Sunday morning. 9:30am. 2 days before THIS IS GONNA HURT is released. I don’t know why but this release feels different than any other record release I’ve ever been involved with. Usually there is an anticipation and a nervousness about how well the first week of sales will be and whether or not the record will “chart” (after all we are in the music BUSINESS), but this is very different for me. Those concerns don’t seem to exist. At least not in the familiar way. There is only one recurring thought that consumes me this time…WILL THIS RECORD AFFECT YOU THE WAY IT HAS AFFECTED ME? I am excited to hear from all of you as these songs find their way into your lives. I look forward to sharing this phase with all of you. I remember one day as a kid, I was standing in my fathers art studio watching him finish a painting (he is an artist and one of my biggest inspirations). I anxiously watched every brush stroke for hours, anticipating what color he would chose next and wondering what was going through his mind as he’d step back and ponder and then move in for another frantic series of swipes on the canvas. It was truly like watching a mad scientist at work…finally he reached down and picked up the small paint brush that he used to sign all of his paintings. As he finished signing his name, I eagerly asked “Is it done?” He looked at me with a smile and said “No, James…it’s just beginning!” I never forgot that.
And so here we are, about to lay our brushes down and say to all of you…”It’s just beginning!”
I’m so excited! -James
As I told Nikki before you guys have created a music master piece and I can’t stop listen to the songs.
The album is great and I hope it will be sky rocking in the charts and we fans will do everything to make taht possible for you guys because we love you xoxo
Indeed… Because Sixx AM is DIFFERENT then ANY OTHER BAND!!!! You guys ARE THE NEW QUEEN! Your Music is EPIC!! The messages PROFOUND!!! You guys have a chemistry that is mind blowing…. THIS IS JUST THE START!!!!
AWSOMELY COOL
)
Hey you finally BLOGGED! Yay! haha. I can’t wait men, the music and books that have been created by Sixx AM and Nikki have made my life worth living again. Gonna hopefully meet Nikki in Charlotte NC, wish you and DJ would hope onstage there for a “surprise” jam. Hey a guy can dream, cause dreams are the best thing the mind creates, and you make then come alive.
James thank you for sharing your words with us. I can say that the Heroin Diaries CD was completely amazing. The lyric journey was one that I can honestly say took the book to a whole new level. I eagerly await the release of this CD. I have always found the way Nikki expresses himself to be one that so many can relate too. It’s not just about drugs, it’s about evoking a feeling. As I started to read This Is Gonna Hurt I knew that once again I would be have feelings stirred that might have already been experienced or ones that I was yet to feel. I support this book and the CD because I think as The Heroin Diaries did by way of inspiration this body of work will do the same. To be an inspiration to others & to open their eyes, ears, and hearts is the biggest success as people that anyone can ask. Congrats to all of you and thank you for taking me along for the ridem/
Beautifully worded… sooooo excited. ;D
You guys are amazing and have written amazing songs. I have listened to them on iHeart and I can’t stop listening. Can’t wait to purchase the cd and download them as well. You certainly have a chart topping cd on your hands. I am spreading the word about this because it needs to reach the masses. Imagine what everyone would really be like if they knew and felt that it was OK to be different and saw themselves for their true inner beauty. I know Sixx:AM is not a touring band but I hope you, Nikki and DJ see and hear the fan demand and hope you consider touring at some point!!!!! Love you guys!!!!!
I always approach new music in a different way that most people. If it doesnt pull at my heart strings or if I cannot relate to it I wont listen to it. I streamed the cd most of yesterday til I had to leave. Some songs rocked my face off but then some of them brought me to tears. Some of pain and some of joy. I truly hope that everyone that gets this cd in their hands will feel the same way. NO matter what…. We are all beautiful in some way. xox DA
Creativity (SUCCESSFUL creativity at the) has been flowing at an unheard of rate in my studio too…no critics, no worries…WTF, this has never happened before…I can’t stop listening to the cd, I don’t even remember an album that moved me this deeply. People need to experience this live…
<3 CAT & CHLOE
I would buy plane tickets to see them live…dreams are free!
