David Earl Lewis
The "Back In LA" Interview
BallBuster: Where & what studio did the production take place of "Back In LA"?
David Earl Lewis: "Back in LA" was recorded on an AKAI Digital 12 track Porta Studio at various locations in Los Angeles and Texas. The bass, guitars, drums, vocals, tambourine and vocals were played by myself.
BB: What are your personal thoughts of "Back In LA" & how did the whole project come about?
D: When I'm composing a new song, I just write and play the way I feel. I don't record with any classification or hit record in mind. I don't like the idea of being labeled or confined to a specific classification.
BB: NIntroduce yourself & your backing players to the ball-buster readers?
D:The live-performance band consists of various top musicians here in the Los Angeles area. On drums, Dwight Payne, Ron Henderson, and Kerry Stratton. On bass, Kirt Winter,, Kevin Crider, and Chris Whelan (now deceased). On keys, Harland Specter. They are all pros and I'm proud to have worked with them.
BB: Do all members contribute to the writing & arrangements of your original tunes?
D: I wrote all the songs over a span of many years and re-recorded from my recorded archives. For every song in the album, there ten yet to be released. The ten songs on "Back to LA" were mastered by John Andrew Parks. John did an awesome job of smoothing out the recordings.. The picture was taken at his house and studio on top of Saddle Peak, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
BB: What's are your long & short term goals as far as touring, recording, writing etc..?
D: A nation-wide tour is in the works. I'll let you know when it's finalized.
BB: As far as fans go, how would you describe them?
D: The fans are great! I really get a kick out of the head bangers. It really makes an old-timer like me feel great. . .one more time.
BB: What would you say is your biggest gripe about the music industry?
D: As far as the business goes, it's talent versus the machine, and it seems that talent is losing.
BB: Who are your musical influences and why?
D: My guitar influences are too many to list them all. Some are Hendrix, BB, Clapton, Vaughn and Neil Young are a few. I like their style.
BB: Are any of your past records still available such as 1975's "The Loneliest Cowboy" & 76's "Molly and Me"?
D: Some of my previous projects can be found on Tower Records.com. Search for David Earl Lewis.
BB: What do you consider the best room you have ever played & why?
D: I have played the Hollywood and Dallas-Fort Worth areas for many years but the Whisky A Go-Go, on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, is my favorite place to play. The sound engineers do a great job and Joe produces a great DVD. I just enjoy doing a show. I'm playing there Saturday, May 13, 2006 for the 9:00pm show. It seems, the only time I'm really happy is on stage.
BB: Last words?
D: In memory of Chris Whelan.
