Ex-OVERKILL Drummer Discusses 'Welcome To The Dream' Film On 'Heavy Metal Mayhem' (Audio)

Award-winning independent filmmaker and founding drummer for the band OVERKILL, Rat Skates, was interviewed December 5, 2010 edition of the "Heavy Metal Mayhem" radio show with Mike "The Big Cheese". You can now listen to the program using the audio player below.

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Rat's current project, "Welcome To The Dream", is an independent film that takes a look at the realities of the music world, including record deals vs. DIY, drug abuse, suicide, pay-to-play, and many more serious topics that affect current and future musicians as well as fans of music.

"Welcome To The Dream" covers multiple genres, and features established artists from all walks, as these issues plague not only metal, but the music industry as a whole.

Film synopsis: "'We want to be the biggest band in the world' is the battle cry from the young musicians in this film. When asked how they will do it, the overwhelming response: "We just copy what the bigger bands are doing.'

"Bigger bands…mostly broke and suicidal. Signing with a major label the goal, understanding the contract optional. Paying to play, at any price. Kids wait in line to follow; the media’s amplification of glory and dismissal of reality creates a dangerous dream, and the nightmare of undefined stardom continues to crash and burn into the cemetery where Hendrix, Joplin, Cobain, Bonham and other gifted young artists now rest.

"The Internet has changed the recording industry, but was has NOT changed? Was it the powerless addiction for the artist to share his creativity that fed the industry monster to begin with? Will their roster of fears remain the vulnerability that kills them?

"Afflicted with a stardom-obsessed diet and fed by the media controlled menu, the young artist races faster than ever to be seen though the window of disposable talent with reckless abandon. If fame and fortune is "the dream," then why are Artists suicidal when they live it? Will the happiness machines of drugs and alcohol maintain eternal partnerships with the celebrity-addicted ego? Is art itself now a permanent tenant to the landlord of capital?

"This film highlights a celebrity roster of 'dream survivors,' who shine the spotlight of reality away from the stage. Can they save their young followers from the dangers that await, or will the light at the end of the tunnel be just another train wreck?"

You can listen to "Metal Meditation" live via the Internet at this location.

Rat has been professionally involved in the filmmaking industry since 1999, writing and producing a wide variety of projects from corporate advertising and television commercials to the performing arts. He also worked with director Rick Ernst on the documentary "Get Thrashed" as associate producer.