James, that was beautiful I just took a mind trip with you watching your Dad paint! It has only been a day since I had the chance to really listen to more Sixx A.M. songs other than “Lies of the Beautiful People” yesterday morning was like taking a dive into the Ocean using a cloud as the diving board, when I entered the water it hit me with a cold blast and a sting to my skin, then numbness followed by peace & a since of tranquility, love, thankfulness, shame, sadness, pain, acceptance . I could go on and on but each song I heard just over the first listen was adopted in to my soul and tattooed on my heart forever, I truly can’t say I have just one or two favorites I love them all like my children, I have grown up with my children but THIS IS GONNA HURT matured my heart and spirit to the point that I feel connected to others again and not like a cygnet with a beautiful Swan inside. Thank you James your voice is in my ears and on my heart forever. THIS IS GONNA HURT has saved me in so many ways.
I can’t wait for the album to come out! You guys are great and reach out to your fans! I went through a rough time a couple of years ago and all I had to do was listen to “Life is Beautiful” and I made it threw the day! Thanks again for the great music and the great lessons that you all teach in your music!! LOVE YOU ALL!!!
I can’t describe how much I look forward to close my eyes and listen to every word, every tune and let my heart and soul experience the whole thing! I’ve looked forward to albums before, but this is different. This is so much bigger than that. It’s like some sort of revolution. I can feel it. This is gonna change me. For the better. Thank you guys, for the bottom of my heart and soul. You are truly amazing.
Love from Norway
I’m really anxious to buy the new album. I heard the preview and the songs were amazing. thank you so much for making good music and for being so down to earth with the fans. I’m spreading the word. Everyone needs to listen to your music
**Hugz**
There was one problem as I saw it with the first record…. and that was that there were songs that while being good… weren’t ones you’d play over and over again…. therefore… you stopped and started the record.. or listened to your favorite one over and over… THIS RECORD on the other had is addictive the entire way through… I love the way that you went very pop on one hand and very industrial on others…. it is a palette of color options and audio candy. Its going to sell very very well…
TWICE your music has affected my life in remarkable ways! First, “Life is Beautiful” saved my life! I was at a really bad place, struggling with depression (My brother was killed in a horrific car accident at the age of 27, my dog became very ill seemingly overnight, and with 24 hours we had to make the call to put him to sleep, I volunteer at an exotic animal rescue and our oldest tiger was growing old and SHE passed, then one of my closest friends got word that her cancer had returned) so I was emotionally done…Couldn’t find my typical “Sagittarian sunshine” . Then I got a call that my dad unexpecedly passed away. This was IT. I had had enough. I was now officially an orphan (my mother died when I was 6 years old). Even though I have a fantasic husband, and two magnificent sons…I just couldn’t pick myself up. I went to the hospital to view my dad’s body, and realized as they brought “him” out to me, how permanent it was. Seeing him laying on the metal slab on wheels….Before I began the two hour drive back to my house, I did what I usually do, and put in your CD. Life Is Beautiful began… I had heard the song, the words at LEAST a million times, but this time I REALLY heard it. One line, one simple line, saved my life, “I was waiting for my hearse, what came next was so much worse, it took a funeral to make me feel alive”
Fast forward 4 years. My above mentioned friend (whose name is Lurie) is in the final stages of cancer. I have been taking care of her since the beginning of it’s ugly return. I’ve watched her never waiver her fatih, or give up hope. But here we are, after numerous doctors, numerous chemo treatments…at the end. She’s currently restful, and in no pain, thankfully but is sleeping alot. When you posted the link to listen to the new CD, of course, I went right there and listened to the WHOLE thing….and then it happened again. A moment between me and Sixx AM, words that touched my spirit, music that surrounded my heart in your song, “Smile” As tears rolled town my face, I could picture Lurie, laying in her hospital room, and the sun shining on her face,…I know her time is short, and as many times as I ask myself what I will do without her….I ask myself what would I do with out the three of you? James: I am friends with Lzzy Hale. She knows Lurie as well, I hope that some day you will have the chance to ask Lzzy about her (Lurie would listen to “Familiar Taste Of Poison” when she got chemo, it gave her peace…to this day, she calls Lzzy “her girl”….)
