Interviews

4 (1)
A (3)
B (16)
C (8)
D (26)
E (4)
F (4)
G (20)
H (17)
I (1)
J (50)
K (11)
L (7)
M (26)
N (8)
O (2)
P (13)
Q (2)
R (19)
S (36)
T (23)
U (3)
V (2)
W (2)
Z (1)

Artist	Title	Link
Larry Greene	Harlan Cage - Larry Greene (1998)	Interviews
Peter Scheithauer	Stream - Peter Scheithauer (1998)	Interviews
Mark Mangold	Mark Mangold (1998)	Interviews
Gary Hughes	Gary Hughes (1998)	Interviews
Stan Bush	Stan Bush (1999)	Interviews
Rik Emmett	Rik Emmett (1999)	Interviews
Ted Poley	Melodica - Ted Poley (1999)	Interviews
Steve West	Steve West & Bruno Ravel - Danger Danger (2000)	Interviews
Bruno Ravel	Steve West & Bruno Ravel - Danger Danger (2000)	Interviews
Kevin Chalfant	Two Fires - Kevin Chalfant (2000)	Interviews
Tommy Farese	Tommy Farese (2000)	Interviews
Goran Edman	Kharma - Goran Edman (2000)	Interviews
Nelson	Nelson - Gunner Nelson (2001)	Interviews
Under Suspicion	Under Suspicion (2001)	Interviews
Helge Engelke	Dreamtide - Helge Engelke (2001)	Interviews
Helge Engelke	Dreamtide - Helge Engelke (2001)	Interviews
Gary Hughes	Ten - Gary Hughes (2001)	Interviews
Jimmy Lawrence	Skin Tag - Jimmy & Charlie (2001)	Interviews
Charlie Calv	Skin Tag - Jimmy & Charlie (2001)	Interviews
Danny Vaughn	Vaughn - Danny Vaughn (2001)	Interviews
Pontus Norgren	Humanimal - Pontus Norgren (2001)	Interviews
Solli	Sons Of Angels - Solli (2001)	Interviews
Tony Harnell	TNT - Tony Harnell	Interviews
Robert Fleischman	Robert Fleischman (2002)	Interviews
Mark Boals	Ring Of Fire - Mark Boals (2002)	Interviews
Andre Andersen	Royal Hunt - Andre Andersen (2002)	Interviews
Tony Mills	Tony Mills (2002)	Interviews
Jesse Damon	Silent Rage's Jesse Damon	Interviews
Michael Bormann	Michael Bormann (2002)	Interviews
Kevin Chalfant	Two Fires - Kevin Chalfant (2002)	Interviews
Pulse	Pulse (2002)	Interviews
Pete Lesperance	Harem Scarem - PART 1 - Pete Lesperance (2002)	Interviews
Martie Peters	Push (2002)	Interviews
Leif Johansen	21 Guns (2002)	Interviews
Dario Mollo	The Cage (2002)	Interviews
John Parker	Talon - John Parker (2002)	Interviews

Freddy Curci (2005)

Freddy Curci: From Alias to Zion - The Complete Curci. From his best known role as frontman of Alias, to his roots fronting Sheriff, through the solo years, the Alias demos and back to his new project Zion – Freddy covers it all in this new interview. Freddy? Yes. Andrew from Australia Oh, Andrew! How are you going? Good, man. How are you? Very well, thank you. I'm a few minutes late of course but at least this time I called. [Last scheduled time I forgot…Ooops] Oh, no. Not at all. It's fine. It's only 4:15 in the afternoon. Terrific. Have you got a moment to chat? Absolutely. Fantastic. Great to talk to you after all this time. Yes. I've been a fan since the debut, in fact. I picked that up upon release back in the day. Oh, my gosh. Longtime fan. So you're calling from Australia? I'm from Australia, indeed. And where are you calling me from now? I'm in the state of Tasmania right down the bottom. Incredible. I love Australia. Do you? Have you ever been down here? Yes I have. I did a promotional tour with Alias down there and it was unbelievable. Is ...

Wed

Feb

Troy Lucketta (2005)

Troy Lucketta: Tesla strip it back one more time. Another interview from Ron & Don Higgins. Again, a little late getting online, so apologies again. Troy talks about the just passed tesla acoustic tour and what's next for the band. Ron: First I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to talk with us. I know you guys are busy with kicking off the new tour so probably the best thing to ask is, you kicked it off last night, right? How did the show go last night? Troy: I guess it was good. I mean it's hard you know, it's such a different experience than the electric experience, you know, the acoustic thing is obviously a different experience for the Tesla people. Ron: Was it a pretty big crowd? I think the place only held about 800 people. Ron: Oh, OK, so an intimate… Troy: It was sold out. In a situation…I mean we just decided on this tour that, because when you tour a lot and you play a lot of the same songs, you only have an hour to play, which was our case when we were touring with the Scorpions, and you know, we ...

