Sometimes you happen upon a very intriguing release and all you wanna do is gather more info and eventually spread the word out cuz’ some albums need to reach a bigger audience. That’s what happened with “Original Retro” when I accidentally listened to it. Ronny Lee is a gifted vocalist & musician so finding out more about what he does and how he came up with “Original Retro” was more than necessary. Hence, read below in order to find out yourselves…
Hey Ronny, I’m glad I have the chance to present you on Grande Rock…
R: Thanos my friend! The pleasure is certainly mine!
Since some may look out for you, can you tell us in brief about your musical background and route to date?
R: I feel like I have been involved in music most of my life. I started singing in church as a boy, had a solo vocal part in a sixth grade graduation program, had the lead role in “Jesus Christ Superstar” in high school and I joined my first band in college.
I earned a living as a lead vocalist in Los Angeles, CA USA throughout my 20s with bands that played rock and country rock covers as well as some original music. Today, when I’m not playing with a full band, I play many dates as a soloist in a “One-Man-Band” configuration playing classic rock and blues.
I also know that you have been involved in other music groups & so on all these years that you deal with music… isn’t it so?
R: Yes. Some of my earliest success on a local level in L.A. was with a Southern Rock American sound. We called the group “Baywood”. We held the attendance record for a “Yet-To-Be-Signed-Band” at one of the U.S.’s most famous Country Music Clubs, “The Palomino”. To my understanding, it burned to the ground in 1995 so our attendance record there will forever stand. We had a very strong following “back in the day.”
So here we come in 2014 and “Original Retro” is out. Did you plan to release a “retro”AOR album or it just came out naturally?
R: I am somewhat embarrassed to say that I was not fully aware of the scope and intensity of the AOR 80s movement. I am in awe and delighted with my new understanding of the power of the International AOR movement. My intent in releasing “Original Retro” was simply to share the music that I love with anyone who might take the time to listen. To answer you directly, “It came naturally”.
Are the songs, on “Original Retro” new or you also used older ones? And who are the songwriters behind Ronny Lee?
R: “Original Retro” is my first release. As is often the case, I have had these songs in my portfolio for a while now. They are a collection of songs I’ve been involved with over the years. Some of the song concepts go way back. That seems to be the case with many “first-time-projects” of other artists. I also think that is why the songs are being received as “Authentic AOR 80s”. The inspiration for all of these songs is taken directly from a great era of music. All of the songs on my 2015 release I will have written or co-written. Many are penned now and several are well on their way to being complete. I’m very excited about the future album!
I am so fortunate to have several close friends who are great writers and who contributed to “Original Retro”. I have a tab on my web site, specifically dedicated to those who contributed their writing skills and others who played important roles in seeing “Original Retro” to completion. Check it out here.
There are writing credits on the CD cover but interestingly enough, my initial budget for packaging of the CD was so limited and we had such limited space, I couldn’t really even get the player’s names on it. I think if we have an opportunity for a second run of manufacturing, that will certainly change. I was very fortunate to work with many talented people.
How did the album title “Original Retro” occur? In a time that all the modern stuff is trendy… why did you choose to go the other way?
R: I’m glad you asked me this question. The name just came to me, in an instant, with little thought. It just felt so right. It was like I didn’t name it, the Universe named it. That might sound a bit lame, but that’s exactly how it happened. It’s all original, never before heard music that is retro to a classic sound.
Do you think that we miss “actual 80sAOR ” albums since even those who defined the genre are following a different way nowadays or some do not exist anymore?
R: I believe that it’s a very human response to think about a “golden era gone by”. As someone who has recently been illumined by the fact that the AOR movement is so strong in Europe and South America, my perspective is a bit different I suppose. There’s a lot of good music coming out that strongly represents true AOR. You might have to dig for it a bit to find the nugget that takes each individual to that special place of that “Golden Era” but it’s there. Grande-Rock is doing a great job of exposing us to this fact. I’m personally stoked to see Night Ranger putting out new music. I really like what I’m hearing from them.
