June 06, 2004
Interview with Steve Grimmett of Lionsheart
Steve Grimmett is a man that knows heavy metal, in fact you might even say he is heavy metal. He has lived his life hard and fast with no apologies. Steve has been in the scene for a long time and it doesn't take long to figure out that the road has not always been an easy one for him, but after a break from the music and the scene Steve is back and in a place where he feels rejuvenated and alive. He is working with people who compliment his strengths and the music just keeps on coming! The new Lionsheart album "Abyss" is out with Steve and Ian Nash busily working on a follow up, trying to keep up with the recording and producing of all the songs they have written! I would like to say "Welcome Back Steve and keep it coming!" For the latest updates and progress reports be sure to add http://www.lionsheart.com/ to your favorites list!
1. The name Steve Grimmett is associated with a lot of hard rockin' nights and heavy rockin' tunes, to start out would you take a minute to introduce yourself, Steve Grimmett - the man behind the music?
Hi guys, my name is Steve Grimmett The High Lord of Metal. I have now been a singer-songwriter for many years, some of those years good, some of them bad, some of them really bad. Basically back due to Ian Nash, and with my tenth album.
2. The road to ABYSS was along one, with hurdles and obstacles all along the way; what do you think of now when you look back on all the hard work and long days to bring this album together?
Murder springs to mind. I'm sure I'd be out on good behaviour in less time than it's taken to get this album into the stores. But, it was worth it. I am very proud of this album. All the comments and reactions that we've had have made it worth while.
3. What would you say is different about this album as opposed to earlier three Lionsheart releases, what do you think this new album says about where the band is now?
The difference between this and a lot of albums that I've done is the fact that nothing was ever recorded in more than three takes on Abyss. We had purposely kept this album to a minimum. To overproduce a song, in my book, takes away the essence of the original idea of what the song was all about in every shape and form. This is how we will continue with any future recordings. Keeping it simple makes it more powerful, and the song is always easier to deliver. I'm sure you will agree.
4. The time you spent out of the scene, or in the ABYSS, sounds like a pretty hard time, but you did come out of it with a black belt in Aikido and a seemingly healthier outlook on life, how would say the last few years have changed you?
Yes, I did obtain a first Dan in Aikido so far. This gave me a much more calm and much more relaxed outlook on life. I will never ever let anybody make me feel shit again. And I think that's probably how I've changed in the last few years.
5. It's good to see you have Struck a Balance and it's great to see you making music again, how are things coming with doing some live shows now that ABYSS is just about out?
The main reason for striking a balance, as you say, is mostly due to Ian Nash. If it wasn't for him I still wouldn't be doing anything in the music industry. We have become great friends, but as of yet have only done a few local gigs just to try things out. But to get out on tour with Ian, Ed, and Steve I'm sure you will see a good solid line-up, with all the firepower needed to deliver.
6. When people talk about a Lionsheart or Grim Reaper show the brute power of the performance is obvious, when you get on stage what goes through your head, or do you just immerse your self in the moment?
To be perfectly honest with you, it's a bit of both. But mainly I get a kick out seeing the fans enjoying themselves as much as I do.
7. What can you tell us about recording and how things are coming on the next album you are already talking about?
Once we got to Warehouse Studios, the recording went fine. We have some great memories of some great performances. Ian and I are busy adding to the twenty songs that we wrote around the time of Abyss. Watch this space.
8. The team of Ian and yourself has really turned out some great music, as you spend more time together is that combination getting stronger?
Yes, you are right. I've never written with anybody on the basis that we get together to write a song and we actually write one every time we get together. I've never been in a situation of being able to say "Let's write a song" and two hours later we have one. It's great working with Ian as we both work on riffs, melody ideas, and lyrics, so it is a true team effort. We are now beginning to predict one another with ideas on ideas, and for me that is very cool.
9. You have fans all over the world that just can't seem to get enough of your music, many of who are aspiring musicians hoping to follow in your footsteps; do you have any advice specifically for them?
Yes, as cynical as this may sound or bitter and twisted whichever way you want to look at it, never trust anybody, and find a good lawyer. Never take your eye off the ball, and never have a good time without the aid of a jockstrap, because sure as eggs are eggs, somebody is waiting around the corner to kick you in the bullocks!
10. And what about for the rest of the fans, what would you like to tell them?
Thank you for keeping the faith. I really did need the break I took; I'm sure you understand why. I hope you like the new album, and I'll see you soon (In Hell) Steve Grimmett
Posted by Kathy at June 6, 2004 07:19 AM