20 Questions with Kevin McCreery from Outspoken. Kevin needed to vent and he just got back from doing a 4 week long tour with Tantric. This should be good.
1. What is going on with Outspoken these days ? Are you still excited to be a part of the band ?
You know, I'm not really sure what's going on in the Outspoken camp, it's pretty sad, cuz I don't even care. I recently heard that Lava wants another record, but it's all hear say at this point. I haven't heard a peep from my management in a month.
I wish that I could say that I'm excited but I'm far from it. Too much negative stuff happened too quick and it took the wind out of my sails. You would have to pay me big $$ to do another record. I don't know if I could even live on a bus with a couple of the guys anymore.
2.. The last 2 years or so have been full of ups and downs for you. What has been the best moments, and what has been the worst moments ?
The best moments were recording at London Bridge with Rick Parashar, seeing the Cd released and hitting the road in a tour bus. The worst time was when they pulled tour support and told us we weren't going out with Stone Sour. It was so abrupt and we were already on all the adds all over the country. A friend of mine who I hadn't been in touch with in awhile flew all the way to Myrtle Beach from Michigan to see me and we weren't playing. I felt horrible.
3. You just went on a tour with Tantric. You got to play some nice venues with them. What was the most fun part of that tour ? What, if any was the worst part ?
The whole tour was mostly House of Blues and they're all pretty cool places. The guys in Tantric are great. I get along with them well. The whole tour was fun. Going into it, I only knew Hugo. It gave me a chance to get to know Jesse, Todd and Matt. We laughed a whole lot. I hung with Mark Tremonti at his house in Orlando, hung with Vinnie Paul in Dallas and with Nuno in LA and I also made a new friend in Steve Ferlazzo, who plays keyboards with Nuno in Population 1 and in Tribe of Judah, Gary Cherone's band. We've vowed to play together at some point in the future. Kenny Olsen from Kid Rock was at a couple of shows.
The opening band every night was a band called "Sloth". Great guys. The last night of the tour in Vegas, during their set, we threw all of the deli tray stuff at them from the side of the stage, it was a mess. Beer, veggies, baby powder... just a stinkin mess. the HOB crew were freakin out.
4. What inspired you to play guitar and who are your biggest influences ?
My dad played in groups as I was growing up, I'd just sit behind the drum set and bang away or pluck on his guitar when it was sitting out. Ever since I can remember, I've been infatuated by music. I would skip school just to stay home and learn entire albums. It's also ruined every good relationship I've ever had.
I would say that influence wise, early on, it was Grand Funk Railroad. Then I discovered KISS, Black Sabbath, Rush, Led Zep, Montrose, Ted Nugent, UFO.. bands that had cool guitar players! Then came the first Van Halen record. It changed my life. The first 6 VH records are still my fav albums ever along with just about anything by Led Zep. The 80's brought Randy Rhoads, he was incredible. These days I listen to NIN, Mars Volta, Extreme (3 sides to Every story is a masterpiece), Van Halen, Alice In Chains, Yes, all kinds of different stuff. I'm also a die hard Prog Rock fan. Yes, Genesis and that kind of stuff is amazing music. It's over most peoples heads that are casual music listeners. It's very symphonic in the way that the instruments relate and move with each other, but the guitar, bass and keyboards take the place of horns, violins and cellos. I'd have to say that The Mars Volta is the only band in recent years that has moved me to push the boundries of my playing and writing.
5. You seem to be a fanatic of music gear. Will you give us a run-down of your live set-up, and also please list any other cool gear that you are proud to own.
Right now, I'm still using Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifiers for amps. Great rock n roll amps. There are a few other things out there I'd like to try out. The new Line 6 stuff is amazing. I'd love to have a Vetta. I have a couple of Peavey guitars that are cool, I have a deal with them. I use the Limited and Generation series, I also have a Wolfgang. I have 3 Fender Strats that are amazing. All three are unique from each other. My baby, the White (or nicotine yellow now) Strat I've had since 1979 or 80. It's heavier than any Les Paul I've ever picked up. It's just a great rock guitar. Effects wise I use a Lexicon MPX G2, Line 6 Chorus pedal (the Blue one) and a cry-baby wah. I'm an effects junkie. Writing a good song is one thing, creating soundscapes within that framework is a whole other ballgame. I love it. the Lexicon unit has everything you could ever want. It's not very user friendly, though. I also still own an original Electro Harmonix Golden Throat II talk box. I've had it since 1977 and it's never broken down.
