The Mothership

The nice thing about gaining respect for your writing and music taste over a 25-year period is that you have freedom to say what you want without being confined or second-guessed. I am no spring chicken and I am no Rolling Stone apprentice. I'm Xana La Fuente. And if I could rewrite my life, after hearing the voice of Johndus Beckman and the music of The Mothership, I would not change a single thing in my past. My past brought me to today. And today I get to see and hear the amazing voice of Johndus and hear the amazing music he writes, and when I'm lucky, rock out to his band The Mothership.

In the movie It's a Wonderful Life, there is a famous line that reminds me of the love, tolerance, and commitment that one has for their friends, and in this case, band members...



It is so true... no man is a failure who has friends, and I think any person can gain their wings by standing by someone or something they believe in. Listen to this and you will get an idea of the camaraderie that these talented musicians have...




The best way for me to tell the story is from the beginning. It was a cold and wintry night, much like tonight.... I was there to see and film The Missionary Position. As the club grew full, I realized I had to somehow lift my laptop above the crowd to live stream them. I looked around and before I had a chance to ask anyone, this adorable red head came up and offered to help, even carrying one of their drum cases and lifting it up to put my laptop on. He did not leave until he knew I was set up. He had no idea who I was; he was just being himself -- genuinely kind and helpful.




A recent photo of Will Andrews, taken by our good friends at Seattle Sound Live


His name is Will Andrews and he is the drummer of The Mothership as well as several side projects. When The Mothership went on stage, I filmed the first song. The camera I had was new to me -- actually the whole process of filming -- so I ignorantly thought, "They're too loud for my camera speaker" and stopped filming -- a decision I regret daily! The next thing I knew, this seemingly small and monkey looking creature jumped on stage and, well... you can see for yourself. He pretty much owned the moment. His name is Johndus Beckman.



The other thing that struck me as unusual that night was all the other musicians who came out to see them. One by one they told me, this is the guy, this is the band to be watching. It reminded me of how Layne and Andrew would be at shows, they spent all their time talking about other local bands. Once you see them you love them; once you hear John's voice, it does not matter if he's singing in the car or on a huge stage... you listen. And you'll see why it comes naturally for other musicians to talk about him. What's the most fascinating about their shows is watching the crowd. The looks on their faces are priceless. They are like children at the gates of the Willy Wonka Factory, just waiting for the sweet goods.





A recent photo of The Mothership at The Showbox by our friends at
Seattle Sound Live - Please check out their website and page for
more great photos and live videos.


As I mentioned, The Missionary Position was also playing, and since Jeff Angell and Ben Anderson are also in Walking Papers, needless to say there were all sorts of industry people and some other very important people in the music scene whose opinions are valued, and several of them noticed I was filming and live streaming and told me "It's good you're here -- these guys are the next big thing." I was thinking, "Really!" , Jeeze they won't stop talking about this guy! I took a closer look and listen over the next few months. Then someone sent me this video -- Someone from another local band -- one of those almost famous folks I was speaking of, and again they said, "These are the guys you should be keeping your eye on."



As the long winter of 2012 proceeded, I saw little of The Mothership boys, except this one night when they showed up at a solo Jefferson Angell show. We had, by then, become friends on social media, and had been trying to set some dates for smaller shows. We got to know each other by sharing music and events online and looked forward to hanging out, so this was a rare night that we finally got to meet up. They were genuinely excited and in awe of the simplicity of Jeff's performance, and I felt that they took away a lot more with them that night than the crowd that was just there to hear some nice acoustic music. They were thinking hard about the future. Then, in early spring, they played an amazing show at The Sunset Tavern with Drew Shreve, Travis James, and Shane Cassidy of Lady Justice as well as some lovely string players backing them up. You can see all the videos of this on our youtube channel. Sometimes videos do not upload easily on blogger -- here is the link to one and it will lead you to the rest. I will dig through my archives and re-upload them here as soon as I can...

youtube link to more awesomness:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fky086WGTFU

