| 1. What are you currently up
to? |
Playing a show tomorrow (the 5th of nov.) for a live record release
with my instrumental rock/fusion band Cosmosquad. Then I'm off nov
8th to tour the UK with Sign Of 4 with Phil Mogg on vox. It's a new
group with a debut release on Track records. When i get back to LA
I'll be starting pre production and writing for the new Glenn Hughes
record that I'm producing and playing a bit on. We'll start recording
in December.
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| 2. Who was/is your biggest influence on your career?
|
Randy Rhodes. Also my Father for his support and constant inspiration
to keep me motivated and focused...
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| 3. What has been the highlight(s) and lowpoints(s) of your career to
date?
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To be honest, never having a job that doesn't pertain to music is my
highpoint. I've always played and made my living off music and
nothing else. The lowpoint will be working at fatburger at 45 years
old or playing a cruiseship gig. God forbid!!!!
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4. Sign of 4 - how did this project come about? How was the writing
of the material shared?
|
Phil and I first collaborated on Mogg/Way. I came to him thereafter
with the idea of producing a Phil Mogg solo record. It quickly
evolved into a band when ya put the 4 of us into a room together..
The songs started with music first. A riff or chord progression. a
bass line, a groove , a vibe.... It's always whatever inspires Phil
as a singer. He then puts his lyrical magic to work. No one tells a
story like Phil. He has such an endearing quality to his voice. It's
a rare thing that goes way beyond vocal technique. It's all heart and
soul.
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| 5. Your personal highlight(s) on the Sign of 4 album? Have you ever
toured the UK before?
|
The highlight for me is getting it done!!! Dammit , it's hard when
the singer lives in the UK and we're here in LA. The cover tune "clap
Hands" is a highlight because it was such an afterthought and rush
job , but it really turned out special. It has such a mood to it. The
writer Tom Waits is brilliant!!
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| 6. Cosmosquad - please tell us a bit about this project. What style
of music does the band play? Any plans to play UK/European dates with
this band?
|
Cosmoquad is a style and sound all of our own. It progressed over a
few years of mixing our heavy rock influences with latin, blues,
jazz, and African tribalrhythms. I believe that the way we blend all
these styles , while keeping it heavy, dark and moody, it what
defines the sound of Cosmosquad. Particularly on Squadrophenia. This
is the record where we achieved the vision.
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| 7. What made you want to play guitar? Any tips for budding
guitarists out there on how to make a living out of being a guitarist?
|
My brother wanted to play drums and I sort of fell into it. Football
playing wasn't panning out for a 100 pound 12 year old.
The tips for guitarists would be to collaborate with as many
singers as possible. Get the business side of music together. Always
consult attorney's for contracts. And most important down the road,
Don't forget why you started in the first place. It's to have a good
time and make music!!!
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| 8. Which artist(s) would you like to work with in the future?
Would you ever consider joining a band full time at all?
|
Good question!!! There are so many people I would love to work with.
The list is endless.
One full time band is a financial issue because the artist commits to
one band, lot's of money or no money, long tours.. And worst of all
it takes so long between releases.. Tough thing. I love the
commitment and the focus of a band. It would have to have creative
freedom and the ability to release records more often than once
every 18 months.
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| 9. What do you think about the current state of radio airplay in the
US? Do you think the Internet has helped music grow or hindered a lot
of bands via free downloading?
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I love the internet. It would be nice to spread the word about
artists without ripping them off. I've burned a few cd's as well. I
live in LA , the capitol of the music biz. I have to go to the Midwest
states to learn who the new us bands are. They don't break them in
LA . It's weird. Too many cookie cutter bands. I like variety.
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| 10. Message for your fans?
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Fans.. I didn't know I had any..Ha!!! Come say hello on a gig down
the road. I've met a lot of great people through the gift of music and
I'm so thankful of that.
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