Power Trip Interview

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I N T E R V I E W
April 2004
POWER TRIP
From Rock City News Vol 22, No 6

1. RCN: What kind of band is Power Trip?

POWERTRIP: We are an alternative rock band.

2. RCN: What other types of bands have you been in?

POWERTRIP: All of us have been in different kinds of original rock bands and acoustic situations.

3. RCN: How is this band different or better?

POWERTRIP: As a whole, we all feel that our collaboration in this band is better than any other previous band situation.

RCN: We hear you have a recording deal with Universal at Muscle Shoals Studio. tell us about that.

POWERTRIP: They are in negotiations right now and we are ready when everything is just right for everyone involved. They have a sound like no other place in the world in Muscle Shoals.

RCN: Who writes the songs for the band, and who influences your songwriting?

POWERTRIP: Xavier writes most of the stuff and Dave has been writing recently as well. Judd is great with helping structure the songs. It is a group effort.

RCN: Judd, tell us about your drumming career?

JUDD: My dad started teaching me to play drums when I was very young. He was a jazz drummer. He played during the 1940s and '50s; 26 years on the road and made a living at it. Here's my drum story through my eyes, my life, my dreams: In the beginning people told me I was "just wasting time". It's been 20 years now and I'm still kicking ass! My first kit was a Pearl, now I play Premier like my dad. The first 7 years I played backyard parties and high schools in my hometown, San Diego, California. Then I moved to Hollywood. Within the next 10 years, I was voted L.A.'s Best Drummer 2000, Rock City Awards. I was in the Best New Band 2001 (Broadsyde), Best New Band 2002 (Power Animal) and Power Trip took Best Alternative Rock Band 2003.

I have been in bands with Joe from Bang Tango, Dusty from Blood Star Halo. I've jammed with HTTH, Chigger Red, Rakkit and every up and coming band in Hollywood. Call me a drum slut if you want. Currently, I am working on a book about the history of drums. I also have a drum video available, "Technique, Style, and Showmanship". You can check all of this out on my personal drum website: www.JuddDrums.indiegroup.com Some of my favorite drummers: Tommy Lee, Keith Moon, Eric Singer, John Bonham, and the greatest, Buddy Rich! And of course, my dad. I appreciate all the support from my friends, fans and family over the years. After playing in 37 bands, I have finally settled down and found the band with the songs that touch my soul. I am playing better than ever and it is because of these guys in Power Trip. God bless! And Drummers rule!

RCN: Xavier, what's your background and what's your favorite color?

XAVIER: I grew up on the east coast playing solo acoustic shows from New York City to Boston. Then I moved out to Los Angeles. My favorite color is blue.

RCN: and Dave, what do kind of gear do you use?

DAVE: GK, Ampeg, and Gibson baby!

RCN: Can you describe your show, both visual and musically

POWERTRIP: Our live show is very energetic and there's an excellent vibe. Music Connection said we have "passionate rock tunes with a soulful delivery".

RCN: What other plans do you have that you haven't told us yet?

POWERTRIP: We will be going on the road soon. Check out our band's website for dates and cities: www.PowerTripBand.indiegroup.com

RCN: What's your outlook on the music business today?

POWERTRIP: Our outlook on the music today is good. There are a lot of great bands out there now. But the business needs to be revamped because of the whole Internet thing. The shorter attention span of people keep us writing better tunes.

RCN: What's your claim to fame? (What's unique about Power Trip)

POWERTRIP: Our claim to fame would be excellent songs coming from real street level experience. We were previously, Power Animal in 2002, which was voted RCN Best New Band. We ditched the problem in that band and became a 3-piece, Power Trip, which was voted RCN Best Alternative Rock Band 2003.

RCN: Tell us a story about a day in the life of Power Trip

POWERTRIP: Right now we all are working hard jobs to survive, but always remaining focused on our real passion; music. And of course, it's rehearsal, rehearsal, and rehearsal!

RCN: What really inspires you to do what you do?

POWERTRIP: The love of the music and the game keeps us inspired.

RCN: What's your favorite food and drinks.

POWERTRIP: Xavier, MacDonald's and Starbucks. Dave prefers Hawaiian pizza and milk. And Judd, steak and lobster and Bloody Marys!

RCN: What's your favorite pastime?

POWERTRIP: Our pastimes vary. For Dave, its watching cock fights. Judd, surfing and fishing for tuna. Xavier, writing songs.

RCN: Tell us a story about being in a band in Hollywood?

POWERTRIP: We all have many crazy stories. Power Trip is a band out of Hollywood that's just trying to quit their day jobs and make a living playing our music. Telling you any more than this could be used against us in a court of law.

RCN: Judd, tell us how you met your wife?

POWERTRIP: My good friend Tony West (Freak Machine) convinced me, since I was a single father with a baby girl, to place an ad in Rock City News "looking for a woman". Believe it or not, dozens of women responded and I was auditioning moms left and right. It was better than having a puppy. Anyway, I received a call from a really nice blue eyed, blonde hair girl from Indiana named Chantalle. Talk about hot and sweet! She called my ad and wanted to know if I would every need any help babysitting. She came over to meet my daughter and I and never left. Soon thereafter, she bought me my first brand new drum set. It was love after that! Eight years later, everything is still good! We are still living happily ever after. Thank you Rock City News!!!

RCN: We hear your daughter is a big movie star, how did this all happen?

POWERTRIP: My daughter, Tarra Steele, and I used to do bike tricks up and down Hollywood Boulevard. One day we were approached by a Playboy model who referred us to a manager, who has been handling Tarra's career for the last 9 years. Tarra signed on with an agency 2 years ago (the same one as the "Olsen Twins" and Howard Stern). If you want to know what Tarra's up to, check out her website: www.Tarra.Steele.2002.indiegroup.com. I am really proud of her.

RCN: are you going to teach your other kids and bands mates how to become movie stars?

POWERTRIP: The other little kids are following in their big sister's footsteps. Lula, who's 6 years old, can be seen on the WB in Jerry Bruckheimer's new series, "Fearless". She plays a young Rachel Lee Cook. Brother Stavin, 7 years old and baby Jewel, who's 5, are auditioning constantly. I'm breeding movie stars!

RCN: Tell us about your next upcoming shows and why we should be there?

Power Trip will be at Club Lingerie, Monday, April 19th. We will be hitting the stage at 8:30pm sharp! For free tickets go to our website: www.PowerTripBand.indiegroup.com

We also will be playing the Rock City Records CD Release Party on May 13th at Club Vodka/Pink Pussycat with other great bands like HTTH, Wood, Izevl, and Abraham Cloud. See you there!

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