The Johnny and Lonnie Interview!

I don't know what to do without the internet.
It's so easy that I had the oppurtunity to had an interview through myspace
with Lonnie Park and John West from Ten Man Push.
Musicians who worked for so many years in the rock/metal industry
For me a reason to asked Johnny and Lonnie if they want to do an interview for our music magazine.
And they did and I'll be very honoured!



Who came up with the idea for the bandname Ten Man Push, where is that name coming from or where is it based on?
John: I did actually. Lonnie had come up with "Paydirt" originally but there were too many bands already called that out there. There are ten male voices yelling "PUSH!" on the backing track for "In The Dirt".

Lonnie: In a world where almost everything you can imagine has been used for a band name, this was a challenge. John and I spent a lot of time to find something with substance and the lawyers spent a lot of time making sure it was unique and exclusive. As John and I are both avid outdoorsmen, we chose a name that relates to our hunting expeditions. A "Push", also called a "Drive", relates to a hunting technique. Ten is what we consider an ideal number of hunters to execute the maneuver.

The album is very diverse with up-tempo and some ballads or mid-tempo songs/melodies and the album has no title?
John: The songs originally were to be a Lonnie solo album.

Lonnie: We discussed this and decided to simply make it a self titled debut.

You wrote most of the songs and lyrics together, like In The Dirt, Blue Roses, Start Living, Where I Belong and Hate Me.
John: On the whole, most of the songwriting here is Lonnie from the beginning. I came in later and changed some things and added parts etc.

Lonnie: We have collaborated on writing for years. We work well together and expand on each other's creativity. Regardless of who is the dominant writer on any given song, the others influence always brings the song to a higher level. We are very fortunate to have this relationship.

Nate didn't play the drums on this album. Greg Marsted and John Macaluso.
John: I saw John play with Chris Caffery here in NY last year on the Spread Eagle tour. Love the guy, love his playing. We didn't know Nate was available at the time of the recording. Nate is our full time band member now. Greg is the drummer for our local cover band. He is great too, but runs a company here that doesn't allow him to tour much.

Lonnie: At the time of the drum tracks, we had yet to fill the positions of bass and drums. John M. and Greg M. did excellent work and John West produced all the percussion tracks. Now Nate is the permanent guy and is doing an amazing job. All the new material we have been recording features him and he is remarkable live.

John was it not strange to do the backing vocals instead of lead vocals and play the guitar?
John: Actually not. You see, Lonnie and I trade off a lot here in our local band. For the fan who has never heard it- must be weird. I also feel like playing guitar is freeing for me in a way. I'm still singing a lot with Ten Man Push. We play some of my solo stuff live, which was never allowed in Royal Hunt.

Lonnie, you have your own studio right? Is the album recorded and mixed and produced by your self in your own studio?
Lonnie: Yes, I have a studio in my home as well as Ultimate Studios her in Central NY. The CD was completed using both.

The albums is released by Nozen Glazzes Records. Can you tell our readers more about the contact between TMP and NGR?
Lonnie: NGR is our own independent label.

John: In this day and age, it makes sense to have your own label.

John you are very busy with many other projects, where did you find the time to write/compose songs between all this?
John: That is a very good question! I am also raising a four year old daughter!

John and Lonnie did you grew up in a musically family, can you tell us both a bit more about your musical background and when you started making music and singing?
John: Yes. The cover of my last solo album "Long Time No Sing" features pictures of us as children doing music. My mother had some great records and even bought me the first Boston album. My brother had all the heavy stuff like Aerosmith and Zeppelin. I was a Kiss freak for a while. I started getting paid for gigs when I was 14...Career path!

Lonnie: I grew up in a very spiritual home filled with music. My Father played guitar, my Mother and Sister both played piano. Everyone loved to sing. I didn't take it seriously until I was in my late teens. Then it became my life's passion.

John and Lonnie: Which music do you listen yourself in your car or at home if you have a lazy sunday afternoon?
John: I listen mainly to talk radio, conservative talk or sports. Sometimes you just need a rest from so much music. I also need my mind clear to write original and new melodies and riffs.

Lonnie: Honestly I spend most of my listening time devoted to talk radio or news. Beyond that I love to listen to a wide variety of music from Sting, Edwin McCain, and Nickelback to prog. Metal, Keith Urban, and Elvis. Anytime you combine great songs and performances, and especially if the production is engaging, I am in!

A new video is on his way when can we expect the new one on Myspace or the website?
Lonnie: It is out there now. The video for "In The Dirt" featuring lots of professional motorcyclists flying by!

And fans can have free TMP ringtones too!
John: Yes, but just turn down "Idiot" while at work!

Lonnie: Yea, it is our gift to the fans. Enjoy!

What are the future plans in 2008 for TMP? More shows? Any plans to come over to Europe next year for some shows or festivals maybe?
John: Nothing concrete. We are focusing on America with this band first. I haven't been on tour in the States since 1998 with Lynch Mob!

Lonnie: 2008 looks like a huge year for us. Too early to spill any real specifics but I promise it is going to be a marquis year and should really get TMP on the map! Music, movies, motorsports, and yes, touring. Also we would love to do some European festivals. Keep your fingers crossed.

Is there anything I forgot to ask you guys and you want to say/share to our readers?

John: Without your support, there is no Ten Man Push. I look forward to the day I can return to Holland, and see all the Dutch fans. I used to go on extensive tours there every year with Michael Lee Firkins in the 90's.

Lonnie: John and I have worked together for some time on various projects, each unique in their own way. Ten Man Push, however, is not a "project". TMP is a true performing band with unique character and longevity. It is already evolving and moving to another level and I promise you will hear from us for years to come. Thanks to all who have been there from day 1.

Interview: Silvana Breur
Photos: Dana Merkur

http://www.myspace.com/tenmanpush

Official website Ten Man Push