Tag: Van Halen

Categories
Culture Entertainment Music

CRX’s Nick Valensi on his Nov. 18 gig at The Bowery Ballroom, The Strokes and more

CRX / Photo: Amanda de Cadenet

CRX / Photo: Amanda de Cadenet
CRX / Photo: Amanda de Cadenet

Nick Valensi first came into prominence as one-fifth of the downtown New York band The Strokes. Formed in 1998, The Strokes became one of the world’s top rock bands in 2002, going on to sell millions of records. While more music is in the works from The Strokes, lead guitarist Nick Valensi is staying further active with the band CRX.

CRX released its debut album, New Skin on Oct. 28 via Columbia Records. Produced by Queens Of The Stone Age leader Josh Homme, lead-off track “Ways To Take It” was the first single released from New Skin. CRX — which also includes drummer Ralph Alexander, guitarists Darian Zahedi and Richie Follin, and bassist Jon Safley — will be playing at The Bowery Ballroom alongside Streets Of Laredo on Nov. 18. Fans of Elvis Costello, The Cars and Cheap Trick ought to appreciate the poppier fare of CRX.

Downtown caught up with Nick for some Q&A who has also notably collaborated with Devendra Banhart, Regina Spektor, Kate Pierson and Sia over the years. CRX can be visited online at www.crxmusic.com.

How would you describe CRX to someone familiar with The Strokes but hasn’t seen your band live before?

Nick Valensi: There are some similarities between CRX and The Strokes, mainly in the guitar arrangements. Since I play guitar in both bands, I guess that’s kind of inevitable. Someone who likes The Strokes will find a lot to enjoy in CRX. There are differences too, though. CRX has some songs that are heavier and more aggressive than The Strokes. And obviously, I’m not the singer in the strokes, so that’s the gonna be the most apparent difference.

Having played some of the world’s largest venues and been part of so many iconic musical moments with The Strokes, is it ever difficult to play more intimates venues like the Bowery Ballroom?

NV: On the contrary, I love it. Bowery Ballroom is one of my favorite venues in the country. And part of the reason I started CRX was to have some balance from the bigger gigs I get to do. The Strokes don’t perform that much anymore and, when we do, it’s generally at one of those huge music festivals, which I love, but I wanna be able to do both. It’s more about balance. Likewise, if I only ever got to play the Bowery Ballrooms of the world, I’d probably get sick of that, and I’d be thinking, “shit, I’d love to get on one of those festival stages.” So it’s cool for me to get to do both.

What is coming up for you professionally after this CRX show in New York?

NV: Once we wrap up the North American tour, we’ll head to the UK and Europe. I want CRX to be a band that tours a lot and puts on a really good show, so we’ll be doing a lot of that, and working on getting better at what we do. In between all the CRX stuff, I’m also finding time to work on material for The Strokes. We’re writing together and slowly stockpiling material for our next album, so it’s been a pretty busy time for me lately.

CRX / Photo: Magdalena Wosinska
CRX / Photo: Magdalena Wosinska

Do you have any goals for CRX? Or is it just about playing out and staying active as a musician?

NV: I wanna be able to make different sounding music and not be confined by anything. I wanna keep learning about music, and work on become a better singer, frontman, and songwriter. And above all, I want CRX to be something fun and simple that I can do whenever I feel like it.

I heard rumors of you soundchecking with “Hot For Teacher” by Van Halen years ago on a tour with Longwave. Do you have a secret hard rock past?

NV: It’s no secret. I have a “hard rock” past, present, and future.

CRX aside, do you have a favorite album of 2016?

NV: Iggy Pop’s Post Pop Depression and 2 Chainz’s Collegrove.

Finally, what is your favorite restaurant in New York?

NV: My mom’s restaurant Mon Petit Cafe.

Categories
Culture Entertainment Movies Music

Michael Chiklis on his new album “Influence,” living in New York, and being both a musician and actor

Michael Chiklis

Michael Chiklis
Michael Chiklis

No matter the genre of film or television, few actors are as versatile as Michael Chiklis. He is the rare actor that portray both anti-hero Vic Mackey on The Shield and well-intentioned police commissoner Anthony J. Scali on The Commish in a relatable manner. Following a nine episode arc on American Horror Story: Freak Show, the Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy Award winner remains active on-screen as Captain Nathaniel Barnes on the FOX hit Gotham.

But what many people may not know about Michael Chiklis is that acting is only one of his passions. Beyond his work as an actor, producer and director, he is a singer and multi-instrumentalist that started playing gigs in the 1980s. After primarily focusing on his acting for decades, Michael finally released an album on Sept. 16. Titled Influence, the full-length features contributions from Andres Forero (Hamilton), Toto guitarist Steve Lukather, and Scott Healy, Richie “La Bamba” Rosenberg, and Jerry Vivino from Conan O’Brien’s late night band.

