Interview with Daryl Norton of ASKA

Introducing Daryl Norton of ASKA.  He's been with the band since April of 2001 and lead guitarist, back-up vocalist, friend, and  he also loves great heavy metal music.  He very recently go to share the stage with his heavy metal idols Saxon.  ASKA opened up for Saxon 4-12-02 at The Canyon Club and it was a dream come true for Daryl and the experience of a lifetime.  I'm glad your dream came true, Daryl!    If you would like to listen to them check out my mp3.com station or their mp3.com station and of course check them out at www.askaband.com.  This interview conducted in November 2001.

November 16, 2001

Neon:  The first thing I wanted to ask you about was you’re headin’ out to promo the band.  Can you tell me what that means?

DN:  Absolutely.  Do whatever I can, as far as upcoming shows, to make sure the word gets out,  as far as the band playing, when and where.  The more the merrier.  We’ll play for 5 people or 5,000.  Just tryin’ to make sure we have as high a count as possible.

Neon:  Cool, cool.

Neon:  Where were you born?

DN:  I’m a local man, I was born right here in Texas. 

Neon:  Just tell me a little bit more about yourself.  Have you lived here all your life?  Or have you lived different places?

DN:  Pretty much been here most of my life.  Lived out of state for a little while but I was like 4 or 5 years old, so I don’t remember much. 

Neon:  How long have you been with ASKA?

DN:  In an official basis?  Since about April or so.

(DN counting on fingers.  Neon & DN both laughing)

DN:  About 7 months.  But I’ve known the guys for several years.

Neon:  Right, right.  Well that was going to be my next question.  Prior to you becoming a member what was your involvement with the band?

DN:  I was out hopping the local bar scene, I lived in Arlington at the time, and I popped into J. Gilligan’s one night on a whim.  Actually the band was on a break when I got there.   I immediately noticed the gear on stage and the people in the audience and thought this looks like a hard  rock heavy metal band.  Obviously that’s what I’m into, so I decided to stay and check ‘em out.

The band came out on stage and I really dug it!  I stood right there in their face, in front of the stage.  I bought everything they had to offer that night.  CD’s, T-shirts,  any piece of marketability that they had, I bought it.  Got on their mailing list.  Went home, and was kind of energized.  You don’t see too many of these kind of bands around the metroplex anymore that I grew up with.  They played a lot of the cover tunes that I like plus they had some awesome originals.  I started spinnin’ em, started listening to em’,   Started learning the songs and the whole relationship kind of progressed from there.

Neon:  When did you first start playing guitar and do you remember what your first guitar was?

DN:  Absolutely.  I was thirteen years old and there was this recreation center, where they held dances and stuff.  My brother, who is a few years older than me, took me to this dance.  There was a band playing there and they were made up of some guys from the high school.  They’re on this stage and they’re playing a lot of the songs I hear on the radio.  I was thinking “that is so cool!  I would really like to do that.”    I remember coming home from that and, it was around this time of year,  and telling my dad, “Dad, I would really like to have a guitar for Christmas.”  He bought me one, I picked it up and started trying to play.

Neon:  That was my next question.  Did you take lessons, or teach yourself, or a little of both?

DN:  I took six weeks worth of lessons, so I had about six lessons.  And I guess I always had a decent ear for music.  I could listen to a record and figure out a way to play it on the guitar.  After the initial six weeks of lessons,  I kind of put that aside,  started listening to the records, felt like I could recreate them decent enough,  and I was like I don’t need lessons.  But of course over the years, through musicians I’ve met if there was something I didn’t know, I would just ask.    “Hey how’d you do that?  Can you show me that?  That was pretty cool!”   Basically through a good ear I’ve been able to play. 

Neon:  That’s cool.  Because a lot of people don’t have that ability. 

DN:  Uh, yeah.  I agree.  There’s a lot of people that don’t.  And I’m one of em’!!

(Neon & DN laugh)

Neon:  Well you can’t tell that by listening to you play on stage!

