Interview Five

My fifth interview

Brett has been involved with 2Fast4Ethel, Redshift Project, SevenDay Trip, and various other projects.  Check out the following sites for more info and music:  www.brett.is-crazy.com and www.brettinman.com 

  INTERVIEW WITH BRETT INMAN

INTERVIEW BY: NEON BLONDE

MARCH 24, 2002
 

Q: What was the first concert you ever went to?

A: Queen in 1984. "THE WORKS" tour in Germany.


Q: What was your age when you knew music was gonna be your life?

A: I had an interest as early as age 13. I began pursuing it at age 15. The real wheels went into motion in 1990 when I moved to Dallas.



Q: Tell me about Brett Inman.

A: I grew up in the 80's in Heilbronn, Germany. I have traveled Europe thanks to my parents and feel that that is where my culture and different influences come from. I grew into music on a healthy diet of Journey, The Scorpions, Dokken, Ozzy, Twisted Sister, Iron Maiden, TNT, Duran Duran, Van Halen... I never got into the "ROCK STAR" thing. Although I have toured for a living (DOUBLE CROSS) and experienced all ends of music. Making the money and not. Getting screwed and getting what you deserve. I had a, not so great marriage, although I have a son and look forward to sharing my life with someone in the future.


Q: Explain to the readers how, where, and when 2Fast4Ethel was created or founded.

A: When I got to Dallas in 1990, I found an ad in the local paper of a band (PARAMOUR) looking for a singer. It had a phone number for a great local guitarist named Tony Mitchell. I called it and went to jam with the band (TONY and JIMMY) whom had a bass player named Rick. We went in the studio and recorded our first demo "UNDERCOVER LOVERS". Jimmy was absent from the session, so we had a friend (DAVE ABBRZZESE ex-Pearl Jam) come in and record the parts before he had to leave to go on tour for the PJ album "TEN". Paramour went through some personnel changes and recorded 2 more demos and only Tony and I survived them. Tony, Jimmy and I have played on and off over that amount of time. During my ventures in other bands, they hooked up with Mark in a few bands. When 2 FAST formed in 1999, I jammed with them once at a club under a different name, but was unable to commit, due to the fact that I was recording and pursuing SDT (SEVEN DAY TRIP). They forged onward as 2 FAST with a female singer named LYNN TRENT. She was an older woman with a bluesy feel to her vocals. In 2000, Lynn had to leave the band due to some hearing and vocal problems. The band went without a singer for about 5 months. I had quit music in 1999. I called Tony to shoot the crap early in 2001 when he mentioned they needed a singer. He asked if I would come out and jam, no obligations. I agreed and we did. The band had an "original music" deficiency, at the time, so we pulled out some old tricks and jammed for about 4 hours. We sat back and worked out the logistics of me being a part of the band.


Q: How long have you known the guys?

A: I have known Jimmy and Tony since 1990. I first met Mark in, probably, '94. They were all playing together in a band called ROCK HOUSE. I went and stood in a couple of rehearsals, just noodling around.


Q: How has 2Fast4Ethel been received?

A: 2 FAST has always been a band that really cared more about what the general public thought as apposed to how we were received by the musical community. Although, in answer to your question, we have been received pretty well from both. Having the years and knowledge has given us the pleasure of being accepted by almost anyone in all walks of life. There aren't too many places we go (CD stores, clubs...) where our name isn't recognized. It is great going to places and people have heard of your band.


Q: Tell me about "Broken Bones". I've heard you guys perform this song live and I love it!

A: Broken Bones was written, originally, by myself in 1993. I couldn't sing it the way I wanted and shelved it until 1996. I brought it to Tony and we worked it up, but I was still unhappy with it and we shelved it again. In 2001, I had forgotten about it and found a tape with us rehearsing it. We worked it up and finally, I was satisfied. Over the time, only one word has been changed. Everything is still, pretty much, intact from the original writing of the song. So, as you can see, I was only unhappy with the lack of vocal capability. Also, it only goes to show that good music will stand the test of time and persistence pays off.


