MM - Introduce the band to us and where do you call
home?
Danny: I think I can speak for everyone on this one. I'm the boss, the
king, supreme leader, lead singer, lead guitarist, and take orders very
well from the real bosses Andy, Wayne and Timaay! :-)
Andy Slostad plays guitar and keys,
Wayne Davis plays bass,
Tim Lloyd plays drums.
Everyone is multi-talented and can play other instruments as well as sing,
compose, and write lyrics etc.
Myself, Wayne and Timaay all live in the South Jersey area, and Andy is
currently in Pennsylvania....about an hour away from us.
MM - Have you performed in any other bands
prior to Danny Danzi?
Danny: I've been in a few cover bands, played in a wedding band, and a few
original bands that never got off the ground. My most successful original
band besides my current situation was a band called "Passion."
Andy also worked with me in a version of that band. My best cover band was
a band called "Skeleton Crew" and we were a Van Halen tribute act. We did
the older VH stuff or "The Roth Years" as we refer to them.
Andy: Well, I was in a band in high school that was kind of a pop/rock
outfit, then, went & did the cover band/hard rock band thing for a few
years. Then came the aforementioned "Passion," which didn't quite pan out.
When that split up I joined - if you can believe this- a roots-rock/jam
band called "Spruce Street Revival," playing bass...And after spending 2
1/2 years away from the PA / NJ area, I hooked back up with Danny!
Wayne: I played in a few cover bands that played around SE Pennsylvania.
All were weekend club bands that played pretty regularly. I had a lot of
fun in those bands. We had some original music but the bar crowds wanted
to hear covers as did the bar owners, you know how it goes. ;)
Tim: I, like Danny, have been in a couple of cover bands. A few years ago,
I was in an original band called "Camshaft" that played in local bars and
pubs around the Southern New Jersey Region. We released a CD called
"Between Wallz" but it never really went anywhere besides friends and
family. That band was a good stepping stone for me in that I learned what
a "Monarchy" feels like!!
MM - How would you describe your music and
what makes it stand out from the rest?
Danny: I like to think of it as commercially acceptable rock n roll. In
your face guitars, and chorus's you can sing along with. As far as
standing out, we sound like us, not anyone else.
You can tell our influences and we by no means have tried to re-define the
face of music, but we sound new and fresh in a style most can relate to.
Andy: I personally feel that while we do play "rock," it's not like it can
be simply dumped in a "box" - which I guess is what makes us stand out
from what other people are doing. We're all very good arrangers, and I
don't think we're afraid to experiment with different textures and sounds,
as well as instrumentation - and the great thing is, it really DOES still
sound like "us," no matter what!
The whole of anything is defined by the sum of its parts - and that's what
makes us what we are. Besides the songs, obviously. LOL... :)
Wayne: I think Danny said it all. We all bring something different to the
table. When we put it all together, that's where our strength is.
Tim: Our music is all about "Rock -n- Roll!" The style and sound that we
have is very distinct. Catchy Hooks, rocking guitar riffs, and melodic
vocals are what we are about.
That's what we try to put across to the fans. Something that they can hold
on to and cherish.
MM - Who do you see your music most appealing to?
Danny: It's always different. I've seen older folks in their 50's dig the
band as well as 14 year olds that usually listen to that
Alternative/Grunge stuff. So I believe that to be a good thing. But on the
average, I'd say our fans range from 18-45 years of age.
Andy: Danny's right - I think anyone with an open mind to music can at
least appreciate what we're doing. Even if it's not "what they're into,"
most of the people I've played our material for in the past has said, "The
songs ARE good." Obviously, fans of the "genre" (whatever that is!) will
"get it" faster than those who aren't - but a good song can transcend
those boundaries.
Wayne: I have to agree with Danny. It surprises me sometimes some of the
young guys really enjoy our music. So much for stereotypes eh?
