Post by classic rock revival on Apr 26, 2011 15:03:19 GMT -6
This is an interview I did with Kim Simmonds, 2004.
Jim: How have your live shows been going?
Kim: Excellent. Crowds are very receptive and make me feel good!
Jim: Are you noticing any younger fans attending your shows?
Kim: A few younger fans show up but it's mostly the older crowd I play to. I'd like to develop the younger generation.
Jim: Do you make yourself available to the fans by hanging out with them after the show and signing autographs?
Kim: Yes...I spend twenty minutes or so each night. I enjoy swapping Savoy stories with everyone at the end of the night.
Jim: "Strange Dreams" is an excellent CD, one of your best in my opinion. I particularly like "When It Rains", "Keep On Rollin'", & "Strange Dream". Can you tell us a little bit about the CD?
Kim: I'm glad you like it.
We wanted to make a CD that captured some of the old Savoy spirit and one that would make a statement in today's world.
Jim: You recently released (2) new CD's , your new solo CD "Struck By Lighthing", & a new Savoy Brown Live CD "You Should Have Been There". Can you tell us a little bit about them?
Kim: The live band CD captures the live show as it has been (sort of) for the past couple of years. I feel that it captures my current guitar playing very well...in the same way albums like Blue Matter did in the 60's. The solo CD is an advancement from my previous two. I have a band on the CD. The emphasis is on guitar playing but the songs are always the most important thing.
Jim: Do you feel that you have more artistic freedom today, as opposed to the 60's and 70's when you were under pressure from your record company to meet deadlines and tour to support a new album?
Kim: I always have had artistic freedom but the pressure was quite ridiculous during the 70's especially.
Now the pressure is the kind that I put on myself and doesn't come so much from others. It's a big difference.
Jim: How did you come to form your own record label, Panache Records?
Kim: I have been making my own records for some time for the smaller labels I've recorded for. This time I wanted to see the whole process through until the end myself. Taking care of the manufacturing and selling side has been good for me and a new experience.
Jim: How do you go about writing a song? Do you create the music, then add lyics, or write the lyrics and music together?
Kim: I write the lyrics first and then wait for inspiration for the music! I enjoy writing and might turn my endeavors fully to book writing if my musical career takes a dive!
Jim: Hunter S. Thompson wrote, "The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs.There's also a negative side." Do you agree with that statement?
Kim: It's a very humorous statement. I've had a charmed career where I've been able to make some fine music that is appreciated by many people, worldwide. Therefore I don't feel negative about the music business because I've had my fair share from it. That doesn't make me complacent. I practice every day.
Jim: Are there certain cities, regions, you enjoy playing that Savoy Brown has a strong fan base in?
Kim: Many places I'm glad to say...but it changes over the years. Some cities that are good for the band suddenly become cold and ones that were dead come alive again.
Detroit has been #1 since the first US tour.
Jim: Have you ever considered hosting a fan fair (like the country artists in Nashville do)?
Kim: I don't have the fortitude to spend hours signing my autograph!
Jim: I know you don't currently have a keyboard player in the band. But, if you decided to add a keyboardist, who are some musicians you'd like to work with?
Kim: Jimmy Smith...but he's got his own career!
Jim: Savoy Brown's career now spans 37 years, and you still have a strong following. How did you do it?
Kim: Tough question. I'll do my best to answer. I've always given 100% on stage and haven't been afraid to be myself. And it seems that audiences enjoy watching me play. They tell me it looks like I love what I'm doing. And I do.
That's the key...does someone want to watch you play your instrument? It doesn't matter how good you are if you don't have a personality to go with it.
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