Formed in the early part of this century Myles Kennedy (lead vocals, guitar), Mark Tremonti (lead guitar, vocals), Scott Phillips (drums) and Brian Marshall (bass) of Alter Bridge are making another major contribution to keeping rock and roll alive and well with their sixth studio release Walk The Sky. I had the opportunity to talk with Kennedy about the strong reception of Walk The Sky, the challenges that came with making their latest effort, his first encounter with Mark Tremonti, who he would like to collaborate with and the impact of fame on his personal life.
RockRevolt: Congratulations on the number one rock album Walk The Sky, how does that sound?
Myles Kennedy: Yeah, pretty awesome. Surprising and cool. Not complaining.
RR: And over the pond number four in the UK as well as top five in some other European countries. The album is being well received what do you attribute that to? Feels like the fan base keeps growing.
MK: Yeah I think that after 15 years of establishing the quote/unquote brand I guess that people have continued to not only support what we do and comeback and express interest but also it seems to be growing. Seems like they’re telling friends and friends are telling friends. That’s a great position to be in especially after doing this for over a decade and a half. I wasn’t sure how this was going to roll-out and we were pretty blown away with the reception.
RR: That brings me to my next question, Walk The Sky is a bit of a departure from past Alter Bridge albums. Were you at all nervous whether the fans would accept it or not? It is a bit different.
MK: I think it was a needed change. One thing we didn’t want to do was continue to make the same record. So we chose to mix things up, even from the way we wrote the songs. These tracks primarily Mark and I would demo the tracks separately whereas before we would do a lot more collaboration. That was an interesting experience in of itself. We’re happy with how that turned out. We felt like the sonic hallmarks were still there, what we’re known for with our fans. We didn’t want to necessarily alienate people and have them feel like what are they doing here. We wanted to make the record that still injected the riffs and the melodies that the fans have come to expect. It’s always a delicate dance when making a record you want to evolve and change things just enough to show that you’re not being complacent. At the same time there’s going to be some risk there and you have to be cognizant of that. I feel like we landed on our feet.
RR: Most fans know that between Mark and yourself you do a large majority, if not all the writing. Where does Brian and Scott plug-in to the whole creative process?
MK: To me they don’t get enough credit. I feel like as a rhythm section they have something that is very unique that only they do which is the feel. Really where they both feel the downbeat. There’s a pocket when those two play together there is very unique and really helps define this band. Mark and I bring in the songs but they provide a certain backbone that if it was any other rhythm section it would really shift the sound of this band dramatically in my opinion.
RR: How about Michael “Elvis” Baskette, how much does his say influence the record. And how far does his say go when making a record?
MK: He’s our honorary fifth member, he’s our George Martin. He’s the last filter. So when we are trying to figure out which songs are going to make the cut. When we are trying to figure out how the arrangement is going to be settled in the end he has the last word. He’s able to have that thirty-thousand foot view of things. A lot of times the band will be too close to the songs to be able to see the forest through the trees and he’s the perfect guy for that to help us navigate into the final phase. He’s a tremendous asset to the band.
RR: Prior to making this record did you listen to any particular bands or style of music that may have had some influence?
MK: On this record nothing jumps out. You go through phases as a writer that you might listen to something a little more than you normally would. You know I learned something, it was a really profound statement that Jerry Harrison, he was the guitar player for the Talking Heads, he produced the very first Mayfield Four record back in ’97. I remember OK Computer was just getting ready to drop by Radiohead and I was so excited, I couldn’t wait to get that record and he told me something that really stuck with me. He said I want you to hold off on getting that record and listening to it until we’re done with this Mayfield Four record. What will happen is it will really become such an influence if you’re not careful you’re not going to be your true self as an artist. That really hit home for me. That was probably the best advice anyone had ever gave me. You want to go in with a clear palette and not be absorbing too much of any artist and be yourself.
RR: Is there a song on Walk The Sky you are most proud of? A song that may have been challenging to create?
MK: There are a few. I think that “In The Deep” took a little while to get settled. That’s like the second or third song on the record. It was a little bit of a departure especially the verses. There was a lot of experimenting that went on there. I’m real happy with how that one turned out. I feel like it has a real uplifting vibe to it. It just makes me feel good when I hear it.
RR: How about a song from the new record that could be difficult to play live?
MK: Yeah, I was just actually rehearsing “Native Son” the other day and to try and sing and play that will be a bit of a challenge. I wrote the riffs I remember I didn’t have a melody yet so when I did the demo for the music I wasn’t thinking about how I was going to sing and play the verses. So the other day I tried it for the first time and was like oh man what have I done. Sing myself into a corner here.
RR: So is there a chance we hear it live?
MK: I think we’ll definitely do that one live, seems to be a fan favorite. We’ll definitely get that one in the set.
RR: Speaking of live you just wrapped this leg of the U.S. tour. What’s next for the tour, how long do you plan to tour this record and will you be back stateside?
MK: Yeah we’ll be out for at least the next year touring anywhere that will have us. Coming to a birthday party near you (laughing). We’ll definitely be back in the states at some point next year.
