VMU: Hey guy how are you?
Lthrboots: I’m doing very well lately.
VMU: Where are you from and do you work with a full band?
Lthrboots: I live in Dallas, Texas. I am the only member of Lthrboots, but I am always open to collaborating with other artists if the opportunity arises.
VMU: How many releases have you put out and who produced?
Lthrboots: I have put out 2 CDs, both of them produced by me. I performed the vocals, keyboards, and songwriting on both CDs. You can hear samples of each track at www.CDBaby.com/Lthrboots . The first CD is “Blackout” (2003), which contains a mix of hard Techno-Club and Industrial-EBM. It also includes a few dark ballads, highlighting a wide range of Lthrboots styles. It is named after the first track “Blackout”, which has become very popular with the fans. The second CD is “No Restraints” (2004) and is a journey into the psyche of Lthrboots ranging from dark ballads, to hard-driving Industrial, to sexually energized club stompers. I named the CD “No Restraints” because the music on the CD is a no-holds-barred look into the mind of Lthrboots. It takes the music a couple of steps further than “Blackout”. It still has the same Lthrboots signature sound, but delves into the lyrics a bit deeper, which brings out a new spark in the music.
VMU: Were the recordings done digital or analog? (if comps what programs)
Lthrboots: Some of the synthesizers on tracks like Fallen Angel, It Means Nothing, and Take Me Home were done in analog on my Roland - Juno 106. The other tracks were done in digital using Sony’s ACID Pro and Sound Forge software and loop libraries. Yes, I do use some loop libraries, but I always tweak the sounds to give them my own signature sound.
VMU: How did you get started in music?
Lthrboots: I started playing drums in 6th grade and continued with that through High School, where I added self-taught piano to my list of instruments. I performed in jazz bands and talent shows in school and also in the US Army. In 2001 I came across ACIDPlanet.com, which provided me with a huge outlet for my music. I kept entering remix contests there, and after winning the ILONA! contest, was asked to arrange music for some of her songs. It kept building from there, and then I got myself on the stage performing Lthrboots music to promote the 2 CDs. Now I am signed to Sabre Entertainment (www.SabreEntertainment.net) alongside artists such as ILONA!, Mick Fleetwood, Shankar and Gingger, and Nicholas Gunn.
VMU: Do you prefer live shows or studio recording?
Lthrboots: I prefer studio recording, but there is nothing that can duplicate the massive energy created when performing live. I love to see the instant feedback from the crowd. I feed off of that energy. You can’t get that in the studio.
VMU: How's the local music scene in your hometown?
Lthrboots: Most of the music scene in Dallas is rock bands performing either classic rock, or metal. You can also find bands similar to Blink 182. There are very few Industrial/Alternative bands in this area, so the bands that do fit that genre, usually stand out from the crowd due to their uncommon style, which is a good thing. I don’t want people saying I am just like every other band. Being different is a big plus in the music business.
VMU: What do you express in your lyrics?
Lthrboots: On “Blackout”, it was a first emergence of Lthrboots, so I tried to portray myself on many different levels to find out what part of me the listeners were more interested in. On this last CD, “No Restraints”, it was a roller coaster of emotions for each song, in which I expressed anger, sadness, emotional release, confrontation, and finally satisfaction and happiness in dealing with my inner emotions and coming to terms with them.
VMU: How do you feel about other artists expressing their beliefs in music? (Religious or political)
Lthrboots: I think it is up to the artist to make their own judgment call on those topics. I normally stay away from those topics unless there is some issue that really fuels me to the point where I feel I must express my thoughts.
VMU: Could you explain in detail the gear you use?
Lthrboots: I have a Roland-Juno 106 keyboard, Alesis Microverb and Boss-Chorus Ensemble for my vocals, Behringer Eurorack mixer, Sony ACID Pro, Sony Sound Forge, Sony Vegas (for video), Various loop libraries, Yamaha DTXPRESS III electronic drum set, Shure PG58 mic, and 2 Crate KBA60 keyboard amps.
VMU: Who are your musical influences?
Lthrboots: On the harder side: Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails), Front Line Assembly, and Marilyn Manson. On the softer side: Andrea Bocelli, Suzanne Ciani, and Toad the Wet Sprocket.
VMU: Any tours in the works?
Lthrboots: I just recently signed up with Sabre Entertainment , so we will definitely be talking with each other on topics such as touring. You can find all the details on Lthrboots’ touring and releases at the www.SabreEntertainment.net website.
"It would be nice to see music appreciated for its quality, not for it’s marketable gimmick." - LB
VMU: How did you do the recording process live or 1 on 1?
Lthrboots: I have recorded all my CDs 1 on 1 in the studio to get a fuller sound and have more control over the output. I like having control over the final sound. There are many variants in live recording that are tricky to fix.
VMU: How do you feel about the mainstream music scene? (USA and overseas)
Lthrboots: It is lacking talent. There are too many people being put in the spotlight simply because they were on a reality TV show, or are a celebrity’s kid, and not because they have something musically to offer the public. It would be nice to see music appreciated for its quality, not for it’s marketable gimmick.
VMU: Any deals in the works?
Lthrboots: As mentioned earlier, I have just signed with Sabre Entertainment and we are working on Lthrboots music, as well as TV, and Film soundtracks. I will also be collaborating with the other artists at Sabre Entertainment on their upcoming projects.
VMU: New recordings in the works?
Lthrboots: We just put out the “No Restraints” CD and I am already working on songs for the next CD.
VMU: Any advice to other indie bands?
Lthrboots: Yes! Buy the IndieBible, read it, and put what you read to good use. Promote yourself for every gig you do. If you love music, never give up. Be ready for your chance when the door opens in front of you. Market yourself as much as you can. Create a buzz and the fans will follow.
VMU: Do you own a home studio? (What gear)
Lthrboots: Yes. I use the gear stated above in my studio, and mix it all through a PC computer and my Behringer Eurorack mixing board. Yes, I use a PC. I am more visual with things, so a MAC just annoys me with all its technical jargon. I prefer to spend my time making music, not reading technical manuals.
VMU: Why do you do what you do in music?
Lthrboots: Because I am obsessed with anything musical. I don’t care what the genre is, as long as it is done very well. As a child, before I was even walking, I was beating on pots and pans wanting to be a drummer. Anything that I can put in my hands and make a sound with becomes a potential musical instrument on my next song. A quote I always go by is: “Music is my therapy for living.” Without music, I would be lost.
VMU: Thank you so much for your time!! Any last words?
Lthrboots: Thank you very much for taking time out to interview me, and thank you to the Lthrboots fans. I value your support. To keep on top of all things happening with Lthrboots, visit www.Lthrboots.com and www.SabreEntertainment.net. I look forward to seeing you all when I come through your town. STOMP STOMP STOMP!
VM UNDERGROUND
FEB 25 2005