As Seattle opened its eyes to summer, it was evident immediately that it was going to be a hot one, so we all headed to the beaches. I remember another local musician friend of ours, Jonny, saying to me one day when we were on our way to meet all of them at the beach -- Johndus, Will, and their roommates and good friends, Drew Shreve and friends, from other bands like Lady Justice, Travis James and Shane Cassidy, Rane Stone, another amazing local singer...he said, "You know, I think it's really cool that these guys reach out to you to hang out." His way of complimenting me, I laughed too -- it is funny because they could be my kids, but that's what's great about music: It creates a bond that is not measured by time, space, distance, or even race and age. Take me and my friend The Mustache. I know he loves me. He's just too far away to care like he used to. Our daily trips to Lake Washington and running around like wild children at Discovery at 3 a.m. are long gone days. Thankfully, a grunge cupid has wished us a bonded life through music, so I don't need to actually see him ever again.




You know your friends love you when they let you choke them out.

What Jonny was thinking but was careful in how he said it , is that yeah, being the widow of Andrew Wood may just give me a certain edge as far as music taste, I've certainly seen my share of live music. I may have scars from head to toe, I may have a long rap sheet, and 99 problems including felonies I'd rather not talk about , but I still have great taste in music and young local musicians are noticing this and all I do to keep the scene lively, and as I open myself up to new friendships with new bands I can have the same if not more of an influence as I always have.




Influenced by and an influence on, the wonderful and talented Intisaar Jurban
seen here singing with Johndus. Another member of the " Post Grunge Brat Pack "
The Mothership clearly surrounds themselves with strong and talented women.

This is becoming pretty evident in the success of this very website. 2012 and 2013 can only be beaten by 2014! That one year we all got tricked into listening to Dave Matthews was brutal (joking -- super nice and talented guys). But let's not forget that "grunge was dead." These guys give me a reason to limp around carrying a tripod. They give me a reason to write, share local music, and most importantly, my midnight park friends that deserted me have been replaced by new, fresh-faced half ass monkey boys! It's a win-win for all of us!





Our creative ideas, jokes and shenanigans are endless. The stuff we do for each other has no limit. It's obviously reminiscent of the '80s and '90s for me in Seattle. If I have to explain this, you're an idiot, you have no business reading this, and I should fire my publicist... but he's a monkey and currently homeless so I'm pretty much stuck with him.




Matt Strutynski , singer of the killer new band Van Ep's monkeying
around with Johndus, they are always at each others shows to show support




Chilling at Lake Washington live streaming an interview with Johndus
which I will upload soon as well -- it's part of an ongoing series of
interviews and comedy sketches with him we have planned. As a
Capricorn and entertainer, he is always down for a shenanigan, even if it means
pretending to get our chihuahua Charo to smoke a joint.






As we settle into winter again, we have seen many changes and we have all grown up just a bit. I think some of the band -- luckily for the mischievous ones -- have taken their careers to a new level.




The guitarist, Paul Fraser, writes a lot of the band's material as well as singing it, so as the guitarist his job is cut out for him, yet he is a pillar in the band and for sure keeps up the team morale with all his hard work.




Just another beautiful day in Seattle with The Mothership

The Mothership's bass player, Ryan Thornes, is one of the nicest guys, not to mention a great performer, and trust me -- it's not easy being in a band with Johndus. He's as unpredictable as he is talented -- almost anything could happen, yet at every show I've been to, this guy is calm, with a huge smile on his face and a joy to watch play. They may not all be perfectly behaved, but musically are perfect for each other.




Don't bother asking me which one is the mischievous one.
I'll give you 3 guesses but you only need one!

So on this beautiful day in Seattle a few weeks before Christmas, I send to you all this message from the classic holiday movie It's a Wonderful Life. No man is a failure who has friends. So no band can fail that sticks together. Keep being good to each other, boys -- the whole world's watching us all in Seattle!




