Jeff Pilson talks about his new solo project, acting and much more
What are you currently working on?
Right now two major things. I'm working with Tommy
Henriksen finishing up the Underground Moon record;
we're about halfway done. And I'm just finishing
mixing the War and Peace record that's coming out in
May [April in Japan]. Both records are sounding great.
You have many projects that you are working on.
How does it make you feel when people focus on Don's
or George's solo
projects?
Well I would only expect that. I think these two
records I'm currently doing will help open people's
eyes as to what I'm capable of.
Was there ever a time when you questioned
whether you would succeed in
the music industry? Did you think that Dokken would
have success a second
or third time around?
Doubt is a natural part of the process, and used
correctly it's a great motivator for higher
achievement. The expectations were very high from
everyone around us when we first got back together. So
if anything I think I thought it would do even better.
You just never know.
I presume you have wrapped "Rock Star." Do you
see yourself wanting to
pursue more film work, either as an actor or as a
music producer?
Yes, as both. Acting is fun- I'd love to do more. But
I really see myself getting involved in music for film
in the future. I really liked all that, and was trying
to be a sponge around all the very accomplished people
we were working with. I love learning new musical
things.
What would you like to accomplish over the next
five years?
I'd like to get Underground Moon established, would
like to get more involved in film, maybe even jingles,
etc. And then work with Tommy on forming a talent
company/label.
How critical are you when it comes to writing
music. Do you agonize
over it, or does it just come to you.
Usually it just comes to me, but after agonizing over
it forever! There is no one pattern. Sometimes they
come fast, or an initial idea will, but there's
usually a long cleaning up process involved.
You play many different instruments (all quite
well.) Which is your
favorite to play, and why.
There really is no one favorite instrument, just what
seems right for a particular sound I'm hearing. I love
playing everything.
A. Aside from Dokken what four or five musicians
would you want to work with for a dream project.
B. Who would you like to work with that you
haven't already worked with.
A. I always wanted to work with Zakk, and that was a
fringe benefit in working with the movie. But aside
from that, working with Tommy is like a dream project.
We're best friends; there's no ego bullshit. And
between us we can play anything we need- for the most
part. There are a lot of drummers who would be great
to work with, though. Virgil Danatti [sp?], from
Planet X and Freakhouse comes to mind.
B. Virgil, I know him but we've never actually worked
together. And actually doing something with Slash
would be fun- I love the bluesiness of his
playing. John Paul Jones would be cool, his new record
is so great. And of course any remaining Beetle would
always be nice!
Do you see yourself promoting or producing
bands in the future?
Producing, yes.
What advice would you have for musicians trying
to break into the business?
Establish a vision for what you want to do, then let
no one steer you from your course. Learn to take
suggestions without compromising your vision. Keep it
from the heart and something will happen.
I've had the pleasure of knowing you for ten
years (can you believe it?) You are very friendly towards the fans. How did
you find the sense of privacy and the ability to
give back to the fans?
I had an experience when I was 17 years old that made
a huge impression on me. Chris Squire (Yes) was my
absolute idol. My best friend and I followed them
after the show to their hotel. When Chris got out of
the car, I approached him, rambling about 300 words a
second (I was very hyper then)! But he was very polite
and accommodating to my questions and stayed until I
was through asking what I needed to hear. That
experience stayed with me my whole life, and I vowed
if I ever became sought after I would treat fans the
same way.
Personally I would love to know your thoughts
on these musicians.
a. Sting
a. Sting--great singer and songwriter. Love a lot of
his music.
How would you like the music public to remember
Jeff Pilson?
First as a songwriter, then just as an overall
well-rounded musician/singer.
Do you have any good stories you would like to
share that you may not have shared in other
interviews?
One thing comes to mind. It was in Italy in the late
80's. A rare case of all four members of Dokken having
a good time together. When it came to humor, there was
a bond we all shared. We had an entire group of
Italian girls believing that we were part of a new
religion called Zmfquaduzbin. We worshiped a deity
named Zmfquad and got all the girls to introduce
themselves in the "traditional" Zmfquaduzbin greeting
of 'Hello. My name is...Zmfquaduzbin' (in a heavy
Italian accent). It was one of the funniest things
I've ever heard and one of the more obnoxious stunts
we've ever pulled.
Do you have any final thoughts, or would you
like to promote anything that we haven't touched on.
Just really looking forward to everyone hearing the
two new records I'm working on. The War and Peace
record should satisfy Dokken fans (especially in the
absence of a new Dokken record for a while), and it
gives me a bit of a chance to stretch out in some
ways. The Underground Moon record I feel is the best
music I've ever made. Should be a very fun year!
Kurt Daniels
b. Seal
c. Jaco Pastorius
d. Miles Davis
e. Jeffrey Gaines
f. The Beatles
g. Marky Mark
b. Seal--loved his second record--one of my favorites.
Great voice, wonderful songs and production.
c. Jaco Pastorius--the master. What can I say?
d. Miles Davis--huge innovator, but I'm not a frequent
listener to his records (even though that's a
musicians' sin!).
e. Jeffrey Gaines--unfamiliar.
f. The Beatles--never heard of them! It's safe to say
they're my absolute all-time favorite.
g. Marky Mark--wasn't a fan of the Funky Bunch, but
his heavy metal delivery was pretty damn impressive.
As an actor, I'd rate him among the top.
March 2001
Kurt is a bass player and also founder and host of New England Cable Access' "Bring On The Night". A show that spotlights local New England musicians.
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