Wed

Feb

Mark Kendall (2005)

Mark Kendall: The man behind Great White steps out on his own. Shame on me for not getting this posted online sooner, but here it is. Being that it's an enjoyable and not overly time-sensitive interview, I think fans will still get a lot from it. This time however, it's not me doing the interview, but rather my Ohio buds Ron and Don Higgins, who help out transcribing interviews for the site. Their turn to sit down and chat away to one of the great guitarists from the last 20 years. Mark Kendall Interview (Date 3/3/05) Mark: We were going to a dinner and then we cancelled it and now I'm home. We were going to go with Joe, my singer, but they cancelled so we cancelled too. Ron: That's cool. Don: Not a big deal at all. Ron: Every time we do one of these interviews something happens, so that's just par for the course. So that's great. Mark: <Laughs> Ron: I explained to him, Don, about Melodicrock and that we're taping the interview, we're going to transcribe it and then have Andrew post it to the site. Mark: It's a cool site. I actually ...

Wed

Feb

Starbreaker (2005)

Starbreaker: The Start Of Something Special. Vocalist Tony Harnell and guitarist Magnus Karlsson talk about their hard rocking Starbreaker album and how it come together across two continents! An Interview with Tony Harnell Ok Mr. Harnell…Time to start the interrogation! You've always been a busy man, but Starbreaker does further lift your profile in the rock world - how has the reaction been to the album thus far? Amazing. Especially when you consider that this started as one of those project albums!! Let's talk about the origins of the project first - you were slated to do a solo album. Who approached you to do that and how did it progress from there? This never had anything to do with the solo album though, this was a totally different animal from the start. Something else to distract me further from doing my solo album :) Anyway, Serafino at Frontiers was calling me a lot and we were talking about doing something together. We decided to start the relationship with a project album to see how things went. At first we were not seeing eye to eye on the direction, and this almost didn't happen ...

Wed

Feb

Heaven & Earth (2005)

Heaven & Earth: All Is Revealed. Guitarist Stuart Smith talks Heaven & Earth - past and present - that re-release and missing lead singers included! Stu, I guess the main objective of this interview is to promote the re-issue of the debut Heaven & Earth release…itself a bit of a classic. Now, why the need for a new version - especially as it's already been released in Asia and Europe separately? As you know we started our own label Black Star Records that, for the time being, is focusing on the States. The worldwide rights to the first Heaven & Earth album have finally reverted back to me and we felt that this would be an ideal first release as it's never been brought out officially over here. Did copies of the initial release make it through to the USA at the time, or are you finding fans are picking it up now? There were copies of this album in the States as the companies that released it in other territories had exported it over here, which was expressly against the contractual agreements we had with them but it's no use blaming a shark for being a ...

Wed

Feb

Glenn Hughes (2005)

Glenn Hughes: The Soul Mover Speaks. Glenn Hughes talks at length about his soullyfully rocking new solo album, Iommi Hughes, that live DVD and a bunch of other great stuff! This is a MP3 Interview in 5 Parts! I hope you enjoy the concept - it allows the lengthy interview to be placed online quicker than waiting for a transcript to be typed out. Highlights of the interview include: "The last 10 years ... it's been a nice little ride, now let's get serious. What's missing for me is that I wanted to start focusing on what makes me tick. I want to make records now for the way I will be remembered in 10 years time. I made a lot of records, what I did with From Now On…Feel…all different…that was a guy figuring out what I really want to do. It's all me (style changes) – it takes me quite a while to feel comfortable in my own skin. I'm really happy with the focus of what's going on right now….I'm allowing myself to have fun with my music now. Labels that want me to be one dimensional – no – I'm going to do what I want to do. I ...

Wed

Feb

Joe Lynn Turner (2005)

Joe Lynn Turner: The Usual Suspect. Joe Lynn Turner talks about his new solo album, life with Richie, nursing Yngwie and some other great stories! Thanks to Ron Higgins for his work transcribing this interview! Hey Joe, Nice to talk to you. Right. I appreciate your time. No, I appreciate your time. I mean, what took us so long to get on the phone and do an interview? I'm not sure. I don't know, because I love your site. I'm always on it. Thank you. I'm always checking things and checking new releases and who's doing what to whom. Honestly I am because I really do appreciate your take on what's good, what's not good, and so on. Well, hopefully I get it right most of the time. Oh, I think you do. That's what I mean, most people get it wrong most of the time, so you're on the other end of the spectrum. Thank you, Joe. I appreciate that. I mean that. No kidding. I'm not just kissing your ass. I'm not. I'm just saying, I check and see what you do. I listen to sound bytes and I go, “Hmm, I think Andrew's on it.” ...

