Entertainment, Interview, Music

Interview: The Darkness’ Frankie Poullain discusses band’s North American Tour de Prance and new album, ‘Pinewood Smile’
Photo: Simon Emmett

Multi-award winning English rockers The Darkness have recently kicked off the North American leg of their Tour de Prance. The new tour is in support of their critically acclaimed fifth album, Pinewood Smile, which was released last fall.

The new album, produced by Grammy Award winning Adrian Bushby, is the band’s most infectious and guitar-driven album to date and features anthemic tracks like “All The Pretty Girls” and “Japanese Prisoner of Love” as well as the catchy, groove-fueled “Solid Gold”.

The Darkness is: Justin Hawkins (vocals / guitar), Dan Hawkins (guitar), Frankie Poullain (bass) and Rufus Tiger Taylor (drums).

AXS recently spoke with bassist, Frankie Poullain about the band’s tour and album in this fun new interview.

AXS: What can fans North American expect from The Darkness’ Tour de Prance?

Frankie Poullain: Wham! Bam! Thank you glam!

AXS: How would you describe the album, Pinewood Smile in terms of its sound and maybe how it relates to some of the band’s previous work?

FP: It’s equal parts silly and heartfelt. Like life itself, minus the regrets.

AXS: What is The Darkness’ writing process like? Does it begin with a melody? A hook? 

FP: Catching the big fish as David Lynch says. A hook is crucial. Then, we throw them back in the water when we play them live.

AXS: What inspires you personally when you write and create?

FP: I provide the chips to accompany the fish, or fries as you yanks would call them. And I sprinkle over the malt vinegar which you lot miss out on. Ketchup or mayo on fish and chips is an utter disgrace.

AXS: I’d like to ask you about a few tracks from Pinewood Smile and get your thoughts on them, starting with the “Solid Gold”.

FP: It’s a song about how ridiculous and delusional and magical it is to play in a rock n roll band. With a chorus lyric, “And We’re Never Gonna Stop Sh#ttin’ Out Solid Gold”, which encapsulates those delusions.

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Interview with Frankie Poullain by Clicking Here!

Entertainment, Interview, Music

Interview: Lita Ford talks new tour, music and career highlights
Photo: Shovelhead Studios

With a career that began as a member of The Runaways in the mid-seventies and culminated with a hugely successful career both as a solo artist and guitar legend, Lita Ford has earned the title of rock royalty. Even Marshall Amplification and Guitar Player magazine nominated Ford as a certified legend and the First Lady of Rock Guitar at a recent NAMM show.

With more than a dozen albums under her belt and showing no signs of ever slowing down, Ford is currently out on the road celebrating her musical career as well as prepping for several new projects.

AXS recently spoke with her about her new tour, career, guitars and music in this exclusive interview.

AXS: What can fans expect from your new tour this year?

Lita Ford: It’s a really fun show; filled with power, energy and great musicians. The team I’ve put together is so good and so tight. Even in the middle of the fastest song we play we’ve got breaks; and they’re so spot on, it’s like a machine.

AXS: This year marks the 35th anniversary of your debut solo album, Out For Blood. What was your mindset like going into that first record? Were there any nerves?

LF: I get nervous about other things, but as far as playing guitar, making music and going on stage goes, I just do what I want to do and don’t even think about it. I’ve always had the attitude that if you want something done right, you’ve got to do it yourself. It’s something that’s always stuck with me. As far as that first album, I was just being myself and wrote down what was happening in my life at the time. It was incredibly easy. The music and lyrics flowed out of me like someone slit your wrist and your blood was gushing out [laughs].

AXS: The Lita album from 1988 was another memorable album. What are some of your best memories of that time?

LF: I wrote an autobiography that actually explains it all [“Living Like A Runaway”]. I wrote it myself because no one else could dictate what I went through with that album – the highs and lows, the fights and all the fun we had. It was a really great time. It’s a great album and the fans certainly haven’t forgotten it.

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Interview with Lita Ford by Clicking Here!

Entertainment, Interview

Interview: Comedian Kathleen Madigan talks ‘Boxed Wine & Bigfoot’ standup tour, career
Photo: Luzena Adams

With more than two dozen appearances on late-night television to coincide with sold out standup performances and riding along with Jerry Seinfeld on an episode of his hit Netflix show, “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee”, it’s safe to say that Kathleen Madigan is the quintessential comedian.

The bawdy, warm-hearted Madigan is currently riding the wave of success from her sixth album, “Bothering Jesus,” which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Comedy Charts in 2016 and is taken from the Netflix special of the same name.

