Page 35 - RockRevoltMagazine-FebruaryMarch2016

career. When it came time to sign
a new record deal, we got a couple
of offers from record labels that
were disrespectful. We would be
like, “We made this kind of money
on one tour.” It was like a step
back for us. What I did was see an
opening for a new business – it is
like a wild, wild west out there. I
think now and more than ever, you
can learn from it and compete with
others. I built what I thought was
the best team for my band. I hired
the radio person that had been part
of my career since day one. I hired
a marketing team, and I partnered up
with Fuel Music. The team is called The
Vegas Syn. I attack the whole landscape
of things with my business. For this tour, We just wanted one of the only radio stations as a musician or an artist to show up
I have even gone as far as calling up the
promoters and clubs before we get there
to negotiate airplay so we can promote
each other. We are already selling out
some of our shows –we pay attention
to every detail.
Do you guys have a bad reputation?
I do. The song is about me. Lyrically
– I wrote it. We were banned from
Houston – perhaps you know the story.
So my big thing over the last couple of
years is you know – we went on tour
with a couple of bands that were just
fake – like a pop band. There were
I have always been a little rebellious.
I would not have chosen this job if I
was straight cut. But, I don’t cross the
line. When I am done, I want to wind
down. I might have a drink, smoke a
joint, or like to have women around.
You want to have fun. You want it
to be a good night. You don’t want a
show where everyone gets kicked out
at the end of the show.
tons of rules, and you couldn’t even piss in
the wrong toilet or your shadow would be You are in a very popular venue
in the way. It was very unfun, and I spoke tonight. The Scout Bar Houston is
out about it to the public. I say what I believe. probably one of my favorite venues –
When I came to Houston, I spoke out about it is quite a family.
the music playing on the 94.5 The Buzz Radio Yes, they are really keeping the rock
Show ( comments - they then banned airplay scene up. The Scout Bar has branded
for this band). They are doing a better job now, itself as the place where you can hear
and I would, of course, like to make amends. bands like us. There is nothing better
in Houston that play rock to think about how to a venue and there be a scene of
much airplay they were giving to pop bands people who want to see a rock show.
versus rock bands like us. “Bad Reputation” is They treat us great, and it is fantastic.
about the times I spoke out. It is who I am. In
this business, you are either an ally or enemy, One of the fans outside is about
and I really don’t want any enemies.
seven years old, and there are fans
up to their 50’s here – what is it about
I think it is hard to be in the music business your band that brings them to your
and to juggle personalities, but at least you shows?
are being an authentic version of yourself no The songs first – they connect to our
songs. I have seen people getting
matter what. lost in our music and in us. I am big
personality, and when the fans are
around me, I give them good energy,
and I care about them. I want us to
meet the expectations of what they
are looking forward to. We want
people to cut loose for an hour – they
are not going to worry about their
jobs, boyfriends, or bills for one
hour – and they are just going to
get lost – in us! 