How did the record deal with Z Records come about ?
Mark and I have known each other for awhile. Think we may have met when I was signed to BMG and he was with Sony, somewhere around the time I still had the “Sabu” Band together. It was a few years later, after his success establishing Z Records that we spoke again about working together. I guess now was the right time because he called and asked if I wanted to plan for some new Solo album releases over the next couple years…and why don’t we kick it off with a compilation CD. I’ve always had a place in my heart for England as they were really the first ones to take me in, so it was easy for me to smile and say you’re on! There are of course a number of reasons I felt comfortable signing with Marks label as an Artist. One key reason is he is hands on with every act signed to his label. His label mates are all handpicked and I know he won’t be going out of business tomorrow as seems to be the fad these days.
How did you decide on which tracks to include on the ‘Best of ‘ album?
Luckily Mark rescued me from that one!!! And I have to say I never really took to the “Best of” for an album title… felt too much like a cookbook rather than a bunch of great songs put together. But he sorted out a list and gave it to me the next day. I looked it over and was actually pleased and impressed on his choices and track order. He even gave it a name, “Call of the Wild” rather than the textbook “Best of”.
Have you any plans to release new Material on the Z Records label in the future?
Hell Yeah!!! I’m writing now and should be ready to start recording by October for a late January release, unless it gets moved up which I was told might happen the other day.
What are your plans for the remainder of 2011 and will you be working on any other projects?
Well first I need to take a vacation. Not to complain but the first few months of this year has been the worst weather California beaches have ever seen. But even with all the chaos, I did manage to finish the songs and demos for some friends with a great band that hail from Sweden called “Fatal Smile” for their upcoming album. Plus I just finished a debut CD on a killer band from Canada called “Throne of Vengeance” releasing this year…FYI The singer/guitarist of the group happens to be born and raised in England. But as we speak, my main focus is on my new band that I’ve been rehearsing/writing with for close to a year now called “Acid for Blood”. A great line up by the way. Frankie Banali on drums, Linkan Annderson on guitar, Martin Karisson on bass and myself. Really love this sick crew! Looking to finish this by summer and then I’ll be ready to unload on what I’m planning to be my most Melodic Rock record of all time for Z Records…
For the full interview, hop over to the Rocktopia website and order your copy of Fireworks Issue #46!