Interview with Steve Blaze of Lillian Axe

Lillian Axe formed back in 1983 and released their debut in 1988. They released several more albums over the next years and then took a break from the scene until the 1990's. Then they re-merged last year with the rather ambitious "Waters Rising" and followed it up some steady touring. I recently got to check in with guitarist Steve Blaze to see what the band was up to.

MM-You toured quite a bit last year. What were some of the highlights of the tour?
SB-The highlight of the tour was playing several shows with Alice Cooper. He is probably the biggest musical influence to me in the rock music department. He was a very kind and cordial person and still a great performer!


MM-Are you planning on touring again in 2008 or are you going to begin work on another album?
SB-We are doing some spot shows but our plan is to start the new record in June. I am in writing mode now.


MM-Your last album “Waters Rising” had a bit of a different approach than your previous albums. Was that intentional or did it just turn out that way?
SB-I never have a predetermined approach to any of my records. They take a path of their own so to speak.


MM-What do think that this current line-up of the bands brings that previous line-ups have not?
SB-Every line-up change has introduced a new chemistry. I feel that this chemistry holds a fresh and invigorating fire about it. The desire to tackle the world. All of the past members were great at their craft, but maybe some members got tired and jaded with the industry.



MM- What has this band not accomplished that you like to do?
SB-Platinum record. Grammy.

MM-What younger hard rock/metal bands do you like to listen to?

SB- Avenged Sevenfold. Muse. Chevelle.



MM-Why did this band take a break in 1995 and how was it that the break turned out to last four years?
SB-The break was needed to allow us to spread our musical wings and get our heads together. We were nonstop for 8 years and had been through lots of industry crap. It lasted as long as it needed to, until we were ready to get sucked back into it.



MM-How do you think that the music business has changed over the last twenty years?
SB-That could take hours to discuss. In a nutshell, it's weakened considerably. Thank you internet.


MM-What is the hard rock/metal scene in New Orleans like right now? Any up and coming bands playing there that we should know about?
SB-New Orleans has never really supported the hard rock scene. There is none there. Only the House of Blues holds rock shows. No bands that thrive there. If you play blues or covers, you can work.


MM-If someone had never heard any of your albums and could only afford to buy one then which one would you recommend and why?
SB-Psychoscizophrenia. It was my creative explosion.

MM-Is there anything that you wish that this band had done differently over the years?

SB- Gotten some breaks.

MM-What would you say to a young band who was just starting out in the music business and was seeking advice on what to do?
SB-Write, write, write. Make smart business decisions. Become a well rounded musician and a good human being as well. Get your head right and surround yourself with strong, driven people.

MM-Pick the band from the following pair that you prefer and state why.
SB-
Poison or Ratt

Fans of both. I have a soft spot for Ratt because Robin Crosby produced our first album.

Dokken or White Lion
Fans of both. This is close , but I really liked the first 2 White Lion records. Great guitarists in both.

Dream Theater or Queensryche
Both great. Dead even.


Alice Cooper or KISS
Alice!!!!! Kiss is a close 2nd..


MM-
Is there anything else that you would like to say about your band?
http://www.lillianaxe.com/
thanks!!! SB

****Thanks to Steve for doing the interview.