Wed

Feb

Andy Johns (2004)

Andy Johns: The man Behind The Legends. Record producer Andy Johns talks about some of his experiences over the years, including work with Van Halen, Eddie Money, Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones... Well, how are you? Well, I'm all-right. It's been a bit hectic this week but I'm getting things sorted out. Yeah, I hear you've been to Florida and back. No, not me. Oh, OK. I was gonna go, now it's not Florida, I've got to go to Chicago and then San Francisco. Well that's a nice schedule. …to do some guitar stuff with Rick Nielsen from Cheep Trick and Joe Satriani. Oh really! What are they doing? Well it's for this…Desmond Child is producing, executive producing this Latino artist called Alejandro Guzman. And he wrote all the songs and they just wanted Scott and I to sort-of cast around and get some guitar player types. And that's what we came up with. You can't get past Rick Nielsen and Satriani can you? Well they wanted Eddie Van Halen but he didn't want to do it 'cause he said Warner's wouldn't let him. Right, OK. That was his excuse anyway. (laughing) Yeah, I might get on ...

Wed

Feb

Gotthard (2004)

Gotthard: A new team in 2004. Gotthard Interview with Steve Lee by Sven Horlemann - from the Bang Your Head Festival 2004 At the Bang-Your-Head Festival in Germany (read the review here) I had the chance to talk to Steve Lee from Gotthard right before their concert. We did the interview in German, so what you are about to read is my translation. Thanks go out to Frank Süpfle to make it happen. MelodicRock – Hello Steve, I would like to know the actual status with in the band. Last news is you have a new band member. Also 'Human Zoo' marks a new era for the band because it was the first time Gotthard worked without Chris von Rohr (mentor of the band since the beginning). Steve – Well I have to say that the 'Human Zoo' tour was the best tour we ever did. After 14 years of Gotthard rocking the world me and the band are very proud on what we achieved. You know that being in such a kind of business you have your highs and lows, but until now each year we were fortunate enough to get the band another step further. We also stick to our original music ...

Wed

Feb

Dokken (2004)

Dokken: Hell To Pay in 2004! Dokken guitarist Jon Levin talks in detail about the new Dokken album Hell To Pay and about life in the band in general. Jon talked to Ron & Don Higgins, good friends of mine, who put their hands up for the interview and conducted it with enthusiasm. Thanks guys... Ron: How are you doing, Jon? Jon: I'm doing great. Don: There's two of us on the line. I'm not sure if they told you that when they set this up but, I'm Don and then there's my brother, Ron. We're twins. Jon: Hey, guys. What's going on? Ron: Not much. Don: We'll be doing this together. In fact, we met you on Friday night; you may or may not remember. Jon: Oh, okay. Don: At the show in Cincinnati. Jon: Awesome. Don: And by the way, that was a really good show. I was really impressed with the way the whole band sounded and, in particular, with the way that you really seemed to match all of George Lynch's notes. You did an outstanding job. Jon: Thank you very much. Don: It was really good. I liked the new song that ...

Wed

Feb

Magnum (2004)

Magnum: A brand new sound for latest CD. Magnum Interview with Bob Catley and Tony Clarkin by Sven Horlemann - from the Bang Your Head Festival 2004 At the Bang-Your-Head Festival in Germany (read the review here) I had the chance to talk to Bob Catley. It was fun to talk to him (as you will see in the interview). By chance Ollie from SPV got me another 15 minutes with Tony Clarkin, and I didn't had to think twice about interviewing one of my guitar idols. Thanks go out also to Mirko for making it happen. MelodicRock – Hello Bob, thank you for taking your time to talk to MelodicRock.com Bob – Oh oh I lost my voice I can't speak. MelodicRock – I had the chance to talk to Lenny from Kingdom Come yesterday, though right after the concert all interviews where cancelled because he caught a cold and the voice was gone. Bob – Lenny Kravitz? MelodicRock – Oh no, more like Lenny Wolf from Kingdom Come. Bob – (fumbling with some cigarettes) I am going to blow some smoke in your face. Ah, filthy habit. (begins to sing). MelodicRock – … Bob – Have we started yet? MelodicRock – Yes. Bob – Ok. What's your name again? ...

