What was the beginning pint for your music career? How did it all start?
I grew up addicted to classic rock and would burn the grooves in the vinyl or CD from constantly playing their albums. Then I became a drummer and played in some bands until I took up guitar. The rest is history.
Was there any bumps on the road? What kind of challenges did you have to deal with?
The biggest challenge (and opportunity) is to engage and build your fan base. There are literally tens of thousands of songs being released every day and our challenge is to continue to write material that not only we like, but our fand—old and new—like as well. And then engage with them and re-engage with them. It’s a lot of work but we really enjoy it.
What was the most fulfilling and satisfying moment so far?
I just love everything about the creative process. From the germ of the idea, to taking the idea to the guitar, constructing the song, writing the lyrics, and then ultimately turning it into a composition with your fellow bandmates. It’s so challenging but so rewarding.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
We’re a retro-rock band that combines sounds and styles from some of our favorite classic rock bands like Pink Floyd, Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, Green Day and Cheap Trick. If you like those bands then I think you will like our sound. You can check us out on:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2rmuHn02XI1CIphHvmh-Vg
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4rgBmqnv7h3p5gYPGjiXfU
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimpleRadicals/
Twitter: twitter.com/simpleradicals)
Instagram: instagram.com/simpleradicals
Website: www.thesimpleradicals.com
What is your creative process like?
I see a lot of images and moods when I write. Certain chord progressions, finger pickings and riffs often direct me on how the song is constructed and then the lyrics start to flow. It’s a bizarre process but it works for me. I actually write a lot of my songs on an acoustic guitar. Even riffs such as the songs “New Revolution” and “Medicate”. I feel that if it sounds good on an acoustic then it’s going to sound even better when plugged in.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
The lack of outlet to play new rock. There used to be so many radio stations that played new artists in the rock genre but they’ve all disappeared. I’d love to see more outlets devoted to amplifying all the great rock bands that are out there today.
If you were asked to give a piece of advice to upcoming bands, what would that be?
The music industry today has incredible opportunities but also huge challenges. From an opportunity standpoint, with such advanced technology and portability, you can create some amazing music in your bedroom and even collaborate with people without having to be in the same room. On the flip side, there’s thousands of songs being released on Spotify and other platforms every day so the ability to break out and get noticed is highly challenging. You’re on your own to develop your sound, talent and audience and then you can try and make it. Tough times no doubt and it’s only for the diligent and resilient bands that want to really invest in their music and build an audience. You constantly have to think and rethink what it takes to break out and get noticed.
What has been the best performance of your career so far?
We were truly honored to play the iconic Cutting Room in New York City where the likes of John Mayer, David Bowie and Sting also played. Great sound. Great lights. And we rocked the house.
If you didn’t become a musician, what would you be doing now?
Probably working in a haberdashery with Nigel Tufnel of Spinal Tap.
What is new with the band at the moment? What are you currently working on and would like to share with the world?
We collaborated with an incredible husband/wife duo called Che-Val on a pop-psychedelic version of Jefferson Airplane’s iconic song “White Rabbit” (https://open.spotify.com/track/5BGdfnPhJK95HDcJL8Imcj?si=c6cc459e23ec4db0) that was just released. We recently released a song and video called “Rich Man Wanna Be King” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehjT9RZdpe4) which provides a scathing lampoon of ex- President Trump. It’s already racked up 190,000 views and climbing. And, we have a podcast show called “Music & A Brew” where we crack open a cold one with musical artists. Our first show was with world-class drummer Kenny Aronoff (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1np3s_EoBA&t=2110s). Our next show is with Todd Sucherman, the drummer for the band Styx.