In the movie It's a Wonderful Life, Clarence is motivated to save George's life in order to get his wings. Isn't life like that, though? Many people that come into our lives can, with small gestures, make huge differences in the way we look at our lives. You might even say if that person was not there at that moment-your life may be completely different.So with this story reference in mind, get your wings early this year -- how you do it is up to you, but one's sanity is tied to what they do for others, so if someone needs help, you should help them. Be that one person that made a difference in someone's life enough to change everything.




Have a wonderful and safe holiday, my friends. The new music coming out of Seattle and the friends I have made this year are all priceless to me, and I look forward to many years to come.
Your music is my gift this year!
- See more at: http://grungestorytellers.xanaland.com/2013/12/its-wonderful-life-in-seattle-now-that.html#more - Xanaland (Xana La Fuente)

Got the new The Mothership Album.....early...not released until March 28th but i am here to do a walk-through of the intensity of this album.

1ST Song in and right away I'm already sinking down through the rabbit hole. WOW i expected it to be good, but not this good, this is highly exceptional...my brain tingling with satisfaction through the vibrations...SO WORTH THE WAIT..been waiting over a year praying for new music by these guys and i was expecting greatness and forever gold..in return i got the true essence of musical magic that we haven't had in our bloodstreams since the 60's. 3 Songs deep and i think i just peed a little.. drums are fantastic, but the band as a whole is such a perfect setup.. everything they make is full of live and exploration into the minds and perception of reality. Phenomenally expressive..no slack, no mistakes, 4 tracks in and i am speechless.. thinking forward this might just be the best album and top band for 2014. Reminds me of everyone's individual path through life interacting at once..if your not on drugs..the music will make you feel like you are.. 5 tracks through already melting..couldn't think it would get better, i would of been happy still if the rest of the album was crap..but it got even better, i would give you the names of the tracks..but i feel the listeners should just start and play all the way through and find out for themselves... Halfway through the album i realized i haven't moved from my seat..not even an inch..I was a huge fan of the Mothership before and thought nothing would top their first album..this just might.. so far so good. The rest of the album is top notch and each individual track is its own creation..multiple styles and mixes of rock genres..I can tell you more but i believe my point was made. Album of the year 2014 and Band of the Year 2014 Nominations for www.unsignedrevolution.com (first band to be nominated for this year). I never give out 10's on rating music cause there is always room for improvement..this however is not the case..my third time in my life i am giving a perfect score. Album score- Solid 10
Reasons for "10" Score- Perfect and even towards the end of the album it gets even better..if an 11 would make sense..that's what they would of got. In my personal opinion the album is flawless and everyone should love it. You can pre-order, and hear the album streaming and to be released on March 28th. To me..hearing the entire album from start to finish was extremely refreshing, monumental, exhilarating, and just everything i hoped it was and could of been, tremendous applause and encore to the members of The Mothership.
Review by "Loyd Harrell" - Unsigned revolution

If words don't do it for you then check out their link and listen for yourself. http://themothership.bandcamp.com/

We will be doing a special radio broadcast featuring the whole album. on March 28th. Thankyou again Will Andrews, tell the band i am astonished and my ears are grateful for all the hard work. Also nominated for album and Band of the year 2014, more details later in the year, thanks again! - Unsigned Revolution

A beautiful spring day, sun shining, driving with the windows down and ‘Belly Acher’ is blaring thru the speakers. This combination brings me to an almost zen like state of mind…and that’s just ONE song off of The Bright Side of Dim, the new album from The Mothership!
After receiving this album for review, I was asked by one of the band members if I thought it was “too long”? HA! Too long? If anything it’s not long enough. Since it’s come into my possession it’s been in constant rotation. I can barely contain the excitement I’m feeling about seeing them perform songs from this album live at the Crocodile, during their CD release party March 28th, 2014.
The Bright Side of Dim is the perfect storm of sound that will sweep you away and take you on a mind blowing musical journey. The level of musicianship poured into this record is just outstanding; every note hits the mark without a single extraneous beat. Every track stands alone and has something different to love.One thing all the tracks have is powerful vocals; be it from front man Johndus Beckman, whose vocals range from notes as warm and smooth as liquid gold to within the next a heartbeat being full of gravel and rasp with the punch of a heavyweight boxer. Or from guitarist Paul Fraser who is equally powerful yet will still make you melt with his melodic vocals. Bassist Ryan Thornes, also lends his voice to a song on the album as well as of course his hypnotic rhythms. Finally bringing it all together is the ever so talented Will Andrews on drums. Delivering the crisp clean percussion at the heart of every song.
The album has everything you could want from catchy melodies you’ll be humming for days to deep heart wrenching lyrics. If you weren’t a Mothership fan before listening to The Bright Side of Dim, you will be before the end of the first song. No matter what order you play it in! - Seattle Sound Live

