Tora Tora were a band I loved back in the day and their latest album ‘Bastards of Beale’ picks up exactly where they left off without missing a beat, and that believe me is a mighty difficult trick to pull off. For those long-term fans tough its the years of enjoyment that ‘Surprise Attack’ and ‘Wild America’, their two A&M releases, have given that make them one of the finest Hard Rock acts to come out of the 80’s. I personally once traveled to the U.S. just to see them back in 2008 something I’d never been able to do back in the day as the band never played outside the U.S. We caught up with singer Anthony Corder to find out all about the band’s plans for 2019.
Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to The Rockpit today, what can we say? ‘The Bastard of Beale’ has to be one of the best albums we’ve heard in years? What a great return!
AC: Thank you guys!
Before we get onto the album, let’s backtrack – way back in 1987 you released an independent EP ‘To Rock to Roll’ and a lot of local support drew you to the attention of A&M records – is that a dream come true for a young band?
AC: Yes it was unbelievable. We were so happy! We had signed a production deal with Ardent Studios, they shopped us and showcased us to labels. A&M Records seemed the most genuinely excited so we moved forward with them. They gave us an incredible opportunity.
In the days before the internet your debut ‘Surprise! Attack’ in 1989 caught the attention of a lot of Rock fans and for me ‘Wild America’ topped it – the writing was richer and bluesier – tell us a little about that period for the band?
AC: Wild America sessions are some of my favourite, we wrote a ton of songs. It was a fun process with our producer John Hampton. Later, Arthur Payson came in to remix a few tunes. We had grown so much as players, we are still proud of this project. We had toured/traveled for about two years on Surprise Attack and these tunes were inspired from those experiences. I think the blues sound was just part of us, where we grew up geographically inspired us.
What were A&M like as a label what support did they give you?
AC: They kept us busy. They gave us worldwide exposure. They had a great team of people helping us promote those projects, we had some crazy times on the road with the promotion staff! Of course, we had some disagreements especially choosing/approving content for these projects but looking back we are very proud of these recordings. I still keep in contact with some of our A&M family.
Hailing from Memphis away from the epicenters of East and west Coasts must have been a challenge for the band but it’s also a wonderful part of your sound – most people who have heard of Memphis will know of Beale Street – what does that name mean to someone from Memphis and what was the scene like there?
AC: Beale Street had just been renovated in late 80s, tons of neon signs, streetlights, music venues and multiple melodies dancing down the brick streets with a thriving tourist buzz. It was a great time, tons of musicians from all over the region, producers, executives, showcases and support from local radio stations pushing original material.
Your ‘lost’ third album recorded in 1994, ‘Revolution Day’ that finally saw a release in 2011 was a gem and the band’s sound seemed to have developed even further, you’ve described the recording of that as being some of your best days and I still remember the thrill of hearing the title track at Rocklahoma back in 2008 I think, the second show you’d played in over ten years was that festival experience something that made you wonder if there might be something more for the band?
AC: Yes we thought Rocklahoma would be a good starting spot to getting back out and it felt really good to see the fans and other bands. We had missed the performing while on hiatus and that trip made us want to be more active touring.
At the end of 2017 you played a few more shows and again in 2018 after playing only a few over the previous ten years, was that the impetus for the album or had you already decided to record again before that?
AC: We had all mentioned recording new material but it had to be the right fit, at the right time. I think we all just wanted to get out after Patrick, our bassist, was given a clean bill of health after being diagnosed with cancer. We all had a new perspective and new energy. We don’t take it for granted that we get to play together and never have. We are doing something we love, Frontiers came along with perfect timing for us professionally and personally to record this record.
Fans can also check out the three albums of demos you put out on FNA records between 2009 and 2010 – there’s a lot of great stuff on there that didn’t make the original albums – do you have any highlights from those recordings you wish had made the final cut of either ‘Surprise! Attack’ or ‘Wild America’?
AC: We loved those recording sessions, I believe the best songs won out for the records. I will say revisiting them back in 2011 was really fun. We wanted to organize our personal content and get it in a format that would be safe. Some of those recordings were on cassettes (haha). We wrote a ton of songs and had a blast doing it. It is straight up rock-n-roll with a blues influence.
Is there a story behind the band name, or is it just a very cool name? We understand that originally you were called ‘Free Beer’ that sounds like another great name to us!
TORA TORA was taken from the intro to Van Halen “Women and Children First” album. We had a good friend in high school, Kelly C, that suggested it and it just stuck. (Our friends used to come to the shows and start the chant TORA TORA!!!)
Take us inside the process of making the album? Where do you start? How do the songs evolve?
