music interview

Interview with Dennis Val, guitarist from Love Child. January 2017.

Posted on: January 13th, 2017 by Greg Jordan No Comments

Greetings reader. I hope all’s well with you. This week i spoke with Dennis Val, guitarist from Australian rockers Love Child……..

 

– Welcome to Metal health Dennis. Thanks for being here.

Hi Greg.

– Congratulations on the release and success of your current single ‘Watching the river flow’ from your album ‘A whole lotta sassy’, reaching number 1 on the USA indie charts recently, along with ‘A whole lotta sassy’ hitting number 1 on Aussie indy radio! I bet you’re all chuffed. 

Oh yea we’re very excited, still quite a few mountains to cross, Australia is very difficult to get acknowledged but our crowds just keep growing. Consistent live shows have sharpened the band and never under estimate word of mouth for getting punters to gigs.

We’re far more accepted and bragged about overseas, where they think were the largest independent band in the country. Were hoping to get some major radio support, no luck as yet, but that would be the key to generating more income to allow more material to be recorded and get us over to tour the States and Europe.

– What does good mental health mean to you?

It’s quite important, and at times challenging. I’m very blessed to have 3 other guys in the band who support me. It’s not easy staying focused with all the negatives in the industry but you must not ponder on the bad and just focus on the good, but it can be hard. Being a song writer means your creative and your brain is active, and more often than not it’s over active. This can be dangerous to your mental health!

– Indeed. Having some focus and support is a huge help. How is life for you off the road or when you’re not gigging? Especially after a tour or big event, is it difficult to adjust back into life at home after time on the road? If so, how do you adjust/cope? 

200 gigs a year, numerous sessions, learning new material, constantly improving as a musician feels like there is no down time. I’m learning to have days off, I just switch the world off, and my close friends allow me time where I have no contact.

After a gruelling tour is the worst, you have extreme highs and come back to normality, you are physically exhausted and the mental exhaustion and you’re on a roller coaster, makes sleep very difficult. I’m aware of what’s going on so the first thing I do is watch a movie, usually Senfield re runs as a good laugh is the best medicine. I find exercise is therapeutic and inspirational, it also helps you sleep better.

– Agree on the exercise. I’m a runner and it really helps keep me  balanced mentally. What motivates you? What keeps you going? 

I think the joy and high of being able to express yourself to others via an instrument is rewarding and spiritual. I’m not a machine, I don’t play like a robot, I express myself from inside when I play, its different every night, and that freedom , call it channelling if you like, is my drive for playing. I never picked up an instrument for fame, or some vision of backing someone famous. I picked it up out of love for the instrument. It’s genetic , everyone in my past has been a musician, from both family sides maternal and paternal. This is something I recently discovered and gave me great comfort , I thought I was crazy and stubborn. I just want to leave a body of work behind when I leave this place, you know ”this is what I gave back to mother nature after my time here is finished”..sounds crazy but I would like to know my time here left a mark.

– Love that attitude. Are you a positive thinker? How do you stay positive?

Extremely positive and highly motivated, however you can easily be tipped over by negative forces and following the wrong path. I get rid of negative people quickly, I suffer no fools. I sometimes get side trapped, you get a little look at the industry where some people are doing so well. You quickly realise you need to stay on your path, it’s a difficult path, but I can hold my head high and say I’m a leader and not a follower, and that’s the price I must pay for not selling out.

So staying positive for me means allowing the negatives to creep up, throwing them away and staying proud of yourself!!!

– Have you experienced any tough times personally that you’d be okay talking about? If so, how are you/did you get through this.

Many tough times, read my lyrics. I’m only ok talking about it with people I trust and my personal life is quite private. My lyrics usually expose myself so maybe readers should check out the music. As Steve our singer has said they are ‘’wear your heart on your sleeves’’ lyrics.

I’ve had 2 or 3 enormous losses, one being my father a long time ago, and it still hurts and comes back to haunt me ( that’s about as much as I would like to share) however I know that time heals everything. I have a strategy where I visually imagine myself a year from now, and ask how important and what impact will this event have a year down the track, the answer is usually in front of you , no one will give it a second thought. Throwing yourself into a future frame of mind eases the load.