Wed

Feb

Steve Lukather (2004)

Steve Lukather: The hardest working guitarist in the business. Steve Lukather, the legendary Toto guitarist and phenomenally popular session man lays it all on the line in this exclusive interview conducted a couple of months back. Steve and Toto have both had illustrious careers and Toto continues to tour heavily throughout Europe and beyond. Their work schedule is at time grueling and life on the road can take its toll. Steve talks candidly about the life of a rocker on the road and the ups and downs of the loss of a stable routine. That's here in the now - Steve also delves into the past for some more brutally honest and at times, hilarious insights into his career and life with Toto. We talk about the singers, the record labels, the current musical climate and plenty more. I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did conducting it. Special thanks to Don and Ron Higgins for their tireless work in transcribing the interview. What's up! Steve! You there you old bag? (laughs) How are you mate? We finally, actually talk on the telephone. I hear the voice now. Yeah, exactly. Yours too, how are you? Good ...

Wed

Feb

Eric Martin (2004)

Eric Martin: Destroying Those Monsters. Eric Martin talks about his current solo album Destroy All Monsters, a new project with Jack Blades, that Mr. Big tribute album and life in general... It's always good to have a chat with Eric Martin. This interview is pretty loose and laid back – more of a chat than an interrogation, but I hope everyone enjoys it nevertheless. We'll begin with Eric mentioning the new album…. We should talk about that, eh? Yeah, we can talk about it, because, I mean I haven't done shit for like 4 months. I haven't done shit. I've been devoting most of my time and energy to my family and friends and I'm bored out of my fuckin' mind. Recently, I've just been getting some new band personnel to play local shows. Cool. I have a pretty good nucleus of a band right now, all new players to go there. Okay. Mark still with you? Mark Holley? No, he's not with me. Oh, that's too bad. He was a good guy. Yeah he was a really good guy. We still see each other. I just wanted to get someone who was… there's this guy, it's not all set in ...

Wed

Feb

Jack Blades (2004)

Jack Blades: 20+ years later – a solo album! Jack Blades is always a good interview - interesting conversationalist and of course there is always a dozen projects to talk about at any given time. This is my forth official interview with Jack and he remains as entertaining as ever - talking about his current passion, a new solo album. Thanks as always go to Ron Higgins for transcribing the interview for me. How are you Jack? I'm great, Andrew. How are you I'm good, thanks. Wait a minute. My wife is really upset with me right now. Oh, is she? No, it's okay. She's not upset with me anymore. What have you done? It's okay. I haven't done anything. How are ya? Working hard, mate. Working hard. And you? I've just got off the phone with Eric [Martin]. He told me you were going to call him today. He said you were swapping stories. Yep. We're swapping stories as it were. He tells me you guys are working on something. That's very good to hear. Did he tell you what it was? Not really. He said he couldn't really yet, but he just said you two were working on something for ...

Wed

Feb

Danny Danzi (2004)

Danny Danzi: Welcomes You To Danziland. Danny Danzi has proven to be one of the more popular personalities on the melodic rock scene and in this interview provides some interesting and honest insights into the making of his new solo album DaniLand and surviving the last 4 years. Mr Danzi! Here we go with that interview that's long overdue! Mr. McNeice! You know, we've never done an interview, have we? Long overdue for sure....then again, what the hell could you have possibly asked me anyway? "Danny, will it come out this year?" Hahahahaha! Congratulations on the new album mate - long overdue (which we will get to) - but well worth the wait! Ah thanks man, I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I know you're not easy to please, and neither are the AOR fans. We did the best we could though....and I like to think it was worth the wait too. We'll see how the others feel. *prays* :) What are your personal feelings now that it's all said and done and about to be unleashed on the world?!! Bless me Father for I have sinned, it's been 5 years since my last album release and my fans are pissed! ...

Wed

Feb

Keith Olsen (2004)

Keith Olsen: Producer, Engineer, Classical Artist and Industry Advocate. Famed record producer Keith Olsen talks in detail about the life of a producer and some of his experiences working with such artists as Sammy Hagar, Rick Springfield, Fleetwood Mac, Foreigner, Pat Benatar, Kingdom Come, Eddie Money and more. He also talks about the record industry's battle with file sharing and much more. A very special thanks to Ron and Don Higgins for transcribing the 90 minute+ interview for me. Cheers guys. Hi Keith, many thanks for your time and your willingness to talk to me about your career. I gather you're on the West Coast? Yes, I'm up here in Seattle. How long have you been there? I've been here 3 and a half years. OK, OK, and previously in LA? Yeah. LA for 27 years before that. I got head-hunted by this company called Mackie Designs (www.mackiedesigns.com). I had to go to their office in Seattle. Yes…. And I ran their professional products division. And we have parted ways. When they were purchased, Greg Mackie was bought out, and I thought it would be time for me to go too. And you'll stay up there, do you ...

