Seventrain may be a new name around but it consists of known members who have been in the rock scene for many years. The band’s debut album gave us the chance to talk with the well-known drummer Joel Maitoza about his new band, the debut album, rock/metal music in general and many more…
Hi Joel. How do you feel that the debut is finally out after all this time? By the way, good job dude!
J: Thanks so much bud. Yes, it’s taken a long time, but we’re all proud of the record and glad it’s finally out. Although most of the members in Seventrain have had some success with other bands in the past, this is really a brand new “start up” band we know we need to promote. We feel like this debut album is our introduction to let everyone know we’re here and try to get the word out via “grass roots” marketing and playing live.
Care to tell us a few words about the band’s name? How did it come about and what exactly does “Seventrain” mean to you?
J: Seventrain was a band name that guitarist Eric Horton came up with years ago. It was kind of a working title for a solo project he previously had so when we were trying to come up with a band name it was Seventrain by default really. It has no deep seeded meaning or story behind it. It just had a cool vibe to it. Eric and I actually recorded an album as Seventrain in 2003 with some other musicians, but never released it. The songs “Bleeding”, “Trouble” and “Never” on this new release were from the 2003 sessions. We just re-recorded the songs with the new members.
How did you decide the band’s music style? Judging by every band member’s previous work one would expect a much more ‘heavy metal’ sound. How come you switched to a hard/heavy rock sound?
J: All the songs on this debut album were written by vocalist Jon Campos and guitarist Eric Horton. About half the tunes were written on acoustic guitar which gave the songs a lighter feel I think. We will all be writing and contributing on the next record and already have ideas of how we want it to sound. All I can say is that the sophomore release next spring will be a much heavier album… I can promise you that! (i.n.: Can’t wait dude!)
What’s the little story behind each track?
J: “Bleeding”: It’s basically about being in a tormented relationship that eats away at you on every level.
“Rays of the Sun”: The battle between good and evil within your inner soul.
“Change”: How innocent people become victims of political agendas for the governments personal gain.
“Broken”: A personal story about being in a relationship with someone you love who suffers from a personality disorder.
“Pain”: About how the world is being torn apart by greed and corruption in everyday life and trying to deal with it on an emotional level.
“Trouble”: A true story about putting up with someone’s lies until you can’t take it anymore and then calling them out on it.
“Never”: Separation and betrayal.
“Bittersweet Seduction”: Written about a woman that you lust for but will torment you, eat you up and spit you out.
“How Does It Feel”: Inspired by an old western gunslinger who is nearing the end of his days and reflecting on how the life he lived feels more like a curse.
“Carry the Cross”: It’s about carrying the burden of having to fight other people’s battles via political figures, God and country.
“Let It Out”: About letting you feelings out and not holding them in which can destroy you.
The album was recorded at DML Studios with engineer Don Lithgow (Blink 182, New Found Glory, Finch). The songs were tracked in analog on 2” tape. How did that occur? Did you want to give a “sweet analog old sound” to the tracks? Was working with Don nice?
J: Exactly. We wanted those punchy drums and the warm analog sound. No autotune, over use of pro-tools or a lot of effects. We wanted to try to make a real stripped down rock record like the albums we grew up on in the 70s and 80s. What you hear on the record is how we sound live. As far as Don, I’ve done a handful of records with him before and we work well together. His studio has a very laid back feel to it and is surrounded by mountains in the middle of nowhere.
Can you please walk us through your recording process?
J: We decided to do the record after we played together at a memorial show for a mutual friend of ours that passed away. We locked ourselves in a rehearsal room for about 3 months working out arrangements, tempos and melodies. I tracked all the drum parts in one day. Although we spent about 9 months making the record, the actual recording time in the studio only took about 10 days to track, mix and master the 11 songs working anywhere from 4 to 12 hours a day.
Are there any interesting or funny stories in the studio while recording etc. that you would like to share with us?