Watching the river flow is about dealing with great loss, but watching the water flow is very calming. Its true meaning though is that like any problem it flows away to the sea and becomes nothing eventually.

I’m very fortunate to have a good mate in the band , Garry, he has been a rock, and I try to support him as well. It’s great to have someone who listens without judgement. I’ve been in some dark places, and lets say I mixed with the wrong crowd, but Garry was there all the time, so you need to trust in someone!

Friends if you have problems don’t be ashamed, talk and listen, that’s the best advise I can offer.

– I agree with you. Talking and sharing how we are feeling can be a lifesaver. Connection with others. I enjoyed listening to your current single ‘Watching the river flow’. How was the recording process for the single and current album? Did you bang it down live, or record one instrument at a time etc? 

Good question, I need to elaborate. We had about 8 or 9 songs recorded and we decided to release 12. Time was running out so I bought “Watching the River Flow” into the studio. All our rhythm beds are done live to save money but most important to capture it live. The other guys had no idea and I convinced them it was a hit. We played it, and then I said ok let’s get a swinging groove. James and Garry as a rhythm section are about the best in Australia for this style they just get it. An hour later the engineer hit record and that’s what you hear. I laid my guitars and solo’s that afternoon. When mixing time came we had transferred the files to another studio, our producer Sammy Kannis suggested a few edits, like pulling the band out in the post chorus. Steve was called in and laid it down in 2 or 3 takes

– So what are the bands future plans? Some more recording, touring or any dates you can mention? I see you have some Sydney dates coming up. 

We have some huge plans, we have many Sydney dates but are careful to not overplay so we knock back quite a few, it’s a very delicate balance.

We have a great Manager in Johnny Kannis, who fronted the Hitmen, and knows the industry here and the States , inside out.

We are treading carefully as the industry is watching us and want to make the right moves to ensure our longevity.

– Any other projects musical or otherwise happening? 

Yes quite a few, as you are aware I play many solo acoustic gigs, playing percussion with my feet while I sing. I enjoy these but they are demanding and I miss my electric guitar. I play in a blues rock band called weekend detention and that is extremely satisfying and demanding.

– Ok, last question. What would you say to fans who are struggling with their mental health, or doing it tough at the moment?

You are not alone, the best advise I could give, especially to teenagers who have not had many experiences is…whatever your hurting about now, whatever you’ve done that is embarrasing or you think irreparable…will anyone remember in one year. Is it worth losing something now for a reason that won’t matter in 6 months. Turn off face book and Instagram, go find a tree in a park and look at the clouds and remember that’s important. Nature has an amazing affect to your health and well being, stay grounded!!

Listen to music that has depth and meaning, great artists are troubled people too, just like the rest of us. Listen to their journey, if you relate to it, then it’s ok to shed a tear, that is all healing.

– Good stuff. Thanks for taking the time to talk with us Dennis. We wish you and the band safe travels, and congratulations to you all on the new record.

Greg M/H.

 

Some links to Love Child’s music.

http://www.lovechildband.com.au/

https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/a-whole-lotta-sassy/id1141620086?app=itunes&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulh5z3Iot2w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9Vz6gFcM0o

Black Daffodils interview October 2016

Posted on: October 25th, 2016 by Greg Jordan No Comments

METALHEALTH Interview 16th October 2016.

Greetings reader. Here’s an interview i did recently with ace German band Black Daffodils. Take it easy.

 

Hello Black Daffodils. Welcome to Metalhealth and thanks for being here.

Andrea: Hi Greg, thanks for having us here!

What does good mental health mean to you?

Michael: That’s a very good question, since there is no easy answer. Good mental health means, at least to me, staying well-adjusted. No one can avoid stress, frustration or grief in his or her live completely, which I think are great risks in triggering mental problems. But as long as you are able to compensate by relaxation, achievements and happiness, that’s OK. Of course I am aware, that this is a very, very simplified opinion which only applies to mentally healthy people, and even there everyone has his or her own level of resilience.

–  I agree with you. Well said. How is life for you off the road or when you’re not gigging? Especially after a tour or big event, is it difficult to adjust back into life at home after time on the road? If so, how do you adjust/cope?

Andrea: Since we all have a job it sometimes can be really stressful if a gig is on the same day you had to work before. Sometimes we have to drive a long way back home after a show and we are awake almost 24 hours. This can sometimes be exhausting. But most of our gigs are on Saturdays and this is much better because you are much more relaxed.

