Interview: Paradise (Written)
Calling their sound ‘Volcanic Rock’, heavy five-piece band Paradise are in the process of creating the follow-up their 2020 self-titled album. In this interview we get to know them a little better via guitarist Frank Kelly.
1. Hello! Thank you for taking the time to chat to us. First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started.
Frank: Band was born in the early 2000’s as a side project … Our first guitar player and I took a break from our respective bands one summer and came up with this kon-tiki themed rock band. It took 6 weeks, from having the idea to having a completed album on cd … We were also lucky to have Michel “Away” Langevin from Voivoid at the time to embark on this a bit far-fetched project. Seems I had so much fun I just kept it going for 24 years. Obviously, things have changed a lot since then.
2. Someone comes to you and asks you to sum up what kind of music you play – what do you tell them?
Frank: Volcanic Rock … Comes from the Kon-Tiki days but kept it. I think it suits us well. We’re a high energy live band walking a thin line across heavy metal, hard rock, stoner rock, so many genres so we just gave it a name.
3. What’s currently going on in your camp? New releases? Tours? Etc.
Frank: Taking a break from the road to write and record the next thing. Hope to get back on the road a bit this spring or summer but the main goal right now is to get this new record done!
4. What has been the most positive experience of making music to date for you?
Frank: Like a lot of people, it kept me out of most troubles. Kept me alive. Didn’t think I make it to 25 even less 50 HA!
5. Likewise, what has been some of the more challenging aspects and how have you overcome them?
Frank: Money, it’s always about that, costs a lot of money to record and tour as a band, and promote. So, in a day where music is free well, make the equation.
6. How do you handle the modern expectations of being in a band? Always online, having to put out content constantly, your success measured in likes and follows?
Frank: It sucks. We’re musicians and not “content creators”. Who cares about what we had for breakfast or what colour is ourunderwear. And that’s what the music business is about now. Wish I had a great ass and huge tits. Would be easier, I guess.
7. What’s something that really ‘grinds your gears’ about the industry/business these days and what would you propose is done to combat it?
Frank: I think I summed it up in the previous question, but the fact that to barely make it today, most musicians need to be their own booker, manager, roadie, graphic artist and the list goes on… It’s a lot of work and it takes a toll on what you’re supposed to focus on, which is the music.
8. Speaking directly to listeners – what would you ask they do to help support your music?
Frank: Not only for our band but all original bands out there. Buy merch, CDs and vinyls directly from the band’s websites and GO SEE ORIGINAL LOCAL BANDS PLAY LIVE. Go out have a good time and discover and support these original acts And not the f&?%$# cover bands ha!
9. Outside of the music, what’s do you do to relax?
Frank: The band also has a vintage van club; you can also catch one of us at most of the local shows. I also build motorcycles, so you’ll probably find me working on those most of the time. And the sexy time with my wife HA!
10. Where can people find you?
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube
