Page 43 - Black Velvet Rock Magazine - Issue 100

BV100 pg42-43 contributors memories_BV100 pg43 13/03/2019 03:29 Page 2

BlackVelvetMagazine.Com - 43

Sam Gower Clare Huckett
I have been very fortunate over the years to have met Being a reviewer for
and interviewed the members of some of my favourite Black Velvet over the last
bands, such as Alter Bridge, Halestorm, Papa Roach, decade has introduced me
Seether, Skillet, Shinedown, Three Days Grace and to a huge number of bands
Tremonti. This is something that I would never have I may not have come across
dreamed possible prior to writing for Black Velvet.
It was otherwise, in genres that
through writing for Black Velvet that I was initially introduced aren’t necessarily my pre-
to Halestorm. It was back in 2010 when we were asked to ferred option. My personal
do a phone interview with front woman Lzzy Hale, prior to choices tend to be
Halestorm embarking on their first European tour, supporting glam/sleaze or bluesy hard
Theory Of A Deadman. I loved what I heard and have been rock, some metal if I’m in the right mood, but I like
a fan ever since. I am proud to say that particular interview, which the variety of albums and EPs that Shari sends my
was featured in issue 64, was Halestorm’s first ever international interview. We have way. You never know what to expect and it’s always
remained in contact with Lzzy and the guys ever since and they are always great to a thrill when the first track from an unknown artist
interview as they are such lovely people.
An honourable mention has to go to Mark turns out to be amazing. Circle Of Crows was one
Tremonti (Alter Bridge / Tremonti). We have interviewed him for Black Velvet several that hit me that way last year, and, most importantly,
times now and he is genuinely a lovely, kind human being who is always a pleasure they could follow through with the rest of the EP. I’ve
to chat with. I love how all the guys in Alter Bridge are so supportive of each other also been lucky enough to review new music from
and, despite their successes, have managed to remain humble and grounded. older acts, like Pretty Boy Floyd and Girlschool, new
There are some interviews that are scheduled and you will not know which band bands formed by well-established rockers like Rich
member(s) you will be talking to until the actual interview takes place.
I remember Robinson with The Magpie Salute, and Dizzy Reed’s
the day we arrived at a venue to interview a member of Angels And Airwaves; we first solo album was a brilliant one to get. It’s a bonus
had a confirmed interview time but no idea who we would be talking to. We were to get new albums from existing favourites of mine,
greeted by the tour manager and, as he walked us backstage, he uttered the words, like a few years back when Hardcore Superstar’s
“I’ll go and get Tom.” It did not even occur to me that we would get to interview Tom ‘HCSS’ came my way. I’ve also picked up some new
DeLonge! I will admit, I had a mini panic in my head that he would hate the questions, favourites like Matty James Cassidy, who also
which, up until that point, I had been happy with. I need not have worried though as recorded with Cadaver Club and is working with
he was talkative, down to earth and generous with his time. After the interview had Tyla’s Dogs D’Amour. I’ve reviewed two of his solo
finished he stayed to chat with us, he told us that he had enjoyed the interview and albums and thought they were both great so he’s
liked the questions, which I was very happy to hear! now in my regular rotation.

WANT TO CONTRIBUTE?

Want to join the Black Velvet team? If you love writing and would like to write album or EP reviews, or even
think you’ve got what it takes to interview bands, email us at editor@blackvelvetmagazine.com. Tell us where
you’re based, which bands you love and why you’d love to get involved. We all write about rock music because
we genuinely love it and want to promote the bands we love. If this sounds like you too, get in touch.

SUPERSONIC FUTURE SUPERSTARS

ERICA DRIVE
Forming in 2017, Erica Drive are a Bournemouth-based five-piece with an invig-
orating alt. rock sound. They released their debut EP that year and are now about
to unleash their sophomore release, a four-track affair entitled ‘The Hate, The
Hurt, The Healing’. The EP, which kicks off with ‘All We Are’, sees vocalist/guitarist
Matt Underdown getting feelings off his chest. The EP does what it says on the
tin and includes feelings of hate, hurt and then healing. ‘Anchor’ includes lyrics
such as ‘Have I given up too soon?’ ‘It’s getting harder and harder to breathe’ and
‘Truth is, I don’t like what I’ve become’, while ‘All We Are’ includes ‘Did we miss
the warning signs?’ and ‘Just don’t let go, you’re loved much more than you know’.
‘All We Are’, in particular, could help others going through mental health issues
or dealing with other problems. ‘The Hate, The Hurt, The Healing’ also brings hope
and a feeling that you’re not alone. Matt Underdown is joined by Frank Harding
(guitar) plus Sam Firmin (guitar and vocals), Damien Carter (drums) and Damian
Bruton (bass). The band are planning an EP release party in Bournemouth at
Anvil Rockbar on April 21st, have booked shows for April 5th (Norwich) and 6th
(London) and have others lined up for later this summer. Check them out online
and then go see them live! To find out more, head to www.facebook.com/eri-
cadriveband

CONTRIBUTOR FOCUS / SFS