The following is an interview with Clay Babb.
HISTORY: In the 70s', I was playing art rock, then punk, then i got involved in a theatrical metal show, under the name Eddie Paris. We played up and down the west coast for about 3 years. After that i was doing studio guitar sessions for a while and then started 'The Pound'. This was alot of fun--commercial metal, and losts of shows from 1988-92.
I ran into the touring bassist from killing joke then, and we got on very well. WE were doing a project and ablum which went under the title 'if', but he had to move to Sweden because of some immigration thing. I tried some session players and ended up singing on it. I couldn't find anyone to do vocals! Next came 'Puck'. This was started with my friend/bassist in 1997. We went through alot of drummers in this group, and we had an interesting singer from Italy. Puck was pretty cool, It recently ended.
PLAN for the FUTURE, PRESENT: I'll be putting alot of stuff from these groups on mp3 very soon.
DO YOU PLAY LIVE? Hell Yes
HAVE ANY CDS: I think 6 albums and several demos....videos too.
WHAT WILL YOU DO IF YOU MAKE IT BIG: I've done pretty well on and off, big? I suppose alot of touring and smart investment. As long as I'm having fun, I would be happy.
ARE YOU CURRENTLY SIGNED: I am signed with other world records, which i have an interest in, but i am a free agent.
YOUR INFLUENCES: Lately Japanese things.
EQUIPMENT USED: 2 marshall 100 with half stacks. jackson guitar for the main and a'v' for backup. i also use an old roland tape delay. I have 2 mellotrons that are only used in the studio.
HOW MAN SONGS HAVE YOU WRITTEN: no idea-maybe about 100
ARE YOU WILLING TO TRAVEL:YES to anywhere
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE: Japan
ARE YOU WORKING A DAY JOB; are you a working musician. Any College? I do work at a harley davidson shop sometimes, and have some business things happening too, but i don't work a regular 9-5 day job. Thank god!
DO YOU HAVE A WEBSITE: I'm in the process of doing one now.
WHAT FIRST ATTRACTED YOU TO THE COOP: I think being approached for the Signs in the Sun cd.
WHAT KIND OF MUSIC DO YOU PLAY: usually heavy, loud, detuned, but always melodic.
Clay is in japan at the time. WE hope to have his cd's available when he gets back.
THE NEXT INTERVIEW is of BILLY SOCHKO.
1. A Brief History
my name is Billy Sochko, and I'm a songwriter/singer currently living near Pittsburgh,Pa. I have performed in several bands throughout the years, and am now writing and playing as a solo artist.
2. What are your plans for music in the future? I would like my music to reach a broader audience. Although I am not concerned with great success, I do want more people to get an opportunity to hear my music. A well produced CD with a fair amount of exposure is the next goal I'd like to achieve.
3. Do you play live? Yes although it is becoming increasingly harder to find good places that welcome folk music. As of late, cafes, colleges, and universities are the gigs that are most receptive to my kind of music.
4. Have any cd's? I have done some local recoding, but nothing all that polished or professional.
5. What will you do if you ever make it big?
I have no plans of great riches or fame, but if I could make a confortable living at my art, that would be reward enough. If, however I were to make it big there are several causes and issues that I would like to be able to contribute money and energy to, such as funding for medical research, funding for the arts, and organizations dedicated to social justice and human equalty.
6.ARE YOU CURRENTLY SIGNED? NO.
7. Your Influences? for me as a songwriter, it all begins with Bob Dylan. I've always been most concerned with strong lyrices, and Dylan is the one who inspired me to write. Others who have had influence on me as a writer and a musician are John Westly Harding, Billy Bragg, and Paul Westburg.
8. Equipment Used: I'm really very basic with regards to the gear I use, my main guitar is a Guild DV52, and I also play an old yamaha acoustic.
9. are you willing to Travel? What is your favorite place? I love to travel, and have been to many interesting places, but I'd have to say that my favorite place is Appalachia, particularly the mountains of the southern Virginia.
10. Are you a working musician? College?
I am a working musician, although my playing time has been cut back recently because I am back in school, working on a Masters degree from California University Pennsylvania. I also attended West Virginia University, where I received a B.A. in English.
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