KING KOBRA (Eng.)
– Thank you so much for answering our interview. How is the band doing with the release of your new album?
Things are going well so far. We’ve received many positive reviews on the new album.
– Your new record featured again the line-up that recorded your previous album, from 2011. Do you consider this is already a steady and defined line-up?
Yes, Paul is the singer now and forever. And the core of the original group – Carmine, Johnny, Mick and I is still intact.
– This new effort is entitled «II», it caught my attention, as in 1988 you already released «III». Maybe this title is because of the new period and the second album of it?
That’s right. This is the second album of our reformation with Paul Shortino as lead vocalist, so we wanted to punctuate that by naming the record “II”.
– The album is, without any doubt, a collection of songs where the basis is Hard Rock in all its hints. This time, on my point of view, it seems like you have added more elements from the 70s. Songs as «Deep River» are almost 8 tremendous minutes that, along the rocker feeling of tracks as «Have a Good Time», give an exquisite flavour to the album. How did those songs born?
All of the members of the band are very influenced by the music of the 70s, so we just wrote what was comfortable.
– You don’ forget about 80’s Hard and Heavy. The album’s beginning, with «Hell on Wheels» and «Knock them Dead» is a true bomb. How did these tracks come up? They sound really straight-forward.
“Hell On Wheels” is classic King Kobra, in the vein of “Ready To Strike”. We wanted a fast, powerful opening song. “Knock ‘Em Dead” was an idea brought to the band by our bassist Johnny Rod.
– There’s a tune entitled «The Ballad of Johnny Rod». I guess it may be dedicated to your bass player. Tell us a little what does this song deal with and how did you come up with it.
The song was about civil disobedience, and who better personifies that than Johnny?
– And, in general, are you satisfied with the final outcome? Has everything ended up as you expected?
I think this album is a solid body of work by the band at this stage in our careers. We’re all older and more mature and I feel that is evident in the music. I handled production on this álbum and one of the things I wanted to get across was a cohesive, comfortable, thematic representation of great songs by great players.
– As I said earlier, I think the band is now really steady. Do you think, thanks to this group of people, even though with a lot of history behind KING KOBRA, helps getting that rough, raw and rocker sound? Is it easy for you to do it or do you also have your doubts when it comes to write and record?
We have no problems coming up with music. We just hope people will listen and like the songs.
– And about tours, how’s everything regarding the album’s presentation?
No tours planned right now.
– Since we are here, how have these two last years between your two newest albums been? You have played a lot so, have you gained new fans and from different generations? As nowadays thanks to technology is easier to listen and discover bands.
This is true. It’s nice to see fans of all ages listening to our music. That’s what makes this all worthwhile.
– And on a view to the future, is there anything planned? Will you release any DVD, vinyl or something similar?
In between finishing the King Kobra álbum, I was working on another Project called Steelshine. Check it out here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/steelshine/id667607681 . I have a few great guest appearances by Kelly Keeling and Jeff Scott-Soto.
– That’s all from our side, our best wishes and hope to see you someday in Spain or Europe. Good luck.
Thank you very much. I’d love to come over to Spain and play. It’s been far too long since I’ve seen my European Friends.
