With technology changing so much over the last few years and seemingly not slowing, and TV force-feeding us the lowest common denominator, what hope is there for rock music?
The fans. That’s it, in a nutshell. The fans are the ones that make the difference. They are the ones that buy the music and come to the shows and share our stuff on social media. Without them, we couldn’t survive, at all. As rock musicians, we’re pretty lucky, that we have to be able to play our instruments. I think it’s one of the purest forms of music left. As long as bands remain true to who they are, and not fall prey to the latest greatest trend happening, they will find a way to survive.
Thinking back to your early memories of music, what was it that firs made you decide you needed to be in a Rock and Roll band?
Well, the guitarist that made me want to pick up a guitar and play was Brad Gillis when he played with Ozzy. Seeing him and some of the other “Gods” on MTV made me sit up and say, I want to do that! I had started on drums, but nobody sees the drummer. Hahaha.
Where did it all start for you with guitar? What made you pick up that guitar in the first place?
I guess I just answered that one…it was seeing guys like Gillis, Vandenberg, Lynch, Van Halen, and all these amazing, larger than life players on MTV. They got the girls, they had the cars, they were the “stars.” How could I resist?
Who do you think has been your most enduring influence as a player?
Neal Schon. Always tasty, forever melodic, timeless. Yet the guy can shred with some of the best.
From what you’ve learned so far what is the most valuable advice you’ve been given so far as a musician?
To stay true to yourself. Don’t follow the trends. If you are honest about what you are doing or playing, the fans will see that. Don’t try to be someone that you’re not. I think it’s pretty valuable advice, and it’s served me well.
Can music change the world?
I don’t know if it can change the world. It can certainly help the world. It can help someone get through some difficult times. It can be uplifting or it can help get out aggression. It can make a difference with different causes and charitable things. For instance, I am a big animal supporter, and I’ve donated a portion of proceeds from my music to animal charities. So, in that way, I guess music can change the world. But, more than that, it’s people that change the world. If they happen to be musicians, then all the better!
What does 2014 have in store for you and the band?
We’ve already got Skull Fest 2 and Rock N Skull festivals on the calendar. We’re finishing up the new album. We’ve got dates with Primal Fear and Metal Church scheduled. There are some other pretty big things on the horizon that I can’t talk about yet, but basically, we’ll be taking this thing to even greater heights in 2014. I look forward to reaching more fans and showing them how we do it.
If you could have been a ‘Fly on the wall’ for the creation of any great album from any period, just to see how the magic happened and it all came together, what would it have been for you any why?
Wow… I guess I will have to stay with Journey on that one. Escape. It could be the perfect melodic rock record of all time. “Don’t Stop Believin’” “Stone In Love,” the title track? I’d love to hear how they came up with that stuff. Again, timeless.
What is the meaning of life?
If I told you, I’d have to kill you. Haha.
http://www.xanderdemos.com
Xander Demos spoke to Leslii Phillips January 2014 |