Brand New Sin questions answered by Joe Altier
interview conducted by Darren
Who or what inspired you to
pick up your instruments? How long have you been playing?
hum what inspired me? I would have to say my
mother. I grew up with a piano in the house. When I was about four or so she
sat me down and played for me. I thought it was the coolest thing. After that
I started sitting down on my own and basically teaching myself (playing by
ear). As for the singing that came along with playing the piano. When I would
teach myself a song I would sing it also. Many years of practice in the shower
and in the car also, haha.
What is your views on music file sharing
and the controversy it has arose?
For me I think it is a doubled edged sword. On one hand I agree with
the likes of Metallica and feel we should be getting royalties for our work,
especially since we hardly make any money right now. On the other hand file
sharing has opened millions of people to music they would of other wise never
heard. And my take on those people is if they become true fans they will
either buy the album anyways or they will e at all of your shows buying your
merch and so on. At this point in the game for us we need to build a fan base
anyway we can.
I also would like to comment on the recording of
"Brand New Sin". A "well oiled machine", can you tell me about that
experience?
The recording of this record was one of the best times of my
whole life, hands down. I was finally getting to fulfill a lifelong dream. We
spent 5 to 6 nights a week for 4 months writing, drinking, arranging,
drinking, producing, drinking, recording, drinking and mixing the album (while
drinking!!) We owe so much to our producer, Pete Walker, for everything he
did for us. He really brought the best out in our songs as well as ourselves.
What do you do if you are in the middle of a show
with massive squirts
brewin'?
Funny thing is this happens more often than u think, not only
with me but a lot of musicians. About 20 minutes before each show I feel the
need to go, sometimes I do and sometimes I don't!!! Between all the alcohol
and the McDonald's it can be quite interesting. Usually though once the set
starts it doesn't bother me, until I'm done.
Tell me what it is like touring with Zakk,
and what kind of experiences will you never forget?
Touring with Zakk was an absolute dream come true for all of us.
We have all grown up idolizing him and for him to take us under his wing was
very surreal. He treated us like brothers, like we were one of the family
(that goes for everyone in his band and crew) He let us crash on the bus,
drink his beer, watch his porn, eat his food, jam with him...I think u get the
picture. As for the experiences we don't have enough room here for them all. I
guess for the night in Manchester, NH I can sum it up in two words, CONDIMENT
BASEBALL!!!!
How does the band approach songwriting?
Well at least with this album, it went like this. Kris,
Kenny and Slider wrote most all of the music, actually most of the music was
written before I even joined the band. Me and Slider would listen to the songs
and start coming up with ideas. Either it was a song I had mostly written or
one that Slider did we would bring the basic ideas to each other and help each
other out. And then there were a couple of tunes, like "Judgment Day" and "Sad
Wings" , that we wrote together.
Who are some of your favorite artist and
influences?
Where do I start? I have a wide range of influences ranging from
classical to speed metal, but I guess some of the biggest would have to be
Metallica, Kiss, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Motley Crue, Black Sabbath, Ozzy, anything by
Zakk, The Beatles. Vocally I would say the biggest would be James Hetfield,
Zakk, Scott Weiland, Phil Anselmo, Ronnie Van Zant and yes...Otis Redding.
How does the band tackle everything that
comes with being in the music business?
With a grain of salt and an iron fist!!!!
What does the future hold for Brand New
Sin?
A lot of shows, a lot of good
music, a lot of fun, a long career and
A LOT OF BEER!!!!
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