Michael spoke to Downtown about all facets of his career, which has included plenty of time spent in New York. Beyond his official website, www.michaelchiklis.com, Michael can be followed on Twitter via @MichaelChiklis.

MichalChiklis_Influence_3000x3000-1

I remember you talking about playing music when you had appeared on Kevin Pollak’s Chat Show, yet this album comes years after that. What inspired you to record a full-length album?

Michael Chiklis: That was right after I had recorded my first single for the film High School and marked my return to music after a 25-year hiatus. My best friend and bandmate Bob Pascarella had called me in 2010 and basically said, “Hey listen, it’s now or never. We were always great at making music together and now technology is going to allow us to do this again even though we live across the country from each other.”

Bob still lives in the Boston area, where we grew up and I live out in L.A. So we built out a studio room in my house, and the two of us recorded our first five singles back-and-forth across the country via file-sharing. Our very first single, “Make Me High,” is on the soundtrack of the film High School. Our second song we ended up performing live with the Boston Pops at the esplanade in Boston at the 4th of July spectacular on CBS! By the time we got to our fifth single as Michael Chiklis Band, we had received so much attention and so many requests to play that I realized it was time to record a proper solo album.

Your new album features some real-deal session musicians like Steve Lukather, Scott Healy and Jerry Vivino. Were these session guys friends of yours? People you’d jammed with before?

MC: Luke and I were mutual fans. I had been a fan of his since high school from his work with Toto and The Tubes and he dug The Shield. We found this out through a mutual friend who introduced us. We met and have been friends ever since. Steve’s been so supportive and amazing with my music and I’m so proud to have him on this record.

Scott and I met because our children went to high school together and were close friends. We became friends, in turn, and when I started recording my album, I asked Scott if he wanted to play on a track. He came over and banged out “Little Bit Of Funk” on his Hammond and it was so fun and went so well, the next thing you know, he ended up playing keyboards on the entire album! He also brought Jerry and the brass section in on it as well and charted the brass arrangements. I couldn’t have done this record without him.

Have you always had a home recording set-up? Or is that something that you built for this album?

MC: When I decided to record a full-length album I went all out. I went down to the NAMM show in Anaheim and loaded up. Now I have a beautiful recording studio in my home and Influence is the first product of it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjAxyxiieik

Do you have a favorite song on the new album?

MC: Well, I love them all obviously, but I will mention two in particular. I love the first track, “The Show,” because it’s very representative of the music I write and love. Very theatrical and dynamic art-rock generation feel with real rock and roll teeth a la Queen and The Police. The other is the last song on the album, “Angel Of Mine,” because it’s an ancient Irish lullaby that my grandmother and mother used to sing to me. It’s never been recorded before and it’s just very special and close to my heart.

Is there a goal for you with Influence? Or the plan was pretty much just to make it and released it?

MC: I would love this to continue to grow. I have a lot more music inside me that needs to come out!

What do you remember about the first gig you ever played in New York City? Where was it?

MC: The first music gig I ever played in New York City was at a little dive bar in the East Village called Phebe’s. I was playing percussion and backup vocals for a friend of mine whose gig it really was. We sounded pretty good together as I recall and everyone had a good time. That was around 1986-87.

Are there plans for you to tour in support of Influence? Any idea who’ll be in your live band for that?

MC: I’m trying to put together a tour as we speak. Scheduling is the main issue but I’ve already booked the first show in L.A. for November! Just about everyone on the record is playing at that show except Lukather, who’s still on tour with Ringo [Starr] and the All-Stars. Going to be a killer show!

What’s coming up for you in the acting world? Do you have any upcoming productions via Extravaganza Films?

MC: I’m shooting season three of Gotham as we speak and it’s off the chain! My character goes through an insane transformation this year. Fans are going to love it! I have a number of original projects in development under my Extravaganza banner, one of which is a spy suspense drama for cable. Stay tuned…

When not busy with your career, how do you like to spend your free time?

MC: Having fun with my wife and kids. They’re more important than anything to me.

You had lived in Brooklyn after attending college. Where in Brooklyn did you live?

MC: A couple of places, actually. I lived in Park Slope for a while and I lived in Dyker Park as well. Love Brooklyn. Very happy memories for me there.

Is there anything you miss about living in New York?

MC: Well, I’m living half the year there now because Gotham shoots in New York, so no, luckily I don’t have to miss it!

Do you have a favorite restaurant in New York City?

MC: That’s a tough one. So many great restaurants. Let’s go with Peter Luger in Brooklyn and Rao’s.

Finally, Michael, any last words for the kids?

MC: I made this album for you! There aren’t enough rock bands out there making new music that is influenced by the bands that I grew up loving: Queen, Led Zeppelin, Rush, The Police, Van Halen…This will feel familiar but fresh and new. Now continue rocking.

