January 02, 2004
Interview with Firehouse
It has been over a decade since FireHouse has hung out their shingle and they are still going strong. What is it that makes them work while others break up, how do they continue to come up with such great albums? Well, we asked them and Bill Leverty was kind enough to answer all of our questions. We are glad to report all is well at the Firehouse and hope you enjoy this short but informative interview with a band and an artist who definitely know how to do things right and make them last! Thank you Bill and be sure and check out his personal site; www.leverty.com and the official band site at www.FireHousemusic.com!1. We know that FireHouse is a true to its roots, great hard rock / metal band, with a history of success and loyal fans. To begin we would like you to describe FireHouse from your perspective and what it means to you.
FireHouse has always been a diverse, melodic rock band. We emphasize ourmusic, not our image. Songwriting is of primary importance. The live show is also extremely important. One thing that sets us apart is our vocals. Everyone in the band is a qualified singer.
2. The new album "Prime Time" is number eight for you and has been getting great reviews, can you tell us about the album and how you feel about the finished product?
I think it's our best album ever. It's classic FireHouse with a 21st century twist.
3. What songs from the new album would you say are your personal favorites and what makes them stand out above the rest?
I'm partial to the two that I sing, "Holding On" and I'm The One", not just because I sing them, but because of the overall vibe of the song. I'm also very excited about our drummer, Michael Foster, singing his first lead vocal on "Door To Door". CJ sings great (as usual) on the rest of the songs, and out of those, I really like "Crash" and "Perfect Lie".
4. Many bands are able to judge the success of an album strictly by the number of record sales, FireHouse however is lucky in the fact that you are a touring band, how would you say the fans are reacting to "Prime Time" and the new material?
Better than ever. We've been getting nothing but great reviews from everyone, ESPECIALLY our fans.
5. In regards to the touring you have done as a group it is safe to say that your music has taken you around the world; what would you describe as being the most positive aspect of the touring circuit?
The 90 minutes we are on that stage are the greatest. The other 22 and 1/2 hours can be pretty boring sometimes, but if we do get to take in the local scenery, it can be very cool as well.
6. When we interviewed Steve Lukather recently he stated that while touring there is not a lot of writing going on but that when a tour is complete and there is down time it is like "the flood gates are opened." Would you say that the same is true for you as a band, or are you able to work on new material while traveling?
I used to write on the road all the time. Now I still work on ideas, but I agree with Steve. We I get home, my creative juices start to flow much more freely without distraction.
7. Aside from the music, what do you as a group to "Strike A Balance" in such a busy schedule, and as for yourself personally what interests or hobbies do you enjoy?
I play ice hockey 2-3 nights/week. I also love being a father and husband.
8. FireHouse has been around for along time by todays standards and has been a success story through what has been a trying time for the entire melodic-hard rock industry, what do you think separates you from the others and allows you to succeed in such hard times?
I think that our fans know that when they lay their hard-earned money down for either a concert ticket or CD, they know that they will get their money's worth. We've also managed to keep the band together through a lot of tough times by being a democracy.
9. Looking back at the 1991 American Music Awards must still be a treasured moment as you received the award for Best New Hard Rock/Metal band, what do you feel that early recognition did for band and what do you think of when you look back on it?
It proved to us that people really liked our music. That's one of the most gratifying moments in our career.
10. What other moments in the history of FireHouse do you look back on as being some of the best?
The first time our song was on the radio, the first time we played a sold out show in a club, theater, arena, etc. come to mind. Also, each time we've finished an album has been a fantastic feeling.
11. With the dawning of 2004 and another new year what can we fans hope for from FireHouse?
We'll tour in support of our new album for at least a year; I'll release my first solo album; and we'll probably start writing for the next FireHouse album.
12. Every artist has those they credit for being "their inspiration for getting into music", who would you list as the inspiration for FireHouse as a band and for yourself personally?
My list is huge. I made a complete list and posted it on my website: www.leverty.com
13. We like to ask artists in these interviews what advice they have for those working towards a career in music, what would you suggest to those trying to bring it all together and perhaps looking at their first contract?
Write great songs, make a great recording of them, get a great lawyer and accountant, and most importantly: PRAY!!
14. Is there any closing message you would like to send out to the fans that are reading this interview?
Thanks so much for over a decade of support. Please check out our new album at www.FireHousemusic.com, get on my emailing list at www.leverty.com, and I hope to see you on tour!
Posted by Kathy at January 2, 2004 11:29 PM