Madison Page band Interview

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I N T E R V I E W
June 2004
Madison Page

Band email (2) madisonpaigeinfo@aol.com
Band email (3) stixntrixx@aol.com
Band contact number: 310-659-1972

RCN: Hello, we are here with Richie Rivera of MADISON PAIGE,
a local band from Hollywood and they're promoting the release of their debut album, "Famous Last Words," on Without The World Records, so we're going to
find out a little more about what makes them tick. . .

1. RCN: What type of band are you?

We are a modern, melodic hard rock band. It's everything you love about arena rock, but with a contemporary edge.

2. RCN: Tell us the brief history of your band.

The band was started by myself and Damon Valley in late 1999. It took two years to find singer Paul Caroul and the band's first bassist. We played our first show in December of 2001 at The Dragonfly in Hollywood. As far as local gigs go, the band has appeared several times at Paladino's (as the special guest of former Mr. Big and Poison guitar whiz Richie Kotzen), The Gig, The Cat Club, and has headlined slots two festivals: one in Malibu and one in Irvine. The majority of 2002 was spent off the road recording "Famous Last Words," but we have recently resume playing live, including standout shows at The Roxy, The Gig, and The Tempest.

3. RCN: Who are your musical and nonmusical influences?

The greatest asset of MADISON PAIGE is the diversity of the band members' tastes. The band's sound is inspired by everyone from Bon Jovi to Queen to Alice In Chains to Dream Theater. Chances are that if it kicks ass and has a great hook, someone in the band owns it.

4. RCN: What are your dreams and goals?

To be the biggest band in the world. Nobody should be in the business if they have any other agenda.

5. RCN: Who writes the songs, what are they about?

The songs on "Famous Last Words" were written by Damon and myself and they both celebrate and condemn the human condition.

6. RCN: What's your opinion of George Bush?

If people want an informed opinion on politics, they should watch CNN, CSPAN, MSNBC, etc. In most cases, musicians offer no worthwhile insight into global events and should stick to what they're paid to do: play songs and entertain the hell out of people.

7. RCN: How do you promote your band and shows?

Every MADISON PAIGE show is an event and we promote it as such. Once the date is locked in, the band sets up some sort of media blitz, including, but not limited to, radio interviews/performances, contests at retail, press coverage, etc. For a local show in the L.A. area, you would be able to find someone from the band passing out flyers at all the hotspots AT LEAST three weeks in advance, including at the venue itself.

8. RCN: Describe your show, visual and musically

Visually, the band is very high energy. It's all about giving people a show for their money (hence the term "show business"). The people who come to your shows deserve the best - if you can't deliver, you shouldn't be up there in the first place. Musically, the band tries not to get stuck with the same 40 minute set list every night. Sometimes it's a simple as throwing in a new song the band is working on, a rearrangement of an existing one, or some unexpected covers for the hell of it. If it feels fresh to the band, it will feel fresh to the audience.

9. RCN: What do you think about downloading music online?

MADISON PAIGE has always been very supportive of file-sharing. When the band first started, we would throw out 3 or 4 song demos to the crowd and those same people would show up to the next show knowing the words. File-sharing is a similar means of exposure, just to a much wider audience. If you download the album and you dig it, then buy it. If you don't like it, move on to the next band. But if you like it and don't buy it, then come down and check out the band's show (and buy a t-shirt or two to absolve your guilt).

10. RCN: What's your outlook on the record industry today?

If major labels continue to appease the shareholders of the multifaceted business conglomerates that they belong to on a quarterly basis, they cannot expect to develop artists that will last from one decade (or even one year) to the next. Thus, without a stable foundation upon which to project their future, they are doomed to crumble under the weight of their own shortsightedness. The only rational solution is to begin cultivating that long term talent now.

11. RCN: What's your claim to fame? (What's unique about your band)

MADISON PAIGE is unlike any band in L.A. right now. Although the band's sound is influenced by the so-called "hair bands" that once ruled the Strip (Motley Crue, Poison, Warrant, GNR), the band is NOT made up of a bunch of washed up has-beens and never-coulds still clinging to the dream. The band is fresh and is made up entirely of young guys in their 20s who wear their influences proudly on their sleeve without retreading what's been done before. With youth comes vitality and this band has a hunger that is palpable.

12. RCN: Tell us a story about a day in your life.

I'm not sure you'd be allowed to print it. But it involves The Rainbow and it's a good one.

13. RCN: What inspires you to do what you do?

The same thing that inspires people to breathe...because without doing it, they die. A bit melodramatic, but accurate.

14. RCN: What advice would you give to fellow bands?

Take what you do very seriously but don't take yourself seriously while you're doing it.

15. RCN: What are some of your pet peeves?

Peace, love, and goodwill towards man...and I also hate cooking and makeover shows on TV.

16. RCN: How does music affect you and the world around you?

Personally, music makes life better. As for the world around us all, I don't think music actually has that great of an effect. Nuclear proliferation, oil, natural disasters, defense contracts - these are things that affect the world. Music for most people is just a distraction during rush hour, as it should be.

17. RCN: What's new in the recording of your music?

We've recently released our debut album, "Famous Last Words," on Without The World Records. It's available at amazon.com, cdbaby.com, towerrecords.com, and several retail outlets throughout L.A. Check out www.madisonpaige.net for all the details.

18. RCN: What are the biggest obstacles for bands?

Ego, lack of talent, bad planning.

19. RCN: What's the best and worst thing about playing clubs?

The best thing about playing clubs is connecting with people. The worst is pay-to-play.

20. RCN: Tell us about your next shows and why we should be there.

The band will be playing all over Southern CA and the surrounding states throughout the summer. The next local show is June 11th at The Gig in Hollywood (7302 Melrose Ave.) We're primarily looking to open up for an established band in our genre. Check out www.madisonpaige.net for all the latest show announcements.

RCN: Thank you for your insight and time. We'll look forward to hearing your music and seeing your next live show . . . Later gator.

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