Wed

Feb

Bret Michaels (2004)

x Bret Michaels: Poison and solo - the best of both worlds. Something a little different for you. Some of my phone interviews are lovingly transcribed by the rather awesome Ron and Don Higgins. Much appreciated guys! Anyway, they asked if they could possibly team up and interview Bret Michaels on behalf of the site - which I thought was a great idea. Below is the interview - a nice indepth look at the Poison frontman, who has recently released his new solo album Songs Of Life. Ron: Bret Michaels! How are you doing?! Bret: I'm doing awesome. Ron: I'm sorry to hear about your voice. Apparently you're having some troubles? Bret: Yeah, it's okay. You know what it is? I'm a little… I'm usually not sick, but a couple of the guys got the flu and it just got into my chest and my head. You know, we're doing six shows in a row so it doesn't give you much rest. Ron: Exactly. Well I appreciate you calling, especially with having the voice problems. I just really appreciate it. I just wanted to let you know that I believe my brother is also on the line. Don, are ...

Wed

Feb

Ricky Phillips (2003)

Ricky Phillips: A new man joins the Styx club. Ricky Phillips taks about his new rols as Styx bass player and what's ahead for him and how it feels to be part of a band once again after a long time in the studio. So Ricky, I must thank you for taking to time to chat and offer some comments on joining Styx! Congratulations! I'm a long time fan of the band, but even more so a fan of Glen Burtnik and Lawrence Gowan, who I thought were great choices to join the band. Yeah, I'm just the opposite...a huge STYX fan who is now a Lawrence and Glen fan.. Lawrence Gowan is the most amazing keyboardist. He can jump from rock to ragtime to classical like the flip of a switch...and scary good. He's also hysterically funny... I didn't know too much about Glen Burtnik. I had heard his name but he's East Coast and I'm West so our paths hadn't crossed. When I first got the call for the gig I went to a show in Orange County with Tommy, Todd and the tour manager George Packer. When we got there I asked someone to ...

Wed

Feb

Duran Duran (2003)

Duran Duran: Back to business in a new place and time. Duran guitarist Andy Taylor talks about the band's return to work and what that entails - dealing with the music industry, record labels and life on the road in 2003. Andy was also gracious to allow some talk of his solo, songwriting and production career. We had 30 minutes of scheduled interview time to cram in as much as possible. I think we did pretty well! At the peak of their popularity Duran Duran were the number one band on the planet. In a few short years, they went from unknowns releasing their debut album, to five celebrated stars, whose pictures adorned bedroom walls worldwide. The band's original and most celebrated line-up only ever recorded three studio and one live album – all done within a seemingly impossible time frame by today's standards. While the band lived life to excess and became ever more stalked as celebrities, pressure on singer Simon LeBon, keyboardist Nick Rhodes, guitarist Andy Taylor, bassist John Taylor and drummer Roger Taylor intensified. As their fame increased, things began to change and the band started to splinter. By 1985, a mere 5 years since that debut album, the band had ...

Wed

Feb

Pride Of Lions (2003)

> Pride Of Lions: Classic AOR, classic influences, classic music. Jim Peterik and new vocalist Toby Hitchcock talk about the debut Pride Of Lions album and what fans of classic AOR and Survivor can look forward to on the debut album. Andrew: Hello, Jim! Jim: Good morning. Top of the morning to ya! Andrew: Top of the morning... bloody hell <laughing> Jim: Toby, say hello to Andrew McNeice Toby: How ya doin', mate? Andrew: Toby. How are you doing, mate? Toby: I'm great. Crickey! [Nice use of Aussie lingo…] Andrew: Very good <...

Wed

Feb

Harem Scarem (2003)

Harem Scarem: Classic Harem keeps taking melodic rock higher. The voice of Harem Scarem, Harry Hess, talks about the new album Higher, all things to do with the band and other stuff like producing and screaming on new tracks for Jack Frost. Hi Harry, good to talk to you as usual. Thanks for sending me a preview of the Jack Frost track. He was in a band called Sabotage or Savatage, I guess, for a while. He was the guitar player. He's done a bunch of different projects. I think one is called Seven Witches or something like that. That's right… He's from New Jersey. He's a guitar player and he called me up and asked me if I'd do two songs on his solo record with him, so I'm doing that. It's kind of funny. It's metal, and I'm yelling. It's hilarious. I thought, "Well that would be funny; I haven't done anything like that in like 20 fuckin' years." So I thought that would be entertaining and it sure is. Not since Blind Vengeance! That's right, exactly. I haven't yelled like this in a long time. I love your comment on the track rundown you did for me for ...

