Post by Heather on Jan 21, 2012 17:23:01 GMT -5
Thanks to Devin and all who participated!
Chat Recap - Devin Bronson - January 21, 2012
Interview
Heather: First off let's talk a little bit about your latest touring gig with David Cook...
DevinBronson: who?
DevinBronson: David?
DevinBronson: joking
Heather: How did you come to be the lead guitarist for the "One Loud Morning" tour?
DevinBronson: there were two ways that came about
DevinBronson: I work a lot with Raine Maida who co wrote a lot of songs with David on his first record (heroes, permanent, mr. sensitive, did it for you)
DevinBronson: I actually remember playing on the demo for heroes way back before the record came out. Raine called David and referred me while at the same time David uses the same tour manager I had with Avril Lavigne
DevinBronson: So I guess my name came up to him a few times. I went down and played with the guys and then went and had sushi with them the next day.
DevinBronson: next thing you know I am out on tour.
DevinBronson: I wasn't looking for a tour at this time but I really dug Davids music and the band is more like a traditional "rock band" then most "rock bands" out there
Heather: How much input did you have on the live variations made to the album versions and which cover songs were put on the set list.
DevinBronson: I will take credit for some of the covers but we all had a hand in that. we came in and had lists.
DevinBronson: we really like keeping it fresh and changing things up
DevinBronson: I am used to being the music director on projects but this was a different sort of thing.
DevinBronson: they had been playing together for a long time and had live show segways and arrangements pretty worked out for all of the first album
DevinBronson: I kind of just came in and played guitar. we collaborated on new ideas like a band would which was a lot of fun. kyle had the idea for a mr sensitive intro and we call just jammed and looped that idea until it worked
DevinBronson: It for me was fun to not have to sit and come up with everything and go tell guys what to do. The band all are great players and their instincts seem to really be in line with what David likes musically
Heather: You now have a BandHappy account where you'll be teaching online music lessons, what lead you to decide to do this and what can students expect if they decided to join?
DevinBronson: My friend Matt Haparn who just happens to play in one of the best metal bands in the world right now (Periphery) designed a really cool website for offering music lessons online
DevinBronson: I have always loved teaching but do not have the time to do it.
DevinBronson: this way i can work with a select number of people wherever I am in the world which i think is really cool.
DevinBronson: I will cater lessons to wherever someone is at in there playing or musical level
DevinBronson: I am not going to do it for long.
Heather: Last interview question...Since music sharing has been such a hot topic lately, what are your thoughts on the situation?
DevinBronson: wow
DevinBronson: duff mckagan whom i have the pleasure of knowing wrote a really good article in the seattle weekly about this last week and got a lot of shit for it
DevinBronson: i would like to elaborate on what i believe he was going for
DevinBronson: I do not agree with censorship in any way
DevinBronson: I think in the country especially (usa) we always see things as black and white.
DevinBronson: There needs to be something that prevents online piracy otherwise non of us will ever be able to continue making music or movies or art
DevinBronson: i don't think government regulated websites are the answer but do agree with holding sites hosting this content liable
DevinBronson: I feel like peoples big opposition wasn't entirely educated. They might have just been bummed they might not be allowed to download Dexter for free.
DevinBronson: Its a tough subject because I do not agree with government limiting free speech.
DevinBronson: I overheard a guy bitching the other day about how bad the music industry. I asked him "what was the last album you bought?" he said "I don't know.... i haven't bought one in years."
DevinBronson: but he will go to starbucks daily and buy fifteen dollars cranberry vodka drinks at the club. buy pay $10 for an album........no! its free
DevinBronson: thats our problem
Free Chat
Music in General
Aleksandra: I live in Poland, I sing, teach myself to play guitar and write songs. Could you give me any advice, what should I do to improve my skills and become famous some day?
DevinBronson: aleksandra: do not do it to be famous. do it because you love it! and just work every day and set goals for yourself.
iluvDCyes: in writing a song, which is harder, music or lyrics?
DevinBronson: iluvdceyes: for me lyrics are harder
Fergie: When did you first become interested in music/being a musician and what do you remember about your first paying gig?
DevinBronson: fergie: when i was a kid. i heard van halen and that was it
minstrel: discuss some of your songwriting influences/likes?
DevinBronson: mistrel: I love things that have unique aspects to them. some of my favorite songwriters are. roger waters, martin gore (depeche mode), matt bellamy, john lennon, butch walker
DevinBronson: as well as the classics
naughtiest: what's your favorite Dream Theater song?
DevinBronson: favorite dream theater song? endless sacrifice
naughtiest: how's Seek and Destroy cover coming along?