Tim: Well any person I've ever played Danny Danzi's "Somewhere Lost In
Time" for has really gotten into the entire album. A lot of young,
inspiring guitar players listen to it with a bit of enthusiasm when they
hear Danny start "shredding" on the guitar so I think that helps with the
younger crowd. The music is really catchy so it's hard not to get into the
tunes and sing along to it!
MM -This August we will be seeing you
perform at the Z2001 festival part. How did that come about and how do you
feel to be invited to take part in such a prestigious event?
Danny: Well, I've done a few Z shows already, and toured a few places as
well. So personally, I don't look at it as "invited", I look at it as
"accepted" and "wanted" for what I do. I say "I" meaning I've done
previous shows overseas alone with a UK backing band, and this will be
Wayne, Andy and Tim's first time out overseas being a part of my band.
We look forward to meeting you too Linda, and thank you for giving us this
opportunity to share ourselves with you and your viewers. :-) We promise
you an awesome time in August!
Andy: Actually, I guess I was invited by Danny to play with him, so, I
should technically answer that question! From that standpoint, I'm quite
honoured to have been invited to be a part of this band!
The show itself? Beyond thrilled to be doing it! Hopefully we'll get a
break on the plane fare - otherwise, the 4 of us will be renting a
rowboat, and departing from here sometime around the end of June.
Wayne: I am seriously excited about being there!
Tim: I can only speak for myself when I say this but I truly think it is an
honour to be invited to such a great event. To give us a chance to really
show what we've been doing since late January. I assure you, the fans,
will NOT be disappointed!
MM - Do you consider yourself a fan
orientated and accessible artist?
Danny: Most definitely! Without the people, all I have is a gift with no
one to share it with but myself. The people make you who and what you are.
Though the gift of an artist/musician comes from God, it really hurts if
you are never given a chance to share it with the world. So I'm quite
fortunate to have this gift (thank you God!) and have awesome fans (thank
you fans/friends!) that support me and keep my dreams alive.
It takes 10-20 seconds to reply to a fan interested in your music, or get
a chance to get to know "Danny" the person. I welcome that! In this
business, people only see you for what you do, not for who you are. They
can only relate to the show they see, or the album they buy. So I look
forward to the fan mail I answer, and most everyone that takes the time to
touch base with me, feels they've made a friend, not a rock star. (God I
hate that word! Looks like outlook express spellcheck does too...it just gave me
"jockstrap" as the word to replace "rockstar"... hahahaha!)
I've always vowed to answer my fan mail personally as long as time
permits. Sometimes you get caught up with this thing called life, your
career, etc, and you fall out of touch because of deadlines, travelling,
and the like. But you have to reach out to those that have supported you
and give them a piece of you, for they deserve it. A part of you lives for
them now, and I'll live by that until I can't type or write letters
anymore. :-)
Andy: For me, It's still a weird thing to be approached by, or emailed by
fans - I really am a very humble guy, who happens to be a musician and
songwriter! So, when someone tells me how much they like what I'm a part
of creating, I still kinda say, "REALLY?! Wow!" LOL - I hope that makes
sense!
I definitely appreciate the support from fans, and I would be a real jerk
if I started ignoring the people who made all this possible!
Wayne: I would like to be as accessible as I can. The support of the fans
is our life's blood. Without them ... well, we don't have anything. Being
accessible is like a give back for their support.
Tim: Absolutely! Without the fans, we would be nowhere, Bottom Line! The
fans are the ones that drive you to make better music and become better
musicians. You want to make them completely satisfied. Well in being
accepted to this band, I haven't yet experienced any fans. But I sure am
looking forward to it!
MM -You are currently working on your new
album at the moment. How's it coming along and do you have a definite
title for it yet and a date for it's release?
Danny: Things are a bit touchy because of constant personnel changes, but
this line-up is getting the job done above and beyond the call of duty
now. We've only been a unit since January 25th, 2001. So it's still a
young unit with growing pains and excitement. So much excitement and
energy we sometimes have to calm ourselves down and get back to reality.
