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B:
Actually, we haven't been inactive at all. This is our 8th album. We
record an album and then tour off and on all year long. Many people
don't know that we've recorded 8 albums and they think that we broke
up... Not true!
(Interviewers note: We are sorry about that, but due to bad distribution
in Greece, Firehouse's albums never came here.) It
seems that glam rock - or whatever people call it - is on the rise again
lately, with old bands reuniting and new ones appearing. Do you
distinguish the driving force behind this trend? B:
I don't know. All I do know is that people like good music. Whether it's
glam rock or punk rock, if it's good, people who like that genre' will
want to hear it. I've always thought of us as a melodic rock band. Let's
get down to the new album. What inspired the band and made it sound so
fresh, vigorous and energetic?? B:
We just tried to write the best songs we could and we picked the best
ones. Out of the songs that we picked, they seemed to have a harder
edge. I guest hat playing live so much has helped us find our style a
bit. By
the way what is the "Prime Time"? Can you explain us a little
the title of your album? B: The song is about seizing the moment. Make the best of today. We think that this is our best album, so it seemed like a good title. Would
you like to give us some details about the recording procedure??? Any
funny stories concerning it? B:
We recorded it in my studio while we were still touring. We'd record
during the week and then fly out on the weekends to play gigs. We came
back very energized and fresh ready to record this way and we never got
burned out in the studio. What
kind of procedure did you follow to compose the tracks? B:
We didn't have any procedure. We wrote in every way possible: as a
group, in pairs, and as individuals. Every way we can write gets
different results. I
don't know if it is only my opinion. But in the new album you sound more
"dirty" (in the good sense of the term), looser, and heavier
rather than glam.... Do you agree?? How did this sound occur? Naturally
or was it a deliberate choice? B:
I agree. It was a natural choice for sure. We didn't set out to make the
album sound a certain way. The only thing we tried to create was
quality. You
know when I first listened to the album the opening track made me think
I was listening to a new Aerosmith one :)...but then things took the
"normal" Firehouse way. How come you decided to open the album
with this track??? B:
It's the title track and has a good groove. I think it also shows our
growth as a band and a different flavour with the percussion. The
new album contains some hymnical songs, among the best ones you have
composed (like my favorite one "Crash"), something that
enhances fans' appetite for more.... What are your future plans? B:
We plan on touring on this album as much as possible. What
is the response for the album so far? B:
The response has been very similar to yours. People are saying that it
is our best album ever, or our best since our first. That is very
gratifying to hear. You
are famous for your energetic live shows.... Is there any chance to see
you here in Europe??? B:
We are playing in Europe this March. And
a couple of personal questions now. Do you believe that you that you
will have the time (that is needed) to participate in both bands (I mean
Wanderlust)? B:
My side project, Wanderlust, is just that: a side project. Firehouse
is my priority. If Firehouse takes some time off, I'd love to play some
Wanderlust shows. I'll post tour dates on my website: www.leverty.com. In
which of the two bands that you are participating do you prefer to play
and why? B:
I like them both. They are both the same in many ways. In Wanderlust,
I'm the lead vocalist 100% of the time, so it's more challenging. Firehouse
has always given me the freedom to express myself creatively, but
Wanderlust lets me take it a step further. Do
you distinguish any new groups that worth listening to? B:
I like a little bit of everything out there. There's a band called
Endangered Species that I LOVE. And
some Weird Questions now, to relax somehow!!! What are the biggest life
lessons you've learned over the course of your career? B:
Don't sweat the small stuff. If
you were living in Middle Earth (I hope that you have seen or read the
Lord Of The Rings) which character would you choose to be and why? B:
I like Gollum my precious........ Imagine
that your wife is selling your whole album collection just to buy for
herself an expensive, good ring. How would you react? B:
She would never do that. She values music WAY more than a piece of
jewellery... That's one reason why I married her. :) Ok
Bill those were my questions. Thx very much for having the patience to
answer them! Is there anything you would like to answer to, but I didn't
ask you? B:
Thank you very much for your support. Please check out my website: www.leverty.com
and hope to see you on tour....
by Alex Savatianos & Thanos Aggelakis |
Hi
Bill. First of all I would like to know what have Firehouse members been
doing while the band was inactive.