DevinBronson: would love to cover seek and destroy!!!!!!!
Karen224: What was your first concert you attended?
DevinBronson: karen224: first concert was billy joel! have seen him 6 times since then and he is mind blowing everytime
minstrel: how did you get turned on to Jerry Reed?
DevinBronson: minstrel: when i toured with Kelly Osbourne a hundred years ago our tour assistant and good friend used to crank jerry reed in the back lounge and me and the other guitarist mat dauzat would drink whiskey and listen to songs like amos moses
DevinBronson: monty and i bonded on our love of jerry reed big time! haha
emrasaturngirl: You have quite the musically talented family. What is your earliest memory of music?
DevinBronson: earliest memory of music was seeing my dad play piano
CookIng: Thanks Devin for taking the time to do this. Who is the guitarist you admire the most?
DevinBronson: cooking: i admire so many guitarist. jimmy page, keith richards, eddie van halen, joe satriani, paul gilbert, steve vai, chet atkins, fuck..... the list can go on and on
Sandlynn: How do you feel about artists putting music out "constantly," instead of an album every other/few year?
DevinBronson: sandlynn: i think artists should do whatever they want to. if they wanna do albums great. if they wanna do singles thats good to
Roxybella_Manda: What other instruments can you play beside guitar?
DevinBronson: Roxybella_Manda: piano, bass,
DevinBronson: but poorly!
Janice/jayelgee1: Do you like to play the blues?
DevinBronson: i love playing the blues. probably more than any other style
minstrel: have you experimented w/open tunings a la Keith Richards in composing?
DevinBronson: minstrel: yes. he plays most stones songs in open g with no low e string
kookiness: Do you sing as well?
DevinBronson: i sing but try not to around good singers i work with
Solo Projects
Roxybella_Manda: Devin, Do you have plans for a new project?
DevinBronson: roxybella: i am always working on new projects! one is very heavy
ladynsearch: You write music, anywhere to hear samples or lyrics?
DevinBronson: ladynsearch: i have some songs coming out on records this year. one is a song i co wrote for 12 stones new album
DevinBronson: a lot of music you hear on television i do. when you see cars crashing into each other on a spike tv show or something.... it very well could be me
emrasaturngirl: Ironically I just watched "Friends with Benefits." Point me to where you are playing guitar.
DevinBronson: emrasaturngirl: hollywood sign scene and various others
Gear
emrasaturngirl: Do you ever perform with your Olympian Silver Sparkle VOX?
DevinBronson: emrasaturngirl: i love that guitar! it is in my studio. i almost brought it out on the DC tour but decided last minute not to. next time i will
Karen224: How many guitars do you own?
DevinBronson: Karen224: 50?
dmvsb: Of your guitars, which are the most meaningful to you and why?
DevinBronson: most meaningful guitar would probably be my first one which is the least valuable in terms of money
minstrel: lol. preferred qualities in an acoustic guitar?
DevinBronson: acoustic is just different
Working With Other Artists
ladynsearch: You are writing with David now... how is that going? Having fun?
DevinBronson: writing with david is going great
Janice/jayelgee1: What do you consider your biggest strength as a writing partner?
DevinBronson: strength with a writing partner is someone who compliments what you can contribute and does something opposite.
Sandlynn: What did you mean that this band is more like a traditional rock band than others out there?
DevinBronson: sandlynn: i mean it operates and sounds more like one live then even on the records. the players all have unique aspects to them. sometimes playing with a solo artist a band can start to sound like a "vegas" band
Janice/jayelgee1: Had you ever played with Steve VZ before Irving Plaza?
DevinBronson: janice: no i met stevie the night before at dinner with him and his wife maureen. they were the nicest people and we had a ton of fun having him come sit in with us.
DevinBronson: he better let david and i come play rock n roll with him and springsteen now to return the favor.
Touring
Jul: what are some essentials you have to have on the bus?
DevinBronson: tour bus essentials: caffeine, booze, loud music, tooth brush, febreeze, condoms, handguns
CookIng: Have you ever come to South America with one of the bands you've worked with?
DevinBronson: been to south america with avril many times
ladynsearch: What was your favorite song to perform while on tour with David?
DevinBronson: favorite song with david......bar ba sol
emrasaturngirl: Do you have any pre-show rituals?
DevinBronson: pre show......patron shot. listen to pantera on similar equivalent.
ladynsearch: Favorite city and or venue while on tour. I see you like Chicago.
DevinBronson: ladynsearch: i love playing and touring anywhere
Roxybella_Manda: Did you have fun at all the meet and greets? I had lots of fun at the Soundchecks.