Q: What was the 2-song demo you recorded with SCREEM THEATER that got airplay on the much-missed Z-ROCK?

A: SCREEM THEATER was my band after PARAMOUR in 1991-'92. Although, my vocals were lacking and I was in need of training, we did pretty well out here and it opened me up for later projects. The demo (very rare) had two songs. CRY OUT and BLIND TO REALITY. Both received airplay on Z-ROCK. It was my first experience like that and was very exciting. CRY OUT was a cheesy '80's metal-esque song, which later developed 2 heavier and different versions. BLIND TO REALITY was perfect for what it was.


Q: What is REDSHIFT PROJECT?

A: RSP is a side-recording project. We experiment with a lot of things that may not be played in my live-band situation. Sometimes I like to just record and create the artwork without the pressures of having to do the rest. I am very happy with the material we put out. I guess I could best sum up RSP's sound as Progressive/rock/pop. A lot of different influences surface in the music. There will be an RSP CD in the future as we are always recording towards that. But, you know me, recording towards three cd's at once. Haha.


Q: Who came up with the name?

A: Jaymz (guitar/bass/programming) is the driving force behind RSP. He came up with the name. It has been his pet for several years now. Some things we do are completely his and some are joint efforts. I let him call the shots. After all, when it comes to my solo stuff, I do most of it and when I want collaboration, I ask for it.


Q: Who did the artwork for the REDSHIFT PROJECT album?

A: The cover for the single TIME, written by myself, Jaymz, Tony, Mike Shaver and Chris Bale and re-worked in 2001 by Jaymz and myself, was put together by me. I put it together form artwork by Don Dokken. I made contact with his management about being able to use it on the cover. I printed up 5 copies of the single. 4 of which were disbursed throughout the U.S. to friends and such. I have the 5th. TIME has sparked quite a response over the Internet through word of mouth.


Q: How and when did you get together with RSP?

A: I got together with RSP in September of 2001. Jaymz has contacted Tony and myself about using the song TIME. In the process, he wanted me to come in and lay down the vocals. We discussed doing more and completing a CD in our own leisure and time. There may be other vocalists involved at some point. Whatever Jaymz wants for his music. I may write stuff that someone else ends up singing. I'm good with that.


Q: Tell us about SEVEN DAY TRIP.

A: That's a whole other can of nuts. SDT was developed from a recording project of my brother (JOHN) and I. Initially, we had gotten together to do recordings of some old stuff as well as stuff we just wanted to record and develop. The first song for re-vamping was CRY OUT (screem theater). We updated it into a more sinister song (version 2: demonic hedgehopper mix). When other songs for SDT were coming about, we decided to take it and turn it into an industrial song (version 3). We were recording EMBODIED, a song of mine, when we decided to work towards a CD and to shop it to labels. When John and I had about 6 songs, we put together the band, put 4 of the songs (LESS THAN ZERO, DEAD AT THE WHEEL, THROUGH THE FIRE and AMERICAN WASTELAND) on a demo tape. We printed about 500 of them and gave them all away for free minus the ones we shopped to labels. We got positive feedback from several labels and forged on to finish the rest of the CD. Inevitably, we finished the CD and in the endless search for a capable drummer, got fed up and disbanded. After that, I quit music for a while.


Q: How long did it take you guys to complete "WELCOME TO THE VOID"?

A: We started recording the cd formerly titled SPINFILL in, probably, November of 1997. We, John and I, slaved weekends from Friday night until Sunday afternoon programming, recording, re-programming, re-recording, erasing, re-re-programming and re-re-recording songs until around March of 1998. Summer of 1998 was the projected emergence of the band publicly. By April or May, we had disbanded. So, here we were with an awesome product that would be shelved until this year. So, I guess, the answer would be, A LONG FRICKEN TIME.


