Damon                                               Darryl                                               David

Island: Probably the question on everyone's mind is the first to ask: How did this project RocKarma come about?

Damon: Rockarma has always been a vision of mine. I knew the day would come when I was ready and when the industry was ready for Rockarma. Its like setting a long term goal, and 10 years ago my vision was Rockarma, and now is the time.

Island: Then the next question on people's mind is: How were you able to nab Bill Leverty of Firehouse to produce the first RocKarma album?

Damon: I have been sending songs around for the past few years to many industry people. Here's where the "Karma" comes into the project. My wife was able to get in touch with Bill and he heard a 5 song demo I released in 2003. He really liked the material, and it all started from there.

Island: Lastly, Michael Foster and Allen McKenzie lent their talents to the album so that is three core members of Firehouse helping you with this album. How did you get Mike and Allen on the project and what was the overall experience working with these guys? From writing and recording to just being in the same studio with members of a band as successful as Firehouse.

Damon: When Bill had confirmed he would produce the album, I flew to a Firehouse show to meet face to face, which was exciting in itself. I approached Michael and Allen about playing on the album as I had not yet confirmed the definite Rockarma lineup. They heard the songs and were very interested in playing in the studio on the album. I cant even begin to express what an absolute pleasure it was working with Bill, Michael, and Allen - without a doubt one of the best experiences of my life. After all, these guys were plastered all over my walls and a permanent fixture in every stereo I had!

Island: From the information up on www.rockarma.com it's safe to say that Damon Kelly is a very devoted and gifted musician who is passionate about what you do. Which leads in to the next question: What was the writing process on this album like? Did you have songs already ready to go when it came to record or did seek any input on the album from Bill, Mike, and Allen as recording progressed?

Damon: The album was pretty much written the way you hear it today. There was a couple minor structure changes leading into or out of a section in the song. The only major change was in "Fool Inside." I had a different vocal melody all together so I rewrote the entire song lyrically about a week before recording with a new melody that brought way more depth. I had quite a catalogue of songs that I have written but there was an obvious 10 that stood out among the others for the first album.

Island: The material featured on the RocKarma debut seems to have a deeper meaning behind it, any stories on a particular song or two?

Damon: Every song has a deeper meaning but I'll share a little story on Track 5 "The Other Side." I was working on the oil rigs awhile back and another worker had a tough time moving around, he was quite a heavy set guy. Nicest guy you could ever meet, walked his dog three miles a day, had a great attitude and worked hard. Of course everyone would talk behind his back, crack jokes and be real rude which really burns me. I ended up being good friends with him. I remember walking down the stairs of the mud tanks watching what he was putting up with and I got the idea. That shift I wrote "The Other Side" in my head, went home and recorded it.

Island: What songs on this album are in essence your personal favorites, one's that just make you go "Wow!" when listening to the finished product?

Damon: I am really happy the way "Feels Like I'm Falling" turned out, I feel a lot of mood and depth in that song. "I'm Lost" is also a real deep cutter. I had a lot of fun with all the harmonies on both of those tracks. Each song takes me to a different place, and I hope it does for everyone else.

Island: Now its no secret that Bill Leverty is one of the most talented musicians in the business and unquestionably for being one of the industry's leading rock guitarists. The man has also branched off and produced some of Firehouse's most recent albums and just last year his debut solo album: Wanderlust. Out of curiosity did Bill plug in and back you up on RocKarma as some of the guitars have that vintage Leverty flavor? It's a bit hard to imagine Bill as just being a producer on anything he lends his talent to, knowing him for the artist that he is he probably couldn't resist lending his talent as a guitarist.

Damon: Actually the entire focus of this project was for Bill to be the producer and for me to be the artist. I'm sure Bill felt the urge to want to get in there, but it was crucial for this album to be done on my own. Bill did jam sometimes and we traded some tricks, which was very cool. Essentially the albums work was done entirely by me. As far as Leverty flavor that you may hear, he has been a huge influence to me and this may come out in a lot of my guitar work.

Island: Since the album is finished and finally out according to your site there will be a tour coming. Where will you be touring? Will it be Canada only or will there be some dates in the States also? Or will there be any tours where you will hook up with another band and do a package tour?

Damon: We are working on tours as we speak and will be confirmed real soon. We will also be touring with some other big names as well as our own shows. We plan to do lots of touring in the United States as well as Canada and overseas.

Island: In addition could you give our readers some information on who are the supporting musicians in RocKarma are and your personal thoughts on what they bring to this band?

Damon: Rockarma will consist of David Caissy, Lead/Rhythm Guitars, Darryl Hein on drums, Johny Shandruck as our sound tech, and bass player to be announced soon. So far an all Canadian line-up of killer players and great singers. We are all very excited to get out there with our show!

Island: Throughout the entire album there are times that when you listen to it that feels like a Boston influence or a prime example is the track that ends the album: I'm Lost, it almost sounds like something that was left off of Sammy Hagar's 1984 masterpiece VOA. Now you've had multiple influences (listed on your website) that have had a significant impact on your life. How did recording this album touch base creatively for you while tapping into say a Boston sound or a Firehouse sound etc. drawing inspiration from the band's who you were inspired by and still retaining a sound all your own?

Damon: I've been playing my entire life and have learnt from and been influenced by many artists. I needed this album to bring out the depth and emotion in me as an artist. I have so many influences that have reached deep into soul, and will always be a part of me, however these influences have created a new identity, and that is Rockarma. When you listen to the album you can hear (so people have told me) Firehouse, Motley Crue, Poison, Ozzy, Boston, etc. With all those great bands said, my vision and interpretation comes from within myself, and this first album is just the beginning. These influences have enabled me to tap into my deepest inner self and write the music that I do. The songs that I write come from what I hear and feel, I don't think about it or try to make it sound like anything or anyone. Its like the songs write themselves, so I just let it flow. Influences are significant to any artist, but its really important to me as an artist to be myself and create from within my own style.

Island: Now of days it seems that the music scene specifically the hard rock genre is such a mess that it is extremely hard for a musician let alone a guitarist to come up into the ranks as an influential musician. I've yet to see another Eddie Van Halen or Steve Vai or Jimmy Page as many have  been influenced by those three musicians but haven't made a huge impact like them. Which leads into what is your main drive and determination to make a name for yourself in a business as tough as this one?

Damon: Rockarma is not just another band trying for the big time, or looking for that one hit. Rockarma is who I am, how I breathe, and my state of mind. Rock'n'Roll is not just what I want to be, its who I am. Its mood, its soul, a healer. Its music that wakes me up in the middle of the night with a song to write, and its music that takes me to another place and puts shivers down my spine and a tear in my eye. That's what drives me. The business is tough, but it drives me more. Its who I am.

Island: Damon Kelly, it has been not only an honor but also a privilege to have you sit down and discuss the new RocKarma album with us here at www.shipwreckislandstudios.com - Thank you for your time and the info on what is happening with this new and certainly amazing musical endeavor. Is there any final words and comments you would like to give to our readers and fans in general?

Damon: Thank you Tony. I just wanna say it is because of people like you that get people like me out there, and I sincerely appreciate it. To the fans and readers, all I can say is hold on, Rockarma will be everywhere soon, and you don't want to miss it! Please feel free to join our free mailing list so I can keep you up to date on everything ROCKARMA!

RocKarma is out now and can be purchased via the following link: www.rockarma.com

For up to date news and more on RocKarma check out www.rockarma.com