interview
|
|
|
|
|
artist:
by:
Johan Wippsson
date:
2012-03-03
Golden State is one of my favorites bands right now. With members from the band Palo Alto they have all the elements to become a big band for the big stages. Their music is time less and still modern with great melodies and choruses. We got the chance to talk to James in the band and here's what we talked about…..
|
|
|
Hey there James, thanks for taking your time. How has the day been so far?
the day has been crazy. infact the whole biting of the new year has been.
Congrats the success of the new single "Bombs, The Ron Paul Song". Surprised over all the great response you have received?
Thanks. That song is really quite a gift. I guess Im more surprised to hear that people are moved by good music still. Its something that most of life has been based on.
What the story behind it? Were it written especially or Ron Paul and his campaign or was it a song that you thought would work really well for him when it was finished?
The song just kind of happened and at the end of the writing process I listened back and a light came on, There is a message that needs to be heard and not just in a political level but transcend to a human level.
Have you got any response from Ron Paul himself?
We met him in New hampshire. What a champ he is. That guy is the real deal.
How much are you in politics. Would you say that Golden State is a political band?
I wouldn't say that GS is strictly a political band. I would say more a peoples band. Big Believers in the human race.
Some might now you from the days in Palo Alto like me. Loved that band and the two albums that you released. What happened after the second album, why did you guys disband?
Paloalto i feel was the right band but at the wrong time. We got lost in the shuffle of all the original confusion of the record biz and we suffered by the sheer weight of it.
Both you and Tommy are now in Golden State. Do you have any contact with the other guys? Are they still into music?
Tommy used to be in GS but he has moved on like a lot of the old gang. I still keep in contact with all of them.
I guess that 2004 must have really tough when you split the band and had to leave the label. Was it a big shock being without the label and the band?
Its alway a huge adjustment venturing out into the unknown.
Did you ever have any thoughts of leaving the music business and start doing something else?
I thnk that thought always crosses my mind. I just have to remember that I wouldn't be doing the gift any justice if I just walked away.
To me Palo Alto and Golden State have a lot in common musically with great melodies in a big soundscape with nice a portion sensibility. How would you compare both bands?
we are kindred spirits for sure. GS is just the natural progression of music.
What's your future plans with Golden State. You have been on a major label twice with both Din Pedals and Palo Alto. Is this something you would try again or do you prefer being independent?
Right now with GS we are just on a mission to get the music out to as many people as possible. a tour is in the works which Im really excited about. If the right opportunity came our way I would definately entertain the idea.
I'm curious about the band name. Is there any meaning with it and what's the story behind?
The name of the band was made out of a short trip to Nashville where a friend of mine heard a honkey tonk band singing a song with a line " Im going back to the Golden State" he called me up and that was the beginning for GS.
You have a couple of new songs out now. Can we expect a new release in 2012 from Golden State?
Oh yes new songs are on the way. We almost have another full record but we shall wait n see. I think people need to hear Division still.
I love the song "Till The End" that BBC used for the coverage of the Royal Wedding. Is there any chance that it will end up on the next album?
Ha who knows. your guess is as good as mine.
You're from Los Angeles that is a great city n many ways. How's the music climate now?
I think the music climate is completely upside-down in every city.
Ate there any new cool bands that we should check out except Golden State 
The is a cool band out of Florida called the Beauvilles. check them out!
So now it's 2012, time flies really man. What are the plans for you this year?
Plans for their year. Tour tour tour!!
That was it James, thanks for your time. Any last words to the readers and fans? Get into the music and if you like what you hear let it be known!!! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Did you know that?
Justin Hawkins, the singer of Hot Leg/The Darkness sang backing vocals on Def Leppard´s cover of The Sweet´s song "Hell Raiser" for their 2006 covers album "Yeah!"
|
|
|