Q: I've listened to "LESS THAN ZERO". How did the concept for this song come about?

A: LESS THAN ZERO was probably the fastest and easiest song to write. It was pretty cut and dry. That is a song that John demoed and handed to me and said, "Produce it and work your magic and lets see how it turns out." Surprisingly enough, I fit my parts to the music exactly how it was and saw no room for change. It worked as it was and with the vocal and lyrical parts I had written. Musicians are use to me re-working the music to fit the ideas I have for them and John was surprised to see that I didn't do that, in this case.


Q: Let's talk about BRETT INMAN-TIME TO KILL. "The Rain", who did you send the demo of this song to? How was it received? 

A: THE RAIN is a song from the same recording sessions that spawned SDT. My brother had developed most of it. It is also on his new CD as an instrumental. It was just shopped to a couple of labels for consideration of re-recording and distribution and I am still in negotiations on the possible release of it along with the rest of my solo stuff. It has been received surprisingly well.


Q: "TIME" has a very interesting opening sound. Who's idea was that?

A: Let me explain the concept of TIME. It is about a person who has died and his soul is now questioning whether or not he had fulfilled his time on earth positively or not. The opening was there musically as provided by Jaymz. The tribal vocal parts were added by me as a sense of the Soldiers of death carrying the soul away... then it leads into the song where he is thinking back on everything. Reflections of lost opportunity, so to speak. The ending is the whispers of 1000 ghosts of time past giving him knowledge and peace in himself as he crosses over into a new life. Actually, the ending has a message in it for my son that only he knows.


Q: Where did the name "Time To Kill" come from?

A: A lot of people don't spend the time they have creatively or wisely. In this case, I wanted to put out something to create a buzz for the unreleased solo CD "NATURAL PROGRESSION". Some of the songs, not all, will be re-recorded, re-produced and reworked to go on that CD. So, for me? It's something I wanted to get out for a while. These recordings have led to the recording of NATURAL PROGRESSION. So, it was important to me to have released them in their original state. The title TIME TO KILL basically means that there is time between now and the release of the CD, so here is something for all of you to enjoy in the mean time.


Q: I love the intro for "CRY OUT" the whole song sounds raunchy! Will you be doing other songs in this fashion?

A: I take it you are referring to CRY OUT 2.0. The demonic version. So, in that light, let me say this... I have done more "HEAVY" music in my past than melodic. I kinda carved my nitch as a singer for heavier bands, although I always incorporated my sense of melody into anything I have done. As for progressing any deeper into the realms of the stranger side of me? You never know what side of the bed I will wake up on. That's how I write. In the NEAR future, probably not, but who knows. It would have to be a side-recording project and I would have no one in my life that I care about, because when I write that kind of music, I can be a real ass to those who are closest to me.


Q: One thing I noticed about TIME TO KILL is the song styles are varied, which I like. Do you like doing your songs in varied styles or do you like keeping it all the same style?

A: I like writing songs to be the best that they can be. I don't follow a particular pattern or style of writing. Whatever is pleasing to the ear is what I like to do. I have interests in so many kinds of music that, I'm sure, they all shine through at one time or another. I think that is why my songwriting varies so much. I do try to separate the styles into different projects. I wouldn't want to put out IF I DIED TONIGHT on the same CD as CRY OUT 2.0. That would just come across as musical stupidity. It is important to keep the songs somewhere near each other, so that the comfort of a CD remains consistent.


Q: Where do you see yourself in a year?

A: Playing. Selling CD's and making people happy. Hopefully, the music holds a bit of a personal side to people as it does for me. As long as there are people listening and being affected by it, I will continue to do it.


Q: To some people, who may not know, is this business tough?