But it's all in a good way.
It inspires us and makes us think about what we will do next after the
current album is done. No title as of now, but we hope for a summer
release, but no later than October 1.
Andy: I really enjoy what's coming out of this unit - for the short amount
of time we've been together, we've really formed quite the family.
Everyone needs to understand that it's not easy to build something from
the ground up, especially with everything we (as a band) went through to
become what we are now, AND write great songs at the same time. But we're
making progress at a much faster rate than any other project I've been
involved with - which, again, is due to the fact that we're "clicking" as
a group.
Wayne: Yea, the personnel changes were tough. All part of the game though.
I am not one to give up easily and the challenge of putting one of these
together is exciting. Let's get writing! :)
Tim: The road ahead is a long one but the dedication that we have in
putting out the best possible material that we can is well worth it. The
great thing about the new album is that it is a collaboration of the unit
as a "whole." There are many different influences involved, which makes
the writing process seem easier. Everyone has an opinion and is granted to
express it. Whether it sucks or not is for Danny to decide
MM
- You have a very
loyal fan base, what parts of the world do they mainly come from?
Danny: Mostly Europe, Japan, and a lot of the US is catching on as well. So
I guess it's safe to say "fans worldwide" since of course the album is
available everywhere.
MM - At what age did you become interested in
being a performer?
Danny: I've been involved in music since age 4, but never thought about
being a pro until I was about 13. From that point on, I knew what I wanted
to do for the rest of my life.
Andy: It's all so hazy now ... LOL! I'll go with age 10. :)
Wayne: I have been playing since I was five. Started with piano, moved to
brass then guitars. I have always performed, when I was young it was
required so I don't think I ever became interested in it. It just
happened.
Tim: I loved playing music ever since I was a "Little Timmay!" I used to go
around banging anything that I thought had some sound to it. Needless to
say, I drove my parents BONKERS! But my lifelong dream was to become
successful in music. I think that has finally come true, thanks to Danny
on that one!
MM - Who did you used to imitate in front of
the mirror when you were younger?
Danny: I never really imitated anyone. There were people I looked up to,
but never really tried to be. Eddie Van Halen was probably the biggest
influence in my life, and of course when I was in the VH tribute band, my
job was to be him. So I stole a few of his looks and moves for that
project only. :-)
Andy: I don't know - probably an amalgamation of people like Neal Schon &
Steve Perry of Journey.
Wayne: I listened to a lot of Sabbath, Yes and whatever else was happening
at the time. I have a pretty well rounded background so, I guess it wasn't
anyone in particular.
Tim: I used to imitate Neil Peart. (Rush) Not like that's an easy thing to
do. My first recollection was listening to "Hemispheres" in total
amazement with my drumsticks and little triangle practice pad, wondering
how the hell he played like that!
MM - What is your most treasured possession?
Danny: I have to give you 2. My parents and their love and support, and my
recording studio with all my gear/guitars etc.
Andy: Also two: My family, and the $100 crappy acoustic guitar that I
bought when I was about 14 - mostly because I've written about 75% of my
songs on it. Something about it just helps me write.
Wayne: My family.
Tim: I would have to say my parents also (Love you guys!) for putting up
with my years of drumming in the basement, starting at 7:00 in the morning
and not ending 'til about 10:00 at night!
MM - What was the very first rock concert
you ever went to see?
Danny: Van Halen
Andy: The Hooters - before they had their first national album out.
Wayne: Iron Maiden
Tim: Rush
MM -Who is your ultimate rock icon of all
time?
Danny: Eddie Van Halen
Andy: One?? Well, how 'bout the Beatles? (At least John, Paul & George...)
Wayne: Geddy Lee
Tim: Neil Peart
MM - What do you love/hate the most about the music business?
Danny: All the corporately created bands! People that can't write their own
songs, can't sing, can't play, look like shit and have 0 live show to give
to their audience....yet they make all the money, get all the exposure and
all the credit, and I can't even get my radio stations to support me. Go
figure?!
