This interivew was run on 1/15/00.
1.) You're now involved in a production company called SoundOptik, which I feel is a great idea. How did this all come about, and can you explain what
exactly it is for those who do not already know?
AA:
we are in the business of artist development. We shape music and document it. we feel a responsibility to create space for important music in the world, regardless of the music industry. in time, if we feel strongly about a musical endeavor, we will put efforts towards connecting that project to the industry. for now, we just want to make good music and enjoy life though that medium...
2.) How did you and Charles Scott get together? What made you decide to do this?
AA:
I've know Charles for years. he produced a record I did with 2sj in 1997 called 'sing, earthboy, sing.' I thought it rocked. he created a sonic vibe in his space because he was the master of his domain there. he lives and breathes his studio and I think his recordings reflect that. when I parted with the j's, he had recently returned from a time-consuming touring gig and we both were looking to get our feet wet in a new project that could be our own. in just hanging out, we began to notice that we have eerily compatible skills. he is a singer/songwriter and a great recording engineer. I am student of rhythm and music as well as an entrepreneur. we both have some exciting musical ideas- from very different schools of thought that we mutually respect- plus lots of common ground to stand on. together, we are excited about making lots of music with lots of creative people and we decided to create a vehicle for that end...
3.) Will your recording studio, Knee Deep, be available for any band to record in?
AA:
yes, we are looking for all kinds of talent- and all genres of music. in fact, we encourage diversity. I've been feeling a bit claustrophobic in my musical life for several years, so I am looking to expand sonically... as far as future management and "business affiliation" in order for me to put my reputation and name behind a band, I would have to have a special connection to that band or artist...
4.) Do you ever see future plans of launching your own independent record label?
AA:
aahh... the big question. I've always admired people like Frank Zappa or Ian McKaye or Prince who have complete creative control over their musical domain, but the task is daunting. we'll have to see what kind of musical excitement we can generate through the artists we collaborate with first before I could even think about it...
5.) You mentioned you were involved in a few musical projects. Is it anything we can hope to see on tour soon, or an album released from in the
near future?
AA:
I shouldn't comment on that right now, but I am drumming for a few really great bands. there are touring plans in the works, but nothing is firm, so I should refrain from details. one great nyc band, Speedball Baby, is planning a european tour in the spring and have invited me along. I will say that much. I am not, however, joining any bands just yet- and I don't plan on it for a year or so at least, if ever. I am currently "dating" bands, so to speak... I'm still looking and I enjoying being, um, single...
6.) Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
AA:
I could write a twenty page essay on that. I'd have to start with limp bizkit. just kidding. I really am inspired by great band-leadership. all the greatest music comes from a strong unifying force in a collaborative situation. I love Miles Davis and Frank Zappa for assembling the best musicians on the planet time and time again- and David Bowie for re-inventing himself tirelessly. I respect Jimmy Page for seeing the majesty that was to become Led Zeppelin and being able to present it so concisely for us! I adore the ferocity of Bad Brains, the invention and spirit of Fishbone and the sprawling yet focused vision of Roger Water's Pink Floyd. they really opened doors for me. I think my most favorite band is The Police- they had the package deal: great songs, great musicianship, intense energy and, beyond everything, perfect chemistry. I believe that chemistry makes or breaks any collaborative effort...
7.) What got you into drumming, and how did it eventually become such a big part of your life? When did you realize you were going to dedicate your life
to music?
AA:
I got into drumming because my father was a drummer and his father before him and his father before him... I feel that a drummer's role is largely a supportive role, and I feel comfortable in that. I think my strengths lie in structure, organization and presentation of ideas. that is what a drummer does, primarily. ironically, one of my drumming heroes, Tony Williams, once said: "any drummer who just keeps time is nothing but a plumber." perhaps I'm off the mark. I'm a hell of a plumber, though...
8.) Have you ever thought about stepping out from behind the drums, and fronting a band, or even doing a solo album?
AA:
no, although I am writing some of my own music now, believe it or not... who knows if I'll release it, but I won't front a band.
9.) Who are some bands that you see in the scene today that aren't really getting much recognition, but you think have great potential and would even
like to work with?
AA:
a tremendous band from miami called "al is well" is fantastic and stylish; "infectious organisms" from richmond virginia is filled with great musicianship and strong spirit; "kabala", a band from columbia south america is awash with catchy songwriting and an unblemished innocence that makes them really genuine. there are so many others... I don't want to exclude any others by playing favorites.
10.) Did you ever think about getting behind the keyboard and writing for musical based publications, as many other musicians have done in the past?
AA:
I would love to write for magazines. I think I'd enjoy that and I have a lot to say! I have learned a lot of these many years and would love to have a forum to express myself in that way- mostly so that people could benefit form the mistakes I've made! I've made them all, believe me!
11.) What do you see yourself doing, if you weren't involved with music?
AA:
I'd be in porn. really. I wouldn't even have to change my name.
12.) I know spare time is rare for you, especially now, but when you do find the time, what do you do?
AA:
I have always been a gamer. I gamemaster D&D games and campaigns with my friends. it is a hobby and a passion that has grown with me over the years. it enables me to escape in a very elaborate, complex way that in many ways emulates a personified version of my life. I also love movies- they help me emote. I am a sucker for old films and I even enjoy bad films! I collect Atari games and units. it reminds me of my youth and I miss the simple days of 8-bit graphics...
13.) Do you think that things such as politics and fashion should be represented so strongly in music, or should they be left for the politicians
and the fashion world?
AA:
as in any expression or art form, I believe that aesthetic decisions should always remain in the hands of the artist. this ties directly into censorship and freedom of speech and, although discussions on this topic have become a cliche, I believe very firmly in the right to express oneself as one pleases- at any time and at any cost. it just so happens that the music industry machine has found a powerful vehicle in combining music with both politics and fashion. the merits and demerits, cultural importance or social relevance of such combinations are, for me, different in each specific case. I think that the legions of worshipping minions who follow 98 degrees' personal wardrobe decisions are beyond welcome to do so. in fact, I admire the marketing genius behind it.
14.) What advice would you give to an aspiring musician, whether it be a drummer, singer or guitarist?
AA:
longevity is the part of the equation people ignore. be prepared to stick it out through lean times and suffer for what you want. without that, there is no path. work ethic is a huge part of success in any field and rock and roll is no exception.
never forget that the people who support you (i.e. fans, friends, loved ones), are your lifeblood. you owe them. if any one cares, you are indebted to them. that's just how I feel.
the collaborative spirit is so important. it is a mystical and elusive realm, but in the end it is interpersonal chemistry that breeds greatness in anything. I struggle with that every day and have made many mistakes regarding the collaborative relationships in my life. I have learned from them all. nurturing creative relationships are key to success in my opinion.
Learn everything you can about the industry. even the parts that are distasteful to you. education is a powerful tool. ignorance and hubris make an awful combination. hubris seems to be built in. ignorance is optional.
lastly, be careful what you wish for- it just might come to bare...
15.) What do you see happening for Andy Action in 2000?
AA:
I want to fall in love with music and life again. I lost a lot of that while getting caught up in the grind of touring and playing with the j's.
16.) Do you have any final thoughts you'd like to share?
AA:
yes. never underestimate the power of rock. ever.