Do give us some thoughts about each track…
R: “Straight to the Top”: Uplifting, positive message. I believe we all need that message in our lives.
“Long After Midnight”: This song paints a dark but beautiful portrait. It rocks baby!
“It’s Been Too Long”: It’s got a chorus that everyone can sing to and I hope everyone gives it a shot.
“Just One Night”: Rock ‘n’ Roll AOR 80s by the book.
“Side By Side”: A power ballad. I love to perform this song. It gives me chills every time I do.
“Easy Street”: Another great chorus, great walking drum & bass feel, I was so fortunate to have the players on this album that I did.
“Hey Mary”: Dance Techno of the 80s meets guitar crunch! “Mary, can you hear me pleading”!
“Backstreets”: One of the many things I’m happy about “Original Retro” is the variation of moods and feels from track to track. Each individual track is strong either standing alone of as a part of the album concept. “Backstreets” tells a story that make me feel like I’m right there, part of the story, whenever I hear or sing it.
“Black Limos & White Lines”: Be careful if you have a fast car and this song comes on your player. Your foot just might get a little heavy!
“Sign of the Times”: Have fun with “Sign of the Times”. Guitars, B-3 Hammond, there’s even a little “jungle beat” in the percussion breakdown. It’s just rock ‘n’ roll. Oh yeah!
In a couple of tracks we can hear a crowd like they were recorded live. Why’s that? Did you use some “crowd parts” from your live shows?
R: Yes. The tracks for this CD were recorded at four different locations. I didn’t want to release an EP with just a few songs. I wanted to stay true to the AOR “Album Oriented Rock” concept with 10 tracks. It’s hard to do that with just a few songs to my way of thinking. I never had the funds to record more than a couple of songs at a time. The two songs that you refer to, I was disappointed in the fidelity compared to the other tracks which were supported by a stronger budget and facilities. Yeah, to hide the “hiss” in the intros, I added some live crowd noise. After we tested the concept, it actually felt like it added to the AOR 80s feel, so I went with it.
Where did the recordings take place and who mixed, produced and mastered the album? Are you satisfied with that 80s sweet “retro” sound it has? I guess this is exactly what you had in mind in the first place huh?
R: As I mentioned, there were four recording locations in Los Angeles where the songs were also mixed at each location over several years. Production credits would primarily go to the engineers on the individual location projects. Individual tracks were “sweetened” to try to obtain a “through-line” or continuity in a small studio in Terre Haute, IN USA. The album was mastered at Lodge Studios in Indianapolis, IN USA. Yes, pretty happy with the retro sound.
Who are the musicians that participate in the album? As far as I know you did all the vocals, right?
R: The musicians are the friends that I alluded to earlier. You can check them out here. I sang all of the lead vocals and the majority of the backgrounds.
“Original Retro” is a fully independent release. Did you plan it all the way from the beginning? I mean did you get in touch with any labels or you didn’t care about it at all?
R: I’ve had no contact with labels as of yet. I’ve just been concentrating on getting the music to the people as directly as possible. I recall, back in the day, the “Label Chase” for lack of a better term. My philosophy today is to create the music and present it to the people. They will let me know if it’s worth listening to. With that said, I would love to have label support. I’m hoping our paths will cross in a positive way in the future.
Now that the album is out, was it a good choice to do it on your own? Which were the new experiences that you gained by doing so and what things you believe could have been done better now that you have the “know-how”?
R: Yes I believe it was. The recording industry has changed so much in the last couple of decades. I don’t know all of the “ins and outs” but I do know that it is drastically different. So many tools are available to the artist now. At the same time, it seems that so much more is up to the artist and is the responsibility of the artist. As far as new experiences, it seems like everything is a new experience because of constant technological change. Everyday there’s a new app, a new tool or a new approach for everything. It can either be daunting or exciting depending on one’s state of mind. I’m very excited about being a musical artist primarily because of the direct connection with people.
The things I could have done better would be to raise enough capital to record all of the songs at the same location hopefully at the same time period. However, I’ve also found that if we wait for all of our circumstances to be perfect, some people never get started at all.
