This Goes To 11 is a new column hosted by Mark Dalbeth.
Mark was born in New Zealand and now lives in Los Angeles, and would be better known in Australia as having been part of the band Bellusira.
Following his dreams, Mark moved to LA and has been working on Rav Medic plus an exciting new project he has in the works. As a performer, Mark has been the subject of many interviews and as a result of often being asked the same generic questions himself, has come on board with HEAVY and plans to conduct interviews with an edge.
No bullshit questions, no boring anecdotes and definitely no soft edges, This Goes To 11 is a column where the musician finally gets to turn the tables with hard-hitting questions you won’t hear anywhere else.
This week Mark speaks with Robert Sims and Kurt Custer of L.A outfit Valley Sons
MD: Your biggest fear right now with the music industry?
VS: The popularity of Rock music and a viable media format to support it.
Why do you think Rock Music is always the genre fighting for commercial acceptance?
Rock Music has always been against the grain and rebellious. The insurgence of other genres has crowded the playing field. As a result, Rock has competed with the trends of the day.
Was there a moment in your career that you thought about throwing it all in?
No never. If music is in your soul, there really isn’t an off switch.
What is your typical writing process?
One of us will introduce a song idea. Usually, a verse and chorus groove. Then we collaborate on lyrics and song arrangement. Using this method, we get the best results.
Is there still value in printing CD’s or do you believe the Digital world has taken over completely now?
Yes. CDs don’t sell like they used to, but they still have value. Personally, we are old school, and love holding a CD or album. Looking at the CD’s artwork will always be cool. Sell them and even give some away at your gigs. The more your music is circulated the better.
Are you prepared to sacrifice money and comfort in order to progress your career?
Every band has to pay their dues. There is no getting around it. We are all about putting in the hard work doing what we love. The music is our motivation. But we draw the line at hotels without king size beds or pillows with foam instead of goose down feathers… LOL
Can you see modern Rock music returning to (commercial) radio in the near future?
Sure, there always hope.
Was Lars Ulrich right?
In a lot of ways yes. At the end of the day, an artist needs to get paid for their work.
Has Rock Music become too safe?
No, there are a lot of great bands old and new still pushing rock music forward.
Do you think it’s important to play in multiple projects or solely focus your attention into one?
Focus on one. If you are working with a great band, that issue will take care of itself.
What have you got going on or coming up that we should know about?
We are currently recording new material for our next CD and also planning a video shoot this summer. With live music slowing back in 2021, we will be performing at the Orange County and Bishop California fairgrounds.
Watch “Real Good Mama” below:
