August 23, 2004
Interview with Danny Vaughn
Danny Vaughn is one of todays most exciting and personable artists on the Melodic Scene, with the release of his latest album, From the Inside, we see Dannys true colors and true talent! I have enjoyed the experience of interviewing Danny and seeing so much of his personality both in the emails I received and the answers he provided. I was particularly thrilled about question nine as it brings up a special event with another one of todays most vibrant artists… Enjoy the interview, check out the review and the samples on the JukeBox to get a good look into Danny Vaughn, From the Inside!
1. Thank you for taking the time to let us get to know you a little better. Will you start this interview off by taking the time to introduce yourself; Danny Vaughn, the man behind the music?
Well, I've been around for quite some time now, starting back in 1986 with the British band WAYSTED. We released an album called "Save Your Prayers" and did a great deal of touring around the world opening up such amazing bands as Iron Maiden. This was my introduction to European and British rock fans and that has been a relationship that has been a blessing in my life ever since the beginning. From there I put together my own band, TYKETTO, which released 2 albums before getting unceremoniously dropped by our record label (as was everybody in that time that was half way good looking and didn't dress in mangy cardigan sweaters)! Since then I have been doing all kinds of things. My own band, VAUGHN has released 3 CDs, I've managed to be a guest artist on a lot of fun
projects, and I'm still finding a way to stay in this crazy business that I love so much.
2. One of the things I think of when I think of you is fun, a three letter word that some unfortunate people forget all about, but from what I know of you I believe that you are having fun with what you are doing; for the record – is being a rock and roll star all it's cracked up to be?
You know? I think it would depend on what day you asked me that question what my response would be. However, I've never considered myself a rock star. I never had that kind of worldwide attention. I consider myself a working, touring musician and that has both it's great sides and it's down sides. You have to have some kind of gypsy blood, I think, because it's a lot of time away from your family and friends and you miss so much. Most people wouldn't be willing to make that exchange. However, I have found that you fill the gap somewhat with then new family that you make out on the road. Nothing can ever replace the high of a great show and a great response from the audience. No drug can touch it. (and I've tried one or two in my time)! While today I don't often get to
play those big arena stages anymore, I get no less joy from the fans that pack in a club and spend their time and energy to be with you on any given night. It's a great job! :-)
3. Your latest release "From the Inside" has had some great reviews and the fans can't wait to hear each song. I've been one of the lucky ones to have already gotten a chance to listen to it and have developed some fast favorites. Is there one song on this album that has special meaning to you and could you share the story with us?
The one that comes to mind first is "Nothing At All". The music was written by Fabrizio, the producer of the CD, and he had sent it to me early on. I knew that I could write a good set of lyrics and melody to it, but I was having a tough time getting it together. I worked on every other song on the CD before finally having no choice but to finish this one. It was on the last day that I had to record my vocals and I still had nothing. So I sat down and forced it out, which is something that I usually don't ever do. I wrote some lyrics. A song of hope to someone very dear to my heart. Then I got some ideas for a new melody and, without giving it much thought, I threw it down as a rough vocal and then left it alone for several hours. When I came back to it, I was surprised to find that I really liked all of it and decided to keep the whole thing as it was, one take, no overdubs, and send it on to Fabrizio. Not only did he really like it, but it is the lead off single of the CD! It just proves to me that there is no set way to make a recording or write a song.
4. So, now that the new album is finished, what's next, time for a break or are you already on to the next wild ride?
I've just gotten back from Belgium where I was the guest vocalist with THE SIGN at the Lokeren festival in front of about 16,000 people. I was second singer alongside Terry Brock. I had always heard about Terry but had never met him and we got along instantly. We called it "tag team vocals," and it was a lot of fun. Now I have to put my energies into the Tyketto reunion, which will be doing 3 weeks of dates in Europe in November. There are other projects floating around out there as well, so I'm hoping to stay busy.
5. When you think about this album and the time spent recording it what is your over all feeling and how would you compare it to previous releases as far as style and what it means to you personally?
The biggest difference is that I did all of my own vocals at home for the first time. The music tracks were recorded in LA by several extremely talented studio players and then sent on to me. I had never been in the studio with the band, and that was a new one for me. This is the most melodic rock styled album I've done in a long time and I had a lot of fun with it. Also, it's the first time I've ever done songs by other writers. That's a real challenge because you want to interpret things in your own way but still attempt to stay true to the intent of the original. Whether or not I succeeded is something that only the writers and the fans can tell us for sure.
6. Would you say that your projects Tyketto and Vaughn allow you artistic freedom to follow more than one path musically and what sort of changes do you go through between the two projects?
The biggest difference between the two is that Tyketto is a 4 way democracy whereas Vaughn is mostly my own thing. However, I've always managed to be able to stretch and experiment in both bands. I've always thought that one of the only sins of the melodic rock circle is that there is so much emphasis by the industry and some of the fans and journalists, to keep your music streamlined to only one style. All of the classic, great bands, though, were able to experiment and incorporate various styles and sounds into their songs. I mean, could you imagine telling Queen to only deliver one type of song? They wouldn't have been who they were with those kinds of limitations. Musicians need to always be searching and expanding or else they grow stale.