R: Thanos my friend! The pleasure is certainly mine!
Since some may look out for you, can you tell us in brief about your musical background and route to date?
R: I feel like I have been involved in music most of my life. I started singing in church as a boy, had a solo vocal part in a sixth grade graduation program, had the lead role in “Jesus Christ Superstar” in high school and I joined my first band in college.
I earned a living as a lead vocalist in Los Angeles, CA USA throughout my 20s with bands that played rock and country rock covers as well as some original music. Today, when I’m not playing with a full band, I play many dates as a soloist in a “One-Man-Band” configuration playing classic rock and blues.
I also know that you have been involved in other music groups & so on all these years that you deal with music… isn’t it so?
R: Yes. Some of my earliest success on a local level in L.A. was with a Southern Rock American sound. We called the group “Baywood”. We held the attendance record for a “Yet-To-Be-Signed-Band” at one of the U.S.’s most famous Country Music Clubs, “The Palomino”. To my understanding, it burned to the ground in 1995 so our attendance record there will forever stand. We had a very strong following “back in the day.”
So here we come in 2014 and “Original Retro” is out. Did you plan to release a “retro”
R: I am somewhat embarrassed to say that I was not fully aware of the scope and intensity of the AOR 80s movement. I am in awe and delighted with my new understanding of the power of the International AOR movement. My intent in releasing “Original Retro” was simply to share the music that I love with anyone who might take the time to listen. To answer you directly, “It came naturally”.
Are the songs, on “Original Retro” new or you also used older ones? And who are the songwriters behind Ronny Lee?
R: “Original Retro” is my first release. As is often the case, I have had these songs in my portfolio for a while now. They are a collection of songs I’ve been involved with over the years. Some of the song concepts go way back. That seems to be the case with many “first-time-projects” of other artists. I also think that is why the songs are being received as “Authentic AOR 80s”. The inspiration for all of these songs is taken directly from a great era of music. All of the songs on my 2015 release I will have written or co-written. Many are penned now and several are well on their way to being complete. I’m very excited about the future album!
I am so fortunate to have several close friends who are great writers and who contributed to “Original Retro”. I have a tab on my web site, specifically dedicated to those who contributed their writing skills and others who played important roles in seeing “Original Retro” to completion. Check it out here.
There are writing credits on the CD cover but interestingly enough, my initial budget for packaging of the CD was so limited and we had such limited space, I couldn’t really even get the player’s names on it. I think if we have an opportunity for a second run of manufacturing, that will certainly change. I was very fortunate to work with many talented people.
How did the album title “Original Retro” occur? In a time that all the modern stuff is trendy… why did you choose to go the other way?
R: I’m glad you asked me this question. The name just came to me, in an instant, with little thought. It just felt so right. It was like I didn’t name it, the Universe named it. That might sound a bit lame, but that’s exactly how it happened. It’s all original, never before heard music that is retro to a classic sound.
Do you think that we miss “actual 80s
R: I believe that it’s a very human response to think about a “golden era gone by”. As someone who has recently been illumined by the fact that the AOR movement is so strong in Europe and South America, my perspective is a bit different I suppose. There’s a lot of good music coming out that strongly represents true AOR. You might have to dig for it a bit to find the nugget that takes each individual to that special place of that “Golden Era” but it’s there. Grande-Rock is doing a great job of exposing us to this fact. I’m personally stoked to see Night Ranger putting out new music. I really like what I’m hearing from them.
Do give us some thoughts about each track…
R: “Straight to the Top”: Uplifting, positive message. I believe we all need that message in our lives.
“Long After Midnight”: This song paints a dark but beautiful portrait. It rocks baby!
“It’s Been Too Long”: It’s got a chorus that everyone can sing to and I hope everyone gives it a shot.
“Just One Night”: Rock ‘n’ Roll AOR 80s by the book.
“Side By Side”: A power ballad. I love to perform this song. It gives me chills every time I do.
“Easy Street”: Another great chorus, great walking drum & bass feel, I was so fortunate to have the players on this album that I did.
