On this episode of Westwood One's Rock Talk With Mitch Lafon, new interviews with Foreigner's Mick Jones, Mike Tramp and songwriter Jim Vallance. Alan Niven co-hosts.
Our first interview is a quick ten minute hit n' run chat with Foreigner's Mick Jones. We discuss the upcoming Jukebox Heroes musical, Lou Gramm's 'retirement', the future of Foreigner including more reunion shows this summer and going on without Mick, supporting the Shiner's Hospital, the upcoming Rainbow '78 DVD, the Cold As Ice Canadian Tour and more.
In out second interview, we chat with former White Lion vocalist Mike Tramp. He discusses being in regular contact with guitarist Vito Bratta, KISS & Paul Stanley, vocal issues, his new album Stray From The Flock, leaving America, his debut with Mabel, being a 15 year old 'rock star' and parental support, the end of White Lion is final, opening for KISS, the PRIDE album, rock n' roll is 'the big swindle' and much more.
(Starts at 1hr08 approx) We end the episode with song writer extraordinaire, Jim Vallance. We discuss his approach to songwriting, working with the greats (Bryan Adams, Scorpions, KISS, Ozzy, Aerosmith, Alice Cooper and so many more, the Broadway musical (Pretty Woman) that he scored with Bryan Adams, being a 'song doctor', meeting Bryan Adams, how does streaming affect the business of being a songwriter, Bryan Adams' Reckless album, playing drums on different songs, getting Lou Gramm to do background vocals, receiving the Order Of Canada award, his mantra, and much more.
ROCK TALK WITH MITCH LAFON - Via PodcastOne - White Lion, Bob Kulick And Vinnie Vincent Returns! In our first interview, former White Lion frontman Mike Tramp discusses his upcoming box set, is unambiguous in talking about Vito Bratta, talks touring and more.
In our second interview, guitarist Bob Kulick talks about his new solo record and working with W.A.S.P., KISS, Lou Reed and more.
And Mitch discusses the return of Vinnie Vincent with KISS expert, Greg Schmitt.
"This & That (But A Whole Lot More)" is the brand new box set from Mike Tramp, that is being released on the 1st of December in a limited edition of 1000 copies worldwide. The box set contains 5 CDs and 1 DVD with previously unreleased material from Tramps long career, but with brand new stuff as well.
Mike Tramp himself says this about the box set: "In the 21st century where the music business have become something like an old fashion garage sale and your loyal fans have become someone you address by first name and have a coffee with. It is with great pleasure that I give back to those who have stood by my side for so long and shared this journey with me, and now give them the key to my own personal vault of songs and projects I have done over the past 30 years. This Box set is from Mike Tramp to his fans".
On November 24TH and 25th, Mike Tramp and Band Of Brothers will be playing two memorable release shows at Halmtorvet 9 in Copenhagen. The box set will be available at this show, and you will be able pre-order it when buying a ticket for the show at this link to make sure you will get your hands on a copy: Here are ticket links.
Brand new single "Work It All Out" from Mike Tramp, released exclusively on the upcoming CD-box set "This & That (But A Whole Lot More)" - out 1st of December.
And watch the music video for "Work It All Out" here:
"Coming Home" is the brand new single released today taken from the album "Maybe Tomorrow" released on the 24th of February 2017 on Mighty Music/ Target Group worldwide (ex. Japan by Bickee Music).
Two years after part three in the trilogy that marked the albums “Cobblestone Street”, “Museum” and “Nomad”, MIKE TRAMP is back with a brand new album entitled “Maybe Tomorrow”. The album is without doubt one of the Danish singer/songwriter’s finest albums so far, and the nature of the music is deeply personal and rooted in himself.
Mike Tramp explains: “When people ask me, why I have made a new album and what it’s about, I find myself dumbfounded or even lost for words. Cause to me, what I do is who I am. It might have taken me quite a while to reach this place where I feel so at home, and also where I belong. A place where my music is simply an extension of who I am. It might not sound that interesting or mysterious! But in what other way can I express that my songwriting and music is the truthful life of Mike Tramp”.