Wed

Feb

Gregg Fulkerson (2003)

Gregg Fulkerson: A new name, a new band, same classy attitude. Gregg Fulkerson talks to me about Attraction 65, his passion for music, life after Blue Tears and the long road inbetween. I think you will agree that Gregg's one of the nice guys of rock n roll. Read on... So Gregg, most folks will know you (and Mike) from Blue Tears. Starting at that point, how did you enjoy the ride that was Blue Tears? We enjoyed it immensely, that was a long ride as well. Starting when I was in high school and to tell you the truth, we've just gotten back on with ATTRACTION 65 for all practical purposes, we are literally picking up where we left off even down to using the last song I wrote during that era, "Strong", on the new album but I'll get to all that somewhere in this interview I'm sure. Let's go straight to the new record - the debut Attraction 65 album. When did you start work on this album? About a year ago as far as the recording as far as the writing of the new songs which is the majority of the record it was written ...

Wed

Feb

Gary Hughes (2003)

Gary Hughes: 3 years of work comes to fruition. Gary Hughes talks in detail about the origins behind Once And Future King, and the research and planning needed to bring such a big project to completion. Hi Gary, Congratulations on the new album/project. When did you decide that you just had to write an epic tale based around the legend of King Arthur? It's something that I've always wanted to do and it's something that I began years and years ago. With regard to the subject matter it's something that I was into as a child. It was very much a part of British history in school. What I liked about it is that so much of it is grey area. As a Legend, so much is down to interpretation and I liked the idea of something that I could add a little bit of myself into. The flexibility of interpretation. Obviously there are certain historical facts and timescales that you have to deal with but there is so much grey area that leaves scope for your own version. I researched it for at least three to four years. I was reading nothing else in my spare time. I ...

Wed

Feb

Brian McDonald (2003)

Brian McDonald: Completing an epic Voyage. Brian Mc talks about his new solo album Voyage and the efforts that go into creating such an epic pomp rock release. Also check out Brain's excellent Track By Track interview. Wind It Up was the last album - were you happy with the way that turned out and how about the sales? Looking back now three years later at that release, I accomplished what I set out to do. The main point at that time was to release some of the rock tunes I'd written on the side while focusing on classical music in the '90's and also to write a few new tunes as well. There are a couple of strong songs on Wind It Up, but they are nowhere near the quality of the writing on Voyage. On the question of sales in 2000, we didn't sell as many as we wanted to, but I think we did alright. Voyage sees a change of direction there - a more adventurous sound for sure. What were your set goals before setting out on the writing process and then the recording process? A couple of conscious decisions were made before I started ...

Wed

Feb

Glenn Hughes (2003)

Glenn Hughes: The voice of rock is finally comfortable with his with his role in the rock music world and is delivering some of the best work of his career. Hi Glenn, now's okay to talk for a few minutes? Oh, yeah. I just got home in time. Fantastic mate, thank you for that. How is HTP II coming then? Well, I'm really excited by it because I wanted to make another record that was similar to the first one. It's probably more melodic than the first one and I wanted to keep it in the box of what the first one was, but this one has probably more music in it. Right. When I say more music, it's got more harmonic thread. Obviously you'll have to hear it, you'll hear it soon. It's a good follow up, Andrew. It's a strong follow-up. I love the first one. Yeah, the first one is the blueprint and I didn't want to go too far out of the box on this one, so it's got moments from the first one and it's got the big musical harmonies and its got the classic sound. We're really, really happy with it. You've got your ...

Tue

Feb

The Insider Interview

The Insider Interview: The Record Industry Exposed Who is the insider? He is a long time site regular who works in Los Angeles for in a high profile position for one of the big four major record labels. When sent a whole range of questions regarding business practices of the major labels and how different aspects of the record industry work, he was only to happy to spend some time writing some in depth and thought provoking replies. What is included below may sometimes be controversial to some, but none of it is fabricated. It's how things work. Naturally the identity of the author cannot be revealed because of fear of reprisal from his employer. While they are one person's take on the scene, his views are an interesting read... As a record label executive, how do you feel about the Internet? Unlike most of my peers, I see an untapped potential rather than a threat. Unfortunately, most people at record labels see the internet as a threat to the current business model. In a way, maybe it is. Then again, maybe it's time to shake things up a little. What most label people don't tell you is how ...