6. What has been the most exciting show you have played and what made it so great ?
The Experience Music Project in Seattle was probably the best show ever, but not performance wise. It was packed and it felt like you were playing at the AMA's, Grammy's or whatever. just incredible. There was a huge video wall behind the stage, it was larger than life. The Hendrix Sky Church gave me goose bumps. The history and the genius of Hendrix is on full display. original guitars, amps, his clothing and lyric sheets hand written on hotel stationary... it almost moved me to tears.
7. I will list some people in the Louisville scene and you give me your thoughts on them...
1.) Hugo Ferraria - I like Hugo. he's always done right by me. he's the reason that I'm in Tantric. He IS a lead singer, though! we've written together a bit and he brings a whole new approach to the table that inspires me. Maybe a little self destructive, but I've never met a singer that isn't.
2.) Mark Maxwell - I don't really know Mark that well. he's always been very nice to me. Seems to know his stuff well. I know a little of his history. I've only been in Louisville for 3 years so, there's a lot that I don't know about people. I tend to be very forgiving and give people the benefit of the doubt.
3.) Travis Meeks - I've met Travis a couple of times and i couldn't follow his conversation. it went 10 different directions at the same time. He's a great songwriter, though.
4.) Kimmet - Kimmet has one of the best female voices around. That rasp, filled with power and emotion is incredible. She's also a good friend. I sent a few of the demo's out last year and really didn't get any interest from anyone which is unfortunate because I think she needs a deal.
5.) Scott Clark - Scott cracks me up. when we were recording in Seattle, Scott and Todd Blankenship flew out. that's where I really got to know Scott. him and I just made jokes about everything and we were killing each other. I think it all started when we drove past a small, rusted out water tower and I said "wow, the Space Needle sure looks a lot smaller close up". It was on after that.
6.) Susan Weber - She is a mystery to me. we've always gotten along, she's very nice and almost worked a couple of projects together but I'm not so sure she knows everyone she claims. she needs a bigger purse to avoid dropping all of those names...
7.) Kevin Garr - I've been playing in Speed of Sound while I'm home and so far we get on great. He's a top notch player for sure.
8.) Shaun Kennedy - Shaun and I have had our ups and downs and unfortunately right now were on a down. We live together. Our personalities are very different and I know that I rub him the wrong way a lot of the time, but I know that 90% of the people he interacts with are in that category. He's anti-social and smart. His anger about the band and industry is totally misdirected towards me instead of the addict that tore it apart. that said, I'm no prince either. I just make the hard choice.
9.) Frank Green - I hope to God that Frank and I can still play together. He has made me laugh more than Steve Martin and George Carlin combined. a great bass player, a great friend, I would take a bullet for him. He is always the voice of reason when the shit hits the fan and I value his input tremendously. He is also one of the most intelligent guys I know.
10.) Jack Brezadine - Yet again, don't know him real well but have always gotten along with him. seems to have a make up and fishnet fetish. :)
11.) Scott Fraizer - The Bible says "Pride cometh before the fall". well, that's my cue to get out of falling distance. I think Scott would be an amazing manager if he embraced his short comings and learned from them. Instead he pats himself on the back for the obvious things that he gets paid to do. There's also a saying "the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree". we may as well bring the "other" Frazier in to this. How self destructive does someone have to get before they can't even look at themselves in the mirror? obviously a whole hell of a lot, there are a lot of mirrors in his apartment. I've never met anyone in my entire life that uncomfortable in their own skin.
12.) Donnie Highland - Donnie is my pal. He was the first guy in this band that I felt a connection with in the beginning. My heart hurts for him. after we came home from tour, the band basically fell apart and some things in his personal life took a turn for the worse. when it rains, it pours. I wish I had an umbrella to give him.
13.) Kellee Owens - Isn't that Shaun's ex girlfriend that thinks she can sing and play keyboards?
8. If you could meet anyone and hang out with them for an entire day, who would it be and what would you do ?
Jesus, in the flesh. we'd walk around, heal people, talk with them. you know, it's the little things that matter most.