Anyway, you…BEAUTIFUL men (and that’s ALL spirit) will never know how much I appreciate what you have written. I hope to be able to tell you this face to face one day, till then, THANK YOU and please accept this as my cyber HUG!!
I feel your pain Missie. While no one ever really experiences loss and grief the same way, I lost my mother when I was 14 and my father in 2005 (and a whole lot of other grief in between). I think music is very personal and speaks to each of us in our own ways, but I do agree with your sentiments with “Life is Beautiful”. When you watch someone die, it is life changing. You realize just how precious it is. Peace & harmony always… Jen
Jen and Missie I agree with both of you I lost my grandmother when I was 16 and I’m scared that I will loose another grandfather soon because of chemo and I will never forget those people in my life today and how strong i have become today…There is never a time when I wake up and realize that life is changing everyday… I was there when I seen my grandmother passed away because she was talking to me and then she stopped breathing…When I listen to
<3
“Life is beautiful’ I will never forget her face and how close I was to her
With all do respect Jen,Missie,
Kaitlin Salmon
You know I asked myself, why the book and cd? Why put them together and as I started to hear the songs after reading the book it all came together. Art is depicted in different medias. We all learn in our on ways-are we a “hands on” learner, are we a kinesthetic person and need to see “how its done” or are we an audible learner and just need to “hear it” repeatedly. Well the book and CD have done it all. SIXX AM has done it in all ways. Afterall, SIXX AM was named after a geat group of Musicians-SIXX after Nikki, A for Ashba and M for Michael. What I have learned and depicted from my own thoughts and observasitions is that we are who we are and we have to deal with the cards we are given. Things happen in our ives and as a test we can choose to deal with the challenge or give up and ponder in our misery. I once read a quote, “Pain is Inevitable, but misery is optional.”. You see we are different-different ethnicities, dialects and languages, colors, and cultures. Whe all live together and have to accept who we are. We can’t let others dictate who we will become. Thank you Nikki, James, and DJ. A masterpiece well done and “It’s Just Beginingm”
This is a really intellegint way to answer the question.
Why the book and cd? Why put them together and as I started to hear the songs after reading the book it all came together. Art is depicted in different medias. We learn in our on ways-”hands on” learner, kinesthetic person and need to see “how its done” or an audible learner and just need to “hear it” repeatedly. Well the book and CD have done it all. SIXX AM has done it in all ways. Afterall, SIXX AM was named after a geat group of Musicians-SIXX after Nikki, A for Ashba and M for Michael. What I have learned and depicted from my own thoughts and observasitions is that we are who we are and we have to deal with the cards we are given. Things happen in our ives and as a test we can choose to deal with the challenge or give up and ponder in our misery. I once read a quote, “Pain is Inevitable, but misery is optional.”. You see we are different-different ethnicities, dialects and languages, colors, and cultures. Whe all live together and have to accept who we are. We can’t let others dictate who we will become. Thank you Nikki, James, and DJ. A masterpiece well done and “It’s Just Beginingm”
I can’t stop listening to the album. It is awesome! I love all the songs! They all have something that touches me. For example, TIGH gives me incredible energy with his rock steady rhythm; Live Forever and its catchy melody, Feel right and I imagine driving my car under the California sun cool & well
, Goodbye my friend is poignant and touching, as Skin (yet profound and true). And what about texts? they are all beautiful! Your album is more than succeeded! I love it and can not do without. Yes it hurt & touchet! Thank you. I really love you and hope to see you live and experience all those emotions live with you and all those who share this same passion for you & your music.
James / Dj / Nikki,
It’s been amazing been on this journey with ye all, the documentaries, the anticipation, the book, the music, the self examination, the acceptance, the pain and the beauty.