DevinBronson: i loved the meet and greets. they were long days but everyone was great and we just had fun the whole time
emrasaturngirl: Will you tour with David again?
DevinBronson: i would love to tour with david again
Elaine: craziest fan moments so far?
DevinBronson: elaine: craziest fan moment was them climbing into my hotel room in germany on tour
incognitolivia: For you, what makes a good concert? Either as a performer or a fan, or both?
DevinBronson: a good concert is a combination of the band feeling like they sound good and the audience being really into it
hoaloha1: Do you get nervey before a performance like a racehorse?
DevinBronson: i don't get nervous before a show.....just excited.
Elaine: Are you guys done with this tour? Or taking a break?
DevinBronson: i am not sure about future tours right now.
Aleksandra: You were in Poland during The Bonez Tour (6/6/2004). Do you remember anything from this country?
DevinBronson: Aleksandra: i remember poland show!
ladynsearch: Are you guys going to Japan for sure?
DevinBronson: i hope so. japan is one of my favorite places
Roxybella_Manda: Is there anywhere in the world you haven't toured? You've been everywhere it seems!
DevinBronson: Roxybella_Manda: i haven't been to israel or egypt. would like to go to both!
Jane62: Have you been to Africa?
DevinBronson: i went to africa in 2005
Misc.
naughtiest: what's your favorite casino table game?
DevinBronson: favorite casino game is roulette! i made a killing on this tour at roulette tables
DevinBronson: david and i did learn craps and play that a few times which was fun
Roxybella_Manda: And munchie foods?
DevinBronson: i don't smoke pot so "munchie" foods not so much
paigehi: Did the cat who was chilling on your amp ever get a name?
DevinBronson: no name for the cat
DevinBronson: you can name it
naughtiest: if you could have one super hero power, what would it be?
DevinBronson: naughtiest: super power....... magnetos power in xmen
Jane62: Do you like to read? If so, have a favorite book or favorite recent read?
DevinBronson: Jane62: I love to read. The keith richards book "life" was great!
DevinBronson: reading the god delusion now as well as a book about kennedy
emrasaturngirl: Were you born "naughty"?
DevinBronson: emrasaturngirl: of course
naughtiest: does your family own Bronson Way area in Renton? (question from Seattle *lolz*)
DevinBronson: i wish my family owned bronson way. i would shoot paintballs at anyone who came onto my street
Goodbye
DevinBronson: i gotta get going
DevinBronson: nice talking to all of you
Chat Recap - Devin Bronson - January 21, 2012
Interview
Heather: First off let's talk a little bit about your latest touring gig with David Cook...
DevinBronson: who?
DevinBronson: David?
DevinBronson: joking
Heather: How did you come to be the lead guitarist for the "One Loud Morning" tour?
DevinBronson: there were two ways that came about
DevinBronson: I work a lot with Raine Maida who co wrote a lot of songs with David on his first record (heroes, permanent, mr. sensitive, did it for you)
DevinBronson: I actually remember playing on the demo for heroes way back before the record came out. Raine called David and referred me while at the same time David uses the same tour manager I had with Avril Lavigne
DevinBronson: So I guess my name came up to him a few times. I went down and played with the guys and then went and had sushi with them the next day.
DevinBronson: next thing you know I am out on tour.
DevinBronson: I wasn't looking for a tour at this time but I really dug Davids music and the band is more like a traditional "rock band" then most "rock bands" out there
Heather: How much input did you have on the live variations made to the album versions and which cover songs were put on the set list.
DevinBronson: I will take credit for some of the covers but we all had a hand in that. we came in and had lists.
DevinBronson: we really like keeping it fresh and changing things up
DevinBronson: I am used to being the music director on projects but this was a different sort of thing.
DevinBronson: they had been playing together for a long time and had live show segways and arrangements pretty worked out for all of the first album
DevinBronson: I kind of just came in and played guitar. we collaborated on new ideas like a band would which was a lot of fun. kyle had the idea for a mr sensitive intro and we call just jammed and looped that idea until it worked
DevinBronson: It for me was fun to not have to sit and come up with everything and go tell guys what to do. The band all are great players and their instincts seem to really be in line with what David likes musically
Heather: You now have a BandHappy account where you'll be teaching online music lessons, what lead you to decide to do this and what can students expect if they decided to join?
DevinBronson: My friend Matt Haparn who just happens to play in one of the best metal bands in the world right now (Periphery) designed a really cool website for offering music lessons online
DevinBronson: I have always loved teaching but do not have the time to do it.
DevinBronson: this way i can work with a select number of people wherever I am in the world which i think is really cool.
DevinBronson: I will cater lessons to wherever someone is at in there playing or musical level
DevinBronson: I am not going to do it for long.
