STEELWIND is a sensational new Christian Melodic
AOR/Rockband. They play in the same style as bands such as
NORWAY, 80s DOKKEN... Their debut CD is a killer CD and everyone
who is buying CDs of the big AOR labels (MTM, FRONTIERS, Z
RECORDS, ESCAPE...) also nee to check out STEELWIND a.s.a.p.,
because these guys are HUGE! In the meantime, check out the
interview I had with Lead guitarist & lead vocalist Kevin
Humphrey, let's see what he has to say...
Please tell us all about STEELWIND?
Steelwind is a rock band consisting of five members that are dedicated to delivering quality polished rock with a sincere, and important message.
Was STEELWIND your
first band?
No,..I was a member
of another band back in the early 80's called "Roxx",
and then in the mid 80's joined up
with a band out of Dallas, Texas called "The Wires".
Can you tell us more about your debut CD 'Heaven's calling?
Sure!,...The
"Heaven's Calling" debut CD consisted of appx.1600
hours of studio work to complete, from
writing, recording, to the final engineering and production. The
lyrics used in most of the songs were written as a result of
personal experiences, and observations going on in the world
today.
I first read about
your band on mp3.com, how did you get on that site and when did
you discover it and what do you think of mp3.com?
Well,...to get on
MP3.com it would be wise to first carefully read all of the legal
information and agreements in which MP3.com freely posts on their
site. After this just go to the "Artist Submissions"
area and follow the directions. Steelwind submitted to MP3.com
and retained a page with them last May. MP3.com is virtually
known in the states by very many artists and consumers. I
actually discovered MP3.com by word of mouth. I believe MP3.com
is an excellent promotional tool for any band to obtain more
exposure.
Your music is very
80s based AOR/Melodic Rock, which bands inspired you?
I would have to say
that the most influencial bands for me musically have been
Boston, Kansas, Styx, Journey, Toto, Rush, & Pat Travers.
Do you think your
kind of music (80s AOR/Melodic rock) will ever come back and
become as popular as it was in The States back in the 80s?
I guess anything's
possible, but as you may well know the music industry in the
states has always been very politically controlled between the
record labels, and the radio Dj's. Although this scenario may
very well change with so many independent artists having access
to more exposure through the constantly growing technology
within the internet highway.
Did you know your kind of music is becoming very popular in some
parts of Europe at the moment? And have you been in touch with
and/or are you aware of European labels that are completely based
on AOR and Melodic Rock?
You know?,...I had
heard a few times of the 80's Aor/Melodic Rock interest in some
parts of Europe. I believed it, but had no idea that it was on as
large a scale as I discovered later thar it was! And NO!,...to
tell you the truth I did not know that there were such labels
that were still interested in Aor/Melodic Rock. I think it's
absolutely wonderful that there are still labels out there that
know what good rock is, and will admit it!
What are the plans for the next coming
months, any new songs?
First and foremost,
our plans are to obtain more exposure, sign on with a label, and
line-up some bookings. And as far as new songs?,... Yes,... Billy
Oliver our keyboard player has written many songs as well as I.
All I can tell you is that the songs yet to come will be anything
but boring! They will be very creative, and without a
doubt," rock your socks off!" The style will probably
never change but have different flavors. We do not intend to
compromise with some of the trashy sounds that are out there
today, and will absolutley not! We are not a band of repetitious,
and "grundgey" chord changes. Our new music will be
fresh and totally kick'n, definitely Steelwind!
Thanks for the interview and good luck in the future!
Thank you so much for having me Gabor! You are doing a fabulous job for the AOR/MELODIC ROCK fans! Keep up the good work!!