MIC Online Magazine taks with BLEED

The Mic: What got this band together and started in
this business?
Bleed: It was a decision to get back into the scene & kinda finish what we started earlier in our careers. We had all be in bands before when we were younger, some of us even shared the same stage once or twice, but the NJ/Philly scene died out in the 90's. When the original music scene came back in 2000 we decided it was time to re-emerge & do it bigger & better.



The Mic:Who writes and produces all the material for
the band?
Bleed: Chuck & Greg primarily write most of the lyrics with additions & ideas from the entire band. As for song arrangement, it's an entire band decision. We've been fortunate to be able to put songs together quickly because we work well with each other. That work ethic has carried on into the studio, were this band truely shines. With help from our past producers Mike Harmon (Studio Crash) & Tony Brattelli (Mega-Productions), we went on to produce 5 CD's in 9 years. Believe it or not, we may be a hard partying outrageous band live, but in the studio we're all business!



The Mic:The band played in front of or with any acts
our readers would
know from the Mainstream?
Bleed: We were extremely fortunate to have been a regular act at our favorite bar Whiskey Dix in Philly. It was attached to The Electric Factory so we had countless oppetunities to play pre-parties & after-parties for all the major concerts coming thru the Philly area. Many of these had the headlining bands coming over to hang out & watch us. Alice In Chains, Disturbed, Papa Roach, Sevendust, Queensryche, & Breaking Benjamin are just a few of the bands we did parties for.



The Mic:Where can people access your music on the web?
Bleed: Thru our myspace site.




The Mic:Any embarrassing moments on stage?
Bleed: Wow..alot..many of them caused by alcohol..haha. We're pretty known for our party crowd so trust me the bars do well when we play!
One that comes to mind right off the bat was the night Chuck decided to pay tribute to his South Jersey roots & try to pull off the pattented "swing your guitar around your shoulder move"..well lets just say it went flying off his shoulder & landed with a huge BOOM which I swear almost blew everyone's eardrums out!! I (Greg) had my eyes closed during it because I knew when he was going to do it. The crowd loved it!


The Mic:Any good stories you want to tell us?
Bleed: Well, lets just say there is WAY too many stories to tell here, & most of them would be censored. We have often talked about writing a book on the last 9 years as an original un-signed band because I swear to you we have lived like we were already famous. There are some funny stories written on the Bleed myspace site from friends which may just touch on some of our antics.



The Mic:Who is the bands musical influence?
Bleed: Everything & I mean everything. From jazz to country..each one of us has our own passion. Put us together & we are all on the same page though..modern hard rock with a hint of our past.



The Mic:How did the band get together?
Bleed: In a nutshell..It was joint decision between Greg & Chuck at first, then we had found a mutual friend from the past (Frank). From an ad response we connected with Mike & formed Bleed. Later we decided we needed a second guitarist so through another mutual friend we found Rich. When Frank left after a couple years with us, we added AJ who had seen us perform & wanted to join. The whole detailed story of Bleed is up on our myspace site if anyone is interested.



The Mic:What is your musical background like?
Bleed: We each had extensive musical backgrounds before forming Bleed, so more successful than others. But we each had the same base..feeling like we needed to go out & prove ourselves again & chase the dream.



The Mic:Any other members in your family that are
musicians?
Bleed: (Greg) My sister in LA (Jane Erik).




The Mic:What is the TOP reason why you want to play
music
Bleed: Well like we stated before, we've all been shooting for the stars since were little kids, it's in our blood & we love the creation of music & having people enjoy it. But we'd be lying if we didn't say we love the lifestyle also!



The Mic:What has been your best show?
Bleed: Too many to list over 9 years..the best shows are when we have a responsive crowd that is there to let loose & party with us..onstage & offstage..the show never ends..thats the Bleed motto!


www.myspace.com/bleed