AC: We started by trying to plan logistics. We had to be efficient with time and budget. I am a transplant in Nashville, TN and band is based in Memphis. So we had to get organized with scheduling. I think we were constantly working and creating. All the songs come from different places. Some were melody and riffs, others were inspired by lyrics or simply a title. I think we had so many experiences to draw from the project came together very naturally. Also, having our friend, Jeff Powell, producing made it like hanging with family.
Do you enjoy the process of creating? Are you someone who continually writes or does the best come out under a little gentle pressure?
AC: I love creating. We were very consensus of our approach to enjoy getting to write and record together. The only pressure was ourselves wanting to deliver a good representation of where we are now and how we sound at this stage. It was a very organic process.
What does it feel like as an artist waiting for the songs you’ve lived with for some time to get released to the fans? Is there a sense of excitement or a little panic in there too?
AC: A little bit of nerves…we are super excited but also, we have a little anxiety because it has been a minute (haha).
I must admit my greatest struggle with ‘The Bastard of Beale’ (Review coming when we publish this interview) is picking a favourite song, it’s so solid from the first to the last: you must have your favourite moments on the album?
AC: Lights Up the River is one, it had a connection to Sam Phillips. Sam mentioned this phrase in an interview and we ended up recording the entire project at Sam Phillips Recording, kinda surreal…we were completely vibing!!
It’s great to see the whole band together, something that’s rare these days – is it just like old times?
AC: Absolutely, complete with the same old jokes! Friends since high school…
You recorded the album at Sam Phillips Recording in Memphis, Sam is of course recognized for his work with Sun Studios and Elvis, the studio has hosted artists such as Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bob Dylan, and Robert Plant, what’s it like being surrounded by such history? Does it put the pressure on?
AC: We have always been proud to be from Memphis. We were recently recognized by Music Export Memphis as Ambassadors for Memphis Music. Very honoured to be connected to such a rich heritage. We embrace it, we have always been treated well because of our association with Memphis.
How do you feel the band has grown since ‘Revolution Day’?
AC: A lifetime of growth, we have raised our families and I know personally, I have been inspired by so many new influences. I think we picked up right where we left off.
How much stock as an artist do you put by reviews? Do you read them or let them pass you by?
AC: I think you have to be prepared to accept the good with the bad. Of course, you always hope people enjoy your tunes, but if they don’t it makes me want to work that much harder to reach them.
What are your plans for the remainder of 2019 and beyond?
AC: Touring and writing. Dates at Monsters of Rock, Rocklanta, M3 and The Venue in Denver. Hope to see some folks out there on the road!
With an album like ‘The Bastards of Beale’ how on earth do you choose what to play live – what makes it into the setlist and how hard a decision is it?
AC: We hope we are playing the ones that the crowd wants to hear. Nowdays, it’s about tunings. We have been experimenting with different tunings. Also, tempos and dynamics play a role. We still enjoy playing each night.
What are the best and worst aspects of touring and playing live?
AC: The best, travel. The worst, headed back home, we really are enjoying be out right now…love our families, but feel like we want to see more stages!
What music moves you? Has it changed over the years?
AC: Everything from Mississippi John Hurt to KISS to Zep to Etta James. It does continue to grow especially in places like Memphis and Nashville. There are so many incredible musicians and great music…it’s eclectic, it’s electric, it keeps me alive!!
Are there any artists that you just can’t go without? Who created that spark and who continues to inspire you?
AC: It’s a mix of many, depending on my headspace. I do love the accessibility of new music and technology, I just wish there was more time in a day to listen…I get distracted.
From what you’ve learned so far what is the most valuable advice you’ve been given so far as a musician?
Stay consistent in all aspects and don’t give up!!! Be yourself, there’s no one else like you ever.
Can music still change the world?
Everyday it does, it brings us together!! Like now!!
Take it all the way back for us – what was it that made you realise that music was going to be your life? Was there a defining moment or a gradual realisation? Thinking back to your early memories of music, what was it that first made you decide you needed to be in a Rock and Roll band?
AC: My family, they love music. They are all players on my mother’s side, we are all from the delta in Mississippi. They are super talented but never pursued music, it was just part of life for them. Music has been a part of my life for as far back as I can remember. I love it and owe it to them!! My aunt played Destroyer for me when I was six, it was on after that!!
If we had to put you on the spot and ask you to name one single song that really exemplified your feelings about music, it’s power and emotion what would that be today?
AC: Too many, right now for some reason I have Whiter Shade of Pale playing…
If you could have been a fly on the wall for the creation of any great album just to see how the magic happened what would it be and why? What’s the album that still resonates with you?
I would have loved to be at STAX when Otis Redding was singing or have seen Janis Joplin…man they sing so great!
What is the meaning of life?
AC: LOVE each other!