his own questions that he wants answered as to how a live stream personality is allowed to get away with his alleged unstable behavior, or manipulated behavior as Lukas puts it. Lukas stated his original intent was never to pursue ShawnZone, and that he understood his pain, hoping the situation is resolved.
ShawnZone promo photo courtesy Warner, July,
Spokesperson Tom Morris stated that FilmsCrewBand’s management had demanded the band stay off of social media, Morris indicating the chameleon time machine Aaron would likely be the most difficult to reign in due to his study of the ultra far-rightwing extremist group the Alt-Right, which he is highly critical of. We spoke to Periscope.tv to confirm our earlier statements on these matters, Periscope still stands behind their earlier statements they gave us. FilmsCrewBand’s official statement on their website seems almost apologetic, in that they want a resolution and Morris confirmed the individual was never in the bands ultra exclusive inner circle. Morris stated that the band, their management’s legal team had been working to see that nothing negative is said about anyone, sending out cease and desist orders to several music blogs, and in some cases take down orders under the DMCA in an effort to protect Reyher from undue attention. Morris also indicated individual, through social engineering gained access to FilmsCrewBand’s website, and having administrator power, he could remove anything he desired, which involved a vandalizing incident.
Nothing has been heard of the swoon worthy shred master ShawnZone or Aaron for almost 3 weeks, they are thought to be in NYC or Long Island, Morris stated. Morris had no comment as to whether Shawn Kyle Walker, ShawnZone this affected his involvement in any live streamers, stating that plans were on hold for any fall shows including CMJ due to the events that have transpired, Morris stated that if there was a resolution it could be likely, he further stated when he last spoke to Shawn almost 3 weeks ago.
Morris indicated Shawn might speak to one member of the press for an interview, and it was an odd choice. We hope both Shawn and Aaron come back into the fold. FilmsCrewBand’s Aparneomai (Ana Stigma) is a masterful achievement..
Christopher Reyher / Cameron Reyher’s truly disturbing role of disruption and destruction in the inner circle of Films Crew is astounding, we have never heard of such unexplainable behavior. Clearly the members of FilmsCrewBand have been victimized here.
Christopher R / Cameron R Fraud Scandal in FilmsCrewBand, ShawnZone GONE By Kurt Parker
Updated to include July Warner press photo of ShawnZone, updated to reflect new information, and corrections.
ShawnZone Walker appearing despondent after Christopher R / Cameron R scandal at event before ShawnZone’s disappearance
On the eve of FilmCrewBand’s upcoming limited edition vinyl release Warner Music Rep Julie Gordon explained the release will be postponed due to a conflict involving a possible fraud perpetrated by an unknown individual . At the Tuesday release presser Gordon stated that much of the band’s upheaval during the last 9 months had been caused by an individual who had lured members of Films Crew, chiefly ShawnZone Walker offline through a live streaming app, and indeed upon inspection broadcast replays, it’s indeed confounding. The Village Voice downloaded several hours worth of the live streams in question of maniacal political rants of two individuals for further inspection. Warner Rep Julie Gordon stated Films Crew had no knowledge of the live streamer, stating the band required an explanation from on an unrelated matter and that the label and the band’s management legal team were in damage control mode. Outspoken modelesque bassist Levi D Wall released a formal statement on the band’s website Monday.
Updated: Levi D Wall’s statement reflects sentiments of Aaron H James and Kurt Vogl directly, spokesman Tom Morris says the statement reflects the sentiment of the band as a whole, “They just want an explanation for the treatment of ShawnZone Walker, if not to the whole band, Shawn deserves one, and their management will make sure he gets one”. In what we see as irony, Levi premiered a new FilmsCrewBand track ironically titled Fraud as a preview for the upcoming album along with the band’s official statement. Morris said the track written by ShawnZone was an indication of his foreknowledge of this type of event happening.
Updated: Periscope.tv when contacted did confirm the the two individuals live stream accounts in question was attached to several different accounts from the same devices. Not that this is strictly against their policy, it is however discouraged as periscope.tv is cracking down on this sort of abuse due to trolling.