“I don’t want to be anything else or try anything new. I am a torchbearer of my heroes and an offspring of my inspirations. I have not only moved away from the past, but I have grown and I have made my stand. When I listen to “Maybe Tomorrow”, I don’t just see myself, I now also see my faithful audience that have grown with me, and that is the best feeling of them all.”
Mike Tramp have recently finished another one of his massive US tours, and will be touring Europe extensively in support of “Maybe Tomorrow” – without doubt still one of the most hard-working men in the rock’n’roll industry!
“Maybe Tomorrow” was recorded at Medley studio, Copenhagen. Once again with his trusted partner Soren Andersen behind the knobs and on Guitar.
This is now the 6th studio album in a row together with Soren Andersen.
Also similar to the “Nomad” album, the same band was used: Morten Hellborn, Drums. Jesper Haugaard, Bass. Morten Buchholtz, Hammond organ & Piano. No other people were part in creating and recording this album.
‘Maybe Tomorrow’ will be released worldwide on limited edition blue colour LP (500 copies), black LP, CD and digital on February 24th 2017
Mike Tramp goes back to a full band set up for his latest album Nomad, but remains in the style and the tempo of his last couple of studio releases. This is another earthy, laid back collection of poignant songs of life, love and loss, told in a way only Mike Tramp can deliver.
Of course this isn’t for all fans of White Lion, Mike has long since moved on, but those like myself that have followed Mike throughout his career will as usual find a lot to like here.
Yes, it’s sparse and relatively laid back, sprinkled with as much acoustic guitar as there is electric, but it is nice to hear the type of songs Mike writes delivered with a bit more oomph.
The tempo stays relaxed for most of the record, so it’s not one to get fired up from, but rather a reflective lyrically deep set of songs that give an insight into how Mike sees the world at large and his own personal place in it.
Highlights from the consistent record include the classic Tramp opener Give It All You Got; the organ drenched Counting The Hours; the angst filled acoustic driven Bow And Obey; the dark yet musically breezy No More and the last two tracks which are very personal and open – Live To Tell and Moving On.
If you liked the last two Tramp albums, you’ll like this. Others will have to investigate first.
"Give It All You Got" is the first official radio single and video from Mike Tramp's upcoming album "Nomad".
This summer Mike Tramp was back in Copenhagen where the video for "Give It All You Got" was filmed and edited. Tramp has this to say about the production.
"For Someone who was a big part of the MTV video generation of the 80's where videos became short movies, record companies spent big cash on production and the artist's motto was "we want it bigger and better than the other bands", I can't express how gratifying it is to be able to do my new video, spanning across two evenings and with just one other person involved, who in this case wears both the cameraman and director hat. Yes, it might be late in my career, but I finally feel that I recognize and identify with the person on the other side of the camera, I am finally me, and tha'ts what it's all about..."
The "Nomad" album will the released on the 28th of August world wide on Target Records and Tramp is afterwards heading on an extensive European tour with support/backing back LUCER.
EUROPEAN TOUR DATES:
28 Aug 2015 Ph Caféen,Copenhagen, Denmark (album releases how)
29 Aug 2015 Sticky Fingers, Gothenburg, Sweden
30 Aug 2015 Debaser Strand,Stockholm, Sweden
05 Sep 2015 Rock Cafe St. Pauli, Hamburg, Germany
06 Sep 2015 De Boerderij Zoetermeer, Netherlands
07 Sep 2015 Bada Bing,Oostende, Belgium
09 Sep 2015 The Diamond Sutton in Ashfield, UK
10 Sep 2015 Bannermans Bar, Edinburgh, UK
11 Sep 2015 The Classic Grand,Glasgow, UK
12 Sep 2015 Diamond Rock Club,Ballymena, UK
13 Sep 2015 Roundy Bar Cork, Ireland Tickets
14 Sep 2015 The Workman's Club, Dublin, Ireland
16 Sep 2015 Marine Hotel Colwyn Bay, UK
17 Sep 2015 Iron Road,Evesham, UK
18 Sep 2015 Fat Lil’s Witney, UK
19 Sep 2015 The Cluny,Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
20 Sep 2015 Yardbirds,Grimsby, UK
22 Sep 2015 The Live Rooms, Chester, UK
23 Sep 2015 Robin 2, Bilston, UK
24 Sep 2015 Our Black Heart,London, UK
25 Sep 2015 The Railway Music Venue Bolton, UK
26 Sep 2015 Corporation, Sheffield, UK
30 Sep 2015 Pacific Rock Cergy, France
01 Oct 2015 Rockpalast, Bochum, Germany
02 Oct 2015 Paunchy Cats Club, Lichtenfels, Germany
03 Oct 2015 Night On Fire Festival Pfinztal, Germany
Mike Tramp completes what he calls his trilogy on his journey to show who he is and where he stands. With Nomad, Tramp reaches the final step on the ladder he started climbing (with Cobblestone street), with a full band album, from first to last song.
