Topics Covered:

Every so often we are given the opportunity to interview an artist/band. Questions are asked based on their past/present/future project(s). Additional questions could be based on hobbies, entertainment, life.. etc.

Artist Contact Information

Will We Share Personal Contact Details?:

Shipwreck Island Studios keeps in touch with the artists interviewed below but we also respect their right to privacy. Please do not e-mail us and ask how you could contact them. Also please don't ask us to send a message to them or ask them a question for you. Any e-mails that Shipwreck Island Studios receives with these such requests will not be answered. We will not share/post or exploit these artists personal email addresses/phone #'s/mailing addresses, etc.

2008 Interviews
(SECTION CURRENTLY BEING WORKED ON)


04.28.08 - Inga Brittingham - Naked Beggars
05.27.08 - Erik Leonhardt - Fosterchild & Tantric
06.08.08 - Kevin Martin - Candlebox
06.11.08 - Vincent Walker - Suburban Legends
 

2007 Interviews

10.26.07 - Lissa & Jason - Bad Side:
Bad Side, built from the ground up by the dynamic duo of Melissa "Lissa" Krahnke & Jason Mapes. Formed in the Rock Capital USA, Michigan, Bad Side continues to prove that great Rock Music is still alive. In 2007 they set their sights on "II", an all new fully original album. With this sophomore release comes an extra punch, as it features mixes by legendary producer, Beau Hill. Recently the band took the time out to talk with us about the new album, their band history and what is come in the future!
                       › Read Our Interview with Bad Side            Artist Website: www.badsidemusic.com

 

10.19.07 - Venture - Venture:
Like every other young band that have strived to make it to the top of the rock genre the four musicians that make up the group Venture are not taking the easy road on their climb up to superstardom. The last four years since their formation have been met with all the trials and tribulations that come with the territory of being a musician. The hardships that a prevailing artist will go through in order to prove themselves is something that can be counteracted by longevity and since Venture's humble beginnings they've made all the sacrifices placed that were put in front of them. From their days on the bar scene to playing in front of a crowd of 4,000 in support of Godsmack several months back this group from North East Texas are now ready to set their sights on the rest of the world.
                       › Read Our Interview with Venture            Artist Website: www.ventureband.com

 

08.27.07 - Chad Fergerstrom - 24E:
24E, the 4 man rock band from California has built a following not only on the local level but nationally and internationally. 2003's "Dirt Love Songs" put 24E on the rock map and they haven't looked back since. As the year rolls on, the band has announced a new full length studio album will be released. "From Stagger To Wind" will be 24E's first album since their 2005 live release "Live From Jupiter". Recently lead vocalist Chad "cblime" Fergerstrom took time out to talk with us about the history of the band, meanings behind a few songs, what is to come from the new album and much more!
› Read Our Interview with Chad Fergerstrom            Artist Website: www.24eonline.com

 

06.25.07 - Morgan Lander - Kittie:
Kittie, the all-woman metal band from Ontario, Canada recently released their 4th studio album "Funeral For Yesterday." This disc caught us completely by surprise as it contains some amazing lyrics, vocals and in your face guitars. Even though Kittie has seen lineup changes since their incarnation they continue to push forward and can be found touring the States this summer. Recently Kittie's lead singer Morgan Lander took time out to answer questions on touring, the new album and more!
› Read Our Interview with Morgan Lander            Artist Website: www.kittierocks.com

 


05.03.07 - Danny Vaughn - Solo Artist / Formerly Of Tyketto:
For Danny Vaughn his artistic talents have always stood in the face of adversity through the merging of sheer will and determination that over the last twenty years have helped him garner a deep respect throughout the melodic rock community. From the first time Danny got his taste of stardom with the band Waysted to the formation of one of the last brilliant groups of the arena rock era, Tyketto. A unique style and variety has remained due to the continued exploration into the inner spirit of an artistic songwriter.
› Read Our Interview with Danny Vaughn            Artist Website: www.dannyvaughn.com

 

03.28.07 - Keaton Simons - Independent Solo Artist:
At age 26 Keaton Simons has already accomplished many musical feats. He's been on a music soundtrack, had his music used on TV Shows and has appeared on several late night programs. Some dare to dream and ask why? Keaton has made his dreams a reality by asking "Why Not?" KS blends Pop, Rock and Blues all on his latest EP "Blink." We were recently given the opportunity to talk with Keaton about his influences, working with The Matrix and his current tour with Josh Kelley. Keaton is another rising star in the world of music that continues to grow and inspire audiences of all ages.
› Read Our Interview with Keaton Simons            Artist Website: www.keatonsimons.com


 

03.20.07 - Mike Ruocco - Cinder Road:
It has been a long road for Mike Ruocco & company in the world of music. Tour after tour, gig after gig, Cinder Road has put the final pieces into place. Their debut album entitled "SUPERHUMAN" is set to be released this June. Currently the band can be found on the road with American Idol contestant Chris Daughtry. Things are just getting better and better for this group of 5!