J: Don (the engineer) just built this new studio location and the AC wasn’t installed yet so we had to keep the control room door open all the time while we were tracking. He had this bug zapper by the studio door so every few seconds you would hear a BZZZBZZZZ sound of something getting fried. Depending on the size of the bug, the louder the noise would be. (i.n.: Hehehe…)
Are you planning to release a music video for any of the songs?
J: Yes. We are shooting a video for the song “Bittersweet Seduction” next week. It will have an old western movie vibe to it. I think we are going to play in an old saloon or something. We are also talking about doing a second video as well, but not sure for which song yet.
How did you decide to release the album through your own label? Do you need to have the total control and do things your way?
J: No, not at all. We were actually talking to a few labels about licensing the album in the US during the recording process, but after we were done with it we decided to just release it and market it ourselves which has worked out pretty good so far. We wouldn’t ever rule out signing to a label if the offer made sense, but if we can do it ourselves, keep the masters, publishing and the majority of the returns, why not? We had a close friend of ours work it to rock radio and the album charted on the CMJ Loud Rock Top 40 at #36 its first week to radio. We received over 200 requests from publications worldwide who wanted to review the record before it was even manufactured so we figured let’s give it a shot and do it ourselves. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been a learning experience.
Any plans for touring in the near future?
J: We will be playing some select shows in the US with Michael Schenker, Skid Row and Black Star Riders and hope to get over to Europe in the fall. It’s difficult to tour without an established booking agency so we hope we will be able to find someone to help us on that end.
What are the band’s future plans? When can we expect a second album?
J: We plan on promoting this album and touring for the majority of 2014. If everything goes well this year, we’ll try to have a sophomore release around the spring of 2015.
Time for our “weird questions”!!! People say that today’s technology makes it a lot easier for bands around the world to record and promote their work using the internet. Do you agree with that?
J: Considering an artist just won a Grammy this year for an album they recorded and promoted themselves… yes. The only thing I don’t care for is the whole American Idol phenomenon because every Mom in America thinks their kid has talent, can sing or is ready for a record deal. I love to discover great bands that I probably never would have heard of if it wasn’t for the internet, but I miss the quality of well-produced records that major labels put out. Especially in the metal and rock genres which is almost non-existent now.
J: Thanks so much bud. Yes, it’s taken a long time, but we’re all proud of the record and glad it’s finally out. Although most of the members in Seventrain have had some success with other bands in the past, this is really a brand new “start up” band we know we need to promote. We feel like this debut album is our introduction to let everyone know we’re here and try to get the word out via “grass roots” marketing and playing live.
Care to tell us a few words about the band’s name? How did it come about and what exactly does “Seventrain” mean to you?
J: Seventrain was a band name that guitarist Eric Horton came up with years ago. It was kind of a working title for a solo project he previously had so when we were trying to come up with a band name it was Seventrain by default really. It has no deep seeded meaning or story behind it. It just had a cool vibe to it. Eric and I actually recorded an album as Seventrain in 2003 with some other musicians, but never released it. The songs “Bleeding”, “Trouble” and “Never” on this new release were from the 2003 sessions. We just re-recorded the songs with the new members.
How did you decide the band’s music style? Judging by every band member’s previous work one would expect a much more ‘heavy metal’ sound. How come you switched to a hard/heavy rock sound?
J: All the songs on this debut album were written by vocalist Jon Campos and guitarist Eric Horton. About half the tunes were written on acoustic guitar which gave the songs a lighter feel I think. We will all be writing and contributing on the next record and already have ideas of how we want it to sound. All I can say is that the sophomore release next spring will be a much heavier album… I can promise you that! (i.n.: Can’t wait dude!)
What’s the little story behind each track?
J: “Bleeding”: It’s basically about being in a tormented relationship that eats away at you on every level.
“Rays of the Sun”: The battle between good and evil within your inner soul.
“Change”: How innocent people become victims of political agendas for the governments personal gain.
“Broken”: A personal story about being in a relationship with someone you love who suffers from a personality disorder.
“Pain”: About how the world is being torn apart by greed and corruption in everyday life and trying to deal with it on an emotional level.