Madigan is currently on the road in support of her coast to coast, 32-date, “Boxed Wine & Bigfoot” tour. AXS recently spoke with her about her new tour, her career and more in this new interview.

AXS: What can fans expect from your “Boxed Wine & Bigfoot” Tour?

Kathleen Madigan: More of what I’ve been doing for the past thirty years. It’s different material, but the same subjects. Things that make for a big bar conversation I have with myself.

AXS: How would you describe your brand of comedy?

KM: It’s very conversational, or as Lewis Black would say, “A lady with a lot of opinions and very deep facts.” [laughs].

AXS: Where do you draw inspiration for your material?

KM: It comes from everyday life but also current events and what’s in the news. For example, it’s hard for me to believe that an airplane with 239 people on it can go missing, and everyone is kind of cool with it. It’s crazy to say that we’ve lost our planes. That’s an acceptable statement to make about a boat in 1492, but not in today’s world.

Another thing is UFOs. I recently read an article online where two American Airlines pilots; another plane and the control tower all said they saw a UFO flying above them. Every bit of it is online, including the conversations from the control tower. What I don’t understand is why that’s not the lead story on the news. Stormy Daniels is a porn star on Earth. These people are saying that there are people who aren’t from Earth ON Earth! [laughs].

AXS: What would you say is the biggest challenge of doing standup comedy these days?

KM: Current events and politics. It was never really a problem until Donald [Trump] came along. I’m not a political person, and I still have my Bush and Obama jokes. But, for some reason, Trump has divided the teams so clearly that each side feels so passionate it’s almost personal. I could talk about Mitt Romney all day long, but no one would ever come to his defense to the point where they’d be willing to throw their life on the line. Whether you’re left, right or somewhere in the middle, it’s never conjured up this level of craziness.

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Interview with Kathleen Madigan by Clicking Here!

Entertainment, Interview, Music

Interview: Firehouse guitarist Bill Leverty discusses new singles, ‘Love is Like A Song’ & ‘Memorable’
Photo: Ross Olson

Firehouse guitarist, Bill Leverty, recently surprised fans by releasing not one, but two brand new singles. The metaphoric, “Love Is Like A Song” and the Seventies, funk-infused, “Memorable.”

Leverty already has a proven track record of releasing eclectic, hook-laden singles, including “The Bloom is Off The Rose,” “The Heart Heals The Soul” and “Strong,” as well as his more recent, melodic rock inspired track, “You’re A Natural.” These two new songs continue to expand his catalog of groove-ridden, sing along material with tasty guitar work.

Both “Love Is Like A Song” and “Memorable” feature Leverty on lead vocals as well as guitar, bass and keyboards. Fellow Firehouse member, Michael Foster, also contributes drums to the cause. Both songs are now available from Leverty’s website.

Leverty and Firehouse are kicking off another year of extensive touring. AXS recently spoke with him about his new singles, Firehouse and more in this new interview.

AXS: There’s been a resurgence in popularity in band’s like Firehouse over the last few years. To what do you credit the band’s longevity?

Bill Leverty: Give credit to the fans. Because if it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be able to play. I remember back in the early to mid-nineties, when grunge hit, it was a tough time for bands like ours to get airplay and gigs. Fortunately, we had a hit with the song, “I Live My Life For You,”which sustained us here and overseas. We’re grateful that we have a bunch of loyal fans that have stuck with us. Now we’re feeling a resurgence and a cross generational section of fans. We’ve got kids buying tickets as well as their parents and grandparents It’s really cool to see such a wide age variety come out when we perform.

AXS: What’s your songwriting process like?

BL: I wish I could say that I have a formula. The truth is, I’ll take it any way that I can get it [laughs]. Anytime that I get inspiration; whether it’s from a vocal melody, guitar riff or lyrical idea, I try to record it in some way. I also do a lot of practice, so I’m always keeping an open mind to see what ideas come out of my head and heart and not just my fingers. I sing a lot and am always developing a lyric or melody that’s in my head. More often than not, it’s the chorus or hook that comes first, and it was no exception for these two songs. Both came from a chorus idea, and I developed them from there.

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Interview with Bill Leverty by Clicking Here!

Entertainment, Interview, Music

Interview: Stryper’s Michael Sweet discusses the band’s new album, ‘God Damn Evil’

When Stryper announced the title of its tenth studio album, God Damn Evil, there was some obvious push back. Many longtime fans were unsure if they could even say the name out loud. But the band’s formula for success in using the double entendre to get their message across is one that’s worked well for them over the past thirty-four years (most notably, on their monster 1986 release, To Hell With The Devil ), and this new album is no different.

