SHOTGUN SYMPHONY
New Jersey's SHOTGUN
SYMPHONY have just released an amazing new cd called "Sea Of
Desire" or "SOD" if you like. The album finally
sees the band returning to the melodic aor twists of their debut
album, topped with a gorgeous production and a fine performance
at last years God's festival in England the futire certainily
looks bright for this brilliant band. I caught up with keyboard
player Charlie Calv and here's what the man had to say....
Nicky:- How long were the band together before the release of
your debut album?
Charlie:- We were together as a full band for about a year before
the first record.
Nicky:- What are the bands
influences?
Charlie:- It ranges from Led Zeppelin to Journey and then from
Black Sabbath to Pink Floyd.We all really listen to a lot of
different music. Right know in my CD player are the Foo Fighters,
Missing Persons and Seal. So there you have it, diversity.
Nicky:- Tell me
about your new album "Sea Of Desire"
Charlie:- I think it is a great straight ahead Melodic Rock
record. That's what we wanted to do and that's what we got. We
experimented on the last couple of records and we all thought it
was about time to go back to the basics.
I think a lot of people will enjoy it.
Nicky:- The reaction to your
last couple of albums was not so favorable, why do you think
this?
Charlie:- Well, like I just said we were definately experimenting
with different styles and productions and people just were not
into it. With "Forget The Rain" it was a complete
experimentation style and production wise. I really enjoyed
making that record and learned a geat deal from the whole
experience. But, it was to drastic of a step to make so early in
our career. Now with "On The Line of Fire" I think
there were elements of "Forget The Rain" like on tracks
"What It's Like" and "Into the Vibe" but
overall it was a lot more melodic. That record actually got some
great reviews and overall did quite well. I also think if we were
able to tour in support of both of those records they would have
done a lot better because some of those songs really came to life
in the live situation and unfortunately nobody in Europe got a
chance to see it.
Nicky:- How did you
find the gods?
Charlie:- We all really enjoyed playing the show and I think the
response we got was great. It was nice to see so many familiar
faces and get a chance to play for everyone again. It's what
makes doing this kind of stuff worth it.
Nicky:- How did you originally
get involved with Now And Then?and why did you decide to leave
them and then regroup with them for "Sea Of Desire"?
Charlie:- We were orignally brought to Now and Then by Ivan
Gunn(ex BALANCE OF POWER). He had seen us at a club in New Jersey
and hooked us up with Mark Ashton. I guess the rest is History. I
really don't want to get into the whole leaving Now and Then
story again, because it's been told so many times before and way
to long to get into, so let's just say we are both happy to be
working with each other again.
Nicky:- I love the cover artwork
for "Sea Of Desire", who responable for that?
Charlie:- We basically stumbled accross this image and it was
like Wow! what a cool image for the album. So we kind of
developed the whole layout around that.
Nicky:- Will you be playing any
shows in support of this album?
Charlie:- We would love to, but here are no plans right now.
Nicky:- What are your favourite
tracks on the album?
Charlie:- I would have to say "Dancing on Fire" and
"The Way That You Feel" are my two favourites.
Nicky:- What happened with your
old band ANTHEM?
Charlie:- Wow, I've never been asked that before. Both myself and
Ed played in Anthem in the mid 80's. It was a great band with
some great songs. We probably have about 30 songs laying around
from those days. We basically broke up and went our seperate
ways, we still keep in touch.
Nicky:- Have you done any other
work outside of Shotgun Symphony?
Charlie:- Tracy, Ed and Ron have done the INTRUDER record and I
beleive they will be working on a new one shortly. I had played
on the MESSAGE record "Fine Line" and I recently did a
a very heavy/gothic record with THE BRONX CASKET CO. (w/members
of Overkill, Misfits, Seven Witches)for Massacre Records. And I
am currently writing and recording with a band called WONDERLAND
(w/Mike Maino & Russell Arcara).
Nicky:- Are you pleased with the
response to "S/O/D"?
Charlie:- Extremely pleased with the response
Nicky:- You have played a few
gigs hence the recording of your "LIVE" album from
Camden Underworld, any interesting stories from life on the road?
Charlie:- Way to many to tell. As Ed has always said, "if
nothing else at least we had alot of laughs with this band".
Nicky:- Finally
what are the bands future plans and is there anything that you
wish to say to your fans here in Europe and the UK?
Charlie:- We would hope to do some shows in Europe in the Spring
and then begin work on a new record in the Summer. And we of
course want to thank all of the fans (especially the ones who
travelled many miles to see us at the GODS 99 show) for their
continued support and we hope to see them all on the road.
(Interview done by Nicky Baldrian)