“Trouble”: A true story about putting up with someone’s lies until you can’t take it anymore and then calling them out on it.
“Never”: Separation and betrayal.
“Bittersweet Seduction”: Written about a woman that you lust for but will torment you, eat you up and spit you out.
“How Does It Feel”: Inspired by an old western gunslinger who is nearing the end of his days and reflecting on how the life he lived feels more like a curse.
“Carry the Cross”: It’s about carrying the burden of having to fight other people’s battles via political figures, God and country.
“Let It Out”: About letting you feelings out and not holding them in which can destroy you.
The album was recorded at DML Studios with engineer Don Lithgow (Blink 182, New Found Glory, Finch). The songs were tracked in analog on 2” tape. How did that occur? Did you want to give a “sweet analog old sound” to the tracks? Was working with Don nice?
J: Exactly. We wanted those punchy drums and the warm analog sound. No autotune, over use of pro-tools or a lot of effects. We wanted to try to make a real stripped down rock record like the albums we grew up on in the 70s and 80s. What you hear on the record is how we sound live. As far as Don, I’ve done a handful of records with him before and we work well together. His studio has a very laid back feel to it and is surrounded by mountains in the middle of nowhere.
Can you please walk us through your recording process?
J: We decided to do the record after we played together at a memorial show for a mutual friend of ours that passed away. We locked ourselves in a rehearsal room for about 3 months working out arrangements, tempos and melodies. I tracked all the drum parts in one day. Although we spent about 9 months making the record, the actual recording time in the studio only took about 10 days to track, mix and master the 11 songs working anywhere from 4 to 12 hours a day.
Are there any interesting or funny stories in the studio while recording etc. that you would like to share with us?
J: Don (the engineer) just built this new studio location and the AC wasn’t installed yet so we had to keep the control room door open all the time while we were tracking. He had this bug zapper by the studio door so every few seconds you would hear a BZZZBZZZZ sound of something getting fried. Depending on the size of the bug, the louder the noise would be. (i.n.: Hehehe…)
Are you planning to release a music video for any of the songs?
J: Yes. We are shooting a video for the song “Bittersweet Seduction” next week. It will have an old western movie vibe to it. I think we are going to play in an old saloon or something. We are also talking about doing a second video as well, but not sure for which song yet.
How did you decide to release the album through your own label? Do you need to have the total control and do things your way?
J: No, not at all. We were actually talking to a few labels about licensing the album in the US during the recording process, but after we were done with it we decided to just release it and market it ourselves which has worked out pretty good so far. We wouldn’t ever rule out signing to a label if the offer made sense, but if we can do it ourselves, keep the masters, publishing and the majority of the returns, why not? We had a close friend of ours work it to rock radio and the album charted on the CMJ Loud Rock Top 40 at #36 its first week to radio. We received over 200 requests from publications worldwide who wanted to review the record before it was even manufactured so we figured let’s give it a shot and do it ourselves. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been a learning experience.
Any plans for touring in the near future?
J: We will be playing some select shows in the US with Michael Schenker, Skid Row and Black Star Riders and hope to get over to Europe in the fall. It’s difficult to tour without an established booking agency so we hope we will be able to find someone to help us on that end.
What are the band’s future plans? When can we expect a second album?
J: We plan on promoting this album and touring for the majority of 2014. If everything goes well this year, we’ll try to have a sophomore release around the spring of 2015.
Time for our “weird questions”!!! People say that today’s technology makes it a lot easier for bands around the world to record and promote their work using the internet. Do you agree with that?
J: Considering an artist just won a Grammy this year for an album they recorded and promoted themselves… yes. The only thing I don’t care for is the whole American Idol phenomenon because every Mom in America thinks their kid has talent, can sing or is ready for a record deal. I love to discover great bands that I probably never would have heard of if it wasn’t for the internet, but I miss the quality of well-produced records that major labels put out. Especially in the metal and rock genres which is almost non-existent now.
If someone told you that you could only keep 3 albums from your record collection, which would those be and why?