Categories
Culture Music

Extreme’s Gary Cherone on new DVD, New York City, Van Halen, and more

Extreme / Photo by Enzo Mazzeo

Extreme / Photo by Enzo Mazzeo
Extreme / Photo by Enzo Mazzeo

Having sold over 10 million albums, Extreme was one of the world’s most popular hard rock bands in the early 1990s. While many people first discovered Extreme through hit ballads like “More Than Words” and “Hole Hearted,” the Boston-based quartet had hard rock hits before and after that; “Kid Ego,” “Get The Funk Out” and “Rest In Peace” being three notable examples. Extreme went on hiatus in 1996, not regrouping again until 2004. The studio album Saudades De Rock followed in 2007 as did a live DVD in 2009, Take Us Alive. A follow-up to Saudades is currently in the works.

Lead singer Gary Cherone has stayed very busy since Extreme took its first break in 1996. He replaced Sammy Hagar in Van Halen, leading to 1998’s Van Halen III album. He has also released recordings as the frontman of Tribe Of Judah, Cherone, and Hurtsmile. Outside of the studio, for the sake of fun, he has been part of two Who tribute bands that have toured in our region. Meanwhile, Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt has been playing guitar with Rihanna for the past seven years; more than 15 years earlier, he had notably collaborated with another top R&B singer when he played guitar on the Janet Jackson hit “Black Cat.”

In support of the forthcoming Pornograffiti Live 25 / Metal Meltdown DVD by Extreme — which also includes drummer Kevin “kFigg” Figueiredo and original bassist Pat Badger — Gary caught up with Downtown for some Q&A. The DVD, which hits stores on Sept. 23, was produced by the award-winning production company Rock Fuel Media in association with Loud & Proud Records. Extreme can be followed online at www.extreme-band.com, beyond keeping up Twitter and Facebook pages.

CoverExtreme

As someone that’s been around the world quite a few times, what is it that keeps you based in Boston all these years later?

Gary Cherone: First and foremost — family. Plus I was born and raised here, it’s got a certain rhythm, the four seasons, the “Baaston” accents, even the screwed-up roads are unique. I guess you have to live here to love it.

What do you remember about the first gig you ever played in New York City?

GC: I don’t remember if it was the first, but I do remember The Cat Club. Small, dirty, everything you’d expect. The crowd was great, the band had a good night and hung out with Ace Frehley after the show. It was a thrill!

Your new DVD includes a documentary called Rockshow, and the concert on there itself is a celebration of the Pornograffiti album. For you, is it fun to look back at the past?

GC: For us, it was something we’ve never done before — play the whole record top to bottom in chronological order. A bit challenging because some of the songs we never played or haven’t played for 20 years, but the band ended up having a blast. We also encored with quite a few songs from the catalog, so it ended up being one of our favorite shows we put together.

Do you look back at a particular era of your career as the most fun?

GC: I try to look forward and not back, but when I do, I always remember “the firsts.” First club, first record deal and record, first tour, first video, first girl…oh sorry, getting carried away! I guess the milestones in the band’s career as well as the highlights — touring with Aerosmith, Budokan, the Freddie Mercury Tribute. OK, enough.

Is a follow-up to Saudedes De Rock still in the works? I’d imagine that a lot of songs have been written for it.

GC: Yes, there are a lot of songs written and the band continues to record. We know we are overdue for new material, but we want to make it the best thing to date, and we will not disappoint.

Has Nuno’s playing with Rihanna for the past seven years or so at all influenced the kind of music he’s written for Extreme?

GC: We all bring in different influences when we get together. That’s what keeps it interesting, but it all ends up somehow sounding like Extreme, whatever that is!

Are there plans for another Hurtsmile album?

GC: Yes! you’ll be hearing something very soon.

You’ve been the singer in two different tribute bands to The Who over the years, SlipKid and Amazing Journey. Is that your favorite band?

GC: Very difficult question to answer. I have a few “favorite bands” and they’re one of them and, certainly one of the most influential.

I’m sure you’re tired of talking about the Van Halen era of your career, but I personally thought you filled the role very well and did the best with what you could. More than a decade and a half later, is there anything you wish more people knew about your Van Halen tenure?

GC: I’ve said this before — if I were to do it all over again, I would have liked to tour with the band before we recorded the record. Looking back, I always thought there were some good songs on the record, but could have been more cohesive. We became more of a band when we were on tour.

Not a lot is known about you besides your musical career, do you have artistic aspirations beyond music?

GC: I’m a pretty reclusive sod, so yes and no.

Finally, Gary, any last words for the kids?

GC: I’ve always said Extreme may not have as many fans as some of the other bands, but we do have the most loyal and loving. They have suffered long through the years patiently waiting for the band to reunite, and when we did, they were there to remind us of their love! I and we will never stop thanking you, we truly do love and appreciate you!