Heather: Last interview question...Since music sharing has been such a hot topic lately, what are your thoughts on the situation?
DevinBronson: wow
DevinBronson: duff mckagan whom i have the pleasure of knowing wrote a really good article in the seattle weekly about this last week and got a lot of shit for it
DevinBronson: i would like to elaborate on what i believe he was going for
DevinBronson: I do not agree with censorship in any way
DevinBronson: I think in the country especially (usa) we always see things as black and white.
DevinBronson: There needs to be something that prevents online piracy otherwise non of us will ever be able to continue making music or movies or art
DevinBronson: i don't think government regulated websites are the answer but do agree with holding sites hosting this content liable
DevinBronson: I feel like peoples big opposition wasn't entirely educated. They might have just been bummed they might not be allowed to download Dexter for free.
DevinBronson: Its a tough subject because I do not agree with government limiting free speech.
DevinBronson: I overheard a guy bitching the other day about how bad the music industry. I asked him "what was the last album you bought?" he said "I don't know.... i haven't bought one in years."
DevinBronson: but he will go to starbucks daily and buy fifteen dollars cranberry vodka drinks at the club. buy pay $10 for an album........no! its free
DevinBronson: thats our problem
Free Chat
Music in General
Aleksandra: I live in Poland, I sing, teach myself to play guitar and write songs. Could you give me any advice, what should I do to improve my skills and become famous some day?
DevinBronson: aleksandra: do not do it to be famous. do it because you love it! and just work every day and set goals for yourself.
iluvDCyes: in writing a song, which is harder, music or lyrics?
DevinBronson: iluvdceyes: for me lyrics are harder
Fergie: When did you first become interested in music/being a musician and what do you remember about your first paying gig?
DevinBronson: fergie: when i was a kid. i heard van halen and that was it
minstrel: discuss some of your songwriting influences/likes?
DevinBronson: mistrel: I love things that have unique aspects to them. some of my favorite songwriters are. roger waters, martin gore (depeche mode), matt bellamy, john lennon, butch walker
DevinBronson: as well as the classics
naughtiest: what's your favorite Dream Theater song?
DevinBronson: favorite dream theater song? endless sacrifice
naughtiest: how's Seek and Destroy cover coming along?
DevinBronson: would love to cover seek and destroy!!!!!!!
Karen224: What was your first concert you attended?
DevinBronson: karen224: first concert was billy joel! have seen him 6 times since then and he is mind blowing everytime
minstrel: how did you get turned on to Jerry Reed?
DevinBronson: minstrel: when i toured with Kelly Osbourne a hundred years ago our tour assistant and good friend used to crank jerry reed in the back lounge and me and the other guitarist mat dauzat would drink whiskey and listen to songs like amos moses
DevinBronson: monty and i bonded on our love of jerry reed big time! haha
emrasaturngirl: You have quite the musically talented family. What is your earliest memory of music?
DevinBronson: earliest memory of music was seeing my dad play piano
CookIng: Thanks Devin for taking the time to do this. Who is the guitarist you admire the most?
DevinBronson: cooking: i admire so many guitarist. jimmy page, keith richards, eddie van halen, joe satriani, paul gilbert, steve vai, chet atkins, fuck..... the list can go on and on
Sandlynn: How do you feel about artists putting music out "constantly," instead of an album every other/few year?
DevinBronson: sandlynn: i think artists should do whatever they want to. if they wanna do albums great. if they wanna do singles thats good to
Roxybella_Manda: What other instruments can you play beside guitar?
DevinBronson: Roxybella_Manda: piano, bass,
DevinBronson: but poorly!
Janice/jayelgee1: Do you like to play the blues?
DevinBronson: i love playing the blues. probably more than any other style
minstrel: have you experimented w/open tunings a la Keith Richards in composing?
DevinBronson: minstrel: yes. he plays most stones songs in open g with no low e string
kookiness: Do you sing as well?
DevinBronson: i sing but try not to around good singers i work with
Solo Projects
Roxybella_Manda: Devin, Do you have plans for a new project?
DevinBronson: roxybella: i am always working on new projects! one is very heavy
ladynsearch: You write music, anywhere to hear samples or lyrics?
DevinBronson: ladynsearch: i have some songs coming out on records this year. one is a song i co wrote for 12 stones new album
DevinBronson: a lot of music you hear on television i do. when you see cars crashing into each other on a spike tv show or something.... it very well could be me
emrasaturngirl: Ironically I just watched "Friends with Benefits." Point me to where you are playing guitar.
DevinBronson: emrasaturngirl: hollywood sign scene and various others
Gear
emrasaturngirl: Do you ever perform with your Olympian Silver Sparkle VOX?