9. What band or performer would you most like to play guitar with for at least one tour ?
Madonna, David Lee Roth, Prince, Gary Cherone
10. What are your favorites...
1.) Favorite guitarist - I can't pick one. EVH, Nuno, Phil Keaggy, Jimmy Page, Steve Howe, Trevor Rabin, Neil Schon, Ty Tabor
2.) Favorite guitar - I like fender style guitars as a whole. strat style. PRS are very nice and the new Peavey's are very good as well, that's why I play them.
3.) Favorite CD - It changes everyday. something by VH, LZ Mars Volta, Radiohead, Yes, The newer Sunny Day Real Estate stuff, Extreme 3 Sides, King's X dogman.
4.) Favorite Food - Sushi or Indian
5.) Favorite Movie - Amadeus, Dead Poets Society
6.) Favorite 80's band - Does Van Halen count? If not, I'll take GnR
11. Time for the reality show scenario question: You are chosen to be on a new reality show. You will be paid 2 grand a week to stay in a house with 13 other people for 6 weeks. Luckily you win a challenge and get to choose what people need to leave after the first week. No one wants to go, because they are getting paid 2 grand also. I will list the people in the house, you say who can stay and who better go.
1.) Frank Green - Frank has to stay. He'll keep me laughing and sane.
2.) Kimmet - Kimmet will stay, she's a positive person and heck, we can sit around bust out the guitars and piano and sing.
3.) Jessica from Tornacade - Don't really know her that well, but we'll need to keep a few females around. she used to be a stripper so maybe it'll be good entertainment. she can stay if she gets naked.
4.) Erika (banned chick) - Erika has been to rehab and is getting her life together, the last thing she needs to do is be in a house with me and Frank...and a stripper! lol..
5.) Shaun Kennedy - Shaun will want to beat me up all the time, just like at our real home, he's gotta go. It's my turn.
6.) Kevin Garr - As much as I'd like to keep him, someone's gotta go. Plus it's another bass player. Him and Frank would be arguing that "My SVT's bigger than yours". I've known Frank longer so, I love you Kevin but it's time to go, I'll see ya at the Hill next gig..
7.) Jeff Williams - I'd keep Jeff around just to hear him talk. he cracks me up.
8.) Scott Fraizer - Isn't it bad enough that I live within 10 miles already? I don't think so.
9.) David Lee Roth - As much as I love DLR, I think he would drive me nuts living in a house with him. see ya on the road buddy!
10.) Bryan Fox - Bryan and I are buds. I think he would be a good addition to the acoustic jam with Kimmet.
11.) Ryan Murphy - Ryan's about ready to have a kid, I don't think he'd want to participate.
12.) Shania Twain - Yeah, let's keep her. does it matter why?
13.) Scott Clark - As long as I don't have to do the KISS Love Gun hug every time we see each other, he can stay. Plus, he hooks me up all the time. We eventually will drive each other crazy.
12. I heard that Susan Weber offered to manage End of Me ( formerly Bryan Fox Band) under the stipulation that Bryan get plastic surgery on his face. Did you hear about this and what do you think about it ?
I never heard that. if it's true, it's crap. I don't get it.
13. In the last year has Kevin McCreery -
1.) Written a Christian song - Yes
2.) Been to a strip club - yes
3.) Had a sexual fantasy involving Kimmet - no, as far as you know
4.) Seen Shaun Kennedy kiss a guy - absolutely
5.) Called Scott Fraizer a dick - yes I have
6.) Considered getting married again - yes, Sarah and I discussed it. she hates my job so we've stopped discussing it.
14. I will list some bands and performers and you rate how excited you would be to play guitar for them for a new cd and 50 city U.S. tour. (10 being extremely excited, and 1 being very likely to turn it down.)
1.) Sammy Hagar - 8. I wouldn't turn it down, even though I'm not a huge fan. he seems decent enough.
2.) David Lee Roth - 10
3.) Rush - 1. Alex Lifeson is the man. I wouldn't be able to fill his shoes.
4.) Linkin Park - 5 if the $$ was right.
5.) Poison - Hmm, this is tricky. I wasn't a big fan but if offered a gig I might do it...6
6.) Slayer - 1
7.) Counting Crows - 10, love them
8.) Jane's Addiction -10, that would be a great gig.
9.) Dream Theater - I could never play in that band. they're too good. 1
10.) Days of the New - If the timing was right I'd do it, 7.
11.) Tantric -10, duh!
