Fleur the Kiwi
For the finale of Adler week here on DGT&G, we have a treat for you … not one, but two Heart of Rock interviews — with guitarist Lonny Paul (whom you met on Monday and Tuesday) and vocalist/frontman Jacob Bunton. Read them both and compare their replies. How are they similar? How are they different?
And then browse other rock artists’ answers to the questions in the Heart of Rock section … is there a vision, a feeling, a compulsion that runs through them all?
From now until the end of time (or until too many people die for us to continue) DGT&G will be interviewing rock ‘n’ roll artists — famous, not-famous, and the vast numbers in between — and asking each the same five questions. Over time, their answers will become a repository of the heart of why people make rock music. Read on and enjoy…
Lonny Paul
DGT&G: Why do you play rock music?
Lonny Paul: To get the girls. [Laughs] No.
DGT&G: Others have said that. [Laughs]
LP: Actually, when you’re younger, I suppose that is the answer. You know, ’cause that’s what a skinny, nerdy kid can do to get girls, is to join a rock band. And then of course you fall in love with the art of song writing and the magic of it all. Making music, recording it all. I guess that’s my answer.
DGT&G: What else could you see yourself doing?
LP: I like to draw, so I’d love to be an animator.
DGT&G: Do you have any regrets about taking the rock and roll path?
LP: Oh, some days I wake up and wish I didn’t do this, but even the bad times are fun, and they lead you to other things, you know. So, no regrets.
DGT&G: What’s your favorite part about creating and playing rock music?
LP: Favorite part? I guess my favorite part of—well, there’s two different answers to that, I suppose. When you write a song and record it, my favorite part is sitting back and listening to it being all mixed, thinking, “Wow, I created this from nothing.” So that’s one of my favorite parts about song writing. And then of course, live. When you play those songs live, seeing the people sing your songs back to you. That’s also a huge high, and of course the immediate gratification of the applause.
DGT&G: If you could create your dream rock band, who would be in it?
LP: Oh, that’s a great question. Hard, because I love the band that I’m in. So I’d have to say everybody in my band. And then let’s just add Steven Tyler, just to be crazy. And Jacob and I will switch—switch out guitar leads. [Laughs]
DGT&G: That would be a fun band.
Jacob Bunton
Jacob Bunton, vocalist for Adler, sent his written answers to the Heart of Rock questions.
Why do you play rock music?
I play music in general because I have to. Some people play as a hobby, but music is what drives me and defines me. It gives me life. Without it, I’m nothing. I love and play all styles of music. I started playing rock music because it gave me hope. Growing up in Alabama there wasn’t a lot to do. I always kinda felt like an outcast. When I saw the larger than life rock bands like Kiss, Poison, Mötley, etc., they changed my life.
What else could you see yourself doing?
Nothing. Literally, I never had a fall back plan. I felt that if I had a fall back plan it would have given me an excuse to give up if I didn’t make it. I set a goal and followed my heart.
Do you have any regrets about taking this path? Why or why not?
Never. I’m doing exactly what I always dreamed about as a kid. I feel very lucky and blessed.
What’s your favourite part about creating and playing rock music, and why?
The way the music and creative process makes me feel is better than any drug. There is nothing more rewarding than having people tell you that a song you wrote changed their life or helped them through a tough time. Music is the most powerful thing on the planet.
If you could create your dream rock band, who would be in it?
Axl Rose, Steven Adler, Izzy Stradlin, Slash, and Duff McKagan.
Coming Monday … a slideshow from the Drivin’ N Cryin’ show at Winston-Salem, NC, on Dec. 27
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