Island: Right off the bat, I have to say that your release "Fraze Gang" reminds me of 80's metal straight from the sunset strip. A true enjoyment for those who've been missing that specific sound. Which brings me to my first question. With so many changes in music today, how did you approach working on this album?

Greg: We approached this album with the attitude, "Let's do what we want to do, and who cares if anybody likes it. As long as we're having fun, that's all that matters." The changes in everyday music will never change our style or approach because we're having such a blast not trying to fit in, and just playing what we truly love to play. There is no rules!

Island: Was there ever a time you felt you wanted to go toward a more modern sound?

Greg: Never! If you try to chase the tail of what is considered modern in today's disposable society you'll always come up empty. You have to stick to your guns and be true to yourself. Did Led Zeppelin ever try to sound modern? End of story!

Island: I have to say my favorite track on the album is "Savior." The song screams hit to me, I
mentioned in the review had it been released in the 80's it would have charted. The entire song is extremely well crafted which brings me to my next question. Is there a specific story behind the lyrics of this song?

Greg: There is no specific story. If I could compare it to anything, I would compare to the movie "Rocky" Everybody always said that he was a loser, and totally useless. But instead of giving up, he gave his all and became the champion of the people. Everybody looked at him as a guiding force. "Savior" is all about striving to be number one and against all odds seeing your dream come true!

Island: Some of the material on the album sounds like it would be amazing if played live. Any tour plans in the works? And if so any chance of possibly recording a show or 2 for a live cd/dvd release?

Greg: Every song on the FRAZE GANG album is meant for the concert stage. These songs are our anthems, and we hope you can come along for the ride. As for touring, we are taking a look at a few different options, but because we are in the beginning stages of the album release, we have to wait and see where it makes the most sense to tour. We are definitely selling at least 70% of FRAZE GANG in Europe so far. So far that looks like our best bet to start but we'll have to wait a see. And as for recording for dvd, we plan on recording every show for possible release. I'm sure in 1 year from now there should be some very interesting footage!

Island: Now going back a bit, lets touch on Brighton Rock. Looking back over the catalog of material that was released from the band. What 2 songs are your favorite and why?

Greg: That's impossible! I'll keep changing my mind. But if I have to pick right now, I guess I would pick "We came To rock" and maybe "Can't wait for the night." Mainly because they were our first 2 singles and videos, 20 years ago. And they introduced us to the world. When I hear those songs now, I think back to when melodic hard rock was just starting to get accepted in the mainstream, and we were starting to play in arenas for the first time. The crowds were getting bigger and bigger for each show. Each performance was more exiting than the last, and we could feel things were finally start to happen for us.

Island: I know it's a bit early to ask but is there any chance during a live show that you'd throw in a Brighton Rock song?

Greg: We've been talking about it but the only problem is Gerry our singer in BR sings way higher than me. All of our most known songs Gerry sings out of my vocal range and out of most human vocal ranges for that matter! If we do one, it might have to be a lesser known song that Gerry sings lower in. But there's not to many of them. It would be a lot of fun paying tribute to the past. And I'm sure the fans would love it to.

Island: Before moving back to the new disc I just have to ask. Why did Brighton Rock break apart?

Greg: We peaked! And we new it. Our style of music was not being accepted in the masses anymore. The corporate world was turning their back on us and anybody else in this genre. No major record company would touch us anymore, and without them your just another bar band. You won't getter any major tours, you won't get your video or song played, or you won't have enough money to produce a record that is up to par with the big guns. So instead of sinking with the ship, we bailed and swam to shore to wait and see if the tides would someday change for us. We're still waiting.

Island: Back to the new material, I have to say the guitar parts are truly amazing. Some bands tab out the guitar riffs before actually recording them. While others go into the studio and let the magic just flow. Were the guitar solo's written prior to studio time?

Greg: Since I can't read music I don't write things down. Usually ahead of time I'll practice different leads and tape them. Then I'll listen back to see what I like and what adds to the song instead of taking a way from it. I usually leave a little room for jamming so the lead doesn't sound stiff. I like it to have a live melodic feel. If Phil and Skreebs have a good groove going, I can usually latch on and be totally spontaneous like the leads in "You had it all." They were totally live and unrehearsed leads. When they have their groove on, I could play all night! But generally I like to have a basic idea what I'm going to play when I get to the studio so I'm not wasting time & money.

Island: Just to touch on the vocals on the album. I love how you've stepped in and become the lead singer and still play guitar. Not many front men these days are doing willing to do both, but you've pulled it off nicely. Have you enjoyed the change of now taking the lead on vocals?

Greg: It's been a lot of fun so far and definitely a challenge! Since most of our songs are not your average 3 chord songs, it's not easy trying sing good and still pull off the guitar parts. Thank God I have my friend James MacEachern helping us out live on guitar. He's a great player with great sound and helps fill out the sound live. That's why when I see Geddy Lee from Rush play what he plays on bass, and sings what he sings on top of it, and nails it night after night, It still "Blows me away!"

Island: Music has changed drastically over the past 20 years. Melodic music use to be on top for many years and in my opinion this type of music has the longevity factor in it's pocket. Not only do I love your material but I feel it speaks to say that this type of music can live on. To bring this interview full circle I was wondering what's your take on the melodic music genre. Do you feel that this type of music can hold it's own in today's music world and eventually reign supreme once again?

Greg: I think this music will always stick around because at the end of the day, people want to have fun. And that's what FRAZE GANG is all about! Having a blast! Trying to bring back that hard edged party music of the past. When life was all about hanging with your friends in the back, having a few cold ones, got the barbecue going, rockin' music in the background, and just enjoying life! I don't know about reigning supreme, because music is so splintered now that it's hard to be that one band that covers all the bases. So as melodic rock might be a little under ground right now, people usually get sick of mainstream music and go underground to find something that will put a spark in their life. And FRAZE GANG will be waiting for you!