Tue

Feb

Unruly Child (2002)

x<img data-cke-saved-src="/sites/default/files/Interviews/unrulychild-basementdemos.jpg" src="/sites/default/files/Interviews/unrulychild-basementdemos.jpg" "="" style="width: 180px;">x Unruly Child: A fresh start with a new voice. Unruly Child are back with 2 new releases - a demos/unreleased compilation and a brand new studio album featuring singer # 3 for the band - but the guys are happy and are set to continue as a band, using this release as their fresh start. I caught up with Bruce and Guy online for a different way of conducting an interview, chatting away using AOL's Instant Messenger. Andrew: G'Day Bruce and Guy! Guy: Hello Andrew good to finally chat! Bruce: Hey Andrew Andrew: Thanks for taking the time out for this interview. Bruce: How do you want to start? Guy: How 'bout a beer first?! Bruce: Ok Andrew: I just had breakfast, so I'll pass on the beer for now! So you guys have 2 albums out in 2 months...that's not a bad way to go! Guy: That was kinda an accident really... Andrew: The Basement Demos is a cool idea for a release. How did it come about? Guy: There's this guy named Dan Friml who designed and maintains ...

Tue

Feb

Jeff Scott Soto (2002)

xx Jeff Scott Soto: The ultimate melodic rock vocalist tries it solo. Jeff Scott Soto has a resume a mile long and a career that's larger than life. But with over 15 years of rocking hard behind him, Prism is only his second solo album. Read why now is the time Jeff has decided to concentrate on himself. E-Mail interviews are normally kept for that section, but I've spoken to Jeff on many occasions and this interview is more than detailed enough to call it a full feature interview. Ok Jeff, let's start with the new album! Prism adheres to a more melodic 80's rock sound - something that you lived on in the early part of your career. Was it your intention to go back to that sound? In a way yes, & in a way no. I never usually have much 'intention' with anything I do until I'm doing it. Mostly what u get at the end is by chance or experimentation, even in the most commercial pretense. Some of the songs were written years ago during my run with certain bands or projects so you'll hear obvious comparisons, maybe even be able 2 tell when the tune was written. ...

Tue

Feb

Tony Harnell (2002)

xx Tony Harnell: From Cyberdreamer to TNT Singer Tony Harnell worked harder than ever to make the new Westworld a very melodic album and the results have paid off handsomely. It's easily their best album to date and the following interview dissects the album and Tony's thoughts on it. Tony, there are not too many bands these days that get to album No 3 so you must be pleased at that? It was a lot of work getting this one together and getting all the labels sorted out. We were sort of under the guise or whatever you want to call it of this guy in New York for the first two records. It was this character Jeff Allen who manages Riot He had started this little record company and he had friends, Kase Wessel was one of his good friends from Roadrunner so he put that whole thing together and basically hired all of us. We got fees. I thought the guy was kind of a jerk, I mean he's ok he put up the money and everything but I just kinda decided it would be so much better if we could gain control. Even if it meant taking a ...

Tue

Feb

A&R Guru John Kalodner (2002)

Interviewed September 2002 by Andrew J McNeice A&R Guru John Kalodner started out in the music business with Atlantic in 1974. He started as photographer and the writer of artist bios and the company newsletter. After moving to His first signing was a then unknown act by the name of Foreigner. What does an A&R guy do? Over the years John has worked with Atlantic, Geffen and Sony Music. His job as an A&R guy became so blurred, a new title was invented by one of the artists John was working with. John Kalodner's job became being John Kalodner. So check the jacket of any artist John has worked with - the credits will read - John Kalodner: John Kalodner In the 80's, during his stint with Geffen Records, John is credited with bringing life and record sales back to Cher, Sammy Hagar and of course Aerosmith. He was also behind Whitesnake's big break into the US market in 1987. In the 90's he was behind the scenes bringing Journey back to life with Steve Perry back at the helm, and resigned Aerosmtih to his new home (and their old home) at Sony. But that's just ...

Tue

Feb

Jack Russell (2002)

xx So Jack, are you happy with the response to 'For You' so far? Yeah, you know I really am. Some of the reviews I've got have just blown my mind especially coming from some of these really heavy hard rock magazines in Europe. I was expecting them not to understand the direction of the music and they loved it. So they loved it and the fans loved it. The bottom line is it's a record that I'm really proud of and that's what I've always set out to do when I make albums. Hopefully the public will like them but if not at least you have something that you can play on your own stereo and feel good about it. That's my main goal I like to make music that I enjoy listening to and if somebody else has a sense of what's good then maybe they'll buy it and enjoy it too. If not at least you can go broke with some integrity you know. I couldn't agree more. I don't think you'll go broke though. It's a fantastic sounding record. Thank you. For me it's just the most well realized album I've ever worked on. I ...

