Interview with band Danny Echo - part 3

To read part 1, click here. To read part 2, click here.

Cendrine Marrouat: How is the music scene in Vancouver? Have you noticed differences with other Canadian cities? 

Mark Klausmayer : Lots of great musicians in Vancouver... but a definite lack of a 'scene'.  Music is a very low priority in this town (especially after experiencing the live music scene in England).  It might be a bit better in Toronto, but everyone (including myself sometimes) is preoccupied with the other cool things to do in Vancouver, like outdoor activities – and Hockey!  Oh, if only we could get people to riot at our concerts.  Ha Ha, now THAT would be Rock 'n' Roll!

Dan Newton: I guess it depends on your definition of a scene. There are plenty of bands and musicians in Vancouver, and lots of places to play all the varied genres. Coupled with the bands making it big out of Vancouver, like Mother Mother, The New Pornographers, Bend sinister, Said the Whale, and of course the mega stars like Nickleback and the 604 corp. I'd have to say the “Scene” is as big as it has been since the 80s and early 90s. I think it’s better than Toronto’s scene but more poppy than Montreal’s.

CM: As an independent band, what are some of the challenges that you encounter? 

MK: We always spend WAY more than we make.

DN: I guess building a following with limited funds and marketing skills is one of our biggest challenges.

CM: In September 2011, you will travel to Osaka, Japan, for the Kansai Music Conference. What will you do there?

MK: Ask Danny... I think he knows some Japanese.

DN: Well I hope to play a few gigs, make lots of connections with other musicians, fans, and hopefully some A&R folks.

CM: What are you working on right now? 

MK: My current job is finishing up the recording of eight new songs. Some of them are quite a bit different from the last two albums, but they still have the rock 'n' roll edge.

Ian Newbery: As Mark mentioned, we’ve tried some new approaches with the new songs, but at the end of the day it still sounds like Danny Echo.  However, on some of the songs we’ve made an effort to combine as many diverse influences as possible, while still maintaining our trademark rock ‘n' roll approach. For example, we wrote a new song called “No Rymin’ In Your Reason” that combines elements from the Stones, Green Day, Guns ‘n Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Abba, and The Beatles.  Somehow it all seems to work, and still sounds like a rock ‘n' roll song!

DN: We have recorded a small batch of new tunes and I’m trying to get the vocals done with Mark, plus I am writing lots of new ideas and material at home in the Echo Entertainment Inc HQ Studios.

CM: Where can people find more information on you and your music? 

MK: At any time, just Google “DANNY ECHO”... the computer will do the rest.

DN: DannyEcho.com

CM: Any last words?

MK: Rock On and Bottoms Up!!!

DN: Probably.

End of the interview.

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Cendrine Marrouat may be contacted for potential interviews, reviews and general enquiries at info@cendrinemarrouat.com