Let me start off by saying Warner Drive is the hardest working band in LA!! This band is consistently staying on the cutting edge of what is happening here in Hollywood. Their motivation to achieve is matched by none. Their lust for change is astonishing. This high-octane rock-n-roll band is what makes this town tick. They have recently put out a full length CD (Fully Loaded) and have also shot 2 videos for their songs “Life“, and “the Shocker“. I had the great pleasure to ask Jonny (the lead singer if you don't know) a few questions about Warner Drive, being an artist, and the scene here in LA. So sit back and read words of wisdom from one of the greats here in LA.
What makes you get up in the morning?
Knowing how much my Dad supported me before he died, and every day is another chance to make him proud.
How would you describe Warner Drive to someone who doesn't know them?
That's a tough one. Everything needs a label these days and I'm convinced that we're a straight-ahead rock band. Sure, we've got a punk edge and a metal undertone, but at the end of the day, it's just good old fashioned rock n' roll.
As an artist, how important is it for you to be able to play your songs? And why?
This is a great question. Everyone plays music for different reasons. Some do it for the fame and fortune, others for the booze and the girls, others to master their instrument... but for me, as a songwriter, I do this for the art. If I were a lawyer or a doctor I would still have this artistic release that I would need to get out in the form of a song. And I think that with any art, regardless of whether it's painting, writing, sculpting, poetry, or ANYTHING else, the artists creates his/her work for a connection with people. And the more people who connect with that art, the more inspirational it is to create more of it. The bigger our fans base gets, the more emails I read from people who have been touched by my art, the greater the motivation to do this. And now I'm at a point where I'll sacrifice it all for the art. I have no other job; music is my 9 to 5. And the only reason I can do that is because of all the people who believe and support this band and what we do. It’s their connection to the art that makes all of this possible.
Do you think the musicians/artist psyche is different from those who are not musician/artists (in other words do musicians brains function on a different level that many cannot understand)
This kind of goes along with what I was saying before... I don't think it matters what kind of art it is, it's the creative release that is important to a true artist. If you're in it for other reason, then yes, the musician's art is different because of everything that tends to go hand in hand with being in a band... the girls, the adrenaline rush from performing on a stage, the booze, the traveling (if you're in a touring band), etc etc etc… But from a purely artistic standpoint, no, it's no different no matter what kind of art you create. It’s about the release and the connection you make with the people who appreciate your art.
Tell me what you think the LA Rock scene needs.
I think it needs more bands that do NOT view this rock n roll plight as a pissing contest. Too many bands make this a competition and it's not, we're all in it together. I would rather play with a band that has NO fan base at all but are really good people with strong moral fiber, than a great band with a huge following who want to play the "my dick is bigger" game. F**k that. This is about camaraderie and the LA scene lacks that in a big, big way.
Who are the bands in LA making a difference?
Well I like to think that WARNER DRIVE is one of them. But besides that, there's Poets and Porn Stars, the Bourbon Saints, The Dares, and a handful of others. Those are the bands who I see a really strong dedication to what they are doing... they are willing to make some serious sacrifices for what they love the most... the music. Oh, and they also all rock!
Finish this line: Most young bands make the mistake of...
Getting caught up in "the scene".
Is the time right for Sunset to regain its status of the 80s?
No, not yet. The bands are getting ready for that, but the strip is not. The pay-to-play system still puts bad bands on marquis stages on the strip because they can either just pay the minimum or are local and have enough friends to buy their pre-sale tickets. When the clubs get back to showcasing GOOD bands, bands that deserve to be performing on these legendary stages, that's when the strip will reemerge. Until then, there's a lot of crap out there.
What is your opinion of tribute bands?
I can see the appeal of playing in a tribute/cover band. There’s money there. And making money in an original band is difficult. But it's all about why you're doing this to begin with. For me, it's about the art. And performing somebody else's music is not enough of a creative release for me. And my band and I have also been dedicated to touring and building a fan base across the 12 western US states, and that touring (financially) supports us. So the appeal of playing in a tribute/cover band is even less
How was it working with Mike Clink?
It was a dream come true for me personally. The first record I ever bought and studied every work in the liner notes was Guns n' Roses Appetite for Destruction. Mike Clink was the first producer whose name I ever recognized, outside of the band members, as being a part of a great record and a great band. To be able to work with him now is absolutely amazing. Beyond that, mike has become a true friend and someone I've been able to confide in in the worst of times. We’ve been blessed to have had mike be a part of this project.
Who would you like to work with in the future?
Well, James Michael co-produced this record, and I think he's one of the most talented producers out there. I would love to do more records with both Mike and James.
How important is Myspace to your band?
It’s important when it comes to touring. Emailing people in a city we're going to be coming to weeks in advance allows us to play every day, as opposed to arriving a day or two early in a city and flyer-ing. It helps tremendously.
What does 07 hold for Warner Drive?
A LOT of touring, 2 videos, itunes and digital distribution, a lot of new material, and hopefully another giant step forward in terms of achieving our goals.
When will you give up on music?
Never. Like I said, no matter what I do with my life, music will always be my artistic release. And no matter what, I will need a means of getting it out.
Major Label Vs Indy?
Both have their advantages. For us, I would take the deal that offered us the most longevity as a band. Major labels can offer a lot of money for marketing and tour support, but the indi rout doesn't seem to lock you in as long or be as constricting. You also get a lot more attention from an indi. It’s a tough one.
How long have you been in bands?
I've been fooling around in bands forever, since I was a kid… But I've been doing this project seriously for the past 4 years. This is my dream. I'm living it.
Last thoughts/ comments, things you want to share with the class
Beyond the music, beyond the art, beyond the fans and the touring... people like YOU JD make a big difference, people who believe in the bands and want to see the LA scene reemerge as a powerhouse in music. To have your support means a lot to me and to WARNER DRIVE. Thank you.
Thank You Jonny for making the world safe for Rock-n-Roll! Go see Warner Drive when you can... you won’t be disappointed.