What motivates you? What keeps you going?

Michael: Since I never was the “settle-down-guy”: Learning and experiencing new things is the greatest motivation for me.

Are you a positive thinker? How do you stay positive?

Michael: Definitely yes. If something does not work out, I just repeat my mantra: “Could have come worse!”

Have you experienced any tough times personally that you’d be okay talking about? If so, how are you/did you get through this.

Michael: Luckily, not really. On a small trip down memory lane, I think my biggest setback was quitting my university studies after only one year. Of course, that was not received very well by my family back then. Not at all, to be honest. What did I do? I decided, that a Masters degree is definitely not my way to go and went for a Bachelors degree (Back then, that were two entirely different degree programs here in Germany.). Although my family did not like that at all (NO REAL UNIVERSITY!), I really loved that school and got my B.sc. quite fast. One funny thing I’d like to mention here: I did get a M.sc. a couple of years later, after I quit my job (Why? Honestly: I was getting bored.) to enroll at a Masters program. I really loved going to university then. Maybe we sometimes just need some time.

What does making music mean for you? Why do you do it?

Andrea: It is our passion and we don’t want to miss it in our lives. It feels great when a new song comes to life and it feels even greater to play live. It is something where we can be very creative.

Enjoyed listening to and watching the video of Into the sun, from the album of the same name. I love the cover artwork for Into the sun and also the Broken flower album. They look really cool. How was the recording process for these records? Did you bang it down live, or record an instrument at a time etc?

Andrea: Thank you, glad that you like it. The recording process of these two cds was similar. When we recorded Broken Flower we did the drums and vocal in a studio and recorded the other instruments ourselves and on Into the sun we recorded everything ourselves – everyone of us recorded his instrument. The covers of these two records were made by me.

 – Congratulations all round Andrea. So what are your plans with Into the sun?  Some more touring or any dates you can mention? I see you have the female metal night gig coming up October 29th. Huge!  Any other projects musical or otherwise happening?

Andrea: Yes we already did a lot of gigs this year after the album was released. A few days ago we had our first unplugged gig, which we enjoyed very much. We plan to do some more smaller acoustic shows in near future. We will also have some more dates with our Into the sun Tour this year. One of them is the date you mentioned. And in December we will also play our first show abroad in the Czech Republic.

Next year our band will have its 10th anniversary and we also intent to have a cool anniversary show, but there are not yet any concrete plans for it.

Looking forward to your 10th anniversary! I think the Czech Republic will be amazing.

Ok, last question. What would you say to fans who are struggling with their mental health, or doing it tough at the moment?

Michael: Since I have some friends who were struggling with their mental health, I can only suggest to accept that you have a problem and try to get (professional) help as soon as possible. Delaying this two steps will most likely enlarge a problem/illness which could be cured.

Thank you Black Daffodils for taking the time to talk with us. We wish you safe travels, and all the best with the album and gigs.

Check out links to the bands excellent music pages below. Take it easy out there. Greg \Mh/.

www.black-daffodils.com

www.facebook.com/blackdaffodils

Interview with Twisted state of Mind

Posted on: September 21st, 2016 by Greg Jordan No Comments

Greetings everyone.

Here’s an interview i did with U.K. band Twisted state of Mind around 20th September 2016. Thank you lads!

– Hello Twisted state of Mind. Welcome to Metalhealth and thanks for being here. I love your name.

Thanks Greg, happy to be here! Love your name too.

What does good mental health mean for you?

To us, good mental health isn’t just the absence of mental health problems such as depression or anxiety. It’s the presence of positive characteristics, such as being able to cope with life’s challenges, handle stress, build strong relationships, recover from setbacks – and most of all, retaining a positive, resilient mind-set. – Joe

– How is life for you off the road or when you’re not gigging? Especially after a tour or big event, is it difficult to adjust back into life at home after time on the road? If so, how do you adjust/cope?

As we are all still in full time education together, we spend a lot of time studying. This can be difficult at times, because we all want to be out playing music; last year for example the flight from our North-East American tour landed at midnight, but we still had to go into school the same day! Times like these, where there’s such a sudden change between our lifestyle and school, is hard to cope with – but just reinforces our passion for music. – Luke

– What motivates you? What keeps you going?

