Photo Courtesy Of: www.leverty.com

Island: A key factor in Firehouse's career has been staying power. In an industry where a band can be the biggest thing since sliced bread one day and gone the next what in your opinion is the main thing that has kept the fire burning for this long?

Bill: Internally, we all get along. We are also a democracy so everyone gets a say in all the decisions. Other than that, I think that we've maintained our credibility by putting out quality albums and performing shows with consistent quality. We don't show up too drunk to play well. Our fans seem to appreciate that. 

Island: If you could describe the musical talents of the other members of Firehouse in one sentence what would you say?

Bill: CJ Snare -  Great singer whose voice is unique and powerful, outstanding songwriter, world-class keyboard player. Michael Foster - Amazingly creative drummer with extraordinary dynamics and feel, awesome vocalist, talented arranger. Allen McKenzie -  Fantastic bassist with a voice like Geddy Lee. Nice guy too!

Island: This question is a bit of a tough one but here goes, what are some of your favorite albums of all time?

Bill: UFO - Strangers In The Night, Scorpions - Blackout, Van Halen - Van Halen, Jeff Beck - Wired, Dixie Dregs - Bring "em Back Live. 

Island: What is the possibility of Firehouse releasing a live DVD in the future; could you shed some light on this subject?

Bill: We're working on that. We're looking for the right venue and the right production company. More to come on that soon. Please stay tuned.

Island: Prime Time is quite simply some of the band's best work. What did you set out to do on this album?

Bill: Thanks!  We just wanted to write the best songs we could, and make the best recordings possible. We picked the best songs and that was it.  We didn't set out to do anything but our very best. I'm so glad you like it. We are very happy with the way it turned out. The album's getting the best reviews we've ever had.

Island: Which is more challenging - The role of being a producer or the role of being a musician?

Bill: I think musician because the musician has to get it right until the producer says it's good enough while the producer gets to sit comfortably in a nice chair! What gets tough is being both. Sometimes I will think that I played or sang the song well enough, only to listen to it later to feel like I could do it better. This is a never ending issue. I'm a perfectionist but I'm FAR from perfect. 

Island: Good Acoustics is definitely one of Firehouse's superb releases, is there any chance of a mini acoustic set during live gigs? With songs as powerful as You Are My Religion and In Your Perfect World it would certainly be a welcomed surprise for fans.

Bill: We've just come out of rehearsals and done just that. We will be playing a very short acoustic set in our show during '04. 

Island: Firehouse is a band that have made their name on the road and 2004 looks to be no different as you will be doing some major touring in support of the new album with stops in Europe and Japan - places that Firehouse have huge fan support. This leads to the next question(s):

Island: 1: What is the band doing in preparation for this tour?

Bill: We just play live as much as possible and try to get as comfortable with the songs as we can. We also try to take care of ourselves. We like to party, but we don't stay up for 3 days in a row.  

Island: 2: Is there anything that you're looking forward to on the 2004 tour?

Bill: I'm looking forward to playing the new material. It's real fresh to us and we really feel like it goes over well live. 

Island: How would you describe your guitar style?

Bill: I try not to. I want to be as diverse as possible and when you describe your own style, you risk either putting yourself in a box or sounding conceited. I prefer for others to describe it. 

Island: Time to switch gears and talk about your debut solo album: Wanderlust. Many rock guitarists are making or already have made a name for themselves with a solo career from Dave Meniketti and Richie Sambora exploring their full passion for the blues to Neal Schon and Stef Burns putting out astounding instrumental rock albums. Now add Bill Leverty to this list, what was the main goal that you wanted to accomplish on your first solo outing?

Bill: I didn't really have any goals. I put this album out for myself. I didn't have any audience in mind. There is no marketing target audience or anything like that. My only goal was to be proud of the album 100%, and I feel that have achieved that goal. 

Island: With the last couple Firehouse albums fans got the chance to hear your voice on a few songs. On Wanderlust you sing leads on all 10 tracks, was there any pressure on yourself to step up and deliver on every track or did you just go with the flow? Did you have any particular method on recording the album?

Bill: I've been singing for a long time so there wasn't really any pressure. I needed to make sure that I sang in tune and in time. I also needed to make sure that I conveyed the emotion that I was going for in the vocal performance of each song. I know what my voice sounds like, and I only hope that people who hear it will like the sound of it.  

Island: Wanderlust is truly a testament from an experienced musician. In your mind's eye, what tracks from the album stand out the most and why?

Bill: That's a very tough question because I'm really fond of them all. I do find it interesting that when I first wrote the song, "Wanderlust", I wasn't sure whether it was strong enough to be on the album, but it wound up being the title track because I wound up liking the song so much. I would love for anyone to listen to any song on the album first.  Because of that, I have a very hard time picking a "lead track" or "single" since each song is different. I like the fact that "Playing A Game" shows a side of me that people might not expect. From an artistic or stylistic perspective, the entire album will take the listener through a journey that is very much a reflection of myself as a songwriter, guitarist, vocalist, and producer.

Island: Are you a song writer who is constantly writing or writes when you have the time since you're constantly on the road with Firehouse?

Bill: I like to think that's it's a combination of both. I try to write all the time, but I really have to MAKE time to write with all that's going on in my life. It takes a certain discipline to go to work when there's so much more to do that might be more enjoyable. I find that after I get in my studio, turn everything on and get to work, I have a LOT of fun. It's very hard to leave my family to go out on the road. When I get home, I want to see my wife and daughter. I have to balance many parts of my life in order to be a song writer. Songs don't just write themselves, and you can't always just write a song. The vibe has to be right.

Island: What does the future have in store for Bill Leverty and Firehouse?

Bill: We're like the Energizer bunny: we just keep going! We keep playing live and having a great time. We're looking forward to touring places we've never played this year, as well as places we haven't played in many years. We also look forward to playing the gigs we've played several times already. Every gig is different and that's what keeps us on our toes. After we play gigs for a while, we'll make another album. In between all this, I'll find time to make another solo album.

Island: Lastly, thank you Bill for taking time out of your busy schedule to stop by www.shipwreckislandstudios.com Are there any parting words you would like to say to your fans?

Bill: Thanks for taking the time for this interview. I hope to see everyone out on the road. Please visit my website: www.leverty.com

Available via: www.wanderlustband.com & www.firehousemusic.com