rockyourlyricsHow do you usually write the lyrics of your songs?
I use notes on my iPhone. That way it’s easy if I start an idea and have to go back, also to edit during practice when I’m beginning to apply them to music. I wrote a lot of my lyrics during the day. I’m a trucker by day so I have a lot of time to think. Things just pop in my head. Could be an idea from a line from another song I relate to. It could be from a phone call or email of something that someone is going through.
In your opinion, what is the most important thing in songwriting?
Catchy lyrics that stick in your head. Got to have hooks and memorable melodies.
Are you ever scared of revealing aspects of your personal life/experience to strangers through your music?
No… Why should I be? These bands talk about Satan and Evil and killing all the time. Myself believes the world has enough negativity. I want people to find hope and strength through our music. It’s not funny or cool if a loved one dies , right ? People grieve and are going through hard times, whether it be emotionally, physically or spiritually. There’s enough hatred n cruelty, we choose to show the other side. The side everyone truly wants in their head n hearts. Accountability. I believe you’ll be held accountable someday for all your words and actions.
What is the best lyric that you ever wrote (the most meaningful for you)?
I have several but “Salvation” is pretty awesome because even though your in the eye of the storm there is hope on the other side.
What inspired “Heavy Lies the Crown,” part of your latest album “Salvation”?
“Heavy Lies the Crown” is a track off our new album “Salvation”. I wrote that because so many times people gain great power and with that comes great responsibility. Yet the greed and power take over and they often forget where they came from. Stepping on people to gain more ground. So much corruption and greed in so many areas of life. Very few can harness the power they are given and maintain pure.
And “Salvation”?
‘Salvation’ released February 22 this year… is just packed with real life applications. Rising from the ashes, getting back up when your down. Letting God have his vengeance as needed. Hope when some others say all hope is gone. It’s not gone, you just need to look for it. Reach out to someone instead of trying to go alone.
Do you remember the day you wrote “Godzilla”?
“Godzilla” – I remember writing it very well. It’s about people pushing you and pushing you and nagging and attacking… them all of a sudden you SNAP! And they are like what’s your problem? Well I didn’t get here on my own. We are all human and have a breaking point. I just call it my Godzilla moment.
Is there a link/a common theme among the songs of the new album?
They all revolve around life, the ups n downs and never giving up. Sometimes learning how to deal with situations or people.
What is the best suggestion your producer gave you?
Joe & Jay always tell me be yourself and let it flow naturally while I’m singing in the studio. Be real because people can sense a fake.
What are your plans for 2019?
Buying a new bus to tour, we had an accident and had to send ours to the grave. Playing out the new material, Headed to Canada for the first time. And begin writing new material with Greg our new guitarist and Sam our original bassist for the first time. All 5 of us are strong writers. This is going to be great… fresh ideas.
To conclude the interview a short Q/A session, please answer the first thing that comes to your mind:
- Define in one word your album “Salvation”: Encouraging.
- The best show you ever played: Any Outdoors under the night sky with all the lights.
- The one thing that you must have in your backstage: Dry Clothes.
The soundtrack of your childhood: The Doors – “Break on through to the other side”. - Your favorite song lyrically speaking but not written by you: Stryper – “To Hell with the Devil”.
- Last question is “unusual”, we want to know your best relationship advice: Communication, Truthfulness, Devotion, Never force anything, if it doesn’t fit… it doesn’t work. Do not try to change people. If you are trying to change someone into something they are not, I believe you’re just with the wrong person. You should fit like legos together!
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