› Read Our Interview with Mike Ruocco            Artist Website: www.cinderroadmusic.com

2006 Interviews

12.11.06 - Jacob & David - Lynam:
Lynam has had quite a 2006; First came the release of "Slave To The Machine" then their tour with Cinderella & Poison. As if that was enough to satisfy fans the band just finished yet another tour with bands Hinder & 18 Visions. Are they taking time off since 2006 is basically over? Not even close, they are still out there ripping up the touring circuit and show no signs of slowing down.

› Read Our Interview with Jacob & David            Artist Website: www.lynamsucks.com



11.21.06 - Jason Wood & 7th Decibel - 7th Decibel:
7th Decibel is a new melodic rock band from Colorado ready to push forward and help keep that classic rock sound alive. With songs in hand the band setout to record 8 tracks from Jason's previous band Vision 180. The Island recently caught up with guitarist Jason Wood to discuss his past in Vision 180, his current band 7th Decibel and where he sees the future of his music going. As an added bonus, Brad, Kelly, Koobs & Mike were kind enough to chime in with their answers to some of our questions. A True Island First!...
› Read Our Interview with Jason Wood & 7th Decibel            Artist Website: www.7thdecibel.com
 

11.13.06 - Frankie Banali - Quiet Riot:
For Frankie Banali his career choice has been very, very good to him since best recognized for his work in Quiet Riot. While the classic Metal Health line up is no more Frankie and vocalist Kevin Dubrow have continued onward under the Quiet Riot name. Last month saw the release of their long awaited studio album: Rehab and thus far reaction has been highly positive towards it. This interview focuses on Quiet Riot's evolution on this album, the events that lead up to the band's fame, and what is in store for the future of Quiet Riot...
› Read Our Interview with Frankie Banali            Artist Website: www.frankie-banali.com
 

09.28.06 - Greg Fraser - Fraze Gang:
Remember Brighton Rock? The Canadian rock band that pushed the envelope in the 80's and showed what music could really do. Greg Fraser along with past BR members have pushed on to form Fraze Gang. If you loved that arena rock/melodic rock feeling then this material is right up your alley. The Island recently caught up with Greg. He was nice enough to answer a few of our questions about his past, his new music and can melodic rock music reign supreme once again...
› Read Our Interview with Greg Fraser            Artist Website: www.frazegang.com



03.01.06 - Justin Murr - Liberty N' Justice:
Since 1991 Justin Murr has been in music in one way or another,  through all the ups and downs one thing has stayed the same, his love for music and God. Though there were hard times, Justin found focus and Liberty n' Justice proves that with patience great things do happen. Justin was kind enough to chat with us recently about the new album, songwriting and things to come...
› Read Our Interview with Justin Murr            Artist Website: www.libertynjustice.net

 

02.20.06 - Janeen Leah - Independent Solo Artist:
Don't let the fact that Janeen Leah is an independent artist fool you, she has already accomplished what many others have spent an eternity trying to achieve. With a debut album entitled Time Is Never Wasted Janeen has managed to pull off an eloquently sophisticated Album which fuses her love of pop and rock with jazz and blues. In this interview we introduce our readers to this magnificent singer/songwriter and discover what it took from when she first picked up a guitar to tackling the role of both musician and producer plus much more.
› Read Our Interview with Janeen Leah            Artist Website: www.janeenleah.com

2005 Interviews

11.02.05 - Damon Kelly - RocKarma:
 Damon Kelly, Mr. RocKarma brings back the classic sound of the 80's & 90's rock. This project holds in some big time names: Firehouse Guitarist Bill Leverty in the producers chair, Firehouse Drummer Michael Foster & Firehouse Bassist Allen McKenzie. RocKarma show's the world that classic rock is back. Recently we had the chance to asked Damon some questions about this project as well as how it was working with the FireHouse boys.
› Read Our Interview with Damon Kelly (RocKarma)            Artist Website: www.rockarma.com
 


06.12.05 - Harry Hess - Harem Scarem:
 Harry Hess, just his very name when mentioned is one that stands out as one of rock's most talented musicians. For a majority of his life Hess has lived and breathed music and has established himself as an elite singer, songwriter, and producer. Last month Harem Scarem returned with a brand new studio album entitled: Overload a heavy/melodic composition that just like the band's 1995 masterpiece, Voice Of Reason, is once again dividing some fans. In our latest interview we catch up with Harry to talk about Overload and what he has been up to as well as reflecting on the band's history and much more... › Read Our Interview with Harry Hess            Artist Website: www.haremscarem.net


