Hey Paul, feels great to have you on Grande Rock. “Drive” is such an amazing album! Well done! It has been named the “Album of the Month” on the Grande Rock webzine! Kudos!
P: Thank you so much!
What has happened these 4 years between your previous release and the new one? The prior interval between your first and second albums was also four years. Is this just a coincidence?
P: Not really… Like most of us out there- Covid set everything back. My mother’s husband ended up getting cancer as well, during this time, and sadly he didn’t survive. My mom has been handicapped since surviving a brain tumour years ago, and he was her main caregiver. So, I began taking care of my mom during this same time and built her an apartment on my house. It’s been a crazy 4 years to say the least… I’m happy to report my mom is now moved in with me and living a much happier life…
Which are the music similarities and differences between your new album and the previous one? Some expected something in the vein of “Zokusho”, but they were pleasantly surprised.
P: I would say that because we spent 2 years making this last album, that there is even more attention to production than before. It was a tough record to write – probably the toughest album I’ve ever had to write.. think for Bruno as well.
Have you had to make any changes to your recording or writing process due to the pandemic?
P: Not really… cuz the members of the band live in 3 different countries, It’s always been recorded the same way. Me in my studio, Bruno in his and Rob in his in Stockholm. With technology and the internet, it’s pretty easy to ship files to each other.
Van Romaine (The Steve Morse Band) has also returned. How did that happened?
P: We love Van! Van was on the first record – it only seemed appropriate to ask him to do this album too…
What does the album title “Drive” declare? How does it relate to the album cover?
P: I think it’s the perfect word to describe how we feel, what it takes to make a record, and also, if I’m being honest – how a lot of the record gets written. I write a lot of melodies and lyrics while out driving.
Please give us a hint about each track… (just a line or two)
P: “Hey Life”: Our frustration with what was happening to us during the recording of the album.
“Go Big or Go Home”: Arena rock song. Fun to write this kind of tracks.
“19 Summertime”: A time machine back to my youth.
“What Are We Waiting For”: Love – worth taking a chance for.
“Miracle”: Perfect love song…
“Against the Grain”: How every outsider feels. How I feel.
“So Good”: Mike Reno – I have the perfect song for you…
“Love Doesn’t Live Here Anymore”: We all have pain in our lives. I wrote about it.
“Another Time, Another Place”: Ahhhhh – the ones that got away..
“The Night to Remember”: 1989…
“Nothing’s Gonna Stop Me No”: My self-motivation song.
Once again, you and Bruno handled the production, and you nailed it. It’s powerful, rich and modern. Are you completely satisfied with the final result?
P: At the end of the day, yeah… I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. You don’t finish records, ever… you just eventually abandon them. We did our level best with this one.
You continue to collaborate with Frontiers Music. Are you completely satisfied with this collaboration?
P: Frontiers is great! God bless that record label for existing. They have saved and salvaged a lot of bands/artists careers.
Do you believe “Drive” will bring in new fans for the band? Is this the record that will take you to the next level?
P: One can hope? But I’ve long ago let go of any idea of success other than to make a good record that I can stand behind and be proud of. Hopefully people like it.
What are your expectations from the new album and what do you wish to achieve with The Defiants over the next years?
P: I have no expectations. I just move on to the next songs that need to be written… but I do hope that people enjoy the new record, and I hope to be back on the road with The Defiants in spring & summer 2024.
Do you miss the good old days? What are your current thoughts on music? Is it better than before, or is it mostly recycling itself?
P: There are some aspects of the good ol days that I miss – for sure. But I think you can ask any generation that question and the answer will be the same. We all miss the innocence of youth when everything was brand new. Regarding the music – I always find good things! There are so many incredible new artists out there!
Do you have any other music projects going on at the moment?
P: Yes! I have a solo album due next year for Frontiers, as well as a Jetset Junkies album to finish.
It’s time for our “Strange Questions”!!! Hard Rock vs Hair Metal. Which of the two titles do you like better? Why did they call the 80s hard rock movement “hair metal”? Only the appearances differed from the music.
P: Hard Rock, hands down. Hair metal makes no sense to me.
Aside from sales and touring, many bands are struggling to maintain a strong “social media” presence. Is social media a way to appear successful even if that is not the case?
P: I think bands do what they can to get their message and music out there. We have to appreciate the effort, especially when the band is independent with no label help. Keep this music alive!
What do you think about the “downloading & streaming issue” of our time? Do you prefer the streaming services more or not?
P: Make friends with whatever media is at your disposal to fight it is futile. One must get their music out in any way possible these days.
What are those things that you do not like in the music industry nowadays?
P: Same as before… when a crap song gets attention it doesn’t deserve.
Fill in the phrase… “Hard Rock wouldn’t have evolved the way it did, if it hadn’t been for…”
P: MTV…
Which are the Top 3 AOR / Melodic Rock albums of all time according to you?
P: Just 3?
Which is the most underrated musician/band of all time?
P: Zebra…
Put together the best (hard) rock line-up of all time. Who plays what?
P: I might alienate some friends answering this question!
If you could be someone else (fictional character, historical figure) who would you chose to be and why?
P: Robin Lee Graham – Sailed around the world at 16.
If your band’s music was a famous painting, which one would it be, and why do you see a connection between the artwork and your sound?
P: Coolidge’s 1894 painting – says everything there is to say about being in a band!
Many musicians have been known to draw inspiration from dreams. Can you recall a vivid dream that influenced one of your songs or albums?
P: The verse lyrics to “It Goes Fast”… all from a dream!
What are your thoughts on A.I.? It appears to have taken over the world in every part of our life over the last few months, and this is just the beginning. What are your thoughts on the AI-created music?
P: You can’t stop technology, and people will listen to AI created music in the future, because they don’t care enough about following an artist. I mean that exists right now. So, it is what it is.
It’s always a pleasure talking with you Paul. Say anything you feel like saying before we close. Take care!
P: Love and music to all!