DevinBronson: emrasaturngirl: i love that guitar! it is in my studio. i almost brought it out on the DC tour but decided last minute not to. next time i will
Karen224: How many guitars do you own?
DevinBronson: Karen224: 50?
dmvsb: Of your guitars, which are the most meaningful to you and why?
DevinBronson: most meaningful guitar would probably be my first one which is the least valuable in terms of money
minstrel: lol. preferred qualities in an acoustic guitar?
DevinBronson: acoustic is just different
Working With Other Artists
ladynsearch: You are writing with David now... how is that going? Having fun?
DevinBronson: writing with david is going great
Janice/jayelgee1: What do you consider your biggest strength as a writing partner?
DevinBronson: strength with a writing partner is someone who compliments what you can contribute and does something opposite.
Sandlynn: What did you mean that this band is more like a traditional rock band than others out there?
DevinBronson: sandlynn: i mean it operates and sounds more like one live then even on the records. the players all have unique aspects to them. sometimes playing with a solo artist a band can start to sound like a "vegas" band
Janice/jayelgee1: Had you ever played with Steve VZ before Irving Plaza?
DevinBronson: janice: no i met stevie the night before at dinner with him and his wife maureen. they were the nicest people and we had a ton of fun having him come sit in with us.
DevinBronson: he better let david and i come play rock n roll with him and springsteen now to return the favor.
Touring
Jul: what are some essentials you have to have on the bus?
DevinBronson: tour bus essentials: caffeine, booze, loud music, tooth brush, febreeze, condoms, handguns
CookIng: Have you ever come to South America with one of the bands you've worked with?
DevinBronson: been to south america with avril many times
ladynsearch: What was your favorite song to perform while on tour with David?
DevinBronson: favorite song with david......bar ba sol
emrasaturngirl: Do you have any pre-show rituals?
DevinBronson: pre show......patron shot. listen to pantera on similar equivalent.
ladynsearch: Favorite city and or venue while on tour. I see you like Chicago.
DevinBronson: ladynsearch: i love playing and touring anywhere
Roxybella_Manda: Did you have fun at all the meet and greets? I had lots of fun at the Soundchecks.
DevinBronson: i loved the meet and greets. they were long days but everyone was great and we just had fun the whole time
emrasaturngirl: Will you tour with David again?
DevinBronson: i would love to tour with david again
Elaine: craziest fan moments so far?
DevinBronson: elaine: craziest fan moment was them climbing into my hotel room in germany on tour
incognitolivia: For you, what makes a good concert? Either as a performer or a fan, or both?
DevinBronson: a good concert is a combination of the band feeling like they sound good and the audience being really into it
hoaloha1: Do you get nervey before a performance like a racehorse?
DevinBronson: i don't get nervous before a show.....just excited.
Elaine: Are you guys done with this tour? Or taking a break?
DevinBronson: i am not sure about future tours right now.
Aleksandra: You were in Poland during The Bonez Tour (6/6/2004). Do you remember anything from this country?
DevinBronson: Aleksandra: i remember poland show!
ladynsearch: Are you guys going to Japan for sure?
DevinBronson: i hope so. japan is one of my favorite places
Roxybella_Manda: Is there anywhere in the world you haven't toured? You've been everywhere it seems!
DevinBronson: Roxybella_Manda: i haven't been to israel or egypt. would like to go to both!
Jane62: Have you been to Africa?
DevinBronson: i went to africa in 2005
Misc.
naughtiest: what's your favorite casino table game?
DevinBronson: favorite casino game is roulette! i made a killing on this tour at roulette tables
DevinBronson: david and i did learn craps and play that a few times which was fun
Roxybella_Manda: And munchie foods?
DevinBronson: i don't smoke pot so "munchie" foods not so much
paigehi: Did the cat who was chilling on your amp ever get a name?
DevinBronson: no name for the cat
DevinBronson: you can name it
naughtiest: if you could have one super hero power, what would it be?
DevinBronson: naughtiest: super power....... magnetos power in xmen
Jane62: Do you like to read? If so, have a favorite book or favorite recent read?
DevinBronson: Jane62: I love to read. The keith richards book "life" was great!
DevinBronson: reading the god delusion now as well as a book about kennedy
emrasaturngirl: Were you born "naughty"?
DevinBronson: emrasaturngirl: of course
naughtiest: does your family own Bronson Way area in Renton? (question from Seattle *lolz*)
DevinBronson: i wish my family owned bronson way. i would shoot paintballs at anyone who came onto my street
Goodbye
DevinBronson: i gotta get going
DevinBronson: nice talking to all of you