12.) The Cure - 1, that'd be a Shaun gig.
13.) The Police - Love the Police, Andy is the guitarist, not me.
14.) Prince - 10, dream gig right there.
15.) Michael Jackson - 10. regardless of what anyone says, he's a great artist. I'd play in a heartbeat.
16.) Journey - 10 I am a HUGE Journey fan, this is one band I would play with even though the guitarist is an integral part of the band.
15. Since Halloween is just a day away. If you could have a date on Halloween with any local female, who would it be and which costume would you most like for her to wear on your date ? A.) Sexy Nurse B.) Sexy She-Devil C.) Sexy Gothic Vampire D.) Sexy School Girl E.) Sexy Firefighter
Sarah, my girlfriend. I'm not really into the porn looking costumes when it's my girlfriend. I'll take the Firefighter.
16. Since you have moved to Louisville, what person are you most thankful to have met? What person would you have been better off not meeting ?
Hmmm, I've met a lot of cool people here, I actually met Shaun and Donnie while I was living in Nashville so I'll start with Frank. Frank is the kinda guy you want to be in a band with. Great attitude, great player and knows his stuff. Michael Lee is someone I'm glad I met. Sarah, my girlfriend. All the guys in End of Me, Breckinridge, Tantric.. it's a brotherhood. I can't say that there is anyone that I would have been better off not meeting. Even through all of the ups and downs of the band, I don't regret meeting certain individuals. Granted, my life would have been much more stress free.. but you take the bad with the good in this industry.
A word to the wise: If someone has to tell you that they're a genius, they're not. Take half of what you hear, cut it in half and then believe half of that. damn.. I'm a genius!
17. Lava Records has a heavy metal band signed that has just released their 2nd cd. The latest cd has been a huge hit overseas and is really getting popular here in the states. However, they have one big problem. A 12 week tour of the states is just a couple of weeks away, and their guitarist has been in a serious car accident. You get a call from the band's management asking you if you would be interested in doing the tour. The songs are simple in structure, but the leads are somewhat challenging. They know not every guitarist could pull it off. The latest video has made them over-night sensations. Getting a good replacement is critical. The pay is 2 grand a week, plus a 10 grand bonus if you complete the entire 12 week tour. You are on hiatus from all other gigs for the next 3 months, so your schedule is open. Here is the only dilemma: Most of the songs the band has written have strong satanic messages. You will be doing one "live" video with the band. You will have to wear a huge temporary tattoo on your arm that says "I Hate Jesus" or sometimes you can wear one that says " I "Heart" Jesus" with a slash through the word "heart". That's 34 grand you can make in 3 months. You can give some of it to your favorite charity and maybe start a college fund for your girls. Would you do it ?
I don't even have to think about it. I wouldn't do it. Mostly because of the tattoo, I would have to change my belief system. I would be much richer in spirit for turning it down.
I listen to a lot of music that disagrees with my spiritual views. For instance, Tool are one of my favorite bands but most of Maynard's lyrics are Anti-Christian. NIN are another example. Music is art. Christians can enjoy Pagan art without changing their beliefs. It doesn't mean that I buy into any particular lifestyle just because I love their art. Most Christians would disagree with me. I would point them to a book called "Sham Pearls Before Real Swine" or Addicted to Mediocrity", both written by Franky Schaeffer. Most people that consider themselves Christian these days would ban Shakespeare and nudity. They just want a picture of a nice landscape, with a scripture verse written at the bottom to hang in their living rooms.
18. Do you see many similarities in what happened with Tantric and Travis Meeks, and what is happening with Outspoken and David Fraizer ? Is there a curse on Louisville bands, or are Louisville bands no worse off than L.A. metal bands of the 80s or the grunge bands from Seattle in the 90s ? Remember, all the successful grunge singers had their bouts with self-destruction, Layne Staley, Kurt Cobain, Scott Weiland, Eddie Vedder, and if you think back to the 80s, you see what happened to Axl Rose, David Lee Roth and Boy George. Is this all just par for the course with singers ?
