First of all, congratulations on the new EP, Back from the Brink. When I heard it, it completely blew me away !
Thanx Sweety. I’m pretty proud of it myself, although I also can’t wait to start
recording my next full-length album.
How are things going with yourself and within the band as of late?
Overall, things with me are cool. Fall’s always been my favorite season and this past summer was a particularly frustrating one for me. After I flipped out and left my last line-up on New Years (don’t ask, but if you really need to know the dirty details, it’ll be in my next book), it took me over 6 months to replace it. Don’t get me wrong; I made the right choice (by scraping everyone and starting again from scratch) it was just something I had to do, but instead of moving forward with my show as fiercely as I wanted to, I spent the majority of 2006 in my rehearsal space either auditioning, instructing or practicing the same old songs. I felt like my wheels were spinning. It seemed to take forever just to reach the point that I was at when I had stopped. So…Finally, I’m picking up where I left off.
Has the search for a drummer come close to an end ?
It sure has Baby. I’ve been through three new drummers in three months. Bad, I know, and that’s after auditioning about a hundred. The first two couldn’t keep up, But like they say; Third time’s the charm. I wanted to be absolutely sure that this line-up was going to be able to keep me happy because I really don’t want to go through whole ordeal again anytime soon. These guys are talented, fun, professional and completely dedicated to Rock n’ Roll. Its great having some excitement and raw ambition back in the studio air. Jamming is fresh and invigorating again. It’s deadly. I can’t wait to show these boys off…My new line-up is; Mikey Wolfe – guitar, Aron Maiden – bass, Morgan Darling – drums
How has the reaction been to the record thus far ? Is there plans for a full length in the near future ?
It’s been well-received (despite my recent inability to tour in support of it). The only some-what negative remark I often hear is that it’s too short. I’m extremely anxious to get going on my next album, and yes, it will be a full-length. That much I’m sure of. It’ll be interesting writing with my new band as well; each new member brings to the creative process their own musical and artistic influences, which, when blended with my own style and ideas, will obviously affect the general sound of our music, (for the better I suspect). Not changed, but improved, you know?
With the year wrapping up is there anything that is happening for the band to go out with ? Any news of tours or shows that the readers should know about ?
My first show with the new drummer is in
Is there any plans or desire for CJ Sleez to cross the border and make some appearances in the States ?
Like I said Babe; nothing set in stone yet, but of course I plan to. I love the States and look forward to my next visit.
How much of the writing process do you partake in ? Im curious because of your actual name and the fact that the band takes the CJ Sleez moniker ? Do you do a good amount of the instrumentation or is it simply "your band", hence that is why the name is CJ Sleez ?
Although a few of our songs were written solely by me (words + music), I like to encourage an open exchange of ideas. And many songs were born solely from the original riffs of bandmates. I do however, write all the words and put the songs together (composition wise), but if one of my musicians has a great idea, I’m more than happy to develop it along with them.
As far as who owns the rights to the songs, it’s always been split evenly between whoever’s in the band at the time the song is written (25%- 4 ways; or 20% each when I had 5 members), despite how much personal involvement was invested in the process.
So we all get credit in the end. The way I look at it is; A new song is built with layers, and each individual member is responsible for creating/perfecting their own tablature (or layer of sound). That’s why with this EP, I didn’t bother to get specific with the credits.
We’re all working from scratch really and I appreciate everyone’s input. It’s an amazing thing to be a part of, and I make it a point to never underestimate anyone (possibly because so many have underestimated me in the past).
Now, from my understanding in
I guess that’s a catch 22 situation. On the one hand, it means that radio must air a mandatory percentage of Canadian music, but then it seems that all they play is safe crap. The one great Canadian medium is Much Music. Not only are they supportive and aware of what’s really happening with live music in Toronto, but they also work in conjunction with the government to offer serious local musicians grants for projects such as recordings, music videos and touring. Another really cool station is 102.1 the Edge in
What inspired you to write your book: Poor Little Bitch Girl ?
As a musician/artist I’ve always felt that it’s important to expose myself to the world in any way that I can. Also, people have always told me (half-jokingly) that I should write a book because my lifestyle is so crazy. I’ve also been told, by-the-way, that I should have my own reality show. The only thing about that would be, that most of the really interesting stuff would never make it past the censors. The best thing about writing the book is being able to watch someone read it and start laughing out loud. I live for entertaining (myself and others)! It gives me such satisfaction to have a positive affect on people, be it through my music or my writing.
