Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
RJ – I started my adventure as a kid playing air guitar to Kiss, Scorpions and Ted Nugent. I knew then I wanted to be a rockstar.
Lynette – When I was a kid I would stage concerts and shows for my family in the backyard of my Grandparents house our in our living room. My Grandfather had a welding shed that had a step and a spotlight which I treated as my stage. I would get my pink brush and use it as my microphone and belt out songs. When my cousins were hanging out on Sundays, I would say… we are going to be the GoGos … and we would stage a living room concert singing and playing air instruments to the GoGos. Looking back now, I probably drove my Mom crazy with music and writing plays, so she asked one of my friends from school’s Mother to teach me piano. I wanted to be a musician since I was a kid.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “BAT ALLISON”?
A: Gig in more cities! We want to meet and hang out with our fans before or after the show. Encourage our fans share our music and socials with their friends and bring 2 more friends to each show. Do as many interviews as possible and get our music played on more stations. Get our name out there more! RJ even put a Bat Allison advertisement on his car.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
RJ – Dollyrots and The Interrupters.
Lynette – Bob Marley, Bad Brains, The Cure, Foo Fighters, The Hu and Infected Rain. The inspiration comes in so many forms. Sometimes it is from the smallest gesture, kind or unkind, selfish or selfless, etc. Sometimes it stems from something I may be struggling with or struggled with in the past. Sometimes it is something a friend is struggling with. Sometimes it is out of frustration. Sometimes it is a thought or a feeling that wakes me up at night and will not let me rest until I get it out in a song.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the album, “Battle Scars.”?
A: It’s about surviving, trying to staying positive and not letting life’s demons defeat you.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: Energetic
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Battle Scars”?
A: Oh course but just like wine, the more adversity or challenges you put it through the
better the wine!
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: The message is you are not alone. Stay strong. Crest that tide. Our goal is to make it as successful band and be able to give back.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
RJ – that’s a good question I never thought about it. I guess at the moment I think the Dollyrots because I have changed my style from metal. Also, Suzi Quatro.
Lynette – In no particular order because they are all loved… Bob Marley, Jim Morrison, John Lennon, Tina Turner, Stevie Nicks, Paul McCartney, Nile Rogers, Martin Gore and Dave Gahan (Depeche Mode), Robert Smith (The Cure), Johnny Marr, Ozzy Osbourne (and we will provide all the ice cream he can eat), Bono and The Edge (U2), Joey Ramone, Dee Dee Ramone, Lenny Kravitz, Edith Piaf, Louis Armstrong, Sly and the Family Stone, Earth, Wind, and Fire, Henry Rollins, Iggy Pop, Kurt Cobain, Dave Grohl, Dick Dale, The Ramones, Sting, Michael Stipe (REM), William Hunt (those drums!), Jökull Júlíusson (Kaleo), Greg Graffin (Bad Religion), Brett Gurewitz (Bad Religion), Dave King (Flogging Molly), The Hu, Trent Reznor, Pink, Taylor Swift, Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, Alexander David Turner (Artic Monkeys), Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney (Black Keys).
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
RJ – do it because you love it if you do it to be rich you will be disappointed
Lynette – If you want to be a musician or be in the music industry – do it – do it now. Carve out time, even if it’s only moments a day, to learn. Don’t overthink or hesitate in your decision. Don’t wait for this to be in place or that to be in place, because trust me it won’t or at least not in the way you think it will. Just Do It! It’s your life and you are the only one in your way. Don’t imitate but appreciate. Don’t be lazy! Learn! Allow others to inspire but you gotta create your own path. Music is an expression of YOU and there is only one of you. It’s YOUR life choices… YOUR love, laughter, tears and pain… YOUR struggle… YOUR survival. Share it through music because that is the language I think we all understand.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
RJ – Take the time to learn guitar.
Lynette – I know you are in a hurry but stop and appreciate the now because the clock is ticking and the now is fleeting. Also, yes you are strong but it’s OK… I repeat it IS OK to ask for help. Don’t worry about what others are doing as they have their own dreams – and – their own demons.