I do see the similarities but I don't think there's a curse on Louisville bands. It's just singers. I don't know why. Maybe the thing that tears them apart is what drove them to become the singer, the center of attention. It's like with drugs, you start out doing a little, then a little more then before you know it you're a full fledged addict and can't live without it. It's the same with adulation for them. they need people to watch them, to focus on them to hear them proclaim their message to the world! and by God if they don't get it, they'll make you! I've seen singers just walk into a room, go up to a girl whisper a little something in their ear and they leave together even when the girl was with another guy. It's crazy. It's the ego boost. The need to be god. Nothing is impossible for me!! They think that drugs won't hurt them and that's why they will eventually die from it unless they get help. Help involves getting in touch with yourself and being happy with yourself and to an artist that can be a scary thing, to them, it could be the very thing that dries up their creativity. Outspoken is the first band in 10 years that I wasn't the lead singer, so I kinda know what I'm talking about. I don't remember ever being THAT bad though. My old band may have a different view though, lol.
19. As Christmas gets closer, you get a big dose of the Christmas spirit. You decide to give gifts to the following people. The gifts can be materialist, such as a sweater, or non-materialist as in, humility, class, compassion, or a hypothetical item, such as a bullshit filter. Who gets what ?
This is gonna be hard..
1.Frank Green- Success and a happy marriage, he deserves it. Frank is not a materialistic person. anything I could just "hand" him wouldn't do justice.
2.Donnie Highland- Peace of mind, a successful music career and a mate that respects him for who he is.
3.Shaun Kennedy- A gig in Sevendust or at least a gig with a Lowery brother.
4.David Fraizer- Honesty, spirituality, an all natural high that never wears off that allows you to do your job and be responsible.. and a kick in the nuts (just for old times sake).
5.Sarah (your girlfriend) - Tolerance to handle what I do for a living. It's really the only thing we fight about. we love each other very much yet the only way it will ever work is if I quit or she becomes more tolerant. I've never been more in love with anyone in my entire life. If we broke up, I'd stay single for the rest of my life. She really didn't understand what she was getting herself into.
6. Jeff Williams- A bull horn, that great voice needs to be even louder.
7.Kevin Harley (me)- A Pulitzer prize for coming up with these questions!
8. Hugo Ferraria- Hugo has a great family and a great band, maybe I could give him more appreciation, but I'm not so sure that he doesn't appreciate what he's got. Life gets so hectic in this industry that you forget to stop and enjoy it. Enjoy the ride by all means, but don't forget that the ride eventually stops, even if just for awhile. Don't make all the fanfare your life, respect and love the people close to you. They're not disposable.
9.Scott Fraizer- I think this is where a Bullshit filter comes in. I'm a big fan of the Truth. I always want the truth no matter how much it hurts. if he would just learn to shoot straight and not sugar coat things, it would be a 100% improvement on his character. I'm not saying that everything he say's is a lie. A lot of it is "half-truths". But then again, when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, half of what the Devil was saying to him was the truth. hmmm...
10.David Lee Roth- I would love to give DLR a chance to go back and rethink the whole leaving VH issue. Just think if after 1984, if he wouldn't have left.
11.Kimmet- I would love to get her a deal and see what she could do on the road. I think she has star quality. maybe that would be my gift: The powers that be would see her star quality.
12.Scott Clark- What does Scott need? he's a local celebrity on the Fox, has a beautiful girlfriend, gets to take trips to the Dominican Republic and go to all the cool concerts for free because of his celebrity. He should give ME a present! dang.. I'm jealous. Thou Shalt Not Covet....lol
20. Who has has the biggest influence on you as a person ?
This is gonna sound hokey but, Jesus. Everyone thanks Jesus, God whatever. But seriously, I was lost at a time and point in my life and the Lord pulled me out of it. Big time. I have no question as to the existence of God. I actually have a degree in Theology. I'm not the best Christian, as a matter of fact I'm a pretty good sinner. without Jesus I'd be hopeless.
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Let's recap...
Kev has written a Christian song and been to a strip club more than once in the last year.
He likes Prince, who is very spiritual, and sings songs about God, yet also sings songs with the titles "Sexy Mother Fucker" and "Pussy Control", and another that makes reference to a girl's titties bouncing (Peach).
He has seen Shaun Kennedy kiss a guy. He's called Scott Fraizer a dick. He's thought about getting married and he thinks Susan Weber and Scott Fraizer might need a bullshit filter.
He would also like to give David "E" Fraizer a kick in the nuts for Christmas.
Thanks Kev !!
Kev gets 5 out of 5 stars for his 20 Question Interview. êêêêê