DN:  I appreciate that.  If someone asked me to set down and tablature somethin’ that I ‘d written , I wouldn’t know how to do it.  I can look at a piece of music and tell this is a half note, this is a whole note.  I can’t read it and I don’t really care to.   I think I do just fine without it.

Neon:  I agree!  I’ve been there in person, I’ve seen you play!

Neon:  Well how many bands have you been in?  Besides ASKA?

DN:  Oh goodness.  This is kind of a strange story.  I was really into playing in bands pretty heavy.  Until the mid or late 80’s.  I was in several different bands but I joined a band called Artazia, that was formed back in the early 80’s.  A good friend of mine was the drummer.  Up until that point they were a three-piece band.  And over the course of a couple of years they added another guitar  and they asked me to join and I did.  It was the first serious project that I was ever really involved in.  We had a lot of original music but never got anything recorded or on, well I was gonna say CD’s but CD’s weren’t out then. 

Neon:  Hmm…you’re really dating yourself!

(DN & Neon laughing)

DN:  It was really the first serious thing I was involved in and I really dug it, but there’s a lot that goes into a successful band.  It’s not that we weren’t musically compatible, we just weren’t personally compatible.  So, eventually the band went it’s separate ways.  You’re a family and you have to be willing to put up with people’s shortcomings, vices,  strong points, egos, all that stuff.  After that band broke up I auditioned for a couple of other bands, nothing really long term, so I decided that I wanted to go into Audio Engineering.  I thought I wanted to stay close to music and if I couldn’t make it as a player,  I thought maybe I could make it as a studio engineer or producer.  So, I went to engineering school.  I actually took a good (covers mouth to muffle answer) years off from playing.

(Laughing)

Until I walked into Gilligan’s bar that night and I got re-energized as a musician and I couldn’t have scripted the story better.  It’s worked out great so far for me.

Neon:  It’s awesome.  You can tell when you guys play together on stage.  So,  since you’ve been with ASKA what would you say your most memorable gig has been?

DN:  Most memorable gig…Well, it’s hard to say because I cherish them all.

Neon:  Ah, good answer!

DN:  I’m just thankful for each and every one of them that I can get up there and play.

DN:  Well, you said since I’ve been with ASKA.  Actually when I went on the first tour with them and I was in a support- type role with them.  I was helping them roadie, doing guitar tech work,  they would actually let me come up, and they would split the sets.  George would hand off his guitar to me and he would sing, so me and Darren, when he was in the band, would actually pull the guitar weight.  We had a show that was in Sicily, Italy.  Really hot, really cookin’.  Big crowd.  I don’t know if you’ve ever been around military personnel, but when they get a chance to cut loose, they cut loose.  There was a lot of people on leave.  Nice venue, nice bar.  Everybody was ready to have a good time.  They responded to us, we responded to them.  It was a great show.

Neon:  What do you think about the metal scene, in Texas, and around the world?

DN:  I’m proud to be part of it but it’s frustrating being in the metal scene in America.  I don’t think it’s ever gonna come back like it was when I grew up in the 80’s listening to a lot of cool heavy metal bands.  I’m listening to one right now.  SAXON.  I think overseas it’s a little more accepted, a little more coveted, and a little more anticipated. 

Neon:  Why do you think that is?  Are they just a little more open-minded and not governed by corporate radio?

DN:  That’s a good answer!  You wanna do this interview?!

(both laughing)

DN:  It’s like whoever gets the biggest push behind them, that’s what gets played.  I don’t know if you listen to the local radio stations any…

Neon:  Very seldom.

DN:  Just talk to people around the area, ask them if they heard a particular song and they’re like yeah I don’t like it.  You see that person again, two weeks later, and they love that song now.  Because it was played 15 times a day and pushed down their throats.

Neon:  Have you written any songs?

DN:  I have written a few tunes.  The ASKA thing is new to me.  I’m just trying to blend in and not cause any ripples.   I don’t think I do.   We get along great and we click together.  Otherwise, I don’t think I would be with the band.  The longer we work together and the more we get to know each other, there will be writing opportunities.    Is that something I aspire to do?  Yes and no.  I don’t have to be the kingpin of writing music and I wouldn’t mind having my name behind a few songs.  But I just want to play guitar in a rock and roll band.  That’s what’s been handed to me and I’m fit to be tied!