A: This business is unpredictable and very hard. You have to consider why you want to be a musician before just jumping in and want to walk in the shoes. Myself, I like creating and excelling at what I do. I could record for the rest of my life and not tour or play and be happy. I am an artist and happy being that. From a LIVE perspective, I am a perfectionist. It has to resemble the recorded work to be acceptable. In some cases, even some recordings are done to where they aren't' suppose to be reproduced. Sometimes they are done shearly for the art. If, at some point, they can be reproduced, then that is even better. Although, I don't think I have done that so much lately.


Q: What advice would you give to someone who would like to get into the music business?

A: Have your priorities straight. Know why you are getting into music and never lose sight of it. Just remember that a "FLY BY NIGHT" band is exactly that. Easy in and easy out. If you start music with the goal of getting a record deal and being JON BON JOVI, you probably won't stick with it or even close to being that. Be a musician because you love to create music and over time, with enough exposure, people will learn to respect you and know how to take your music. Practice, practice, practice by yourself and with a band. Consider lessons (vocalists). The easiest instrument to tear up is the one that is a part of your body. You can ruin it easily if you don't take care of it and know what you are doing. The results will speak for themselves. Never settle for just being a singer. Branch out into writing music and producing to get a better knowledge of what you do and how to make it better, by knowing how it works. Never try to be better than anyone else. Everyone is an individual and that's what makes them good. You should only be concerned with being better than you.


Q: Are there any things you are trying to accomplish through your music?

A: Personal satisfaction. In most cases I write songs to tackle a subject where there may be unclarity. Hopefully other people can relate to that and can connect with the message. None of us know why we are here or what is expected of us, so, we have to answer the riddles together while working through the equations. Hopefully the songs are thought provoking and stand out.


Q: What do you do for fun when you're not recording?

A: Spend time with my son, watch movies (all kinds), work on the computer and ride roller coasters.


Q: Are you looking forward to touring or any overseas trips or is it too early for that right now?

A: You never know what could be thrown my way, so the possibility always exists. Over time, I have become more cautious about deals like that. You don't want to end up on tour in Malaysia, broke with no ride home. Stranger things have happened 1000 miles from the house.


Q: Who are some of your influences?

A: Tony Lewis (the outfield), Steve Perry (former journey), Kevin Chalfant (the storm), Tony Harnell (TNT, westworld), James Labrie (dream theater), assorted female artists.


Q: Would you ever consider doing a tribute album?

A: Coming from a background of assorted cover material, yes. I always love paying my respects to and giving notice to songs and bands I respect and grew up on.


Q: Name two bands, groups, or singers that you would love to perform or work with.

A: The Outfield, Journey


Q: How do you like performing live?

A: I enjoy performing live. It translates well to the kind of musician that I am. I like recording and giving people the artwork, but I also like the anticipation that people have to see if I can pull it off live. I also enjoy the looks on their faces and the comments when they realize that I can. That, to me, means that I have done my job in making them happy. It shouldn't lead to having a big head.


Q: I don't like labels, but if you could put a label on your music what would it be?

A: 2 FAST 4 ETHEL= good time hard rock with ass kicking balls. REDSHIFT PROJECT= progressive/rock/pop with power. SEVEN DAY TRIP= industrial/grunge with power harmonies. BRETT INMAN (SOLO STUFF)= AOR (adult oriented rock)/pop hard rock.


Q: How do you like working with your brother again?

A: My brother may be playing on the solo CD later this year and, although it will be mainly business, it will be fun. He knows the way I want things played and is receptive to my ideas. He knows not to judge a song by one guitar part, because there will probably be 4 others that bury that one to make one big sound.


Q: Any last words? The floor is yours!

A: Hopefully, people will preview and get a copy of TIME TO KILL and WELCOME TO THE VOID and express their opinions via e-mail and let me know what they think. By the time NATURAL PROGRESSION comes out, I want to be clear on what people want to hear. Be sure to keep posted to www.brettinman.com or www.brett.is-crazy.com to get the latest news and stuff.


I would like to say thank you to Brett, very much, for giving me this opportunity! Good luck and 

KEEP ROCKIN'!

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.