Biting guitar riffs, killer harmonies with drums and bass holding down the lower end and delivering the punch to augment the songs rather than over power them. This album is all over the place and we mean that in a good way. The Mothership follows no tired and sometimes worn out formulas, they test the waters, first by dipping their toes in and when it feels right they take the plunge and deliver the goods in an epic way.

The Bright Side Of Dim with a release date of March 28, 2014, is a 14 song thrill ride by one of Seattle’s most talented ensembles. Their bio states that the motivation behind The Mothership was borne from a communal dissatisfaction with their collective experiences in the local music scene and a passion to write songs drenched in melody and harmony. Well we’d say they accomplished that, again. The last album
Ten Miles Wide was great and this one is even better. This band seems satisfied to play within the pocket together rather than duel and try to outplay each other. What transpires is nothing short of audio excellence.

The album tastefully starts out with a brief eastern influenced intro and instantly makes the listener wonder what is coming next leading into an drum filled up-tempo tune called “Special Release Japanese B-Side”. On the short(1:59) but powerful ballad “Twitching”, the band further demonstrates that they are part of the elite class of northwest musicians. The acoustic guitar work is flawless and Johndus’ vocals are spot on. The next song is “Orb” and it is a blistering guitar driven rocker with haunting harmonies that sort of hits you over the head after being psychedelically lulled into some cosmic wasteland by the previous song. Very legit stick work by Will Andrews adds a lot to this one.

Pre-Order Bright Side of Dim here:

“Piranha Piñata” is a filthy retro rocker that would have worked just as well on a turntable in a weed-smoke filled room circa 1972 as well as it does today. This is the kind of music we need in 2014, more please. The upbeat “Slippy” will remind the listener of Queens Of The Stone Age and they pulled this one off masterfully.

This album is absolutely solid with top-shelf production and superior musicianship. Make no mistake, this isn’t just 14 songs randomly thrown together. Each song seems to set up the next and then takes you somewhere completely different than the last one. Headphones are highly recommended as well, there’s a lot going on that might get missed without them. This is a long album but it seems short at the same time. There isn’t a weak track on here and for us this is as good as music gets. - Northwest Music Scene (Glen Casebeer)

"Atmostphere, a few top hooks and some devistating riffage - "Bright Side of Dim" has that all covered in style. The results of their increased confidence and experimentations leave behind a devistatingly good alt-rock record... don't miss it. - Real Gone

Video mention. Click above - Rock it out blog

Video mention. Click above - Rock it out blog

Click the link above - Real Gone

Mothership are a Grunge/Space-Rock/Prog Rock Band from Seattle, USA

The members are: Johndus Beckman, Paul Fraser, Ryan Thornes, Will Andrews

Mothership are not like the other bands we promote on the blog but they intrigued with their mixture of Grunge, Space-Rock and Progressive Rock. Though they call themselves a Loud Heavy Alternative Rock Band.

Well that is a very cool description which I am going to stick with. As these Heavy Space Rockers are a great band that I didn’t know much about. But Thank The Rock/Metal Heavens they contacted me.

They released their debut album in 2011 – Ten Miles Wide is a 12 song blast of top notch tunes that venture between Space Rock and Progressive Rock with lashings of 90’s Grunge Rock for great effect.