Neon:  Awesome!  How often do you guys meet for rehearsal?

DN:  Generally we try to meet a couple of times a week.  As you know, we have been on a gargantuan search for a drummer.  We lost our drummer right about the time I joined the band.  We’ve been looking at drummers for months.  There is some light at the end of the tunnel and we’re narrowing our search down…what was your question??

(Neon & DN laugh)

Neon:  I just asked how often you guys met for rehearsal!  He’s not blonde you guys, I’m the blonde one!

DN:  Oh yeah!  There was my point!  The whole drummer search has caused the rehearsal to be just shoot-from-the-hip.  We just try to work our schedule around a guy, we’re auditioning, can meet with us.  Once the band is rolling, and we get a drummer, it’s generally gonna be a couple of times a week.

Neon:  Okay.  Cool.  Personally, who are some of your musical influences?

DN:  This band that we’re listening to right now, SAXON, is one of my favorites.  I know this sounds odd, but I don’t really listen to the lyrics.  I listen to the music.  I listen for the guitars.  The guitar bands are the bands that really get me off.  The SCORPIONS are a big favorite of mine.  Love the SCORPIONS.  BOSTON, one of my favorite bands ever.

Neon:  Oh, I’m lovin’ this guy!

DN:  You can put on any song, off any record, by SCORPIONS or BOSTON and I’ll sit down and listen to it.  Musically, my top three bands are BOSTON, SCORPIONS, & SAXON.

Neon:  I’ve seen two out of three of those bands in concert.  Great answer.  Daryl, what do you feel that your contribution to the band is?

DN: I think if you could sum up “me” in one word it would be compatibility.   Since we’ve been auditioning for new drummers, there’s certain criteria that you have to meet.  You don’t have to be the best player,  if that is your goal you’re going to be disappointed, because there will always be someone better than you.  There’s a broad range of topics that you have to cover, in order to be a compatible fit.  Obviously you have to have talent to play.  Can you get a long with your band mates?  What’s your dedication level?  Are you willing to leave your job?  I mean if the band had to leave to go on tour overseas, could you go?  Do you look like a rock-n-roller?  There’s lots of criteria that make up a ‘band’ member.   I feel like I was the most comfortable, compatible fit for the band.  And that’s why it happened for me.

Neon:  Absolutely.    You can’t just say “hey I made it.  I’m a member of a rock-n-roll band” and then sit back.  You have to be flexible and dedicated.

DN:  Yes ma’m.  A lot of people just think it’s peaches and cream.  But it’s a lot of hard work.  And it’s a full-time job. 

Neon:  I try to come to every show and I know that you guys put 110% into every show.  You can tell.

DN:  I appreciate that.  We try.  We do.  Some shows go better then others.

Neon:  That’s what makes ya’ll so great to watch.   I’m a little prejudice, but every time you come to an ASKA show, I know that I’m gonna see the absolute best show.  Whether it be for 5 people or 5,000.  And it’s gonna be an awesome show!  And I can’t wait for the next one!

DN:  Me either!  Thank you very much.

Neon:  Okay a young kid, I’m not gonna discriminate, boy or girl, 13 to 15 years old comes up to you, what advice would you give them on playing guitar?

DN:  That’s a really good question.  I’m not sure if I’ve ever been asked that before.  Let me think about it for a minute...  I would sit down and talk with them, listen to them play.  It  wouldn’t matter what style of music... metal, jazz, rap, rock, country.  I would just tell them to follow your heart.  It’s a good road to follow, but there’s a lot of bumps along the road.  Anything you strive for or dream for, there will always be the highest highs and the lowest lows.  Be prepared, there will be some disappointments but don’t get rattled.  Persevere. 

Neon:  Good advice.  Um, we kind of discussed this earlier.  But what is your take on Corp. radio? 

DN:  (blows raspberry!!!)

(Both laughing)

DN:  Hey how do you spell that??!!

Neon:  I totally agree.  I love that answer!  Can I quote you?