“Hey Mary”: Dance Techno of the 80s meets guitar crunch! “Mary, can you hear me pleading”!
“Backstreets”: One of the many things I’m happy about “Original Retro” is the variation of moods and feels from track to track. Each individual track is strong either standing alone of as a part of the album concept. “Backstreets” tells a story that make me feel like I’m right there, part of the story, whenever I hear or sing it.
“Black Limos & White Lines”: Be careful if you have a fast car and this song comes on your player. Your foot just might get a little heavy!
“Sign of the Times”: Have fun with “Sign of the Times”. Guitars, B-3 Hammond, there’s even a little “jungle beat” in the percussion breakdown. It’s just rock ‘n’ roll. Oh yeah!
In a couple of tracks we can hear a crowd like they were recorded live. Why’s that? Did you use some “crowd parts” from your live shows?
R: Yes. The tracks for this CD were recorded at four different locations. I didn’t want to release an EP with just a few songs. I wanted to stay true to the AOR “Album Oriented Rock” concept with 10 tracks. It’s hard to do that with just a few songs to my way of thinking. I never had the funds to record more than a couple of songs at a time. The two songs that you refer to, I was disappointed in the fidelity compared to the other tracks which were supported by a stronger budget and facilities. Yeah, to hide the “hiss” in the intros, I added some live crowd noise. After we tested the concept, it actually felt like it added to the AOR 80s feel, so I went with it.
Where did the recordings take place and who mixed, produced and mastered the album? Are you satisfied with that 80s sweet “retro” sound it has? I guess this is exactly what you had in mind in the first place huh?
R: As I mentioned, there were four recording locations in Los Angeles where the songs were also mixed at each location over several years. Production credits would primarily go to the engineers on the individual location projects. Individual tracks were “sweetened” to try to obtain a “through-line” or continuity in a small studio in Terre Haute, IN USA. The album was mastered at Lodge Studios in Indianapolis, IN USA. Yes, pretty happy with the retro sound.
Who are the musicians that participate in the album? As far as I know you did all the vocals, right?
R: The musicians are the friends that I alluded to earlier. You can check them out here. I sang all of the lead vocals and the majority of the backgrounds.
“Original Retro” is a fully independent release. Did you plan it all the way from the beginning? I mean did you get in touch with any labels or you didn’t care about it at all?
R: I’ve had no contact with labels as of yet. I’ve just been concentrating on getting the music to the people as directly as possible. I recall, back in the day, the “Label Chase” for lack of a better term. My philosophy today is to create the music and present it to the people. They will let me know if it’s worth listening to. With that said, I would love to have label support. I’m hoping our paths will cross in a positive way in the future.
Now that the album is out, was it a good choice to do it on your own? Which were the new experiences that you gained by doing so and what things you believe could have been done better now that you have the “know-how”?
R: Yes I believe it was. The recording industry has changed so much in the last couple of decades. I don’t know all of the “ins and outs” but I do know that it is drastically different. So many tools are available to the artist now. At the same time, it seems that so much more is up to the artist and is the responsibility of the artist. As far as new experiences, it seems like everything is a new experience because of constant technological change. Everyday there’s a new app, a new tool or a new approach for everything. It can either be daunting or exciting depending on one’s state of mind. I’m very excited about being a musical artist primarily because of the direct connection with people.
The things I could have done better would be to raise enough capital to record all of the songs at the same location hopefully at the same time period. However, I’ve also found that if we wait for all of our circumstances to be perfect, some people never get started at all.
I know that you are a very active person & musician. A few days/weeks ago you were giving some live shows. So what’s next on your live program?
R: I’m trying to get over to Europe. That is my primary goal. I want to share “Original Retro” LIVE! My contacts there are very limited. I will welcome and entertain any opportunities to go there to play. I will need some help doing that and maybe your readership can provide me some input.
What are your expectations for “Original Retro”?
