Four years ago The Rocker and I hung out with Kip Winger after a mind-blowing show at the then called Universal Amphitheater. We asked Kip about the possibility of a Winger reunion. At the time he told us there was something in the works. He and guitarist Reb Beach were working on The Mob project that featured Doug Pinnick of King's X and Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger. The following year, Winger did reunite going on the road with Cinderella and Poison. Before we go on, here is the 411 on Winger, just in case some of you don't remember them. Winger's classic debut sold over a million copies on the strength of the rocker "Seventeen" and the ballad "Headed for a Heartbreak." Winger's second album, 1990's 'In the Heart of the Young', was equally successful, selling over a million copies and featuring the hit power-ballad "Miles Away." However, the band didn't survive the post-alternative scene and the group went into hibernation after the release of its 1993 album 'Pull'.
Now, after 14 years the boys are back to shake things up once again with their latest release, ‘Winger IV'. Mixing a classic hard rock sound with that early WINGER melodic rock groove, progressive, and acoustic elements. After successfully conquering and rocking Europe this past October. Winger has their sights on unleashing their latest release, WINGER 'IV' here in America. We spoke with Kip Winger about the new album and here is what Kip graciously shared with us.
AAM: Let's talk about your new release, WINGER 'IV'. What was is like recording with the guys again after a long break away from each other?
Kip Winger: It was great recording with Rod and Reb again. Rod played on my solo releases, so we still had that chemistry. Reb and I had worked on The Mob project; it was like we never parted ways. We just picked up where we left off.
AAM: Was there a certain direction you wanted the new album to go, musically?
KW: The main goal for us as a band was to make a record that was better than what we've done before. To push the envelope on this one, trying new things on a musical level.
AAM: How did you hook up with Shrapnel Records?
KW: Mike Varney heard the material and loved it!
AAM: As far as the overall theme of, ‘WINGER IV', the majority of the material reads like letters to our troops that are in the Middle East.
KW: Reb and I went out on the VH-1 Stripped tour. We played some military bases before. And it dawned on me, that no one has written music from a soldier’s prospective. I tried to write the lyrics descriptive and not cheesy. This album is a dedicated to our troops in the Middle East.
AAM: Do you plan to shoot a video for " Blue Suede Shoes"? It’s a great song that really hits home with its lyrics.
KW: Shooting a video is a great idea. In fact, we are working on that. I would like to get some video footage from the troops and put something together.
AAM: Are their plans for a tour here in the States? What about L.A.?
KW: We do plan to tour next here in the States. I am pretty sure we will be playing L.A., but nothing is planned yet.
AAM: How was the crowd’s response to the new material?
KW: You know, the new songs went over really well. Normally, people don't want to hear the new stuff. But, they really liked it.
AAM: How long did you spend in the studio recording? Now that the album is finally done, are you pleased with the outcome?
KW: We were in the studio for a little over 6 months. Now that it’s done, we are most definitely pleased with the outcome. This was the first record I did from the ground up. Now, I've done that with my solo albums, but this was like a Swiss Army knife. There were times when things got hairy, but I was bound and determined to get it done the way I wanted it. I really think I hit the mark with this album!
Thank you and congrats, Kip! AAM looks forward to your tour coming to L.A.
For more info on ‘WINGER IV’ www.kipwinger.com