With God Damn Evil (which will be released on Friday, April 20), Stryper continues to build on its mantra of shining light in a dark place. It’s an album that features the familiar Christian rockers’ signature sound, hook-laden anthems and thought-provoking messages, but it’s also one that takes a few chances as well.

From the opening track, “Take It To The Cross”; a soaring song that borders on thrash metal, to the modern heaviness and edge of songs like “Sorry” and “Lost,” Stryper continues to push the envelope of their musical creativity. The title track alone is an instant Stryper classic. With a bluesy guitar intro and fist-pumping chorus that’s certain to be a highlight of the band’s set on tour this year.

With a new album and full year of touring, Stryper is also welcoming new bassist, Perry Richardson (Firehouse / Craig Morgan) to the lineup.

Stryper is: Michael Sweet (lead vocals/guitar), Robert Sweet (drums), Oz Fox (guitars/vocals), Perry Richardson (bass/vocals).

AXS recently spoke with Michael Sweet about the new Stryper album and more in this new interview.

AXS: How does God Damn Evil compare with some of the band’s recent albums like Fallen and No More Hell To Pay?

Michael Sweet: Sonically, it’s a little more meatier. We didn’t get into the “loud wars” because the louder you make it, the less punch and dynamics there are. We also tried a few different techniques with cymbals and mic placement as well as with guitar heads and cabinets. With this album, we went for something a little bit different while still retaining our classic sound.

AXS: You’re known for waiting until the last minute to begin work on writing songs for an album. Was that the same process you used for God Damn Evil?

MS: It was the same process. I don’t like writing for six months and then having thirty songs to pick through. I used to write like that back in [the] Eighties. Now, I enjoy working under pressure and starting from scratch. It’s hard to explain but it’s a formula I don’t want to mess with.

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Interview with Michael Sweet by Clicking Here!

Entertainment, Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Mutual Admiration Society: Sterling Ball Discusses Collaborative Album with Steve Vai, John Petrucci, Steve Lukather, Steve Morse and More

Although Music Man CEO Sterling Ball has spent most of his adult life building a brand, the guitar has always played a important role in his own personal development.

There’s also a deep, mutual love and respect that exists between Ball and the artists his company serves. That’s probably why, after word got out that Ball was working on an album of his own, guitarists like Steve Morse, Steve Lukather, Steve Vai and John Petrucci were eager to join in.

The resulting compilation, The Mutual Admiration Society, is an eclectic mixture of songs and tasty guitar work done in a way only the best of friends can do. In addition to showcasing Ball’s own impressive guitar virtuosity, the album also allowed the guest guitarists to step outside the box of what they’re known for, and explore other areas of their musicality.

Whether it’s Morse’s fretwork on the Dobie Gray classic, “The In Crowd,” Steve Lukather’s Delta Blues version of “Baby, Please Don’t Go,” John Petrucci’s Disney medley or Steve Vai’s rendition of the Jimmy Gilmer and The Fireballs’ hit, “Sugar Shack” (one of Vai’s favorite songs as a youth), Mutual Admiration Society is a record of appreciation and admiration for both the instrument as well as each other.

Guitar World recently spoke with Ball about The Mutual Admiration Society and more in this new interview.

How did the The Mutual Admiration Society come about?

Over the years, I’ve toured Australia with Steve Morse and Albert [Lee]. We’ve also played in England and Germany and done club gigs as a combo in places like L.A. and Atlanta with Luke [Steve Lukather]. It was fun and low key, but I always kept the idea of doing an album on the back burner because I didn’t want to present myself in any way as a peer.

A few years ago, I did an album called Better Late Than Never. Everyone was very supportive of it and gave me confidence. So, I asked John Ferraro (drummer) about doing another album—just him and me. We got some of the basics together and I played them for Steve Morse. Steve really liked it and gave me advice for some things to try. I later sent him back the updates and the song, “The In Crowd.” He said, “You know? I really love that groove. It’s something I’ve never been able to play on since we were in our band.” I said, “Steve, what are you asking?” and he said, “Can I put the guitars on that track?” [laughs]. There went the idea of doing a record with the drummer. You don’t say no when Steve Morse asks to put guitars on your track!

I talk to Luke just about every morning and one day he called me and said, “Hey, Morse told me about the record you’re working on. I want to play on it too.” Then came [John] Petrucci, who said, “Hey, I don’t want to be the one left out.”