RR: I was a little disappointed to not see Alter Bridge announced as one of the headliners for the UK Download Festival. What’s going on with that, I figured at some point you would be taking one of the headline slots.
MK: (laughing) always a bridesmaid never a bride. It’s actually fine with me. I think I’m the only guy in the band that isn’t pushing to headline Download. I like the slot just before the headliner goes on (which Alter Bridge have held on multiple occasions). Then you can relax and have a gin and tonic while the headliner is on.
RR: Are you doing the festival circuit overseas?
MK: Yeah, that’s the plan.
RR: Do you recall the first time you met Mark and were there creative sparks right away?
MK: The funny thing is when we first met it was when the Mayfield Four was opening for Creed. We met in the cafeteria. I was leaving the cafeteria and Mark was walking in, in the basement of the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. It was like a real brief, hey and fist bump or something. There was no real hanging out or anything. I hung out more with Scott Phillips (Alter Bridge and at the time Creed drummer) then any of those guys. So that was the only guy I got to know.
RR: When you get the call from Mark that he’s putting this band together and we want you to be the singer what’s your initial thoughts?
MK: I was pretty surprised because I didn’t even know I was on their radar. I didn’t even know that they heard us even when we were opening for them. I assumed we were the first band on the bill, just getting started, trying to make a name for ourselves. I was really blown away that five years later they chose to give me a buzz. I was pretty shocked.
RR: Do you jump right at the opportunity?
MK: Once they sent some demos and I heard those I thought this could be cool, a good fit. We didn’t mess around, I got down there about a month after I got those demos, we started working on what would become One Day Remains, it was pretty quick.
RR: How about with Slash, how did that all go down and what was it like first getting together with him?
MK: Once again it was a really big surprise. I think it’s because I live in Spokane, WA and I’m not really in the thick of it down in LA or New York so when a heavy hitter like Slash gets your number and calls you, you’re kind of scratching your head going how did this happen. I was grateful non the less. He asked if I would be interested in doing something on his first solo record, sent me a demo of some music and I put the melody and lyrics to what would end up being “Starlight.” Flew down to LA a few weeks later and we cut the track. It was a trip getting to hang in the studio and talk, watch how he worked. It was a really cool experience.
RR: With Guns N Roses back together have you had the opportunity to meet Axl?
MK: I haven’t. I have not had the opportunity to do that at this point. It would be really cool though.
RR: Was curious if he might have had any feedback on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame performance. What was that experience like being able to perform at the Rock Hall of Fame with some of the Guns N Roses guys?
MK: I’ll tell you what that performance was probably the most nerve-racking experience of my life. I honest didn’t think it would happen. I thought that I would get there and at the last minute Axl might show up and they would all get on stage and do their thing. I remember looking over at the stage door as they were doing their speeches, getting their award and I kept looking at the door thinking Axl is going to show up at any minute. I really didn’t think that I was going to go out there. Then all of a sudden I hear the crowd clap and see them go to grab their instruments and I remember thinking to myself this is actually going to happen (laughing). It was a trip.
RR: Anyone out there that you would love to collaborate with?
MK: Oh man there’s so many guys out there that I respect. I’m a massive Gary Clark Jr. fan, I think he’s incredible. I love Rival Sons, Jay Buchanan is one of my favorite singers, love Jay. I could just go on and on. I’m such a fanboy. I love the Gojira guys.
RR: Gojira, I recently read an interview with you and you stated Gojira is one of the most important metal bands right now.
MK: Yeah, it’s subjective. For me I’d say Gojira and I would say Mastodon as well are my two favorites.
RR: I’m sure this won’t be easy but give me your top five records.
MK: Top five records period, of all time for me?
RR: Yes.
MK: Grace by Jeff Buckley, Highway to Hell by AC/DC, What’s Going On by Marvin Gay, Ingenue by k.d. lang and lets throw in something heavy Van Halen I, not really heavy but it’s bad ass.
RR: Has fame got to a point with you that it’s difficult to go out in public? Or are you relatively unnoticed?
MK: I go absolutely unnoticed and I love it (laughing). It’s great. I can do whatever, it’s awesome. My wife and I just went on a walk and we were talking about how we have a great wonderful existence because I can go out and tour and make music. Then I can comeback home and have a very fulfilling regular life. It’s awesome.
RR: One last question, I’m curious every time I see you onstage, in interviews or in person you always seem to have this very upbeat, laid-back personality. Do you ever get pissed off?
MK: Oh sure, I’m human I’ve got plenty of flaws but I try to balance it with staying positive and being grateful.
RR: Well I’d have to say you’re one of the nicest guys in rock and roll and fans appreciate that and we appreciate the latest record, Walk The Sky, another monster hit by Alter Bridge. Any final words for the fans?
MK: Just a sincere thank you for embracing the new record and have made it so we can continue to make music. We are beyond lucky, we applaud you for it, thank you.
RR: Thank you Myles and good luck with the tour and new album Walk The Sky.
MK: Sounds great Brett thanks brother.