I love playing live the most and giving myself to my audience. I live for
the stage and you'll tell in an instant that I am a people's artist. They
are my reason to live when I play for them, they are the only ones that
matter and I have to make sure I've done a good enough job to make them
want more!
I have to make them leave their problems behind when they see a Danny
Danzi show, and make them feel they've been taken on a journey of good
music, attitude, and feeling.
Andy: I love the actual music portion of the music business. Too bad it
can't just be about that... the creation of songs, the recording of them,
playing it live, etc. As for what I hate ... the politics & the bull$h*t.
Wayne: I love the creative aspect. Especially the recording side. On the
down side, the same people Danny doesn't like. We work hard and play our
butts off because we have talent. Our success is the people who support
us. Hell, we may never make a million. But a million fans, that's success!
Tim: (Love) All of the bands that are out there that have TRUE talent that
are still playing in there basements with that one dream in mind!
(Hate) 99.9% of the music on the radio today.
MM -Are you signed/unsigned at the moment?
Danny: I am the only one actually signed to the label right now. If this
current band works out, they too will sign eventually. We're still testing
the waters and growing as a family right now, but it is in the future for
the rest of the band if things work and they choose to be a part of this
permanently.
MM - Would you consider yourself an optimist or a pessimist? Is your
glass half full or half empty?
Danny: I'm an optimist. Life is what you make of it. You choose your
destiny, and make your own dreams come true. If you work hard, play hard,
are a good person and do the right things, you will succeed. Negativity
will kill your spirit. Words like "don't, won't, can't, might" should be
used very loosely. My glass is always fully empty.......but when it's
half, it's half full. I save my drink for last and usually guzzle it in
one shot! :-)
Andy: Neither. I generally keep a positive attitude about everything, but,
I try to stay grounded in reality.
Wayne: Half full! Always!
Tim: A Total optimist! I live my life one day at a time. Trying to make the
next day better than the last one. Do everything to its fullest extent.
MM - If you could choose one song as the
soundtrack to your life what would it be?
Danny: I'll assume you mean one of my songs here, so I'll say "Somewhere
Lost in Time" because it's the story of my life with bad relationships.
I've put that behind me now, but it's made me who and what I am, and made
for a few interesting songs touching on my heartache.
Andy: I don't think I've written one that sums up my life just yet. It'd be
awful long! LOL ... so I'll pick someone else's ... "Age" by Jim Croce.
Wayne: Changes/Bowie
Tim: I would have to say, no doubt, Limelight by Rush. That song had a true
impact on my life and what it is today. It's a song about striving and
reaching your dreams!
MM - What bands have your performed with in
the past?
Danny: The only famous ones for me would be Cinderella, Tangier, Heaven's
Edge, Network, and Britny Fox.
Andy: One of my bands opened up for American Pie - which was an offshoot
project from Heaven's Edge a while back ... but no one else of note.
Wayne: World War III (this one dates me Dan)
Tim: Just local bands around my area.
MM - Tell us one thing about yourself that
very few people know about you.
Danny: I really AM single....not just when I tour. Hahahahaha!
Andy: I would really like to teach at a College or University at some point
in the future - mass media & communications, maybe audio production for
radio.
Wayne: I'm not from earth!
Tim: I'm a real computer geek!!
MM - When you aren't performing or recording
new material, how do you like to chill out?
Danny: I love video games, messing with computers, all sports, long walks,
the beach, or just chilling in front of the TV watching a good movie.
Andy: Sleep. Sleep is good.
Wayne: I enjoy amateur astronomy.
Tim: Playing drums, listening to Rush, breaking my computer, playing
hockey.
MM - Do you have a favourite bar, if so where is it and what's your
favourite drink when you're there.
