TheHMD.com's Sonny Thomas sits down in an exclusive interview with Tony Powell, lead vocalist/lead guitarist of ANIMAL GRACE. One of S.W. Ohio's best and longest running hard rock bands. The interview took place at 2 different times. The main one took place on Dec. 19th, 2004, with some additional questions that were emailed to and responded by Tony on Aug. 9th, 2005 to round out the content a little more since the newest lineup featuring Rob Myers on Bass and Mike Seevers on Drums had been finalized. The new line up has been very well recieved by the fans with them clammoring for more!
TheHMD: At what age did you want to learn to play guitar and then do it?
Tony Powell: I was around 11 years old and in the 5th grade. A neighbor girl who I went to school with came outside one day and played "Tom Dooley" on the guitar and that's when it hit me. This is the instrument for me. Later on saw Jimi Hendrix on TV playing the Star Spangled Banner and making the guitar sound like bombs and UFOs. That changed me forever. I still get chills thinking about it.
TheHMD: Classically trained or self taught?
Tony Powell: I took lessons early on for about 4 years and then I started playing with other guitar players and musicians in my neighborhood. Later on I took some music/guitar theory courses from a friend of mine who was a student at G.I.T in LA. But for the most part I was taught at The School of Hard Knocks! (laughing)
TheHMD: You have a great knack for guitar-rock licks. Have you been asked to contribute or produce other artists?
Tony Powell: Not recently, but I have been asked to do some side projects and some recording with other musicians. Mark and I did a show back at Halloween with 2 members of Shovelhead and it was a blast! As far as producing...nah...not for me.......
TheHMD: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Tony Powell: Good question....hopefully alive, healthy, happy, and with a new CD under my belt.
TheHMD: Any plans for any solo material in the near future?
Tony Powell: Not at the moment. Right now my focus is with AG and bringing it back to the stage with a new rhythm section.
TheHMD: Who are your influences?
Tony Powell: I like alot of seventies and eighties hard rock, Blues and some country. As far as guitarists: Jimi Hendrix, Ted Nugent, Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, Pat Travers and John Sykes. Bands: Thin Lizzy, Kiss, Whitesnake, Anthrax, Cheap Trick and The Beatles. I have many influences: BB King, Eric Clapton, Roy Clark. The list goes on. I think Tom Jones is one of the best vocalist of all time. Unbelievable!
TheHMD: Some history on the band. How long has AG been around now, Tony?
Tony Powell: The band/name Animal Grace has been around since May 1988.
TheHMD: How many albums have you recorded?
Tony Powell: We have officially recorded 3 CDs. Finally in 1999, Act Of God in 2001 and we just released AG 3 at the end of 2004. There were 3 early demo sessions that never saw the light of day.
TheHMD: Any chance of those becoming available in the near future?
Tony Powell: Probably not. I have them on cd now for personal use, but unlikely they we be released to the public.
TheHMD: Any LIVE recordings?
Tony Powell: Several. I have a live recording of the last lineup from a show in 2000 but the performance was a bit dodgy.
Mark Palmer and Tony
TheHMD: You've been playing with Mark Palmer for a long time now. How do you both come up with songs? Seperately or collectively?
Tony Powell: Both. Sometimes they are thought out. Other times they are jam sessions that become songs.
TheHMD: What led to your first album, FINALLY to be released '99?
Tony Powell: Well, basically we had some really decent recording gear to be able to do it ourselves and not have to leave home so we had full control. Today's technology has made that possible. And if you listen to that cd or compare it to our others, you can sense that we are still learning the ropes.
TheHMD: What is the story behind your next album and it's title track, ACT OF GOD?
Tony Powell: That song is really about us. Everytime we played somewhere or had a gig, the weather would always do something crazy! It was the last song recorded for that cd and remains one of my favorites. It was also a song that started out as a jam between Mark and Kenny Barnett, our previous drummer, and then I took it a step farther.
TheHMD: Your sound was that devastating, eh?!?! LOL What other bands have you played/toured with in the past?