04.16.05 - Robert Valdes - Independent Solo Artist / Formerly Of Annihilation & Enforcer:
 Robert Valdes may be a striving independent artist but all it takes is one listen to his music to see that he is one of the most established musicians in the world today. The amount of class and passion he brings in creating compelling material puts him in the same league as the artists who influenced him (Van Halen, Journey, Y&T to name a few). This interview focuses on Robert's latest album: Acoustic Journey as well as his solo career and how he's maintained himself in the always changing music scene plus much, much more.
› Read Our Interview with Robert Valdes            Artist Website: www.robertvaldes.com


03.30.05 - Eddie Jelley - "Ultimate Stevie Ray Vaughan Tribute" / Formerly Of Evolution:
 Eddie Jelley is by far one of the best guitarists we've heard, period! He can do it all, from his high intense riffs to his slow melodic moving rhythms. Not only can Eddie play but he can also sing! Recently Eddie took time out to answer some of our questions about SRV and Hugo.
  › Read Our Interview with Eddie Jelley            Artist Website: www.eddiejelley.com

 


03.18.05 - Darren Smith - Darren Smith Band / Live Sex Show Band / Formerly Of Harem Scarem:
 Darren Smith is no stranger to success - A founding member of Harem Scarem he provided the back beat for the group from 1988 up until 2000. Five years since his exit Darren has returned to the scene with a debut solo album: Keep The Sprit Alive, an album that sees a reunion with former band mates Harry Hess and Pete Lesperance lending a hand as Darren expands on his already impressive career. This interview focuses on Darren's years in Harem Scarem as well as what he is up to with his current group: Live Sex Show as well as the new album: Keep The Spirit Alive and what fans can expect from Darren down the line.

*Parental Advisory - This interview is not for the kiddies as we have let Darren speak freely so mainly due to language and some topics we have put up this warning... › Read Our Interview with Darren Smith            Artist Website: www.livesexshowband.net


03.14.05 - Dennis Peters - Sonic Circus:
 Wisconsin vocalist Dennis Peters shares his past as well as his band's future. One of the best vocalists we've ever heard. So what exactly is in store for Sonic Circus and their fans in 2005? Check out what he had to say.
 › Read Our Interview with Dennis Peters            Artist Website: www.soniccircus.net


 


01.05.05 - Dave Meniketti - Y&T / Meniketti Band:
 What a way to start off 2005. Shipwreck Island Studios comes through again this time around scoring an interview with one of the most legendary musicians out there: Dave Meniketti of Y&T and Dave Meniketti Band. This interview focuses on the release of Y&T's latest UnEarthed album: Volume II and what the future has in store for them as well as Dave's solo career.
 › Read Our Interview with Dave Meniketti            Artist Website: www.meniketti.com



 

2004 Interviews

12.03.04 - Creighton Doane - Harem Scarem:
Harem Scarem is one of those bands that features a quartet of musicians that when combined makes up an elite rock force. But when the guys decide to explore solo ventures the results is basically the same: pure musicianship with real meaning behind the music. Drummer extraordinaire Creighton Doane is no exception as he has released his 2nd solo album: Learning More & More About Less & Less. This interview focuses on Creighton's latest work, what fans can expect from Harem Scarem in 2005, and the basics of being one of the industries top musicans / songwriters / producers.
 › Read Our Interview with Creighton Doane            Artist Website: www.creightondoane.com


07.30.04 - Jon Levin - Dokken:
 Jon Levin is another hard working guitarist who has stepped into his own on Dokken's newest studio album: Hell To Pay. In this interview Jon talks about Hell To Pay as well as what it's like working with a band as legendary as Dokken plus more.
 › Read Our Interview with Jon Levin            Artist Website: www.dokken.net


 

07.26.04 - Pete Loran - Trixter:
In the early 90's Pete Loran was the lead singer of one of the best rock bands in the world: Trixter. Very soon Trixter will be releasing a new live album with 2 new tracks. In this interview Pete gives the fans answers to some questions that have come up with the announcement of this new Trixter live album.
 › Read Our Interview with Pete Loran             Artist Website: www.peteloran.com




04.07.04 - Pete Lesperance - Harem Scarem / Fair Ground:
 For the past 13 years Pete Lesperance has remained an intricate part of one of the most influential hard rock bands out there: Harem Scarem. On April 21, 2004 Pete puts out his debut solo album: Down In It, in this interview Pete talks about his career with Harem Scarem and what fans can expect from his solo album.

› Read Our Interview with Pete Lesperance             Artist Website: www.haremscarem.net



02.18.04 - Bill Leverty - FireHouse / Wanderlust:
One of the hardest working musicians in the business Bill Leverty has practically done it all: guitarist, vocalist, and producer. His success with Firehouse has gained him recognition worldwide. Earlier this year Bill stepped out of the shadows of Firehouse to release his debut solo album: Wanderlust. This interview focuses on his work with Firehouse and his promising solo venture.
 › Read Our Interview with Bill Leverty            Artist Website: www.leverty.com