Danny: I go to this little Italian place up the road called DeVonne's to
grab a bite to eat. I'm a scotch monster and never drink anything but
Chivas Regal on the rocks. Maybe some wine at dinner if I go on a date,
but that's rare for me. Hahahaha! I like the little ma and pa bars.
I also hang out at a little classic rock place called the Starcross
because it's in my own back yard and it's small and personal. To catch a
good band and a few friends when I'm there, is a perfect night out. I'm
easy, can ya tell? :-)
Andy: When I lived in Raleigh, North Carolina, there was this bar called
"The West End." I don't drink a whole lot, but it was a very cool place to
kind of hang out with my friends ... Oh, and I liked this one little
coffee house in Cincinnati when I lived there - and they had good coffee.
LOL!
Wayne: La Possada, iced tea.
Tim: I couldn't even tell you the last time I went to a bar!!! But my
favorite drink is Amoretto Sours. (Yeah I said it!!)
MM - Name an album you've heard recently and liked.
Danny: I hate everything! Music just isn't the same to me anymore, so I
rarely listen to anything but my own compositions. Sad huh?
Andy: I have 3: Incubus, "Make Yourself," Fuel, "Something Like Human" and
The Beatles, "1" - a nice concise collection of some of their best songs.
:)
Wayne: Steely Dan's Gaucho. Excellent recording.
Tim: Well I am a pretty big fan of Vertical Horizon. The reason is they
started out as a 2 piece band with some acoustic guitars and are now a
huge band. I wish those guys all of the success in the world! Plus they
are not your average "Joe Rock Stars." They appreciate all of there fans
and it's known if you have ever been to one of their shows.
MM - What's your
favourite track off the forthcoming album and why?
Danny: Still a bit early to pick a favourite, but so far I'd have to
say.....hmmm...I like 4 of them about the same because they rock you in a
different way. They're all our children, so that's a hard decision to make
right now. I'll have to get back to you on that one. :-)
Andy: Well, I guess for very personal reasons, there's this one ballad that
I associate very closely with a dear friend of mine who's no longer with
us. But it conjures up memories, for me, of a lot of happy times we had
together. It's really bittersweet - but only those that were there will
get that out of it. (I had to have a serious response to something here!)
But that's just me personally. I like everything a lot though, on the
whole.
Wayne: The G tune.
Tim: I have to agree with Danny on that one. I enjoy playing all of them!
Can't wait to here them on record!!
MM - When you die what would you like them to put on your tombstone?
Danny: "He touched the hearts of millions and made a difference in their
lives both musically and spiritually." Think they'll make all that fit? I
best not die then because I won't take no for an answer! Hahahahahaha!!!!
Andy: "Old musicians never die - they just decompose." *grin*
Wayne: That's not my job. Whoever gets the job of setting up my funeral let
them think of something. I live for today.
Tim: Errr Uhhh....TIMMAY!
MM - Lastly, is there anything you would
like to share with all your fans out there?
Danny: Thank you thank you thank you I love you I love you I love you! I
promise to continue to deliver the goods until it's not humanly possible.
Thanks for the chance to give a piece of myself to you, and for the piece
of yourselves you all have given to me. We make a great team, the fans and
I, and I'll forever be grateful for the friendship, support and loyalty
you've all given me. May God bless you all and keep you safe on this day
and all days! Forever your friend, Danny Danzi
Andy: I'll just go ahead and say "ditto" on what Danny said, because I
don't think I could say it much better ... and add only that, as I said
before, the fact that people care about what I'm a part of creating means
more than I could ever adequately put into words.
Wayne: I am looking forward to meeting all of you.
Tim: I thank each and everyone of you for your continued support for Danny
and hope that when we get to "ZRock", we just have the best time any music
lovers could ever have! Also I would like to say a big "Thank You" to
Danny for giving my this opportunity of creating some sick ass Rock and
Roll with him and the rest of the band! TIMMAY!
MM
- You have a very
loyal fan base, what parts of the world do they mainly come from?