7. Your music has taken you all around the world performing in all kinds of places; is there a place or time that has a special meaning for you?
Yes, the time is now! I have learned not to wish for the past or moan over what might have been. My experiences over the years have allowed me to be grateful for each victory, no matter how small. It may sound corny, but it is a rare thing to be able to play music live for fans and to be able to travel and see the world in any capacity as I have been able to do. Of all the millions of musicians and players out there, only a very small hand full get to do what I am blessed to be able to do, even at my small level. Now, each time a new project or possibility comes my way, it excites me.
8. Part of those travels recently have been a tour with Firehouse who has also been featured on the site, can you tell us a bit about that tour and if and when you plan to tour together again?
I don't know if we will ever work together again or not, but I know that I would do it in a heartbeat. It was a really enjoyable experience and they are very nice guys to work with. Totally pro on stage as well. They roll over the audience like a tank! It was a big success and it proved that there are still lots of fans out there that want to hear this music.
9. From checking your tour schedule it appears that both you and Jeff Scott Soto will be sharing the stage on November 5th This is exciting news and I am positive this is a show all of the fans won't want to miss. How did this come about? Has this been something you both considered before and finally got the chance to make happen?
Funny enough, I only just got back and heard about this myself, so I have no idea what the details of it are. I can only tell you that I think Jeff is great, he is a friend as well as a great singer, and I'm really pleased that we'll be doing a show or two together. It's going to be non stop energy the whole night!
10. Are there any other bands or artists you would like to tour with or work together on a project with?
I would dearly love to work with Glenn Hughes. We have never met, but have several mutual friends and everything that I hear about him makes me think that we are similar people. It would be a crazy undertaking for me because Glenn's vocal abilities are so huge that he tends to swallow up almost anyone he sings with, but I would love to give it a try.
11. Speaking of touring I know that you had one date in New Jersey, USA that had to be cancelled but what we don't know is when you might be able to make a trip and tour the US in the future, any idea when that might be?
It's such a difficult thing to do because America is so spread out. We might be able to do a show in Philadelphia, Chicago, New Jersey, and a couple of other places, but no points in between. Plus, we don't all live in one place anymore so it's difficult to just pick up and go. We are still trying to get another show in New Jersey sponsored by Ralph Sutton and the tour bus. Fingers crossed!
12. With recording, touring and taking care of your fans you are certainly a busy man, what do you do to strike a balance in your life, what activities outside of the music do you enjoy?
"Balance" is not a word that I would use to describe my life at the moment! :-) When I'm not playing music, I'm working a day job. Or two. Or three. So the goals are simply to keep the bills paid. I haven't had as much time to do the things that normally would give me release. I spend about 5 days a week at the gym when it's possible. I'm not one of those people that enjoys working out, however, I just know that I need to do it. And it does provide an energy release. Other than that, I'm a big reader. Always in the middle of a couple of books. And I'm a huge movie fan. My DVD collection continues to grow.
13. People are starting to talk and many believe that the AOR/Melodic Rock scene is going to make a big come back in the next couple of years, would you agree and what would you like to see happen in the industry in the near future?
If it does make a comeback, it won't be in the same form that we are familiar with. One thing that does please me about the possibility, however, is that it would really be nice if we could all start to lighten the hell up and remember that, first and foremost, rock and roll is supposed to be fun. It has turned into such a mournful, complaining, downtrodden form of music lately, perhaps reflective of the sadness in the world around us. But bands like JET and THE DARKNESS have popped up to remind fans that rock and roll is all about letting go, jumping around, flipping the bird to the rest of the world and having a good time. We need less bands howling about how they were buggered by their psychopathic grandfathers and more people listening to AC/DC albums!
14. Many of our readers are aspiring musicians who look to these interviews for advice and at artists like yourself as inspiration to keep on trying, what message or encouragement do you have for them?
You have to do it for the love of it. Of course, it pays to have a good game plan for success, etc., but, if you don't truly enjoy and believe in whatever music you are making, the business will eat you alive and leave you angry and unhappy. We all wish for success, but you have to define for yourself what that word means. I used to think that success was arena tours, big busses, groupies, and attention, attention, attention. These days success, for me, is to be able to play all over the world, in any sized venue, and have people come to listen to the songs, sing along, enjoy themselves, and have us al come together for a short time. Anytime I'm not working a "normal" job is a success for me!
15. In closing, is there a message you would like to give to all of your fans all over the world?
Being able to do any of the things I have been talking about has been only due to the interest, support, and love I am so lucky to get from all of you. I never get to spend enough time with everyone that I would like to. There is always something demanding your attention, or it's time to travel on, or you're just so damned tired and hoarse that you have to leave and get some rest. But I am grateful to everybody that comes around to say hello and talk about themselves, and the music. These days, every single cd that's sold, every single ticket sold, every letter written makes a difference. And it's never taken for granted. You guys are the best!
Posted by Kathy at August 23, 2004 01:06 PM