The more vocal of FilmsCrewBand’s longtime spokespersons, Amanda, has had no comment. FilmsCrewBand’s only controversies to date have been their public disputes with their UK record and publishing label, major Warner Chappell UK over product control, Aaron’s and Shawn’s rather public break up, Nathan N’s continued haunting of the band’s website, and an orchestrated hack against the band’s website a month after the 2016 election by far right wing extremists. Films Crew has had a consistent reputation of being the clean cut, no drama, genuinely nice, not to mention hot guys who keep a low profile in the industry, completely focussed on their enigmatic art as skilled musicians and composers of athletic intellectualism. Films Crew and their side music projects defy normal description, they are mood, FilmsCrewBand is about the night, things that happen and to explore in the night in a poly-rhythmic atmosphere to expand consciousness and awareness, in a blur of staggering musicianship and sonic experimentation and psychological philosophy, that believes the world can be a better place through understanding and advocacy. Their refusal to be a front facing act results from the assault of a sudden celebrity placed on them coinciding with their first release when they were all 18, at which they threatened to walk out on their label who relented giving them their room to further explore their musical art, This has had the benefit of giving FilmsCrewBand a stellar reputation, also a band that is clean, never seeking out scandal, but now scandal has come to them. The scandal of these live streamers is clearly not one of FilmsCrewBand’s making all the more bizarre when these broadcasters are Americans, where Films Crew is not marketed or particularly known, and does require an explanation from the broadcasters.
Films Crew’s limited edition double vinyl package was set for release July 14, which label reps have said sold out long before shipping date, which the band has yet to release even the title of. The WMG presser Tuesday hosted by Julie Gordon displayed the intensive 3D packaging, on optically collaged clear 180 gram Japanese pressed vinyl, included is a DVD with footage of Films Crew and their Peyrony Project’s 2016 tour. 15,000 units are waiting to be shipped, the other explanation given for delay was a typographical error on the inner sleeve, which would normally go unnoticed though it appears this may have another delay. The price tag was a whopping 150 Euros. Another pressing is expected. The tracks Crying To Crisis and Syndrome have achieved Top 20 status on the heavily DRM’ed French and German streaming behemoth Deezer, it you are outside of those regions you are out of luck. However 3 different versions of Crying To Crisis are streaming on the FilmsCrewBand’s website.
While we dismissed Daniel Lukas originally, it appears that this is what the Black Metal musician was trying to say. Lukas also stated that the individual demanded FilmsCrewBand’s ShawnZone to take out a restraining order against Lukas for stalking ShawnZone, which the spokesperson for Films Crew, Tom Morris, stated the two barely knew each other, seeing each other at a Starbucks on occasion. Aaron’s website updates over the past year are a golden encapsulation of what has transpired.
While even more rumor and speculation surround the missing blonde bomb shell guitarist ShawnZone, double kick hunk Aaron provides us with yet another massive update with a sense of frustration. Again delving into the secret sauce of the Films Crew world we never thought we would see, somehow making the enigmatic post metal progressive band all the more mysterious. Recalling their last performance at CMJ, even the after show being in their presence is a surreal experience as if speaking to a benevolent secret society of benefactors of wisdom, with looks you want to taste. Aaron finally gives an in depth look at his fascination with the ultra far right extremist hate group the Alt-Right, comparing it to a cult, he gives credit for his talking points to the enigmatic ShawnZone, whom Aaron does more than suggest others get their talking points from, while at the same time Aaron is not pretending he is concerned about ShawnZone’s whereabouts, and you don’t have to read between the lines to find out why as he puts this puzzle together pointing to his last few updates where it all comes together that the heart throb guitarist fell victim to some nefarious plot of an insidious game player, and is now missing, last seen on the panel discussions for NXNE in Toronto.
Screenshot courtesy NXNE
Films Crew Band’s chameleon time keeper Aaron gives the state of the union on the dark side of social media’s impact on mental issues and something tells us he wants to name names, and shares the mystery of some of the guitars sexy axe wielder ShawnZone shredded with on the upcoming Films Crew double platter release and some new details on different runs of the vinyl only limited editions. A Warner rep stated the limited availability will be a larger and more varied pressing than previously thought with a single being pushed throughout Europe. Aaron treats us to two teasers, Syndrome and Stigmatized, showing that Films Crew’s on target to become amongst progressive metal’s most influential. We can’t help but wonder of the fate the enigmatic and missing ShawnZone with the rumor mill swirling overtime of a tragic end to the beautiful young guitarist, he is truly one of a kind. The rim shot wordsmith Aaron again addresses the anomaly of Daniel Lukas downplaying the sometimes viral internet sensation and social engineer’s role in the scheme of things as a source has it that Daniel Lukas is about deal up a blast of epic news, we think Aaron should reconsider his casual approach to Daniel Lukas, and take some advice from Films Crew cohort Levi. To put Aaron’s puzzle together, go back and read the previous entries and follow the links, there’s a lot to learn.