Tramp goes all out by saying "With this album I have done and said it all, I am going nowhere else."
In the spirit of the album, Mike Tramp with special guests - Lucer embarks on a massive european tour in late summer taking them to Denmark, Germany, Sweden, England, Netherlands , Belgium, Northen Ireland, Ireland, Scotland and Wales .
September:
5th Hamburg - Ger- Rock Cafe St. Pauli
6th Zoetermeer - Hol - Boerderij
7th Oostende - Bel- Bada Bing
9th Sutton - UK - The Diamond
10th Edinburgh - UK- Bannermans
11th Glasgow- UK- Classic Grand
12th Ballymena -Northern Ireland - The Diamond
13th Cork - Ireland - The Roundy Bar
16th Colwyn Bay - Wales - Marine Hotel
17th Evesham - UK - Iron Road Rock Bar
18th Whitney - UK - Fat Lils
19th Newcastle - UK - Cluny
20th Grimsby - UK - Yardbirds
22nd Chester - UK - Live Rooms
23rd Bilston - UK - Robin2
24th London - UK - Our Black Heart
25th Bolton - UK - Railway
26th Sheffield - UK - Corporation
MIKE TRAMP returns with a new solo album 'Nomad' this August.
Following his first live appearance in Russia, Mike Tramp have completed his next album in Medley Studio in Copenhagen, Denmark. As on his previous 4 albums, co-producer and engineer, Guitar player Soren Andersen, is once again Tramps partner in crime.
The new album will be a full band album from first song to last, and Tramp & Andersen are joined by Morten Hellborn, who played with Tramp and Andersen in the Rock n Roll Circus and bass grooving is being handled by fellow Dane Jesper Haugaard. Hammond B-3 organ will be another Tramp family member, Morten Buchholz.
Tramp says about the new album, "a full rock album was always just amatter of when and this sees once again a natural progression from Cobblestone Street and Museum", but Tramp hints that this is for sure a pure rock album of classic origin and the word acoustic will not be part of the description of it. Fans of Tramp's debut solo album Capricorn, Recovering the Wasted Years and More To Life than this should rejoice. "This is not a departure, it is a contiuing journey onward."
The Album will called Nomad and out late August, followed by a European tour, September onward.
Target Records are proud and happy to announce new world wide album-deal with Mike Tramp!
Mike Tramp returned home yesterday to sign a new world wide album deal with Target Group CEO Michael H. Andersen. We can't wait for the upcoming album to hit the stores in August 2015.
The new album will be the follow up to last years critically acclaimed album 'Museum' and it will be Mr. Tramps fourth album-release together with Target Records.
Not a truer line has been written when Mike Tramp’s bio described his album’s a musical diary of his life. Mike certainly wears his heart on his sleeve and pours that heart into his songs.
It’s something I respect the singer/songwriter for immensely, even when I’m occasionally not totally in tune with his musical output.
Mike has recorded some of my favourite singer/songwriter material. His Recovering the Wasted Years album remains an all-time classic for me.
Last year’s Cobblestone Street I thought was a little hit and miss, but the new album Museum is a much stronger affair.