J: “Go For What You Know” – Pat Travers – I played drums along to this album from beginning to end when I was a teenager. No better way to build up your chops than playing along with Tommy Aldridge every day and learning his licks.
The Very Best of Steely Dan – Never gets old. Love it.
“Strength In Numbers” – 24-7 Spyz – My first full length release on a major label (Eastwest/Atlantic Records). I had a blast recording this record at Little Mountain Studios in Vancouver, BC and working with the great Terry Date (Pantera, Deftones, Metal Church).
If you could live in any decade in human history which would you choose and why?
J: Proud to say I lived through it… the 80s. I was just talking to a friend of mine about this the other day. Some of the best rock/metal records came out in the 80s. Especially around 1981/82… “Blackout” (Scorpions), “Screaming for Vengeance” (Judas Priest), “Number of the Beast” (Iron Maiden), “Mob Rules” (Sabbath), “Black Tiger” (Y&T)… the classics, and I saw most of those tours too.
If you could share the stage with any person or band (alive or dead/ still together or broken up), who would it be and why?
J: 3 bands… #1) Ozzy. I’ve always wanted to play drums in Ozzy’s band. I actually auditioned for a solo project Geezer Butler was putting together when I was 16 and jammed with him at SIR in Hollywood. He loved my playing but said I was too young to take on the road. I also sent a demo to audition for Ozzy when I was in high school and Sharon called me back, but Randy Castillo got the gig.
#2) Racer X. I had the pleasure to jam with Paul Gilbert just before he recorded the first Racer X album and he is such an amazing player. Just a monster!
#3) Rush. I played in a Rush cover band in the 80s for a few years. We learned “La Villa Strangiato”, “YYZ”, “2112” and the whole side one of “Hemispheres”. Didn’t get a lot of chicks, but it was sure fun to play at parties. LOL
Describe in 5 or fewer words what the following bands mean to you…
J: Led Zeppelin: All time heroes…
Audioslave: Major influence…
King’s X: Most underrated band in the world. (Hi DUg).
Alterbridge: Mega riffs… much love.
AC/DC: Angus!!! Big rock, baby!
Van Halen: All time faves for me!
The Who: “The Kids are Alright” movie changed my life!
Deep Purple: Amazing. Too many classics!
Alice in Chains: Great band (Hi William)…
My Middle Finger: Tech rock…
6ONE9: Best local cover band around…
24-7 Spyz: Home. My family forever no matter what.
Tourniquet: Our bass player’s previous band. Killer!
Cage: Solid power metal..
Seventrain: Blues metal comin’ at cha!
How do you see this “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?
J: I understand both sides of it. As an artist I hate it. We worked on this record for a year and put our hard earned money into the making of it and some asshole uploaded it on a few sites two days prior to the release date. I know it was someone on our PR list because the only people who had the record prior to the release date was press. At the same time, I’m flattered that someone cares about our music enough to want to illegally share it. The only thing that really pisses me off is people that print up fake album artwork and try to sell it to make money without our authorization. Dude… I’ll give you CDs to sell if you want to make a few bucks and I’ll give you a cut, but don’t take the food off my table. I’ve seen that on a few sites and it’s not even our album artwork. The label imprint isn’t even the same. We have already reported the links to the FBI claiming copyright infringement. (i.n. That’s unethical guys… stop it!)
Imagine that your wife/girlfriend is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react? J
J: LOL… my wife would NEVER do that and I would never marry a woman that would even think about doing that! My wife has enough rings anyway. In fact, I might pawn one to make the next Seventrain record! Hmmmm… (i.n.: Hahaha, that’s the spirit dude!)
Thx for taking the time to talk to Grande Rock Joel. Close this interview in your own words. Keep on rockin’ dude! Take care!
J: The album is currently available on iTunes, Amazon and CD Baby and don’t forget to call your local rock radio stations and request us. Come like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/seventrainband and become part of our growing family. We love our fans and hope to meet you all in person someday soon. Thanks for the love! Peace!
