Who are you and what is your role in the band?
My name is Frank Slifka and I’m the founder and lead guitarist of The Almas
How did the band get started?
I was in another band at the time and we were currently looking for a lead singer. We auditioned multiple singers and I saw a lot of talent in a particular individual. The other members however felt differently. I wound up stepping down from the band and forming a new band with that singer. Since then, The Almas have gone through many lineup changes including another singer.
Who are your influences and how do they play a role in your sound?
I am heavily influenced by the likes of Ac/dc, Buckcherry, Poison, and 50’s and 60’s Rock N Roll. I admire the purity of tone in the older music. The music held passion and angst, not through digital effects but through aggressive technique and true analog manipulation. When we were developing and recording the sound of the band, we used many older recording techniques and almost all analog equipment to capture the true essence of Rock N Roll. You can get a taste of what I’m talking about by checking out our latest single “Back To Bad” on Youtube.
What has been your most meaningful experience being in this band so far?
Honestly, it has been in the most recent times. We recently brought in the final member of the band and a crew of people including our stage hand, photographer, and merch girls. Every time we go out for a show it’s surreal to me to see everyone working together, being so happy, and truly engaged in each other’s lives. Too experience that for the first time in all the years I have been playing in bands is just amazing. We having become a family. I couldn’t ask for anything more.
Favorite memory from a show you’ve played or a place you’ve travelled?
Every year we play a show in Ohio which is on private property in the woods. It’s a two day music bash with smaller bands from all over the country. The bands camp out and there is nothing better than waking up in nature and then playing some Rock N Roll.
What do you hope to accomplish with your music?
I speak for the whole band by saying we would love to make a living playing our music. Honestly though, if we are able to change one person’s life all this would have been worth it.
Something about you that no one knows?
I’m pretty open about myself but a few things that not a lot of people know is that I like to bake and I’m secretly an ABBA fan.
What is next for the band?
Well we will be releasing our album “Back To Bad” this spring. After the release we will be writing for a new EP and hopefully going on a small tour in support of the new album.
Anything else you want to add?
I think we covered all the bases
Photo Gallery by Steve Porter