The album does have a great sci-fi feel to them and you might spot some cool sci-fi references in the song titles and lyrics. As they are littered through out this excellent album.

Ten Miles Wide has a huge collection of heavy riffs if you’re into the genres mentioned above. Taking influence from diverse bands such as Muse and Soundgarden but adding a far out there Space Rock vibe to stand out from the crowd.

This is a band you don’t hear much of these days. The only band I could compare them to is sublime Aussie Space Rock Maestros – AVER.

If you like AVER then your going to love these. The songs are expertly written and played by the band. The album shows a band who add a great sense of imagination and wonder into proceedings to stand out from the crowd.

The album is expertly produced and plays to the bands strength in creating a mighty fine Space Rock/Grunge Rock vibe with a great Progressive Edge.

All in all this is an album I highly recommended if you want to hear something different. These excellent Cosmic Space Rockers will brighten any day or mood to any dis-concerning heavy rock fan.

Superb – Enough Said. Available from all Good Stockists Now. - Sludgelord

Mothership are a Grunge/Space-Rock/Prog Rock Band from Seattle, USA

The members are: Johndus Beckman, Paul Fraser, Ryan Thornes, Will Andrews

Mothership are not like the other bands we promote on the blog but they intrigued with their mixture of Grunge, Space-Rock and Progressive Rock. Though they call themselves a Loud Heavy Alternative Rock Band.

Well that is a very cool description which I am going to stick with. As these Heavy Space Rockers are a great band that I didn’t know much about. But Thank The Rock/Metal Heavens they contacted me.

They released their debut album in 2011 – Ten Miles Wide is a 12 song blast of top notch tunes that venture between Space Rock and Progressive Rock with lashings of 90’s Grunge Rock for great effect.

The album does have a great sci-fi feel to them and you might spot some cool sci-fi references in the song titles and lyrics. As they are littered through out this excellent album.

Ten Miles Wide has a huge collection of heavy riffs if you’re into the genres mentioned above. Taking influence from diverse bands such as Muse and Soundgarden but adding a far out there Space Rock vibe to stand out from the crowd.

This is a band you don’t hear much of these days. The only band I could compare them to is sublime Aussie Space Rock Maestros – AVER.

If you like AVER then your going to love these. The songs are expertly written and played by the band. The album shows a band who add a great sense of imagination and wonder into proceedings to stand out from the crowd.

The album is expertly produced and plays to the bands strength in creating a mighty fine Space Rock/Grunge Rock vibe with a great Progressive Edge.

All in all this is an album I highly recommended if you want to hear something different. These excellent Cosmic Space Rockers will brighten any day or mood to any dis-concerning heavy rock fan.

Superb – Enough Said. Available from all Good Stockists Now. - Sludgelord

The Mothership is a refreshingly genuine band from Seattle that is looking to make their mark in redirecting the reputation of Seattle's rock scene from dirty, sometimes whiny grunge from the past to a new era of of modern rock sure to bring the city's music scene back into the national spotlight. This quartet of seasoned musicians have come together to create some of the best new rock to come out of Seattle in nearly two decades. Obvious are their influences - noted by the band - like Soundgarden, Nirvana and Radiohead, but they bring a rich new primal sound to a scene that truly needs a new identity.

The four songs uploaded on The Mothership's Sunset Island Music page offer a very diverse, yet uniform sound that can only be credited as their own.

'Flower' is a song sure to get you to start forgetting the whole grunge genre mostly originating in Seattle in the early 90's. A little bit ska a little bit rock - Flower sounds like a crazy lovechild born by a couple who conceived to 311 and Alice In Chains - and trust me... I mean that in the best way possible!! The song and video have been added to the playlist of both the Sunset Island Radio and TV shows and is sure to make you want to go check out the rest of The Mothership's music. This song is truly what I call 'radio-ready' which means that if it were to get on main stream radio that it has the potential to become a huge hit.

