10
Questions
with Jeff Kollman
by Jason Ritchie of Classic Rock Newswire
4th
November 2002
1.
What are you currently up to? (e.g. touring/studio, etc.)
Playing a show tomorrow (the 5th
of Nov) for a live record release with my instrumental rock/fusion
band Cosmosquad. Then I'm off nov 8th to tour the UK with Sign
Of 4 with Phil Mogg on vox. It's a new group with a debut release
on Track
Records. When I get back to LA I'll be starting pre production
and writing for the new Glenn Hughes record that I'm producing
and playing a bit on. We'll start recording in December.
2.
Who was/is your biggest influence on your career?
Randy
Rhoads. Also my Father for his support and constant inspiration
to keep me motivated and focussed...
3.
What has been the highlight(s) and lowpoints(s) of your career
to date?
To
be honest, never having a job that doesn't pertain to music is
my highpoint. I've always played and made my living off music
and nothing else. The lowpoint will be working at Fatburger at
45 years old or playing a cruiseship gig. God forbid!!!!
4.
Sign of 4 - how did this project come about? How was the writing
of the material shared?
Phil and I first collaborated on Mogg/Way.
I came to him thereafter with the idea of producing a Phil Mogg
solo record. It quickly evolved into a band when ya put the 4
of us into a room together.. The songs started with music first.
A riff or chord progression, a bass line, a groove, a vibe....
It's always whatever inspires Phil as a singer. He then puts his
lyrical magic to work. No one tells a story like Phil. He has
such an endearing quality to his voice. It's a rare thing that
goes way beyond vocal technique. It's all heart and soul.
5.
Your personal highlight(s) on the Sign of 4 album?
The
highlight for me is getting it done!!! Dammit , it's hard when
the singer lives in the UK and we're here in LA. The cover tune
"Clap Hands" is a highlight because it was such an afterthought
and rush job, but it really turned out special. It has such a
mood to it. The writer Tom Waits is brilliant!!
6.
Cosmosquad - please tell us a bit about this project. What style
of music does the band play? Any plans to play UK/European dates
with this band?
Cosmoquad
is a style and sound all of our own. It progressed over a few
years of mixing our heavy rock influences with latin, blues, jazz,
and African tribal rhythms. I believe that the way we blend all
these styles, while keeping it heavy, dark and moody, is what
defines the sound of Cosmosquad. Particularly on Squadrophenia.
This is the record where we achieved the vision.
7.
What made you want to play guitar? Any tips for budding guitarists
out there on how to make a living out of being a guitarist?
My
brother wanted to play drums and I sort of fell into it. Football
playing wasn't panning out for a 100 pound 12 year old. The tips
for guitarists would be to collaborate with as many singers as
possible. Get the business side of music together. Always consult
attorney's for contracts. And most important down the road, don't
forget why you started in the first place. It's to have a good
time and make music!!!
8.
Which artist(s) would you like to work with in the future?
Good
question!!! There are so many people I would love to work with.
The list is endless.
8a.
Would you ever consider joining a band full time at all?
One
full time band is a financial issue because the artist commits
to one band, lot's of money or no money, long tours.. And worst
of all it takes so long between releases.. Tough thing. I love
the commitment and the focus of a band. It would have to have
creative freedom and the ability to release records more often
than once every 18 months.
9.
What do you think about the current state of radio airplay
in the US? Do you think the Internet has helped music grow
or hindered a lot of bands via free downloading?
I
love the internet. It would be nice to spread the word about
artists without ripping them off. I've burned a few cd's
as well. I live in LA , the capitol of the music biz. I
have to go to the Midweststates to learn who the new US
bands are. They don't break them in LA. It's weird. Too
many cookie cutter bands. I like variety.
10.
Message to your fans...
Fans.....
I didn' t know I had any....Ha!!! Come say hello on a gig
down the road. I've met alot of great people through the
gift of music and I'm so thankful of that.