Neon:  I know that you guys have signed a deal with Italian label, Adrenaline Records.  How do you see this helping ASKA as a band?

DN:  How can it not?  That’s what every musician aspires to be is on a signed label where your  records are in record stores.  Any person in Europe- man, woman, child, is gonna be able to buy an ASKA CD.  If it happens for us in Europe first, and that’s the road we’re gonna have to take, that’s what we  will do.  Our tribute to Maiden is on that label.

Neon:  I know.  That’s an awesome CD.  I have it.

DN:  It’s all good.  I see no down side to it at all.  It’s nothin'  but a tailwind.

Neon:  Hopefully with this you’ll be able to get something going over here in the US.

DN:  For our good, close knit family and fans, we’ll get some copies to them so they can see what the people in Europe are gonna see.  There’s some bonus video tracks on there too.

Neon:  What do you like to do for fun when ASKA is not playing a gig or rehearsing?

DN: Oh getting interviewed by a cute blonde chick!!

(both laugh)

Neon:  Oh I love that!  Good answer!  I know one thing you like to do is go to clubs and listen to other bands.

DN:  Yeah I support the local metal scene.  I’m part of it.  Any attention that I can draw to Dallas, is good for the Dallas scene and good for ASKA.   As you know Drowning Pool is getting a lot of recognition right now as have the Toadies.  I support my local scene.  I tell you one thing I would like to do and that’s sleep!!  (laughing)  There’s just not enough hours in the day.  I don’t get enough sleep. 

Neon:  That sounds familiar!

DN:  I like going to clubs, but I’m just as happy spending an evening out with friends, going to a restaurant, or to a movie, or sitting at home watching a movie.  I’m not a real complicated person.  I like things like every other person likes.

Neon:  Cool.  Performing live.  What’s that like for you?

DN:  It’s fantastic!  It’s an adrenaline rush.

Neon:  It’s a high isn’t it?

DN:  Absolutely.  When I was younger and playing in a band and being nervous before playing a show.  I don’t know if it’s just the way I click with ASKA, I’m not sure what it is.  Since my very first walk-on with them, fill-in’s,  substituting for Darren when he was injured or couldn’t go on the tours,  I never felt any pressure.  I guess because I was at home practicing these songs on a daily basis.  I knew them front to back as well as they did.  So when I had my opportunity I just got up and it was natural.  It’s when you first start doing something and your nervous.  Then you master it and your confidence grows, it’s like second nature.  The entertainment aspect of it takes over and the musical part kind of becomes secondary.

Neon:  You feed off the crowd.  You give them something and they give it right back.  And it feeds you and you want to do it more.

DN:  Absolutely.  That’s a good point!  Hey let me ask you the questions!! (laughing)

Neon:  I was real nervous about doing this interview but I’m not anymore.  I’m ready to do some more!  Here’s a question for you.  I know that one of ASKA’s influences as a band, is IRON MAIDEN.  Which one are you?  Dave Murray, Janick, or Adrian?

DN:  Man, that’s a good question.  To be totally honest I was never a big MAIDEN fan.

Neon:  Oh my God, no!  (mock horror)

DN:  When I met ASKA they were big MAIDEN fans.  So I started listening to them a little bit.  But I wasn’t totally converted until I saw them in concert.   It was the most musically moving experience that I had in a long time.  I’ ve got chill bumps.  IRON MAIDEN is truly one of the Metal gods.  As far as individuals, I’m still absorbing their music.  I’ve been learning a lot of their tunes. 

Neon:   A few years back, Dallas had some really good clubs that played to the Heavy Metal scene.  (i.e.) Dallas City Limits, The Basement.  Do you find that clubs are becoming more open to the metal scene again?

DN:  To be honest I think that you have to be a big draw to get into a good club.  Clubs now days book what’s popular,  like the radio stations.  If a band comes in and they have a pop sound or play songs from Top 40 radio.  It stuns me because some of these bands draw big crowds.  This is what the radio is pushin’ down their throat so let’s form a little band, throw some guitar in there, a little rap, we’re probably gonna be a hit.

Neon:  Exactly.  That’s a good point. 

