Can you tell us about the origin of the band name, a history of the band and a little bit about the various members?
Since I was 18 years old I played in all kinds of bands as a drummer. Being able to play guitar was an unfulfilled dream I had since I was 12 years old, so about 10 years ago I just picked up the guitar, learned how to play and decided to record a solo album. Why solo? After all these years I just had enough of ‘ band democracy’ and decided it would be best if I would be completely in control of recording my album. I did however need other musicians for the album, since I can play various instruments, but not all of them. So I hired singers for lyrics & vocals and guitarists to play guitarsolos, since I’m not that confident about my own solo-ing skills.
Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?
We’re not a band, but I work with guest musicians who come from all over the place, mainly from the US and Europe. They all record their parts in their home studios and we co-work completely online.
Who are your favourite artists/bands and how have they influenced your own sound?
My ultimate favourites are AC/DC and Van Halen. I’m not trying to sound like them, but I listened so much to them, especially when I was younger, that their music was hammered into my DNA. I guess that a good listener will hear elements of their style, music and playing in my music.
Did you always have the ambition to be a musician and in a band or did you originally have other plans?
I always had that dream since I was a kid and admired all the great bands with my jaws open. In hindsight I’ve been dreaming way too long….the ambition came about 10 years ago when I actually turned that dream into action mode.
What songs or albums are on your current playlist?
Very few actually, I’m soaked up by my own music at the moment because of the recording of my new album (release date December 1 by the way). If I have to mention one, then I’d say Eric Steckel. He’s a phenomenal heavy rock blues guitarists. I discovered him not too long ago and he is one of the best guitarists around! I can listen to his music for hours.
Do you sing in the shower?
Eehhhh…..no……my singing sucks, even in the shower
Do you have any plans for the band for this year and into next year?
Yeah sure, I recently released 2 singles from my upcoming album, called ‘Here to Stay’, which will be released on December 1. I wrote the music together with singer Keith St John whom you may know from Burning Rain, Kingdom Come, Montrose and many more. And there are guest solos from Gus G., Christopher Amott, Timo Somers, Per Nilsson, Joey Concepcion, Satchel and George Lynch. I am really proud of the album and I hope the fans will love it! If there is enough interes, both Keith and I are very eager to bring this music on tour!
Do you currently have any new songs/albums ready to be released?
See my previous answer
If you could play at any venue in the world where would you choose?
I like playing in smaller clubs and venues, since I really love to “feel the crowd”. The Marquee in London is such venue from my memory as a kid. I don’t know if it exists anymore. The Paradiso in Amsterdam is a legendary venue as well
Do you have a favourite album? If so, what is it?
I’ve got many favourite albums, mainly old school ones. Here’s a few of them:
- AC/DC – If you want Blood You’ve got it
- Van Halen – Women & Children First
- Riot – Fire down under
- Thin Lizzy – Thunder & Lightning
- UFO – strangers in the Night
- Lamb of God – Killadelphia
- Arch Enemy – Tyrants of the rising sun
Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?
Despite it’s controversial title I always loved the Adolescent Sex song by a band called Japan in the 80’s. Kind of New Wave style. I don’t know why I liked it since I was into Hard Rock already, but it has just a great groove
If you were putting together the greatest show on earth, who would be playing?
Pffff…..difficult to choose from all the musicians I admire…… first of all I want John Sykes back in the spotlights, so John would play lead guitar with myself on rhythm guitar. As a singer I pick Keith St John, since he is so good and we’ve worked together for so long without playing on stage. Ray Luzier is the drummer, I love his style! And on bass a French guy called Franck Hermanny. He has a very groovy, funky style and would make a perfect fit with Ray I’m sure.
Can you remember the first album you bought with your own money? What was it and do you still have it?
That must have been Boston – Don’t look back, and yes I still have it and cherish it!!
As your fans will be reading this, is there any message you would like to send out to them?
Please take some time and listen to my music, that’s the best reward I can get from making music. On a more inspirational note I’d say: whatever your dream is, stop dreaming and just do it! Action!! Anything is possible if you have the drive and the will to do what you love !
Finally, let us know all your social media sites so your fans, old and new, can find and follow/like you!
If you visit my Linktree profile there you find all the links to all my profiles:
and please let me know what you think of my music, I love to communicate with fans!
We, at The Metal Asylum, would like to thank you for your time. Is there is anything further that you would like to add?
Thanks guys for having me here!
I’d say we’ve talked enough now, let’s look at some of my music: ‘HEAVY METAL TILL I’M DEAD’
This interview is the property of The Metal Asylum