Cool interview of Scozz with Sergio of the South African Online Magazine Music Review-
Music Review had the privilege of chatting with Asphalt Valentine’s drummer Scozz about their new album, the glory days of rock, Crüe Fest, alcohol and strippers. Check out what he had to say…
What has been the highlight of Asphalt Valentine’s career so far?
I would have to say playing at the Whiskey in LA a few
years back, and the South by South West Festival in Austin, Texas this past spring, would be right up there at the top of the list.
Any musical idols that you’ve shared the stage with?
We have played with a few big acts, such as Skid Row, LA Guns, Beautiful Creatures & Love Hate.
Tell us more about the recording of your album, Strip Rock Roll. It’s an interesting name, how did you come up with it?
The album was a very long process and took about 2 years to complete. We had a member change, which caused us to have finished tracks being scrapped and re-recorded – it’s amazing how one or two problems can cause months and months of delays.
I’m a very creative person and do all the bands artwork, CD designs, posters, etc. So I’m always thinking of slogans and clever word combinations. One night, I was designing some stickers for the band and I came up with “Strip Rock Roll…Repeat”. I had finished a new logo for the band and we were getting t-shirts done, so we decided to put that slogan on the back of the shirt, since rock n’ roll, strip clubs and strippers kind of go hand-in-hand. Joe, our singer, was
working on a new song and I kinda threw “Strip Rock Roll” at him, thinking that would be a cool title for a song to go along with our whole branding. The song turned out great and we all decided that it should be the title track to the disc.
What were the main influences for the record?
Main influences? Beer, wine, vodka and strip clubs (laughs). People always ask us, who do you guys sound like? What kind of style are you? Simply put, Asphalt Valentine is Strip Rock Roll, that about sums us up.
What can your fans expect from Strip Rock Roll?
It’s a great record from track 1 to track 10. It should give you a 40 minute break from the hassles of everyday life. It’s also a fun record with no hidden agendas and no politics –we leave that to the Bono’s of the world. We always tell everyone, “Hey, if you’re playing the disc really loud, there is a good chance that any ladies within earshot are going to feel compelled to get up on table tops and shed their clothes. If that does happen don’t say we didn’t warn you, but enjoy the show!” (laughs).
Are there any chances of a tour outside the states?
Very much so. There are talks of us possibly going to Europe this winter with our label mates The Bulletboys. A demand would cause tours outside of the US. If you can help generate interest in us in South Africa, we would love to come over. You guys have the best accents!
Thanks, just don’t watch District 9 and judge us by that (laughs). How open would you be about playing a huge festival like Crüefest?
That would be a dream come true, for sure. Out of the bands we get compared to, the Crüe seems to be the one we get pigeonholed as sounding the most like. But I really don’t think we sound like them – I think it’s my hair (laughs), but we’ll take the comparison. Motley has been such an influence on the whole genre and they deserve a lot more
credit than they get. The exposure would be so over-the-top and catching Nikki’s interest would be very cool as well. If they call us, we are ready. Playing any festival that can put you in front of huge crowds of potential fans is a major plus and we think Asphalt Valentine has what it takes to entertain a huge crowd like that. Our live shows are high-octane spectacles!
Don’t you think that these big festivals actually take away the intimacy of a smaller venue, which brings the band and fans closer?
Yes and no. I mean you can argue pure physics and logistics with venue sizes. One thing about this band is that we put on the same show no matter what the size of the venue or crowd is. Be it for 2 people or 10 0000 people, it is the same high-energy, in-your-face circus. We love to entertain – that’s what it’s all about! One thing about being on a big stage is the freedom to run around and let loose without the constraints of a small stage and venue – well maybe not so much for me, as I am stuck behind the drumkit, but I still feel the energy a large crowd puts out. Regardless, we’re always accessible to fans no matter where we play. The fans are the whole reason we do this.
I really believe that rock needs to rediscover the balls-to-the-wall attitude again, because the new generation actually believes bands like the Jonas Brothers are rockers. What are your thoughts on this?
I agree 100%. I would never in a million years consider the Jonas Brothers “rock”. They are very talented at what they do, but I would put them in the Teen Pop section of the local CD
shop. Rock has been watered down as of late – too safe. The metal guys today seem to get it. Everyone likes a little bad boy every now and again. Rock ‘n roll is meant to be dangerous, loud crude and crass. If your mom is not a little frightened or at least turned on, then there is a good chance it is rubbish.
Mp3’s are becoming the dominant medium now. Don’t you miss the good old days where you could go to a store, buy a CD, and worship the artwork and smell for hours?
I actually miss the days when you could go and buy a record! I couldn’t wait to get the new AC/DC record, open it up, look at all the pictures and read the liner notes while listening to it. That kind of reaction seems to be getting lost over downloading the coolest new skin for you iPod. You have to go with the flow I guess and this is where music distribution is headed. It is very convenient though. Maybe there is a way to include the artwork as well.
You guys cite Motley Crüe as one of your main influences. Are you anywhere as wild as those crazy bastards?
There’s Motley Crüe again (laughs). We are up there, I think, we have our moments! I would say that they’re the kings of debauchery and no one will challenge that crown for a while.
One of the things that I really appreciate about Asphalt Valentine is that they respond to fan comments and questions. It’s rare nowadays, where most bands hide behind their managers and PR firms. How important is it for you to keep a close relationship with your fans?
Very! It is really not that hard to do, you know? I mean, I ‘m sure if we were huge and were selling millions of albums it would be a lot harder to be one-on-one with everyone due to sheer volume and responsibilities. But I can assure you that we would still do our best to keep a relationship with the fans. If you make it to a show you’ll see anyone of us hanging at the bar, or at the merch table taking pictures and just talking with people. Interaction is key, it is just who we are. We get really chatty if you buys us drinks too (laughs).
Where can our readers find out more about Asphalt Valentine?
A big thanks to you for this opportunity to reach an entire new fan base. All we ask is that your readers give us a chance and check us out. If you like what you hear – let us know, let our record company know and let your local radio station know. It would not hurt if you ordered or downloaded Strip Rock Roll. Our MySpace page has all the info you need on where to get our music.
Original Interview Link