While rumors abound over Films Crew golden god guitarist ShawnZone’s absence, rhythm master Aaron provides us with a massive update touching on bases we never thought he would address. Aaron kept most of the article beneath the fold, confirming the band has no involvement with Daniel Corin Lukas, but not by name giving a shadowy depiction of what they are in the dark about, when they should be keeping their eyes on the situation. The double kick wordsmith has quite the fascination with the not so psychologically sound far right extremist group known as the Alt-Right coupled with the decaying landscape of social media, he’s not having any of it. Pointing out that Films Crew has 17 tracks recorded, not hinting at a release date for the limited edition platters of the upcoming Stigmatized, but giving a preview of a different version of Crying To Crisis that reaches further into the soul in a masterclass musician’s fevered dream, it’s a pinnacle. The 17 tracks Aaron teased by the mention of all being written by ShawnZone and Aaron. The chameleon time machine goes on to detail ShawnZone’s ‘Exile’ of himself online due to an unresolved “ghosting” indicating ShawnZone was as we suspected may have been involved in an emotional hit and run which the band thinks will be resolved, leaving no doubt, it was a certain someone in ShawnZone’s exclusive inner circle, causing the blonde heartthrob to be at the center of the rumor mill as being missing, with an absence on social media, leaving the enigmatic guitarist at the bevy of hot speculation. Films Crew’s Aaron really takes for a spin in this no holds barred update only adding to Films Crew’s enigmatic status, definitely a worthy read.
Films Crew Band may hunkering down as the hunks work on their upcoming release Stigmatized but something else is afoot. As we noted previously, in covering Daniel Corin Lukas’ presence, a Warner label rep has stated on the record that Lukas is an unknown entity to the band and the label taking us back to out original claims of Lukas’ past of alleged hacking and social engineering, including possible attempts on the band’s website due to an obsessive crush on FilmsCrewBand’s ShawnZone. While Lukas may have some disjointed proprietary intel on the band, it will not have been gained through proper channels. We may regret linking to his website, only opting for official word from label reps or the band, should they grant us access, Daniel Lukas has an elaborate puzzle that isn’t easy to decipher, but something is there. Films Crew’s chameleon hunky drummer Aaron had made reference to the name, we apologize for any inconvenience this has caused readers or the band. Still at issue are Aaron’s dances with words over the lack of ShawnZone’s presence. The triplet master wordsmith’s indication that the blonde bombshell guitarist’s taking leave from the band was due to well founded emotion turmoil from someone in his ultra private inner circle, defending but pointing a finger. Stigmatized is due to be released in limited edition vinyl runs exclusively, likely being sold out before it is ever pressed. No summer tour dates have been announced at this time, though don’t count Films Crew out for surprise appearances.
FilmsCrew’s Aaron had scant details on the upcoming Films Crew Band album Stigmatized in an up date on the official website and kind words in a Q & A from listener emails, doing a dance around what we all want to know, where is ShawnZone? The blonde heartthrob can’t drop off of the face of the earth without notice, and Aaron is more than aware of this in his carefully phrased words. Aaron raises more questions than he answers, instead the master of the quadruplet dives into the dark side of the political realm criticizing the ultra far right wing extremist Alt-Right, where he himself had been a victim of having nude pics on the fringe cult conspiracy element’s message boards just weeks ago, is he baiting them? Too many questions. Not mentioned is Nathan’s return the site or if another war is in the offing between Nathan and FilmsCrew’s Aaron and Levi. Nathan has been known to show up in surprise visits when conflict arises. Not mentioned is how Danial Corin Lukas’ aka New Borat’s previous mention on the site or his obsession with ShawnZone, can they really be unaware? Aaron wonders into the weeds trying to explain how the band are not personalities when they have been a swell of the underground rumor mill. The drumming wordsmith even admitting to the practice of updating his pervious updates creating an air of confusion as to which updates are the latest updates. Aaron must know mouths are drooling for ShawnZone to return, or is there something more sinister afoot.