J: “Go For What You Know” – Pat Travers – I played drums along to this album from beginning to end when I was a teenager. No better way to build up your chops than playing along with Tommy Aldridge every day and learning his licks.
The Very Best of Steely Dan – Never gets old. Love it.
“Strength In Numbers” – 24-7 Spyz – My first full length release on a major label (Eastwest/Atlantic Records). I had a blast recording this record at Little Mountain Studios in Vancouver, BC and working with the great Terry Date (Pantera, Deftones, Metal Church).
If you could live in any decade in human history which would you choose and why?
J: Proud to say I lived through it… the 80s. I was just talking to a friend of mine about this the other day. Some of the best rock/metal records came out in the 80s. Especially around 1981/82… “Blackout” (Scorpions), “Screaming for Vengeance” (Judas Priest), “Number of the Beast” (Iron Maiden), “Mob Rules” (Sabbath), “Black Tiger” (Y&T)… the classics, and I saw most of those tours too.
If you could share the stage with any person or band (alive or dead/ still together or broken up), who would it be and why?
J: 3 bands… #1) Ozzy. I’ve always wanted to play drums in Ozzy’s band. I actually auditioned for a solo project Geezer Butler was putting together when I was 16 and jammed with him at SIR in Hollywood. He loved my playing but said I was too young to take on the road. I also sent a demo to audition for Ozzy when I was in high school and Sharon called me back, but Randy Castillo got the gig.
#2) Racer X. I had the pleasure to jam with Paul Gilbert just before he recorded the first Racer X album and he is such an amazing player. Just a monster!
#3) Rush. I played in a Rush cover band in the 80s for a few years. We learned “La Villa Strangiato”, “YYZ”, “2112” and the whole side one of “Hemispheres”. Didn’t get a lot of chicks, but it was sure fun to play at parties. LOL
Describe in 5 or fewer words what the following bands mean to you…
J: Led Zeppelin: All time heroes…
Audioslave: Major influence…
King’s X: Most underrated band in the world. (Hi DUg).
Alterbridge: Mega riffs… much love.
AC/DC: Angus!!! Big rock, baby!
Van Halen: All time faves for me!
The Who: “The Kids are Alright” movie changed my life!
Deep Purple: Amazing. Too many classics!
Alice in Chains: Great band (Hi William)…
My Middle Finger: Tech rock…
6ONE9: Best local cover band around…
24-7 Spyz: Home. My family forever no matter what.
Tourniquet: Our bass player’s previous band. Killer!
Cage: Solid power metal..
Seventrain: Blues metal comin’ at cha!
How do you see this “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?
J: I understand both sides of it. As an artist I hate it. We worked on this record for a year and put our hard earned money into the making of it and some asshole uploaded it on a few sites two days prior to the release date. I know it was someone on our PR list because the only people who had the record prior to the release date was press. At the same time, I’m flattered that someone cares about our music enough to want to illegally share it. The only thing that really pisses me off is people that print up fake album artwork and try to sell it to make money without our authorization. Dude… I’ll give you CDs to sell if you want to make a few bucks and I’ll give you a cut, but don’t take the food off my table. I’ve seen that on a few sites and it’s not even our album artwork. The label imprint isn’t even the same. We have already reported the links to the FBI claiming copyright infringement. (i.n. That’s unethical guys… stop it!)
Imagine that your wife/girlfriend is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react? J
J: LOL… my wife would NEVER do that and I would never marry a woman that would even think about doing that! My wife has enough rings anyway. In fact, I might pawn one to make the next Seventrain record! Hmmmm… (i.n.: Hahaha, that’s the spirit dude!)
Thx for taking the time to talk to Grande Rock Joel. Close this interview in your own words. Keep on rockin’ dude! Take care!
J: The album is currently available on iTunes, Amazon and CD Baby and don’t forget to call your local rock radio stations and request us. Come like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/seventrainband and become part of our growing family. We love our fans and hope to meet you all in person someday soon. Thanks for the love! Peace!