Museum continues the stripped back, acoustic driven sound that Mike’s solo career has been based upon, perhaps a little more energetic than Cobblestone Street.
But at the heart of the album are some more truly inspiring songs.
None better than Trust In Yourself. Mike’s raspy vocal and haunting style are an immediate positive and the message is strong.
The layered acoustics of New World Coming draw you in, before the bluesy earth tones of Down South offer something new for Tramp fans.
The sparse piano ballad Better is another highlight for me, both in the lyrical quirk and the style of the song.
Freedom is a more uptempo and musically layered song while the again haunting Commitment returns to the sparse and raw emotional side.
The trio of songs that follow offer more insights into Mike’s life and continue the quality of earlier tracks.
Time For Me To Go is another great song and closes a very consistent and enjoyable record.
This is another one for long time Tramp devotees. Those that get Mike know what’s coming and based on the songwriting here, should rate this very highly.
Those that prefer the heavier White Lion or Freaks Of Nature sound might still find this a little stripped back for their tastes, but I urge those to take a good listen as skipping this album will miss some classy new songs.
In episode 38 of One On One with Mitch Lafon. Mitch's co-host is his daughter, Jayda. This episode features interviews with former WHITE LION frontman, MIke Tramp, and Charm City Devils' John Allen.
In our first interview, MIke Tramp talks about his new album Museum, his new musical direction, the importance of making new music, his time in White Lion and much more.
Our second interview is with drummer turned frontman John Allen of Charm City Devils. John discusses the band's new album Battles, making the switch from drummer to frontman, his time in SR-71, losing bassist Jeff Reid to cancer, opening for Bon Jovi and much more.
This Episode of One On One With Mitch Lafon is brought to you by the MelodicRockFest 4 - taking place October 3rd and 4th in Arlington Heights, Illinois and features performance by Mitch Malloy, Heaven's Edge, 7th Heaven, Talon, Paul Laine, Bombay Black, Johnny Lima and many more.
Listen to the One On One With Mitch Lafon Podcast on iTunes, Spreaker and Stitcher.
Follow my co-hosts: MARK STRIGL on TWITTER: @Strigl and Talking Metal: @talkingmetal
and Follow RUSS DWARF on TWITTER: @RussDWaRf and his band the KILLER DWARFS: @KillerDwarfs
One on One With Mitch Lafon's Official Twitter is: @1On1WithMitch
See the new video "Trust In Yourself" from Mike Tramp's upcoming soloalbum "Museum".
It's not more than a little over a year ago Mike Tramp released the semi-acoustic "Cobblestone Street" album - An album that showed Tramp from a more singer-songwriter and roots-based angle than his earlier work. Now the former frontman of million-selling hard rockers White Lion is back with a new solo album entitled 'Museum'.
Since the release of 'Cobblestone Street' Tramp has been on an ongoing tour all over the world playing +130 shows from Australia to Europe to the States, where he's been playing 40 shows this year alone.
In August Mike Tramp is ready with a new album entitled 'Museum', which is following the musical steps of his last album. Listen to and watch the first single "Trust in yourself" here:
Mike Tramp - Trust In Yourself (official music video)
The video is directed by Mike's son Dylan Tramp.
'Museum' is produced by Soren Andersen and recorded and mixed at Medley Studios, Copenhagen and will be released world wide August 18th (in GSA August 15th) by Target Records.
Mike Tramp will release his new solo album MUSEAM August 15.
Today he launched the firts single/video fro the album with this message: "Back in Hollywood. Left Arizona at 6am this morning after 3 hours of sleep just wanted to get on with the day. Had a blast last night, was really great to be back on stage. Thanks for all the Fathers Day thoughts, now if my kids could do the same then I guess all would be good. Anyway it's been two years since I recorded "Cobblestone street" and a year and a bit more since it was released. Now it becomes my previous album as we are getting ready for "Museum" soon. So without any further delay. Here is the first single "Trust in yourself". Video directed by my son Dylan Tramp, thanks blue, dad loves you. Enjoy, Tramp."