Films Crew’s Aaron never at a loss for words appears to be out for blood after some unnamed individuals who threw sexy blonde guitar god ShawnZone into an emotionally tortuous turmoil. In a post last week that seemed like emergency damage control called Rollcall, the collab post between Aaron, Levi and newbie Andrew detail stresses outside of the band day to day dynamic of tensions, detailing further ShawnZone having been devastated by the interference of a woman’s interference in a relationship pointing to new FilmsCrew contributor Cameron Reyher. Pointing out that ShawnZone had indeed cut the cord between himself and the FilmsCrew part of the franchise for the time being. The moderator for the post was (verify) FilmsCrew’s webmaster Jay. Where it ventured into the weeds involved the band members involvement on Twitter and the ultra far right wing extremist video streaming service Periscope. The post pointed out a limited edition vinyl release has been almost completed of new material which had been presumably been streaming on the site which will see brand release in another form within the next year, how this might conflict with the re-recording of their debut Narcissus Echoes is unknown. Not mentioned in Rollcall is the band line up for the new album tentatively titled Stigmatized, according to a Warner label rep Films Crew will feature
ShawnZone – guitars, bass, synths, percussion, vocals
Aaron – drums, guitar, vocal
Levi – bass, visuals
Andrew – vocals, guitar, synth
Kurt – percussion, vocals, guitar
The album titled Stigmatized will have been written completely be ShawnZone and ShawnZone and Aaron from what we have been told with a first limited run of 5,000 which will have collectors chomping at the bit. The ever enigmatic and mysterious band get more enigmatic and mysterious when they post to their own site. There is little explanation of ShawnZone’s absence and the blond heartthrob guitarist becomes more of an enigma wrapped inside a riddle in a Zen poem. Known for his high moral stances, approaches to ethics and decency, we are only left with the triplet master and scantily clad Aaron as spokesperson, enigmatic in his own way provides a clear cut picture of what’s going on in the band’s dynamic. In his latest post he speaks openly about ShawnZone, his relationship to ShawnZone, hard to do with their lives being mostly lived publicly from the beginning, not much to go on there in the way of finding character flaws. Matters take a serious turn when Aaron mentions his fascination with the far ultra right wing extremist Alt-Right niche, who he has called out on occasion, he himself is an avowed socialist, involved with the band in the broader worldwide movement Occupy Wall Street, instrumental in the broader protest movement. Aaron calls himself out on his self-destructive tendencies and his repentance calling on others to do the same. Most of his most recent post involves Aaron speaking directly to someone cloaked in a clever broader meaning about how we should atone for the damage we cause each other, regardless that the subject matter if one looks closely deals with ShawnZone’s recent torture, we need not look far for the cause.
In the closing Aaron mentions a name, which had appeared in ShawnZone’s part of the site earlier in the year with pics, Aaron mentions that he put his foot down on this individual getting into ShawnZone’s inner circle, The individual better known as young black metal guitarist Daniel Lukas was easy to track down due to his questionable exploits in the smaller music community, getting attention from claiming to be French, then Norwegian, with his own blackened crust progressive band as well as failed social media attempts to promote it, Daniel Lukas had sparked outrage over some of his outrageous posts, internet feuds. Lukas, from an unfortunate background, made news by trying to fund releases of his then band under an assumed name Corin Barrett, by taking aim at industry label heads. How the 21 year old found himself on to FilmsCrew Band’s website is murky, all of this probably unknown to Films Crew. A Warner rep said that Lukas had nothing to do with Films Crew, not knowing who he was, nonetheless this is a further mystery, if we can easily track Lukas down. Being with the Village Voice has it’s advantages when trying to track someone down, anyone.