Often, it is the excitement of playing our music on stage, and actually creating the songs in the first place that motivates us through the week. Also, it is good to know that there are people that we can talk to if we are ever struggling with things in life, and so it keeps us going as we know there is this support. – Joe

– Are you  positive thinkers? How do you stay positive?

We would say we all are. No matter how negative the circumstances are, there is always a positive to every situation – which we just like to focus on. Going out of the house and socialising is a great way to retain happiness, but also learning, writing and performing music provides an endless amount of benefits; it’s what works for us – Luke

– Have you experienced any tough times personally that you’d be okay talking about? If so, how are you/did you get through this.

We all have tough times individually – it’s relative to your own personal circumstances, but there’s always a way out of it. We find just talking to each other collectively as a band (and group of friends) really releases emotional tension, and helps us get through our struggles. – Joe

– What does making music mean for you? Why do you do it?

Music is such a huge passion for us as individuals. We all play our instruments and create music in our spare time, but being in a band means that we can create music as a group and put all of our emotion into songs. It is a great way to release any stress, negative feelings and also positive feelings that we may have, and most of all, we love writing and performing music which is why we do it. – Luke

– Enjoyed listening to highlights of your new single on your facebook page. Sounds Killer. Congratulations! How was the recording process? Did you bang it down live, or record an instrument at a time etc?

Sound Greg! For those who don’t know, our new single Set In Stone is out now  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mbJGUVaf6Q
It was a unique experience to say the least… we spent 2 weeks living in a caravan, next to the beach, with cold showers and having to clean the toilet everyday… but we got to record with a grammy nominated producer (Chris Tsangerides) and it was the coolest experience ever. We recorded instrument by instrument, and in the end we came out with a defined raw sound we loved. – Luke

– Yeah, that must’ve been a brilliant experience. So what are your plans with the new album? Some touring or any dates you can mention? Any other projects musical or otherwise on the go?

We’re in the process of booking a tour at the moment and our dual-e.p is due out 22nd October. To celebrate it we’re playing an exclusive intimate hometown show at The Rock Barn in Witney on the day of release. We’re so excited for everyone to hear it – 5 long years of hard work since we were 11 has been put into it! As for current side-projects, me, Luke and Damo have our first gig booked as a jazz experimental project for the 30th September at The Como Lounge. We’re looking forward to it as it’s a different style that we’re really interested in, and we can just rock up to the venue and jam! – Joe

– Wow, you are kicking some arse! Looking forward to the dual E.P. the tour, and the side project. Ok, last question. What would you say to fans who are struggling with their mental health, or doing it tough at the moment?

Speak out to somebody and try not to bottle it up – there’s a silver lining for everybody x

-Thank you Twisted state of mind for taking the time to talk with us. We wish you safe travels, and all the best with the new single, the E.P. and upcoming gigs.

Greg \Mh/

Artist links:

https://www.facebook.com/Twisted-State-Of-Mind-129971743777498/?fref=nf

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsDjrkDCwmSuI4XpoYI5Ttg

Schizophrenia week One love jam!

Posted on: May 9th, 2015 by Greg Jordan No Comments

Hello reader,

Hope all’s well with you. There’s a great gig in old Melbourne town Australia next sunday 17th May 2015 at the Northcote social club, Northcote 1.30 – 5 p.m.

Lot’s of cool bands and artists.  Only 5 bucks at the door. Come along and have some fun. Know that you are not alone.

“Celebrate the good things about life and help raise understanding of schizophrenia and mental health”. I’ll see youse there.
Take it easy.
Greg \MH/

Don Watson treks for mental health (and cancer).

Posted on: March 7th, 2015 by Greg Jordan No Comments

Hello reader,

Great to see attention being drawn to mental health (and in this case cancer) through the efforts of an Aussie Don Watson. Don walked/trekked from Fremantle in Western Australia to Sydney, a distance of over 5,000 kilometres! He raised around $28,000 for mental health and cancer programs. Well done Don, and thanks!

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-07/perth-to-sydney-trek-raises-money-for-cancer-and-mental-health/6285564

More band  interviews coming real soon. Take it easy out there.

Greg \Mh/