Read the rest of my
Interview with Sterling Ball by Clicking Here.
Entertainment, Interview, Music

Interview: Singer/Songwriter Emma Taylor discusses her new single, ‘My Dear’
Photo: Tia Elisabeth Glista

Since releasing her debut EP, Hazy, last year, singer/songwriter Emma Taylor’s success and maturity as an artist has grown by leaps and bounds. Songs from the album speak of the challenging transition the beautiful songstress encountered while making the move from the familiar confines of her L.A. home to the hustling vibe of New York. One of the songs from the EP in particular; the appropriately titled, “New Found Sound,” struck a chord with audiences, going from 8,000 streams to more than 55,000 overnight.

Taylor’s new single, the haunting and ethereal “My Dear” marks another new chapter in the singer’s career while continuing her evolution as the consummate artist. Dealing with vulnerability amid torn relationships, Taylor’s message in “My Dear” offers us hope to push past the bad times in order to get to the good.

AXS recently spoke with Emma Taylor about her new single and more in this exclusive new interview.

AXS: How would you describe your style of music?

Emma Taylor: The first thing that comes to mind is that it’s very singer/songwriter. I like to pay homage to my influences with my music and place a lot of emphasis on lyrics. It’s very natural.

AXS: What’s your songwriting process like?

ET: I usually always have a notebook that I carry around with me wherever I go. Throughout the day, whenever I become inspired or ideas pop into my head, I’ll write them down. Other times, if I want to create a full song, I’ll start by writing a guitar melody. Then, I’ll come up with a cool progression for a verse or chorus and go back to my notebook to find an idea that fits within the melody and build it from there.

AXS: What can you tell me about your new single, “My Dear”?

ET: I wrote that song a few months ago when I was over in London. I’ve always been able to draw a lot of inspiration from my surroundings, but living in London was a whole new experience. It was very foreign, so I was already in a vulnerable place. But I was also going through some difficult times in my relationships and wrote the song about what I was going through. It’s a hopeful song, but it’s also a heartbreak song. It’s hopeful because I’m saying that I want this relationship to change. Heartbreak, because the change hasn’t happened yet.

AXS: Have you noticed a maturity in your songwriting since the release of Hazy?

ET: Absolutely. I originally wrote the songs for Hazy about two years ago. Then it took another year to create them into what they eventually became. I’m constantly growing and evolving and each time, the music gets better and better. I’m excited to continue growing my style and my experiences so I’ll have new things to build on.

AXS: What are your current tour plans like?

ET: A big part of artistry is performing, so I try to gig as much as I can. Right now, I’m working on a few dates for April as well as a tour this summer. I’ll be announcing things soon.

AXS: Did you always know that you wanted to have a career in music?

ET: I did. My parents always loved music and artists like Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and Carole King were always playing in my home. I’ve often said that my dad could have been a music executive in another life because he loves talking about it so much. Growing up, I took voice lessons and did theater. Once my parents realized this wasn’t going to be a phase, they were very supportive of my decision.

Read the rest of my
Interview with Emma Taylor by Clicking Here!

Entertainment, Interview, Music

Interview: Megan Nicole Discusses Her Infectious New Album, ‘My Kind of Party’

Singer/songwriter Megan Nicole’s new EP, My Kind of Party is the next chapter in the evolution of one of music’s rising stars. And with more than four million subscribers to her YouTube channel, the beautiful songstress’ latest collection continues to showcase why her hook-laden songs, catchy grooves and mature approach to songwriting appeals to such a wide variety of fans.

My Kind of Party captures Nicole’s infectiously familiar, signature sound on tracks like “Checklist” – a tongue-in-cheek, play on words about finding the right relationship. Other songs like “My Kind of Party” expose a different view of what the perfect night might be like. Then there’s the tender surreality of “Take Me Back,” a song which ponders the longing of second chance.

For such a young artist, Nicole’s musical inspiration spans four decades. From legends like Stevie Wonder and Earth Wind & Fire to refined, female-fueled songwriters like Michelle Branch. All are ingredients infused into her tasty musical stew.

AXS recently spoke with Megan Nicole about My Kind of Party and more in this exclusive new interview.

AXS: How would you describe My Kind of Party in terms of its sound and maybe how it relates to some of your previous work?

Megan Nicole: I think My Kind of Party is a mature evolution of what I’ve done in the past. It’s fun, feel-good pop with a little bit of throwback R&B and funk mixed in.

AXS: What inspires you when you write and create?

MN: The interesting thing about creating music is that inspiration can come from many different areas. Sometimes, I’ll be out somewhere and I’ll get an idea for a melody. Then I’ll record it on my voice memo, so I can remember it for later. Other times, just a title may inspire me and I’ll build off of that. Then there are times when the inspiration will come from my own life and the people around me who share stories.