R: I felt strongly that I would be sharing some good music when I released “Original Retro”. I did not anticipate the far reaching interest the music would inspire. I’ve been contacted from people who have obtained my music in Sweden, The Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, The UK, Spain and Argentina. Prior to the release of “O.R.” I don’t think I’ve even spoken to anyone in those countries. I feel so blessed that now I can say that I have friends in all of those places!
I try not to have too many expectations. I’m just hoping and working toward opportunities to get the music in front of more people. Not for wealth or stardom sake but it’s because performing brings me happiness and if I can help others have a rockin’ evening I will have reached my goal.
Where can someone find and buy “Original Retro” and in which format?
R: Hard copies and Downloads at CD’s at www.cdbaby.com/cd/ronnylee1. Downloads at amazon.com & Spotify.
It’s time for our “weird questions”!!! Which are the top 3AOR releases of all time?
R: Foreigner – “Double Vision”…
Heart – “Dreamboat Annie”…
Styx – “Paradise Theater”…
What kind of music do you prefer the most and what does music mean to you?
R: I will listen to a fairly wide variety of music. I prefer music with a rock theme. I’m a fan of American “Southern Rock” music as well as the AOR 80s sound. Whatever the flavor, it needs to have strong melody in the vocal and lead instrumentation. Harmony is cool.
Music means emotion. Music means time-travel. It can elevate you, it can bring you down. It can be a narcotic for the player and the listener. It can heal and it can distress. It is awesome. Can you imagine a world without music? I can’t.
If you had the chance to be reborn, would you choose to be a musician again?
R: Without a doubt, although I would start the instant I could hold an instrument. I didn’t own a guitar until 13. The earlier we start, the better. My 18 year old son probably knows more about music theory than I do today. He’s awesome!
Which do you consider to be the best music era of all time & why?
R: 60s – 80s. The exploration and unveiling of rock music was astronomical. I don’t know that there have been many musical innovations since then. Technical yes, musical, not many. Obviously that’s just my opinion. Primarily the Beatles achievements were the most important. (Don’t be mad Stones people!)
How do you see the “free downloading issue” of our time? In a world where people easily download music for free and hardly pay for it what can we do in order to change things? Is it different now that you can see things on the inside?
R: There was a time in history when the only way a musician could profit was to play his/her instrument or use their voice in a live setting. It kind of seems like we’re returning to that time. In the history of music, making money from a recording is, in the scope of time, relatively new. Changing things back to the old way or trying to “control” people never ends up very good for anyone.
Do you think that funding platforms like Kicksatrter, Indiegogo etc. can give any kind of solution to the “legal downloading” matter? Can bands/artists only be supported by their fans in order to make music?
R: I guess it might be a partial solution. If you can make a living playing music live, that in itself is pretty cool. Who wouldn’t trade a 9-5 for that?
Is music art? Or it used to be? How can those mainstream hit songs we repeatedly hear on the internet, radio & TV be taken as music art?
R: You’re gonna get me in trouble. I believe most music is a form of art. Not all art classifies as art to me though. It is all “in the eye” or “ear of the beholder”. I suppose the most realistic answer is that we have choice. We don’t have to support music or art that doesn’t appeal to us. However, we should support one’s right to create it. If we don’t like the mainstream, we should turn it off. There are so many choices available to us.
Best pick-up line that has worked for you several times in the past?
R: My favorite was “Would you and your daughter like to go out for ice cream?”, I’m still married to that girl. (The Mom I mean!) (i.n.: Hehehehe…)
Imagine that your girlfriend/wife is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
R: I might have to ask somebody else… “out for ice cream”.
Finally, we come to an end Ronny. Thx for the music and for being so positive in general. Say anything you like to conclude. Take care dude!
R: It’s the people. Musicians-Artists are nothing without the people to listen or to view their work. Thank you AOR 80s Rock Nation! Thank you Grande-Rock for interviewing me, Ronny Lee and “Original Retro”. I am humbled by your interest!
R: I’m trying to get over to Europe. That is my primary goal. I want to share “Original Retro” LIVE! My contacts there are very limited. I will welcome and entertain any opportunities to go there to play. I will need some help doing that and maybe your readership can provide me some input.