So much of this music seems so personal even though I had no hand in the composition. Skin is particularly mind blowing – the song and message are epic but delivered in a simplistic uncomplicated arrangement making it even more powerful. I wanna play this song for so many reasons to so many different groups of people, some who would love Sixx AM, some whom would love the song, some whom would love the message and others whom “I’d like to force to listen and say f*ck you to”, most importantly it challenges how I look at others and how I see myself.Thank you f*ckers
Brian
I am so happy the book is out and the album out tuesday. Love the insight. Love the pics in the new book, truely beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
I have to say thank you for creating such thought provoking music. My life is going through so many changes right now, you could say I’m “re-negotiating ” with myself. The changes are scary but something I new I needed to do. The books and the music you guys have created have given me a sense of extra encouragement and strength with what I am trying to get out of and making me feel like I can really do this. Thank you so much for the inspiration. You are only 34 days older than me and still evolving. So can I. Thank you. Smile. .
I have listened to the album 5 times now on iheart. I truly didn’t see how anything could be as good or better than The Heroin Diaries but you guys really topped yourselves. My favorite songs are This Is Gonna Hurt & Deadlihood, but I love the powerful music & vocals on Live Forever & Goodbye My Friends. Sure Feels Right takes me back to my 20′s, riding around with the T-tops out of my 85′ Monte Carlo with friends, nowhere to go, just enjoying being alive. Smile is a very pretty ballad & the song Skin is hauntingly beautiful between your amazing vocals and the incredible music. There is something for everyone on this cd & I want to thank you for all your hard work that you, Nikki & Dj put into it. The 3 of you together don’t just create great music, you make pure magic! ALBUM OF THE YEAR!
All of you are amazing at your craft and have made great music alone and with other artists. But the 3 of you blending your individual talents together create something so magical and beautiful, it’s no surprise that we love you all and this band so much. Can’t wait for Tuesday and thank you for recording a second cd of awesome music for us!
I was really upset when it seemed u thought ur songs could change the world cuz I dont think anything could change the opionions abt me of some of the people that have been so hateful & hurtful 2 me the last 4 years. Then I realized your songs changed how I feel abt myself – and that is a most amazing & beautiful thing & a miracle. Bravo.
It’s just beginning..and my new cure has begun since yesterday, I can relate to some songs and it will sure help other people. I keep on listening to the album, focus on everything…what an achievement, this is a masterpiece ! Thanks again…now we need a tour
My earlier comment didn’t post so I am going to try again. I have listened to the album 5 times now on iHeart & I just want to say I didn’t think anything could be as good or better than The Heroin Diaries but you guys really topped yourselves with this one! My favorite songs are This Is Gonna Hurt & Deadlihood, but I love the powerful music & vocals on Live Forever & Goodbye my friends. Sure Feels Right takes me back to my twenties, riding around with the T-tops out of my 85′ Monte Carlo with friends, not really going anywhere, just enjoying hanging out and being alive. Smile is a very pretty ballad & Skin is a hauntingly beautiful song with your amazing vocals and the incredible music. The whole cd is absolutely awesome! There is something for everyone on this cd & I want to thank you, Nikki & Dj for all the hard work you put into it. The 3 of you together don’t just create great music, you make pure magic! ALBUM OF THE YEAR!!!
Your music is amazing. It definitely touched me and helped me deal with a lot of demons I’ve been running from since a small boy. I finally am starting to realize that everything is okay. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. You guys are amazing.
Your music and the underlying theme to all of this could not be more on target on so many of the struggles that I and so many of my friend’s, and family have dealt with our entire ives…..Your messages are like ARROWS AIMED AT OUR HEARTS AND THE CLOSED MINDS of so many people out their. Thank you for using your gifts that God gave you to keep the messages alive in our hearts and other’s minds!
Just know that we are out there everyday fighting this battle as you are and the appreciation of seeing that someone that has that power and gift and is FLEXING MUSCLE FOR US too!!
Rock on my brother’s and know that when This is Gonna Hurt is RELEASED into the wild on Tuesday this WILD AT HEART girl is gonna be laying on her bed with her heart POUNDING listening to every chord and lyric over and over peeling back the layers and memorizing the words to reignite my passion to keep me moving in the solution to do what I can for those around me to keep our dreams alive!
Thank you guys….I CAN”T WAIT!!
Luvs, Teresa
I can’t wait to download this album. It sounds amazing, and so different than the other stuff that’s out now!!!