AXS: Let’s discuss a few tracks from My Kind of Party, starting with the song, “Checklist”.

MN: “Checklist” is a fun, tongue in cheek song about relationships and wanting to find your perfect match. It’s playful and light-hearted and that’s the thing I really love about it. I used to find myself always going on dates (or talking to guys) and in the back of my head I’d be thinking, “All right. Do I have my “standard” guy here?” [laughs]. Dating life can be hard and the song asks the question, “Where is my perfect match?”

AXS: “My Kind Of Party.”

MN: That was one of those songs where I had a title in mind. I remember walking into the session and going through my notes and that title instantly stuck out to me. I wanted to write a song about what my kind of party would look like. And for me, that’s a night in, where I’m just ordering food and relaxing at home [laughs]!

Read the rest of my
Interview with Megan Nicole by Clicking Here.

Entertainment, Interview, Music

Interview: Christa B. Allen and Johnny What discuss new project, Pour Vous and single, ‘The Flood’

Dark, sexy and subversively naughty are just some of the words that describe the musical collaboration between actress Christa B. Allen (ABC’s “Revenge”, “13 Going on 30”) and songwriter, producer Johnny What (Bråves). A project appropriately called, Pour Vous.

Allen’s hauntingly ethereal vocals on the duo’s first single, “The Flood” bring us a personal introspection of the love and emotion within their relationship. The structurally sound, groove-ridden track is the first song in what promises to be a busy year of music for Pour Vous.

AXS recently spoke with Christa B. Allen and Johnny What about the new single and more in this exclusive interview.

AXS: How did the song, “The Flood” originate?

Christa Allen: The beginning of a relationship is always the honeymoon phase where everything’s perfect, but this was a song written after we’d had our first little “lover’s quarrel.” It was written out of that first jolt of fear you get when you fight with someone and then say to yourself, “Why is this happening? This is supposed to be perfect.”

Johnny What: It was one of the more memorable songwriting experiences I’ve had because I was writing a song about the possibility of breaking up with the person I love the most. It was a bit confusing and intense but Christa put me at ease. I’m thankful for the experience because it helped me to grow. Not only as a songwriter but also as a person.

AXS: What’s your typical songwriting process like?

CA: Johnny has a very specific process for songwriting. It’s a formula that consists of specifically choosing chords, picking melodies and then writing lyrics to pull it all together. The actual content –the lyrics–usually comes as you work on the song. Certain words just seem to fit perfectly into the melodies that you choose.

JW: For me, the melody always chooses the lyric. I never limit myself by trying to force a concept into a melody. I prefer to have a melody find the words that sound best with the notes and then writing it from there.

AXS: Do you have plans to release more music and do live shows?

JW: Yes. We’ll be doing a single-based strategy of releasing songs and will be putting out another single soon.

CA: As far as live dates go, we’re going to take the temperature and see how people respond to the music, which so far has been overwhelmingly positive. It feels really good. We’d also like to release a few more singles before playing live, so people have something to sing along to.

Read the rest of my
Interview with Pour Vous by Clicking Here!

Entertainment, Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Stone Temple Pilots’ Dean DeLeo Discusses the Band’s Rebirth, New Self-Titled Album and Singer Jeff Gutt

Stone Temple Pilots highly anticipated, self-titled album will be released this Friday, March 16. It marks the band’s first collection of new material with their new lead singer, Jeff Gutt.

The album features songs like “Meadow” and “Never Enough,” both of which channel the guitar grit and swaggering rhythms the band first perfected on their monster 1992 debut, Core, while tracks like “Roll Me Under” glide along with nimble bass lines and massive choruses.

Guitar World recently spoke to Dean DeLeo about the new Stone Temple Pilots album, touring, gear and more in this new interview.

How does the new album relate to some of  Stone Temple Pilots’ previous work?

I like to think everyone’s playing has evolved with this record. Everyone has evolved into a new place and has gotten better. Robert [DeLeo, the band’s bassist] actually said something about the album recently that was beautiful. He said, ‘This record breathes resilience.’

How did Jeff Gutt get on the band’s radar?

Robert was doing a gig in Detroit [where Gutt is from] with the Hollywood Vampires. After the show, someone came up to him and mentioned that he needed to check out this singer. So, after Robert got home, Jeff came out and played with us. He was one of the last five people we auditioned over a very lengthy period of time.

I think for Jeff, he wants to honor our catalog with the utmost dignity and respect, and he does just that. For us, we’re just as thrilled about delving into this new material with him. He’s an extraordinary singer and we’ve very fortunate to have met one another.

Read the rest of my
Interview with Dean DeLeo by Clicking Here.