Originally formed in 1983, Lillian Axe caught the attention of Ratt manager Marshall Berle and MCA Records, leading to the release of the group’s self-titled 1988 release (produced by late Ratt guitarist Robbin Crosby), 1989’s ‘Love and War’ (produced by Tony Platt, who previously worked with AC/DC), 1991’s ‘Out of the Darkness into the Light,,’ 1992’s ‘Poetic Justice,’ and 1993’s ‘Psycho-Schizophrenia’ (the last two of which were produced by Leif Mases, who previously worked with Led Zeppelin). Additionally, such Lillian Axe tracks as “Dream Of A Lifetime,” “Show A Little Love,” “True Believer,” and a cover of Badfinger’s “No Matter What” received attention from rock radio and MTV.
By the middle of the ‘90s, Lillian Axe opted to take a break, although a collection of previously unreleased material was issued in 1999, ‘Fields of Yesterday.’ With metal once more ruling the charts and the airwaves by the early 21st century, Lillian Axe was back in business with live shows, resulting in the release of their first-ever live album, ‘Live 2002,’ recorded in Houston, Texas. Roadwork has continued for the band - including playing to 27,000 fans at Germany’s Bang Your Head Festival in 2004, as well as an extensive European tour a year later. With new singer LeFevre recently replacing longtime frontman Ron Taylor, ‘Waters Rising’ sees a whole new metallic chapter unfolding for Lillian Axe.
The Rocker and I spoke with Steve Blaze hours before the band took the stage in Florida on a hot Summer night. Here is what he shared with us about his band's new release, 'WATER RISING'.
AAM: Talk to us about the band's latest release, 'Water Rising'.
Steve Blaze: This album has been conceptually in the works for years. ‘Waters Rising’ represents the boiling point factor, that life seems to be a tumultuous ride always on the brink of explosion. These recent times on this planet seem to be proving this point. However, in each individual is the point where you reconcile this within your spirit and peace takes over allowing you to cope more effectively. The songs on this record cover the different ways that we deal with this factor and the fact that everyone is trying to make sense of it.
AAM: How long did the new album take to record?
SB: We have spent the last 3 years getting this record done, in 4 different locations, and we have gone through a complete metamorphosis mentally and physically. It's a different environment in the music industry these days, yet the spirit and soul in creating music has stayed the same in the Lillian Axe camp. My engineer, Rob Hovey, and I spent many hours experimenting with different approaches to this record, but it always came back to the same formula.
AAM: And what is that?
SB: Do what we do, create kick ass music, period.
AAM: The songs that are 'Water Rising' have pretty serious overtones. Like "Quarentine" and "The 2nd of May". Can you give us the lowdown behind those songs?
SB: The song ’Quarantine’ deals with germaphobia. I suffer from this condition. I deal sometimes with the ‘dirtiness’ of the world by living in a very clean, pristine, and organized environment. ‘The 2nd of May’ speaks of child disappearance and the theories behind the inability to find so many missing people. ‘Field of Yesterday’ would be Lillian Axe's ‘Stairway to Heaven’ or ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’
AAM: Talk about the band's new singer, Derrick LeFevre.
SB: There are very large shoes to fill with Ron leaving the band. Ron is a great singer and a great performer and he will be highly missed, however, Derrick is the most incredible replacement we could have found and I am thoroughly convinced that the fans will be blown away.
AAM: Now that the album is finished, are you happy with the result?
SB: Very happy with how the album turned out. The songs are good and I think that Lillian Axe fans will love what they hear. The new album will take Lillian Axe into a new chapter of the band’s history, which we feel will be the most exciting yet.”
AAM: Are you going to be including new songs in your set tonight?
SB: Oh yeah that is for sure.
AAM: Is there anything else you would like to add?
SB: Thanks to all of our fans who have supported us throughout the years. We love you all! We hope you enjoy, 'Water Rising' as much as we love making it.
The Rocker and I along with All Access Magazine would like to thank Steve for taking the time to talk to us. We wish you guys nothing but the best! Cheers! We'll see you guys when you come to L.A.
For more information, visit lillianaxe.com and screamingferret.com