I havent seen this much buzz about an upcoming album release in I dont know how long. I know for me personally, I have never been more excited about a new release. After listening to it yesterday and relistening to it a million times, I cannot wait to have it pouring into both ears from my ipod with the volume set at maximum and James’ voice echoing in my head. Going to be great!
GET READY TO FEEL THE PAIN……
Sixx AM Presents…. “This Is Gonna Hurt”
The SIXXness Begins….
It’s very exciting!! I can’t wait to listen!
Thank you for your words and feelings. I love SIXX:AM.
)
You inspired me with your voice and talent. You are beatiful.(p.s. sorry, I´m coming from croatia, my english is not so good
Klaudija
TIGH is great. But I am not talking only about the music…The whole story about TIGH is amazing. Everything. Nikki’s photos, Nikki’s book, your voice, Dj’s guitar, documentaries, your msgs that you are trying to share with all of us… That’s what I like about TIGH…the whole story that goes with it. Very often I listen to some song and like it, and I don’t even care who made the song…I just listen to it… But, with TIGH is different… I wanna know EVERYTHING about it, I am totally INTO it, whether I like it or not!!!! Love, V
Oh I cannot WAIT to get my grubby little hands on the CD…..I LOVE IT I LOVE IT I LOVE IT!!!!! I’ve already decided I’m getting the chorus to “Skin” tattooed on. LOVE YOU GUYS!
You, Dj, and Nikki are my muses. You’re such an inspiration. Thank you for all your beautiful words. Peace, love & respect, Jen
That is a wonderful story about your Dad James. I can’t wait for the CD to come out.
Love your story about being a boy and watching your dad work. I can just picture it in my minds eye, so sweet. I think that when an artist has truly fulfilled himself he realizes that the life changing impact his art has on others is the true reward in itself.(Ok so money IS a nice reward too,LOL) It sounds as if you’ve reached this place.
I listened to TIGH a few times on iHeart and every song is brilliant! I can’t wait to hear it the way it was intended LOUD on my Bose, the computer speakers do it no justice. Looking forward to many hours of
losing myself in your beautiful voice……
Outstanding. Listened through the album via AOL. Oh My God is such a powerful song and will be opening hearts and minds. Keep up the great work and looking forward to the tour dates.
That was such touching story and the album, well it has changed me in ways I never thought were possible. It open me up to stuff in my childhood I had shoved way down and now its time to shake it loose. thank you… all of you (band and fans!).
I just got the CD in Border’s, NYC. After the first listen all I can cay is it goes beyond the first CD musically and lyrically. Good job and THANKS!
Very nice blog. Sweet. I bet that was wonderful having a father to look up too. That’s great he inspired you. No worries….you guys have to know it’s going to be a hit…you guys are a hit.
I just loved your story James.
TIGH really moved me when I first listened to it and it still does, every time I listen to the songs I start reflecting a little ‘bit about my life, it inspires me to write, to think and to live.
I can tell you that you are my inspiration and if someday I become famous for whatever, it will be, in part, thanks to you and the music you 3 make.
And if this is just the beginning I can’t wait to see how it grows.
Thank you a lot! I love you!
Hey there, since the other album I love Sixx AM, yours song have a different rythm style and have much emotion in it, life experience.
This album even suprise me more, ’cause it did touch me, in the way I feel. I was for 5whole years victim of bullying, I barely could have relations with people ’cause it was everyday, I have really bad times, and there’s more stuff but guess that was the worst, I never had no one at home, ’cause my father had to work outside of country and my mom work ’till late, so I never did talk to no one. I lost trust in people and lost the “true feeling” of friendship which I hate and still trying to get it back(thought I’m not a bad friend, I just don’t feel the way it should feel:/), and not just that, I had problems with my girlfriend ’cause of that too, couldn’t have an healthy relation since I never learned how to do that. I’m changing slowly and doing for it, but it’s really hard, so your songs really help alot.
If I would change what happen?I guess not, it made me a better person, not that I ever were bad, but I feel like I understand more of the world and threat people better way, and don’t look in difference. There were more huge problems, but that was the one that changed my life. Anyway, the way is in front! Was a long time ’till I admit I wasn’t okay, but I finally did it and it’s the right time for a change=)
Keep up with good work guys!