What are your expectations for “Original Retro”?
R: I felt strongly that I would be sharing some good music when I released “Original Retro”. I did not anticipate the far reaching interest the music would inspire. I’ve been contacted from people who have obtained my music in Sweden, The Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, The UK, Spain and Argentina. Prior to the release of “O.R.” I don’t think I’ve even spoken to anyone in those countries. I feel so blessed that now I can say that I have friends in all of those places!
I try not to have too many expectations. I’m just hoping and working toward opportunities to get the music in front of more people. Not for wealth or stardom sake but it’s because performing brings me happiness and if I can help others have a rockin’ evening I will have reached my goal.
Where can someone find and buy “Original Retro” and in which format?
R: Hard copies and Downloads at CD’s at www.cdbaby.com/cd/ronnylee1. Downloads at amazon.com & Spotify.
It’s time for our “weird questions”!!! Which are the top 3
R: Foreigner – “Double Vision”…
Heart – “Dreamboat Annie”…
Styx – “Paradise Theater”…
What kind of music do you prefer the most and what does music mean to you?
R: I will listen to a fairly wide variety of music. I prefer music with a rock theme. I’m a fan of American “Southern Rock” music as well as the AOR 80s sound. Whatever the flavor, it needs to have strong melody in the vocal and lead instrumentation. Harmony is cool.
Music means emotion. Music means time-travel. It can elevate you, it can bring you down. It can be a narcotic for the player and the listener. It can heal and it can distress. It is awesome. Can you imagine a world without music? I can’t.
If you had the chance to be reborn, would you choose to be a musician again?
R: Without a doubt, although I would start the instant I could hold an instrument. I didn’t own a guitar until 13. The earlier we start, the better. My 18 year old son probably knows more about music theory than I do today. He’s awesome!
Which do you consider to be the best music era of all time & why?
R: 60s – 80s. The exploration and unveiling of rock music was astronomical. I don’t know that there have been many musical innovations since then. Technical yes, musical, not many. Obviously that’s just my opinion. Primarily the Beatles achievements were the most important. (Don’t be mad Stones people!)
How do you see the “free downloading issue” of our time? In a world where people easily download music for free and hardly pay for it what can we do in order to change things? Is it different now that you can see things on the inside?
R: There was a time in history when the only way a musician could profit was to play his/her instrument or use their voice in a live setting. It kind of seems like we’re returning to that time. In the history of music, making money from a recording is, in the scope of time, relatively new. Changing things back to the old way or trying to “control” people never ends up very good for anyone.
Do you think that funding platforms like Kicksatrter, Indiegogo etc. can give any kind of solution to the “legal downloading” matter? Can bands/artists only be supported by their fans in order to make music?
R: I guess it might be a partial solution. If you can make a living playing music live, that in itself is pretty cool. Who wouldn’t trade a 9-5 for that?
Is music art? Or it used to be? How can those mainstream hit songs we repeatedly hear on the internet, radio & TV be taken as music art?
R: You’re gonna get me in trouble. I believe most music is a form of art. Not all art classifies as art to me though. It is all “in the eye” or “ear of the beholder”. I suppose the most realistic answer is that we have choice. We don’t have to support music or art that doesn’t appeal to us. However, we should support one’s right to create it. If we don’t like the mainstream, we should turn it off. There are so many choices available to us.
Best pick-up line that has worked for you several times in the past?
R: My favorite was “Would you and your daughter like to go out for ice cream?”, I’m still married to that girl. (The Mom I mean!) (i.n.: Hehehehe…)
Imagine that your girlfriend/wife is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
R: I might have to ask somebody else… “out for ice cream”.
Finally, we come to an end Ronny. Thx for the music and for being so positive in general. Say anything you like to conclude. Take care dude!
R: It’s the people. Musicians-Artists are nothing without the people to listen or to view their work. Thank you AOR 80s Rock Nation! Thank you Grande-Rock for interviewing me, Ronny Lee and “Original Retro”. I am humbled by your interest!