February 23, 2004
Interview with Fabrizio V.Zee Grossi
I have had a tough time coming up with the introduction for this installment of Inspiring Minds, perhaps because the featured artist is just that indeed. The term artist has become so widely used that it has lost some of its meaning, as has the word art. Art is what shapes us and that which defines us in history. The artist is he or she which creates the art of our time and as such becomes the muse of our society. Fabrizio V. Zee Grossi is perhaps one of those crafting the art that will define us and our time in history. He is a man capable of working in all styles of music and does it well ... perhaps the best.
If you take a close look at the albums Fabrizio has worked on, you will see that those albums are some of the best for that specific genre and truly inspired work. The list of artists he has worked with is extremely long, spanning many different styles. I am very excited to bring you a look in to the life of one of today's most exciting and colorful individuals. Take a look over the albums you have in your collection and those you purchase in the future for the name Fabrizio V. Zee Grossi, I think we will be seeing a lot more of him!
1. The name Fabrizio Grossi is one that has become well known in many circles; a self taught bass player with enormous talent, an incredible producer capable of turning out quality albums over a wide scope of musical styles and an expert in studio equipment and procedures. To begin this interview would you take a moment to tell us about yourself, in your own words about the man behind the music?
Well, I was born in Milan (Italy) 36 years ago, I've been living in the States for about 13, but I've lived also in London (UK) and Toronto (Canada). I started as bass player, but I was always interested in writing, producing and mixing. I am married with 2 kids, I live in LA , city I hate, but where I have to reside for my work, but I am really working towards a move back east, to my real love New York, or at least somewhere close ...Connecticut would do it. My big love is music, but recently it has been challenged by video activities, directing-writing etc that are taking more and more time in my life. I am directing my mixing skills towards the surroundsounds, 5.1 etc so I can stay close to both, music sound track etc. My big thing beside these is cooking for my family and friends ... At least every 2 weeks I host a mean dinner ...if you know what I mean...and the other one is reading or watching MAFIA related books and movies.
2. Moving on from who you are as a man could you tell us a bit about your music career and how you first come to be involved with the big names you have worked with?
Many many, Steve Vai, George Clinton and the P-Funk, Ice -T, Killah priest and Wu-Thang, Mick Jones, Tina Arena, Nina Hagen and lots of others.
3. One thing that stands out in your career is the many different genres' of music you have been involved in; Rap, Metal, AOR, and Contemporary Pop, would you say that working in all these differing styles enhances the music you create?
I don't know about enhancing the music, it surely gives me the opportunity to not get bored with the same thing all the time.
4. Do you have a favorite genre that you feel best personifies you or do you feel that all the different styles let you show a specific side of who you are?
Music is art and, mostly is a feeling thing. Anything that gives me that feeling is my favorite...and that could be a Chill-out remix of a Peter Gabriel tune, an old Ozzy record, a live Louis Prima vinil, a Frank Sinatra track, a Metallica DVD ...if it comes from the heart, you can bet I'll love it.
5. Are there any artists that you have not worked with that you would like to in the future?
Yes, and the list is big. U2, Radiohead, Jimmy Page, David Gilmore, Ritchie Blackmore, Van Halen, Ozzy, Meshell N'Degeocello ...I am still far away from home......
6. You seem to be one of the harder working individuals in the music scene, and Cosa Nostra seems to be one of the more open production companies of today. Could you tell us a bit about your company and what goals you have for finding and promoting new artists?
My production company name is Cosa Nostra Music ...and my goal is to keep on making music, but also direct my writing and production skills toward music
for either, feature or TV movies. The other thing, like I was saying before is to get more involved with the video part of it, writing, directing etc...and I am actually working on a TV project as both writer (music and script) and direction/production. I worked with several new artists and I probably will keep on doing it, but seen the way things are, I am more keen into promote a new product, like a DVD or multi media artist, than not try to break a new artist. Not that I don't like to do it, but I have to be realistic, the power you need today to make the bad and good weather with new comers, is something I definitely consider not too much in my reach.
7. We often ask artists what advice they have for musicians trying to break into the industry, would you take a minute to share some of your wisdom on what they should be concentrating on?
Make music because you love it and not because the money you can make with it. That's irrelevant, and chances are is not gonna come ...only 1 out a 1000 will barely make it and the sooner you realize if you are the 1 or the remaining 999 it will be best for you. Don't get trapped in this stupid game and give up living because of this glimmer that one day you might be a rockstar....just focus on the music, you'll get the most out of it ...and you know something, the less you are stress about it, the more you'll have a chance to it. Since I kind of left the music production a side to focus more towards the video, film and mixes, I am getting so much work and requests that is not even funny. When I was waiting for the phone to ring ...that never happened....since I've quit staring at the phone, and started having a life for myself and my family ...guess what? ....RIIIIIIINNNNNGGGGGG!!!!!!
8. What is the policy for Cosa Nostra concerning demos and new artists, do you have a way for them to send in their material?
I listen to everything I receive, for respect and because you never know what you could have in your hands. Then, I would say that I generally end up in using lots of the music I am getting, placing songs with artists and such, but I am always very direct on what I can or can't do for the sender.
9. In researching you and your career we see a busy man who is involved in a lot of projects at a time, when you step away from the music for some time off what do you do to "Strike A Balance" in your life?
I've told you before, Italian cooking and Mafia stories ...but there's also hiking and my 2 years old is definitely keep me busy as well.
10. What projects are you currently working on, and what can we hope to see from you in this New Year?
Well I have a live DVD with one of my heroes, Glenn Hughes. I am finishing the first solo Mickey Thomas, several other album to mix e finish, I'll be
working at the American release of a great artist Elan, that is kind of one of my pride and joy ...as independent we went with her where no one else
thought we could and now we are dealing as with the people that wanted to close the door on us ...huge satisfaction...for her I'll be working as video
producer for the live show connected to her studio CD, the documentary that will come along with that and I'll be mixing the stereo and the 5.1 version
of it. I have 2 new artists I've worked with, coming out with their albums and I really hope my TV work will see the daylight sometime soon.
11. What would you like to say to the fans that are reading this interview?
Respect any form of art and thought for what it is, don't put any price tag onit because how good you are is not related to how big is your banking account... get involved with life and politics, if not for us, at least for our children, and always, not matter what, consider something for what it is to you and not for what you've been told.
Thank You
Fab
Posted by Kathy at February 23, 2004 10:07 AM