Tony Powell: I started out in various garge bands in Springfield. I was in a band called Disturbance. We played alot of beer parties. In the mid '80's I was in a band called Skin Deep. I also did a brief stint with a group called New Music (AKA Roi Blu) they call themselves Scram now. I left that to put AG together. As far as bands that I toured with, there have been many. AG has played with DR. X Shovelhead, The Keep, Bliss, Cosmos, Fatal Chemystry, Luxx, Shock Me (Kiss Tribute). They are too many to mention all ,but you get the idea. Of course with TheHMD showcase bands back in October of 2003. That video from showcase really is a great representation of us LIVE!
TheHMD: Thanks for the compliments on the TheHMD video! Tell us the story behind you covering "Whip It".
Tony Powell: "Whip it", started out as a joke. We were just goofing of at rehearsal and we all decided to put in the setlist. It was such a popular song live that alot of people requested that we record it so we did!
TheHMD: It's been said that one of the proudest moments as a band was the recording of "Livin' Alone". Tell us about it.
Tony Powell: Well, "Living Alone" I think as a song, sums up what we are all about; hard driven rhythm with tasty double leads, strong backup vocals, and a good decent story to sing about. It's all there in that one. Plus I was going through a tough time with a girl back then and that song was good medicine.
TheHMD: What is the best memory of recording that album?
Tony Powell: As a band, we were clicking on all 4 cylinders. The songs came together well and everyone gave their all on that CD. I really dug the artwork on that album too.
TheHMD: AG 3 is a teaser album of sorts: 6 new cuts and some extra tracks including a kick ass live version of "Joker" from FINALLY. Does that make it come full circle in a way?
Tony Powell: AG3 is a collection of new songs with some older ones that were laying around the studio. We put everything togther as the current lineup was about to fracture. It is a CD for the fans. It was a way of having some closure with the linep change that was going to happen as well as getting those songs in peoples hands because there was a big demand for certain tunes. So yes, everything comes full circle.
TheHMD: Any particular track stands out in your mind from AG 3?
Tony Powell: I like them all but I'm real fond of "Thow In The Towel". The "everything comes full circle" is actually somewhat shown in the artwork on that CD.
TheHMD: So which album do you think best represents what your band is about?
Tony Powell: Well, all 3 represent us well but overall, I would say ACT OF GOD overall is us. Especially from a live stand point.
TheHMD: After the shocking death of Dimebag Darrell, has it effected you professionally at all or does it really bother you? Some artists don't think twice about it simply because of their genre of music. Do you think it matters?
Tony Powell: no.
TheHMD: To which part?
Tony Powell: It was very tragic, sad and unfortunate. But I think the music style had nothing to do with Dimebag's Death. That guy was a whack job. I feel measures should be taken to start checking people more. As much as it sucks to have to do that to a live music show, I felt it is needed.
TheHMD: Do you think that'll hurt show attendance?
Tony Powell: Maybe that particular venue for now, but overall...no.
TheHMD: What are the band's plans for 2008 for your 20th Anniversary?
Tony Powell: Hmmmmmmmmmmmm...........Dunno. Haven't thought about that one yet. As long as we are still alive and healthy and still around, I guess we'll throw a big party with all of our friends and maybe consider having some of the former members come out and sit in and jam. We'll see. That sounds like fun!
TheHMD: What do you think the local music needs to do the most?
Tony Powell: The scene needs to support each other. Go out and see other bands. Don't complain about cover charges. Go out and see other bands besides the ones you know and really like. Expand your ears. Bands should work show swaps more also.
TheHMD: How did the new line up for 2005 come about?
Tony Powell: Alot of auditioning and a hellluva lot of patience. We wanted players as good or better than than previous lineup or we would not continue on. After 5 months, the 2 new members were found.
TheHMD: Why did you decide on Rob Myers (Bass) ?
Tony Powell: Rob actually called me one evening and we chatted about jamming and getting together and the rest is AG history. However, I actually called him first about a year ago and he declined at the time but after he stewed on the idea, he finally called and came out to jam. He has been a true blessing for the band.
TheHMD: How does he differ from previous bassists?
