| March 2011 |
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| Interview: Steve from Safire |
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What got this band together and started in this business?
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I produced this record myself with musical mastermind, Keith Sommers. I then chose some of the
best players in Portland to re-create the album. This is our debut album.
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Who writes and produces all the material for the band?
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I write most of it. I do have some talented who helped me on a few tunes. Steve Bailey, Trevor
Rasmussen, Matt Burnett, and Dave Milne. The album was mixed by Steve Sundholm and Keith Sommers.
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Has the band played in front of or with any acts our readers would
know from the mainstream?
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This band is new, however, I have toured with the band "Live" when I was playing guitar for
Michael Shapiro. I also was the lead guitar player for Geoff Byrd (#42 pop charts) in 2005. I
have recorded with platinum artist Blessid Union of Souls. I recently recorded with producer
Steve Weatherbee who mixed and produced for Rush and Yes. I have played at The Filmier,
Avalon in Boston, House of Blues Vegas and Hollywood, the Nokia Theatre in NY, Electric Factory
in Philli, and many more top rate venues. I hope to take this project to all of those places
as well...
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Where can people access your music on the web?
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safireband.com, reverbnation.com/safireband,
Facebook fan page (safire), twitter.com/safireband. I have free streams
at the first two and constant updates and news at the later two.
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Any embarrassing moments on stage?
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I stepped on my guitar cable once. it ripped out of my guitar. I went to start the beginning of
one of our biggest song intros. No sound came out. I was horrified.
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Any good stories you want to tell us?
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I was in a band once, no names mentioned, where the lead singer actually threw a martini glass
at our bass player in our hotel in vegas. I was out in the hallway trying to avoid shrapnel.
They sounded like a married couple on Jerry Springer.
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Who are the band's musical influences?
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Coldplay, Ryan Adams, Son Volt, Wilco, Beatles.
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What is your musical background like?
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I have a degree in music composition from Lewis and Clark College. I have been a composer for most
of my adulthood. This is my dream project. I have recorded with platinum artists and award
winning producers. I have played at top rate venues like The Filmore, House of Blues in Hollywood,
and Nokia Theatre in New York as a back up musician. But this project is my brain child. This is
the form of expression that i have been looking for my whole life.
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Any other members in your family that are musicians?
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My mother has played piano my whole life. My sister was an opera singer and received a graduate
degree in voice from Ohio State.
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What is the top reason why you want to play music?
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Music is the highest form of creativity that I can offer to the world. It is part of my identity.
It is how I can truly relate to the world and contribute. I don't have a choice. If I want to be
authentic to myself, I have to play music!
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What has been your best show?
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My favorite venue that I have ever played was the Electric Factory in Philli when I played with
Michael Shapiro and Live. That place is magic and so many legends have played there. I was
honored and it was an energy charged gig. I hope to go back there soon.
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