Interview by Welsh Gene with Shawn Charvette
1. You've just been on a UK tour with Vega. How was that for you all?
Hey Welsh Gene, the tour was awesome! We played some killer venues across the UK with kick ass audiences and had some serious laughs with the boys in Vega. Can't wait for the next one.
2. Up on stage you all seem to be having a blast and that comes across to the crowd, are you good mates off stage as well?
Yeah we really are. Even though we haven't been a band for that long we all seem to have found our own little places within the group and we slot together like a jigsaw.
3. It was on Facebook that you just finished recording that 'difficult' 2nd album. Was it difficult and how excited are you with it?
Yeah we've finished the album now and it’s just come back from mastering by Harry Hess (Harem Scarem). If I'm honest, none of us was worried about the "difficulty" of that second album stigma because we have a formula that works and we know that we're no one hit wonder kinda band. We are really proud and so excited to put the record out there and let the world hear it!
4. Its due for an October release so how soon after due you plan to take the songs out on the road?
Well the plan is we aren't going to play any of the new songs till the album launch in October at a soon to be confirmed venue in Nottingham, UK. The first album isn't even a year old yet so we won't be adding any of the new songs in our live shows until its release.
5. The songs on the first album are solid catchy numbers but they seem to get elevated on stage is that due to the fun you seem to be having and which track due you think sums up the band live?
We are a band that screams energy, good times and all about the feel good vibes, so when we hit the stage we bring a high octane show that is as visually pleasing as it is musically. It's nice to hear that it comes across that way to the audience. So on that alone I'd say the song that sums us up is "Summer Of Our Lives".
6. "Summer Of Our Lives" is a favourite on my radio show. Did you know it's a 'special' track as soon as you hear it?
I guess so yeah, the thing is many songs are equally as strong as others on the album; it’s more a case of which is more commercial and "radio friendly". But you certainly do know when you're onto something special.
7. If there is anybody out there that s never heard you or seen you live which track in your mind would ideally sum up the band?
I don't believe there is a single track that sums up exactly what the band is about. We are a coin of many faces so I’d say just buy the album(s) and check it all out!
8. The NWOCR seems to be having an 80's revival. Is it a good time to be in an upcoming band?
Well I’m not sure I’d say its good being in an "up and coming" band. I think it's harder than it’s ever been to breakout in the industry now. Of course with the current revival it’s amazing seeing the opportunities available for bands to be seen. It's the no nonsense approach to what we do that I think that has got us where we
are now. We simply work are asses off and let our music to do the talking for us. If you don't have the songs, you ain't gone cut it because the level of competition out there.
9. I personally think if this was 1987 that this album would put you up there with Poison, Motley Crue and Bon Jovi etc although you most likely weren't born then do you wish there was that MTV coverage that broke so many bands was still about?
We share the same opinion Gene and it's not a statement of arrogance, it's simply an uncompromising inner belief in what I do and I have absolutely no doubt that if it was the mid to late 80's we'd be superstars right now, touring the world and driving Ferrari's but unfortunately the twilight of the Rockstar is upon us and now we live
in a different world. I've never been one to dwell, I'm just happy that after over a decade of hard work I get to do what I love as a job and share my music with the world.
10. You're playing both HRH Sleaze and Hair Metal Heaven festivals . Can we expect the odd new track or two?
We discussed the idea of dropping in one of the singles from the new album but I think we're just going to wait for its world wide release first and focus on the first album for now.
11. How much do you have in the writing and choosing of track?
Both live and on the new album Midnite City has an excellent formula that just works and I can't see us differing from it any time soon.
Rob will write a song and demo it, send it across to us all to have a listen and work out our ideas on. Then when it comes to the recording of it we all send and record our separate parts to build the track up into what you
hear on the albums. Midnite City gives us all the chance to express ourselves and I for one can say that the many weeks I spent writing the keyboards for the new album have pushed me to places mentally and emotionally that I have never been before. When it comes to selecting the setlist it's just a case of finding an order that flows well.
12. Rob plays in Tigertailz plus you play in a couple of tribute bands but who is the one band you'd go and see every time if you could?
There are so many bands that I haven't and will never get to see. Rob and I went to Manchester recently to catch one of my favourite bands that I've been dying to see for years and it was the Goo Goo Dolls from Buffalo, New York. So currently I’d go and watch them all the time if I could.
13. Has anyone ever told you that you look uncannily like the late Pepsi Tate? I know I did a double take first time I saw you.
Yeah I remember that! I have been likened to Pepsi a few times yeah. The one I hear the most though is a young Michael Monroe from Hanoi Rocks.
14. You like a glass of wine before a show so what would you recommend?
I certainly do, it's almost become a personality trait of mine now. When I’m playing a show and I don't have a bottle red wine in my hand, people come over and ask if everything is okay... I'm undecided if this is a good thing or a band thing haha. Well, if it’s red, has tones of alcohol in it and is a Shiraz... Then I’ll happily drink it a bottle or 3!
15. And finally which song of all the tracks out there by any artist, do you wish you could have played on?
Purple Rain by Prince & The Revolution.
Thank you Shawn and I'll see you in the road.
No worries! Was great catching up and I’ll see ya on the road.