Tony Powell: Well, for one, he is an awesome singer and could very well front a rock band. His singing ability is great because it takes a little pressure off of Mark and I. We all like and grew up with the same influences and listen to the same music so there is alot of commonality. He's great to work with, is very disiplined and professional at rehearsals and shows. He will end up signing lead on some new upcoming original material as well.
TheHMD: Why Mike Seevers (drums)?
Tony Powell: Well, when our old drummer, left the band, Mark and myself thought of Mike first because he is a great power rock drummer who sings extremely well also. He was in Ater Ego at the time and as soon as we heard that they had called it a day, we gave him a call and the 4 of us got together and as soon as well all hit the first chord, we just knew that this was it.
TheHMD: What are the best attributes Mike brings to AG?
Tony Powell: A power rock style with great lead and backup harmony vocals, and an awesome work/practice ethic.
TheHMD: Is this lineup working on new material?
Tony Powell: Not at this time, but new ideas are swarming around the rehearsal studio. We are planning on doing some writing after summer winds down. Right now we are just playing live, having fun, and getting to know each other as friends and musicians. The new songs will be great when they come out.
TheHMD: When should we expect a taste of an "AG 4"?
Tony Powell: No date is set yet. Everything is new right now. We'll have to see where the road takes that question. There is talk of a possible live CD in the future.
TheHMD: Any touring artsts that you'd like to see in town at McGuffy's, for ex. and who would you want to play with?
Tony Powell: John Sykes and/or Thin Lizzy! Hands down and case closed! That would be the ultimate for me and the band.
Rob Myers and Tony
TheHMD: What does your gear / arsenal consist of?
Tony Powell: Right now I am using Mesa Boogie amps. I have a Subway Rocket and a Dual Rectifer. My main guitars are Gibson Les Paul Custom, Kramer, Pacer and Fender Strat I use BOSS effects. And absolutely no Active pickups!
TheHMD: Any band horror stories besides the bad weather that seems to erupt around the band?
Tony Powell: Well, recently, our drummer Mike hyper-extended his knee at work and we had to cancel a show at McGuffys back in July. Out of all the years that I have played, we have never had to cancel a show. Ever. (Mother Nature has helped us a couple times.) But unfortunately, shit does happen and we had to cancel. Everyone was disappointed. There was nothing we could do. I hope to be back at McGuffys sometime in the fall.
TheHMD: What would be your best advice as a guitar teacher and a veteran musician for today's young talent?
Tony Powell: Keep practicing and be yourself. Play what you like and don't follow trends. Be a trend setter. Be a leader and not a follower. Listen to all styles of music, go back and listen to the classics and learn from them. So many kids today have no music history. Oh yes, one more thing........tune it or DIE!
TheHMD: What are your current fave local acts?
Tony Powell: Well, there are alot of bands I haven't seen, but the ones I think are good and I like are The Cosmos band, The Hathaways, Thinktank, 11th Voice, Soulcasters, and Ithika, These a few who I have seen and they all got their shit together!
TheHMD: Older / defunct acts you admired?
Tony Powell: Several. Newmusic (Roi Blu), Promise, Hollywood, Still Rain, Shovelhead, Bliss. Does Thin Lizzy count too? Ha Ha!
TheHMD: If you could be signed tomorrow, would you do it and what would be your expectations?
Tony Powell: Yes! Just as long as the money was real good and I did not have to sleep in a van and live on raman noodles! (laughing) Been there, done that. Tough life on the road.
TheHMD: Lastly, what are your thoughts about TheHMD.com? Any suggestions?
Tony Powell: It's a great site and your support for AG has always been great and I very much appreciate that.
TheHMD: Well, thanks for the coming onto TheHMD.com for an interview.
Tony Powell: Thanks for having me, and thanks for the support Sonny! Rock On! \m/
Dec. 19th, 2004/ Aug. 9th, 2005
Tony Powell's Links:
ANIMAL GRACE
ANIMAL GRACE on MySpace.com
ANIMAL GRACE's Official Yahoo Group - Bayberry Dunes
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