A Warner rep mentioned Films Crew Band’s album Socratic had been removed from European streaming services at the request of the band for lack of revenue and royalties due from all streaming services. Deezer, which the label is renegotiating with the French and German streaming dynamo had been the sole source of revenue with other streaming services cutting non-mainstream bands out of play royalties, several bands are removing themselves from streaming services due to lack of payment or royalties. Films Crew had been very critical over their output on the Socratic which they said was the label’s album not their own, Predator remains on their site available for streaming, with the still frightening but edited due to pornographic concerns video. Films Crew has always blurred the line between the erotic and the mystical, ShawnZone appearing in hot pic in the buff on the site a couple of months ago. They are the only band in progressive music that can get away with it and so they should.
FilmsCrewBand’s Levi Wall broke his silence with an update stating that Films Crew Band and its several projects were not in any way breaking up, contradicting the bassists mysterious and sparse Twitter feed, where between Levi and Films Crew’s Aaron announced new band member Andrew Self is thought to replace multi-instrumentalist Nik Turner. What Self’s role in the re-recording of Films Crew Band’s debut remains unknown, but as this recording has been considered to be an important work We are sure that Cameron Reyher must be highly qualified in those down-tuned polyrhythmic syncopations that are Films Crews trade mark. Nothing is known of the new hire other than he is not part of the NYC music art scene. Self had been referenced in Aaron’s last bombastic update, but wait, much earlier by ShawnZone himself as all of the pieces fall into place. Nik Turner made no announcement of leaving but had announced at CMJ that he would be recording a solo or project album much different in nature than Films Crew or Peyrony.
As enigmatic as enigmas can be ShawnZone published an even more mysterious update following eery Op Exile statement with a new acoustic track, the shock waves through the progressive post metal world will be reverberating from that bombshell for some time to come. While the suspense mounts over the possible departure of the golden guitarist no mention is made for the reason of the personal dilemma that has pushed the young guitarist to the brink. Several rumblings from band members Aaron and Levi have been made mysteriously on Twitter with Aaron making the most direct statements about it in his last slay of an update where he took no prisoners. Yet still there is, from even Aaron, about who is behind ShawnZone’s mysterious torment, yet even still Aaron drop clues that all of the puzzle pieces are there to be put together as he pronounces an unnamed antagonist guilty. Aaron’s update still continues to mystify since he constantly updates his update like he’s fine tuning it to spell out a name. Yet still ShawnZone is still absent from social media their site stays constantly updated
Last night while FilmsCrewBand’s ShawnZone and Andrew Self teleconferenced a CMJ music production panel refusing to do an interview for The Village Voice new leaked nude photos of double kick drum master Aaron from the same political extremist forum Daily Stormer. These could be photos from the same cache released last week but in these photos Aaron is not alone. They are far too explicit for publication and depict him with a tall male wearing nothing other than a flannel jacket and hunting cap and another with a ski mask and does not appear to be another member of Films Crew and is rumored to be the son of film and TV director. We know from his history the mad drumming youngster has been precariously close to being fired before and these types of leaks could do him in
This morning the FilmsCrewBand website had been updated with Aaron unleashing a tirade in the form of an apology which he never quite gets to. With a mysterious but detailed message to someone in particular and a nod to possible new band member Andrew Self to whom he gives a stern warning, Aaron delves in deep into a critique of social media, his concerns over Shawn Zone having us relive their very public break up in vivid detail when we thought we had recovered. Most thought Aaron was through in music at that point. Then he crushes a right wing group known as Gays for Trump. (We know nothing of this movement other than it seems to be a fringe group of political extremists neither gay or East Coast). Aaron as well posted a pulled song from the pulled Films Crew Narcissus Echo album called Unforgiven as a message to new band member Andrew Self. With Logan Harris and Nik Turner being so far out of sight with all of this activity it is possibility they won’t be working on the new release. It is also unusual for any band to have this much activity so soon after a tour, but this is Films Crew who are naturally enigmatic. On a link leading to an earlier apology Aaron himself has a few of the photos from the right wing extremist web site posted stating ownership over them and a possible link to French sludge metallers AmenRa. We reached out to Collin from AmenRa who was shocked at the photos and did not believe that Aaron would do this willingly, adding that no other French progressive band had an axe to grind with Films Crew and looked forward to playing with them. We have grown used to Aaron’s strange methods of communication over the past few years, this is an actual article, so candid that it will leave some in the music community analyzing it for a time. Still nothing is known of the possible departure of Shawn Zone with Andrew Self seeming to take over his section of the site and Aaron’s cryptic description of someone’s malicious intent towards him.
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