Tue

Feb

Johnny Gioeli - Hardline (2002)

I caught up with Johnny at this year's Gods 2002 Festival, but didn't get a chance for that interview. Instead, I talked to Johnny a few weeks ago via phone, catching Johnny hard at work in the office... I may get interrupted once or twice so you'll have to bear with me. This week Andrew you just wouldn't believe what's happened with my business. I have over 100,000 orders this week. Are you serious? I am dead serious as a heart attack. I have a client who has a huge hit, a television hit. It's a tiny Portable sewing machine and we can't keep up with the orders. We can't produce them fast enough in China. It's just unbelievable and that's just what's on backorder. For the weekend we sold 30,000 of the things. Someone's getting rich quick? Yup. We're all taking a piece of that action. You take it when you can because these television Infomercials have a life expectancy of about 8 months. If you get a year out of them that's great. So the business that you and Joey set up is really happening for you? Yeah it's out of control. Seasonally we average about 100 employees. We have 30,000 square feet of ...

Tue

Feb

Mecca - Joe Vana (2002)

AOR Heaven NEH Records Z-Roxx Loud 1 Groove Machine Destiny Hot Tracks Target Wishing Well Perris Visual Vinyl JOE VANA / Mecca - Lead Vocals / Co-Writer Well Joe, it's great to finally throw some questions at you and let the public at large get to know you at last! Thanks…let me start by saying I have been a HUGE fan of your site for over three years….I am thrilled to be part of it! I am just a music fan who did an album to get out the songs I wrote and have Fergie sing with me. Little did I know how it would end up!! I also wanted an album to showcase Mike Aquino. He is a really great guitarist and I hated seeing someone that good not getting a name for himself. Very kind of you to say, thanks. Joe, you and I have known each other for a few years now. You have been busy writing songs for a long time now and are breaking on to the scene as a new artist - is that in any way an overwhelming proposition for you? No. How can it be? I do ...

Tue

Feb

Mecca - Jim Peterik (2002)

AOR Heaven NEH Records Z-Roxx Loud 1 Groove Machine Destiny Hot Tracks Target Wishing Well Perris Visual Vinyl JIM PETERIK / Mecca - Producer / Co-Writer [After about 10 minutes of needless chit chat!] All right Jim, well….I better get going and ask a few questions. Yes sir. Tell me, I think I know the story, but for the record I guess… you and Joe, how did you guys hook up? Well, I mean, that goes way back. <laughs> You're talking about when Joe was 13, in 1983, and I was in Survivor, of course, and making records and there was this little kid that would come over on his bicycle and knock on my door - I don't know how he knew I lived there - and, I would say, “Yes?”. The first time he says, “Well, I'm Joe and I'm a big rock fan, and I heard you're in Survivor.” Anyway, he seemed like a real nice kid, and I would let him come in and I think when he first came over I had just gotten test pressings of maybe Caught in the Game, perhaps. So here's this 13 year-old, and I'm getting my master ...

Tue

Feb

Mecca - Fergie Frederiksen (2002)

AOR Heaven NEH Records Z-Roxx Loud 1 Groove Machine Destiny Hot Tracks Target Wishing Well Perris Visual Vinyl FERGIE FREDERIKSEN / Mecca - Lead Vocals / Co-Writer Hi Fergie, Thanks for taking the time out to answer some questions! It's always a pleasure speaking with you Andrew. You have worked with Jim Peterik before and through that I know you knew Joe Vana and it was his idea to get you in, but how did you officially find yourself involved in the Mecca project? Joe and I met while I was returning from holiday in Michigan. I had my 3 boy in the van and I met Joe at a studio some where in the suburbs. I think I got lost trying to find it. Any way, Joe played some songs that he had put together that would be on the CD. I was very impressed with the tunes. They were demos but had a very good vibe and Joe sounded great on the few I heard. Then he played a couple that Jimmy co-wrote. Man, they were very cool. The idea of working w/ Jimmy producing my vocals and having such a great start made it a ...

Tue

Feb

Mecca - Thom Griffin (2002)

AOR Heaven NEH Records Z-Roxx Loud 1 Groove Machine Destiny Hot Tracks Target Wishing Well Perris Visual Vinyl THOM GRIFFIN / Mecca - Backing Vocals Hi Thom, Thanks for taking the time out to answer some questions! How did you find yourself involved in the Mecca project? I became involved in the Mecca project when the producer, Jim Peterik called me for the session. Apparently, they had tried some other singers, and were unhappy with the results. I gather you knew Jim and Joe from the Chicago area? Is that where you work from / where are you based these days? I am from the western suburbs of Chicago. I do almost all of my work from here, 99% being jingles. Have you worked with any of the Mecca guys previously? I have sang a lot of songs over the years for Jim Peterik, who then sent them to various artists trying to get his songs placed. I have sang with John Melnick on many jingle, and some record dates. I have to say, without being biased in any way, that the backing vocals on Mecca are some of the best I have heard - ever! Well done! ...

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