DN:  Some of this music I don’t even know how you would categorize it these days.

Neon:  I think it’s just noise.

DN:  Noise. Noise is a good answer.

Neon:  Are there any current bands, in the metal scene, that you’re in to?

DN:  Local ones, no.  Now there could be some in a little pocket of the US that I’ve never heard of, but locally no.  I do listen to some metal bands that have CD’s on some underground labels, but as far as local metal scene, I think ASKA is king.  I don’t think anyone out there dishes out what we do at a show.   Sad but true.  Unfortunately it’s just not happenin’.

Neon:  That’s one thing that I admire in ASKA as a band, and the guys in the band.  They are staying true to what metal is.  They don’t really give a flying rip what anyone else says.  They don’t care what everyone else is listening to or getting pushed down their throat and that’s what makes them stand out.

DN:  We appreciate that.  That’s what we’re gonna continue to do.    We could be doing what Aerosmith is doing.  They were never really a metal band but they were a decent hard rock band.  They’re a Pop icon.  I mean I don’t ever foresee ASKA on stage with N’Sync or Brittney.  We’ll be on stage with Manowar or MAIDEN.  Maybe they’re just doing it to line their checkbooks.

Neon:  For their retirement.

DN:  Maybe so.  It’s not about money to us.  We do this because this is what we like to do.  The people that want to listen to it, that’s who will play for.

Neon:  Are you available?

DN:   Right now??  (laughing)  Am I available?  Yes I am.  Matter of fact I think I’m the only one who’s single.

Neon:  Okay ladies there you go!!

Neon:  What would you say your goal or dream is?

DN:  I would like to be able to play music to support my life.  I play music because I love to do it.  But unfortunately I have to supplement my income.  It’s not about the money.  If I could make enough money to live like I do right now, I’d be fit to be tied.  That’s all I want.  I don’t need to be Mick Jagger or Steven Tyler or some rock god.  I want music to make my living.  There is a place for metal, and we’re gonna find it.

Neon:  Wow, what a job! 

Neon:  Who’s your favorite guitarist?

DN:   Strange as it may sound, it’s not anyone from any of those bands.  Let me think about it and I’ll answer it the next time around.

Neon:  Cool.  I’m getting’ another interview!

Neon:  Brunettes or Blondes?

DN:  Brunettes.

Neon:  Ah man!

Neon:  Well do they have more fun?

DN:  I don’t know.  Ask me after this interview is over!!  ( laughing)

Neon:  This is a “lol” type of question.  Is it difficult putting up with George?  Love ya George!!!

DN:  I get along with him really good.  I respect him.  He’ s extremely talented.    When you know what he’s all about it’s easy to appreciate him.

Neon:  Are you lead or rhythm guitar?

DN:  People always ask me that.  I’m a guitar player.  George and I both play guitar.  We share the duties. 

Neon:  Well I’ve told you at gigs before that I would like to see you play more solos because I think you’re good at it.

DN:  Thank you very much.

Neon:  Well, the floor is yours.  If there is anything in closing that you would like to say to ASKA’s fans, have at it.

DN:  The band’s going through some changes and anyone who knows me, knows that I was a fan.  Don’t loose the faith.  The band is gonna keep rolling.  We’re working really hard to find a drummer and we’re gonna keep this train rollin.

Neon:  Well I for one will be on the train!!  (laughing)

DN:  Support your local music scene and raise a fist to all the doubters out there.

Neon:  Daryl, thank you very much.

DN:  Thank you!

 Daryl was my first in-person interview.  He's a great guy and lots of fun!  Thanks again Daryl!

If you would like to contact me for interviews or reviews, email me at the link below and I will get back with you as soon as possible.

© 2003 Neon Blonde. All material on NeonBlonde.com is protected by
copyright law and by international treaties. You may not reproduce,
distribute, publicly perform, publicly display, or create derivative works
of this material, unless authorized by the appropriate copyright owner(s).
Artists are free to reproduce articles written about them for use in
promotional materials provided credit is given to Neon Blonde. Any other
reproduction or use of any part of the contents without written permission
from Neon Blonde is prohibited.