The Atomic Chaser's Rockers And Rollers: Doug Aldrich Interview 2000

The Rock Music World Prepares For Burning Rain

Interview with Doug Aldrich PART 2 by The Atomic Chaser

The new millennium has proven to be a fruitful year so far for rock music. Now that rock music has crept slowly back into the spotlight. One release that will definitely make a big impact will be the anxiously awaited new release from the band BURNING RAIN. The band is currently in the studio putting the final touches to their new release and I can say this, if love the band's self-titled debut release, the new one will send shivers up and down your spine.

Here is part 2 of the interview I did with the man behind the music and his creation, Burning Rain!

Atomic: Pony Canyon have released a "BEST OF" titled, 'Flames On The Moon' by Bad Moon Rising, how much input do you have in the selection of the songs:

Its a funny thing about that. I really didn't know until me and Keith went over to Japan to promote Burning Rain. The label guy told me about it. Now you have to remember, we were suffering from some serious jet lag. So, when I first heard that I was like, "That's cool". I was there to promote my new band and not BMR. I really didn't have any input as far as the selection of the songs. Pony Canyon just put it together. It didn't go over well with Kal, he wanted to sue them. I told him that it was worth getting pissed off. The fans are either going to buy it or not. Anyway, most of our fans that have all our albums, already have all the songs on it.

Atomic: You recorded a couple solo releases, 'High Centered' and 'Electro-Vision', which I think are both brilliant. Do you have any plans in the future to do another solo album?

I'm sure I will, definitely at one point. That stuff for me is like, I need a break from the band thing and I have some neat ideas I want to try. So yeah, eventually I will be doing another solo album.

Atomic: Do you have any "New" ideas that you can enlightened us with?

Yeah, I have a whole bunch of tapes that are filled with ideas that you wouldn't believe. On 'Electro-Vision', I have so much, in fact tons of stuff that I had for that particular recording that would blow you away!

Atomic: What band's are you listening to currently?

There's a lot of stuff that I am listening to like, Wes Montgomery, who is an awesome jazz guitarist. Mahivishnu stuff is pretty cool also. When I'm not in the studio or on tour, I listen to a lot of jazz stuff. I listen to sports radio also (laugh).

Atomic: BURRN magazine Japan, do you keep up with it any? The last couple issues had ads promoting Burning Rain.

Well, we used to a page or two from them, but as of late, things have really been tightening up over there as far what artist they are going to right about. One month its Yngwie then Nicki Sixx the next, but it all depends who brings in the most readers and of course money. I really don't try to think about that too much. What's the point in letting what they print bother you. Unless you are some ego maniac, which I am not. I just love making music.

Atomic: How do fans react to you here in the States versus overseas?

Its funny really. You know who I am and what I've done. There are people here that see me and don't even think I am a guitarist in a rock band. They look at me and think I am just some guy with long hair. I've played a few gigs with the band STONE here and after the show, people would come up to me and tell me that I sound great and if I work harder I'll make someday. How funny is that?

Atomic: You know your successful right?

Yeah, I've done some cool things and stuff. Like Bad Moon Rising opening for Van Halen in Paris. We sold out an 8.000 seat hall, now thats pretty fuckin' cool, but I don't go around telling people about it. Those people that don't know what I've done, think that I am some guy hoping that one day I am going to make it big. I don't like going around tooting my own horn. Yeah, I know I'm successful, I let my music do the talking.

Atomic: What are your thoughts about the internet?

I think its cool. I don't know a lot of folks that sell their music on the net, but I know a lot folks tell me about it. It really has opened a lot of doors for not only new bands, but veteran bands also. I think the internet is a great medium.

Atomic: Well, the big question, when can Burning Rain fan expect to hear the new CD?

We'll be in the studio in March and should be done sometime in the Spring, but I don't know if the label will release it then, but I'm thinking the beginning of Summer or toward the end of Summer.

Atomic: Was Burning Rain's debut released when the label said it was going to be released?

The first Burning Rain album was recorded in July of '99 and was released in November of '99. That's a long time. Its just hard with all the schedules and stuff. It was like we had done all the instrumental track, but the vocals were done off and on. That was because of Keith's involvement with his side band, which he was making good money doing. So we had to work around that. That's what's been happening with recording the new album. I've got other side projects that I'm involved with as does Ian and Keith. I working on the Metallica Tribute, I did the Van Halen Tribute also, so it's been very busy as of late. But once me and Keith are in the studio, we are so focused.

Atomic: Any parting words for all the Burning Rain fans out there?

For all the fans that loved the first album, THANKS! Also for the patience on waiting for the new one. I going as fast as I can, but I don't want to rush it out. I want it to be better than the first record. Its going to be really cool. All the songs are shaping up. I've gotta lot of other ideas that I want to incorporate into the new album. I know the Burning Rain fans out there are going to love it!

Atomic: Doug, thanks for taking the time in doing this interview! You are truly not only one of the best musician in rock music today, but you are a great person also! You are the MAN!

As we wrapped up the interview, Doug treated myself and The Rocker Rowan with a demo of one of the songs that he's been working on.  Talk about getting goose bumps! As soon as Doug popped the tape in and hit play, I felt like I was in a daze! The song was recorded in his home studio and man did it knock both me and The Rocker on our asses! You are going to have to wait and hear this for yourselves. I promised Doug I wouldn't let the cat out of the bag, so to say.

Burning Rain fans are in for a real treat! So prepare yourselves for what could possibly be the best thing Doug Aldrich has ever done!