Thank you to Mary Campbell for inviting Rusty Brown down to Electric Ladyland studio. It was in that meeting that Mary Campbell told Rusty Brown stories of those who recorded at the world famous studio. Led Zeppelin, The Kinks, Stevie Wonder and Bad Company. At one point, Mary asked, "Do you know what made all these bands? Their ability to do what they did, with soul." With those words branded into his mind Rusty wanted to go back to what made him first fall in love with music. Music that made him happy. As a nod of thanks to Mary Campbell, In April of 2003 Rusty rounded up the musician he wanted to help create his vision and formed his band, ELECTRIC MARY, now that all the pieces of the puzzle were put together. The band is focused and ready to shake up the music scene in a big way. Good rock music is hard to come across and these five rockers from down under totally hit the nail on the head. If you have a soul, Electric Mary will make sure it gets rocked.
Electric Mary has released two EPs, 'Four Hands High' and their latest 'The Definition Of Insanity'. The Rocker and I had a chance to ask Rusty Brown about his band and their latest release. Here is what he shared with us.
AAM: In April 2003, you wanted to put together a band to form Electric Mary. How long did it take for you to put the band together? Did you already know who you wanted to be in the band?
RUSTY BROWN: Well Venom our drummer and myself have played together for ten years so it was a given we would continue our relationship. Our guitar player Pete was asked early and was more than happy to pound the rock 'n' roll sidewalk. Irwin, our other guitar player, and I play together in a band, which I play bass and leave the vocal duties to him. Our bass player, we found playing in a band and his vibe was exactly what we were looking for. Probably a little more on the punk side of things, so we asked the question and he jumped at the chance.
AAM: What is the difference between Electric Mary and what you do in Irwin's band?
RB: It's a different direction to Electric Mary, which suits us both.
Him and Pete work so well together they are totally different. Yet still on the same page. On our E.P., Irwin is on your right speaker and Pete is in you left.
AAM: How did you come up with the name Electric Mary?
RB: We were in New York with Irwin Thomas selling our wears to record company bosses when we were invited to a private tour of Electric Lady Studios. Mary Campbell, the studio manager blew our minds with story after story of rock and roll. We were actually standing in the middle of the history where some of the greatest songs ever were written and recorded. Mary gave me her card and said, 'That's me on the bottom, "Electric Mary".' I said yeah what a phucking great name for a band. That was April 14th 2003, the birth of the band.
AAM: How important was it for you to find a band that could bring the energy of a live performance into the studio?
RB: It was the be all and end all, we have never taken a song to a record company or a radio station. It was all about recording LIVE and getting that down on CD. Built it and they will come. [says smiling]
AAM: Your music has a certain 'classic rock' element to it - is this something you think modern music currently lacks? How would describe Electric Mary's sound?
RB: Hmmm, I don't know enough about the newer acts. Though I loved the Darkness and I do like The Answer.
AAM: What about influences?
RB: My musical taste comes from my favs and anyone on their Rock 'N' Roll family tree. My older brother used to play Bill Thorpe (Australian Rocker), Deep Purple, Hendrix, Free. I believe their music is in my musical D.N.A.
AAM: Talk to us about the band's latest release, 'Definition Of Insanity'. How long did it take for you to record?
RB: Not long at all. The only thing that held us up was the fact I had no money. We actually got the manufacturing done after a friends wife handed over her credit card (now there's a first).
AAM: Have you guys been approached by any of the major labels? It's hard to believe a band this great hasn't signed to a big label.
RB: None at all.
AAM: For those who have yet to experience Electric Mary in a live setting, what can people expect from your shows?
RB: It's like a mother at a baby show. We want the blue sash for first prize every time we step up to the plate. It's Rock 'N' Roll the way it used to taste.
AAM: When you do tour America, is there any particular artist/band you would like to tour with?
RB: Good question. I'd be happy to open for Zeppelin, Purple (73-76), Free, Queen, Tom Petty, Cheap Trick. I really haven't thought about it to be honest. If you have any numbers, I'll gladly take them.
AAM: Complete the following sentence: 'Electric Mary should rule the world because ______'
RB: Oh, with the ph**ers that are trying to rule the world right now, I want no part of it. In fact, they should be sent a copy of 'The Definition Of Insanity' and chill the ph**k out!
AAM: What have you got planned for the rest of the year? What goals have you set for yourselves as a band?
RB: We want to be overseas within the next six months. So if there are any promoters/backers out there, we are more than ready to go.
The Rocker and I along with All Access Magazine would like to thank Rusty for doing this interview. Record labels are always asking The Rocker and I, 'Any new bands out right now, you would recommend?'. Yeah, ELECTRIC MARY is one band you have to check out!
For more info on ELECTRIC MARY:
www.myspace.com/electricmary
www.garageband.com/artist/electricmary