Are you a celebrity in your country, or was it just a deal where it was more of a personal release ? To just get it out, and allow people a new insight into an artist’s world ?
“Am I a celebrity?” See now that’s a loaded question… if I say yes, than I come across as conceited and pretentious- if I say no, then I sound pathetically humble and out-of-touch. I will however, say that I’m infamous (lol). I try to remain as accessible as I can be, (even with thousands of fans). I mean at this point it’s still pretty underground Rock n’ Roll. If you ask me, that’s part of what makes it so cool. The whole ‘big city’ Rock club scene is so dark and hip. It’s not about posturing or name-dropping either, at least with me it’s not. Although I can’t deny that being called a ‘Rock Star’ once-in-a-while does feel amazing (flattery will get you everywhere with me), I simply see myself as a working artist. After all, hype is easy, it’s backing it up that’s hard.
How has the book been accepted ?
The book’s doing well. Thanx. It has been flagged as ‘controversial’ by some critics, but hell, I’m used to that at this point and generally expect nothing less. I’ve never considered controversy to be a negative thing, especially in Rock n’ Roll.
On to other topics… Do you feel that the internet is hurting the music industry or is it helping out ?
Overall, I think that the internet is a positive thing. Or at least it can be for independent artists such as me. Whether it’s utilized as a management resource or simply as a way of reaching your fan base, the internet can be an invaluable tool when running a band. If it’s negative for anyone, I’d imagine it’d be with the corporate major labels. After all, they’re the ones who are always hung up on money, right?
Does the same go for downloading music; do you embrace the actions of getting free songs/cds ?
I don’t mind giving away a few songs here and there. It just forces us to make our CD packages that much better. It’s no longer good enough to simply list your tracks. For example, with ‘Rock Action’ I turned the artwork into different games (such as a cut-out doll, a crossword, a puzzle, fill-in-the blanks and more). I even included a full deck of cards and inserted a tiny set of dice into the spine of each CD. On ‘Back from the Brink’ I included one of my videos (Backdoor Tease). I see it as a natural progression. Now days, if you want someone to go buy your record, you have to make it a collectable.
How do you see the current state or music these days ? In particularly the state of rock music, there seems to be an influx of rock music with a punk attitude making some noise in the underground; do you see this taking into a more prominent factor in music ?
Definitely. It’s time for mainstream’s return to Rock, and it’s long overdue if you ask me. Pop culture always begins in the underground scenes. Then some well-connected capitalists will catch on, run with it and market it for the masses. Also, rap music has completely run its course. It’s become a parody of itself a couple of perfect examples to illustrate my point would be both the latest Milk and Pepto Bismol commercial. It’s lost its edge and has become too predictable. I believe that sometime very soon, people will get bored of rap and start looking into other musical genres such as Hard Rock. It seems like every 10-15 years, Rock n’ Roll once again becomes stylish.
Are there any bands that you think people should take notice to ?
People should take more notice of their own local musicians and show them some appreciation and support. They need it so much more than artists who’s songs make the charts.
Who would you love to hit the road with ?
I guess it would be whoever has the biggest venues booked and the best ticket sales. Right now I’m all about exposure. Having fun is another symptom of being on the road. I’ve never had to rely on another band showing me a good time. I show myself Baby!
Also, who would be your ideal concert lineup; dead or alive?
Guns n’ Roses with the original line-up, Nirvana, The Rammones (w/ Joey),
Motley Crue (back when they were still crazy partiers and good looking), Marilyn Manson and The New York Dolls (with David Johansen and Johnny Thunders). And of course me.
Sum up what is going to be the main priority of CJ Sleez, both personally and for the band, in the immediate future and year to come.
Within the next year I’d like to record and release another full-length album as well as tour extensively. I’m also hoping to finish writing and then publish my second book. As far as personally? I don’t do personally. My band is my life, everything else revolves around it.
Alright, that does it for me. If there is anything else that you would like to mention – here it is.
For future gig updates, news, photos, press and more, check out my website
@ www.cjsleez.com Information can also be found @ myspace/cjsleez where if you wish to, you can join our list of friends/fans.
Thank you for your time and my bests to the band !
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