Anyone who knows me knows my love for songs that include instant sing along parts like na na's and la la's... 'The Plank' doesn't disappoint with a mid-song collection of la la la’s sure to be stuck in your head instantly. Along with a killer guitars blazing throughout courtesy of front man John Beckman and grunge God Paul Fraser, 'The Plank' would surely give any of those 90's Seattle grung-ers a run for their money.

'Ugly Love', with it's laid back, part acoustic, part electric guitars brings back a bit of the sound of Nirvana's early days, which - as credited in The Mothership's influences, is never a bad thing, even if you're trying to break the mold of Seattle's flannel based grunge reputation. With their influences shining through, but with their own unique sound added in, it is a song that brings the band’s music to the forefront.

'LV-426' is a slower, yet still hard rockin' offering with some great harmonies throughout. Sometimes mellow and at times crankin' 'LV-426' is a song sure to have your head bobbing and fists pumping the minute it kicks in. This song embodies the creative song writing ability that they display in all their songs. It’s very apparent that this is a band that will be around a long, long time

The Mothership appears to have a bright and promising future. If this is what to expect out of the "new" Seattle scene, then a vacation to the Northwest United States may be in order. It’s very apparent that this is a band that will be around a long, long time and a band that needs to be taken very seriously.

Be sure to check out The Mothership's Sunset Island Music page at http://sunsetislandmusic.com/profile/TheMothership

Frankie V, Host of The Sunset Island Music Show - Sunset Island Music

The Mothership is a refreshingly genuine band from Seattle that is looking to make their mark in redirecting the reputation of Seattle's rock scene from dirty, sometimes whiny grunge from the past to a new era of of modern rock sure to bring the city's music scene back into the national spotlight. This quartet of seasoned musicians have come together to create some of the best new rock to come out of Seattle in nearly two decades. Obvious are their influences - noted by the band - like Soundgarden, Nirvana and Radiohead, but they bring a rich new primal sound to a scene that truly needs a new identity.

The four songs uploaded on The Mothership's Sunset Island Music page offer a very diverse, yet uniform sound that can only be credited as their own.

'Flower' is a song sure to get you to start forgetting the whole grunge genre mostly originating in Seattle in the early 90's. A little bit ska a little bit rock - Flower sounds like a crazy lovechild born by a couple who conceived to 311 and Alice In Chains - and trust me... I mean that in the best way possible!! The song and video have been added to the playlist of both the Sunset Island Radio and TV shows and is sure to make you want to go check out the rest of The Mothership's music. This song is truly what I call 'radio-ready' which means that if it were to get on main stream radio that it has the potential to become a huge hit.

Anyone who knows me knows my love for songs that include instant sing along parts like na na's and la la's... 'The Plank' doesn't disappoint with a mid-song collection of la la la’s sure to be stuck in your head instantly. Along with a killer guitars blazing throughout courtesy of front man John Beckman and grunge God Paul Fraser, 'The Plank' would surely give any of those 90's Seattle grung-ers a run for their money.

'Ugly Love', with it's laid back, part acoustic, part electric guitars brings back a bit of the sound of Nirvana's early days, which - as credited in The Mothership's influences, is never a bad thing, even if you're trying to break the mold of Seattle's flannel based grunge reputation. With their influences shining through, but with their own unique sound added in, it is a song that brings the band’s music to the forefront.

'LV-426' is a slower, yet still hard rockin' offering with some great harmonies throughout. Sometimes mellow and at times crankin' 'LV-426' is a song sure to have your head bobbing and fists pumping the minute it kicks in. This song embodies the creative song writing ability that they display in all their songs. It’s very apparent that this is a band that will be around a long, long time

The Mothership appears to have a bright and promising future. If this is what to expect out of the "new" Seattle scene, then a vacation to the Northwest United States may be in order. It’s very apparent that this is a band that will be around a long, long time and a band that needs to be taken very seriously.

Be sure to check out The Mothership's Sunset Island Music page at http://sunsetislandmusic.com/profile/TheMothership

Frankie V, Host of The Sunset Island Music Show - Sunset Island Music