THE ANSWER

The Answer have released a classic debut album earlier this year that has one foot in the past via Led Zep and one foot firmly in the now.

They have supported Paul Rodgers and are currently touring the UK with fellow hard rockers Roadstar. Over to guitarist Paul Mahon...

1. What are you currently up to?

We are currently on the let goodtimes roll tour around the UK with Roadstar and Rosehill drive and will be heading to Europe for more touring in november and should be home in time for Christmas.

2. Could you take us through the songs (e.g. ideas behind the songs) on your excellent debut album?

The record kicks off with under the sky which is one of the heavier tracks we do, it started off as a jam and we worked it up to its present form. It kicks off the album as it grabs you by the balls and musically has little bit of our past, present and future. Preachin and Memphis Water are an expression of our blues roots. The album is the sound of us growing up and living in Ireland and looking out at the world going on around us and looking to get out there and experience it all.

3. What have been the live highlights so far and why? How did you get the Paul Rodgers support at the Albert Hall?

On the Alterbridge tour we did last year, on the last night Cormac and myself got up with the band to do 'rock'n'roll'. I got to trade solo's with Mark Tremonti which was fun. Playing with Whitesnake was amazing too, we were fans since we have been kids and it was great to watch them from the side of the stage everynite and the audiences were great to play to. Also we did a homecoming gig in Belfast before this tour started, it was the first time we had been there in awhile and it was sold out with the whole audience going crazy! Someone gave Paul Rodgers an album and he really liked it and invited us to play. It was a dream come true for us as we are massive free fans and the 1st song we all jammed on together was all right now.

4. How is the tour going with Roadstar? Have you seen more people coming along to your gigs?

The tour is going really well, nearly everynite has been sold out and the bands have been on top form.

5. Have you seen an upswing in interest in hard rock/classic rock recently?

Yes, I think the Darkness kicked a few doors down awhile back and allowed bands like ourselves and Roadstar to break through. I think kids are starting to discover hard rock again possibly through the downloading phenomenom, and finding bands that aren't in magazines, and classic rock bands from the 60's and 70's.

6. How do you think you have developed musically over the past year or so?

I think our musicianship has come on quite a lot as we spent a lot of time in the studio and playing live over the last year We have learnt from our producers and the other bands we have played with. I think our connection with the audience has gotten stronger as well from all the touring we have done.

7. How did you get your first break into the music business? What piece of advice would you pass onto budding musicians?

Our first break in the music business came from Steve Lamacq hearing our demo and passing it on to the guy who became our manager and from there we started showcasing in London and eventually signed a deal. To any budding musicians I would say make sure you are in it 100% for the music and are making music you love because sometimes that's all you'll have, its not an easy road to travel. And just keep plugging away as the next break can be just around the corner.

8. Any good rock 'n' roll tales to tell?

During the Whitesnake tour certain members of the band would join us during the drum solo for a few whiskies in our dressing room and on one occasion they didn't realize the drum solo was finished and were late back to the stage! Other rock'n'roll tales I cant tell as I would get myself and the others into too much trouble, what happens on the road stays on the road!

9. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I don't really get much spare time these days, spare time is spent mostly writing new songs. But I like to collect records and chill with me bitches.

10. Message to your fans...

Thanks for all the support, we really appreciate it and couldn't continue to do what we do without you guys! Hopefully we'll see you on tour along the way, keep believe in.