Shotgun Alley Interview

Last Updated on Tuesday, 13 July 2010 15:30

 

 

Shotgun Alley are a New Zealand Glam/Rock/Pop band made up of six male members  RJ - Lead Vocals, Davie - Lead Guitar / Vocals, Jimmy - Keys / Vocals, Bahador - Lead Guitar,  Josh - Bass / Vocals,  Scotty - Drums / Vocals and can be named one of New Zealand’s hottest rock bands to make their mark In the Kiwi Music Industry.

The band is based in Auckland and their intent is to reach not only a national, but global audience.
Recently, Shotgun Alley supported Alice Cooper on his ‘Theatre of Death’ tour performing in Auckland, New Zealand, shared the stage with Glam Metal band Steel Panther in Los Angeles and have just finished recording their first debut album in Los Angeles U.S.A.

Check out the interview below on Shotgun Alley’s bassist Josh Grant Betty and lead guitarist and vocalist Davie Love.

To find out more on Shotgun Alley you can vist their myspace or facebook pages where you can download there latest single 'Give it all up for Rock'.

 

Shotgun Alley - Josh Grant Betty

•Who influenced you in the direction you’ve taken with your career?
My friends, my family, my teachers over the years, and many musicians along the way. New Zealand musicians who overcame being from such a small country like NZ and made their mark on a global scale such as Jon Toogood and Neil Finn.

•How influential was the support of your family?
Extremely influential. My mother and father are endlessly supportive of whatever choices I make and I couldn't be where I am today without them. A lot of my extended family are musical as well and their support and praise means the world to me.

•What do you think are some of the struggles young people face growing up in NZ?
I think young New Zealanders face the struggles as an adolescent/ teenager that anyone else faces. The pressure to have sex, use drugs and drink alcohol is as prevalent here - if not more so - as compared with anywhere else in the world. It is just a fact of life that everyone is faced with growing up.

•What are some of the struggles you have faced getting to where you are today? How did you overcome them?
Struggles to see who your real friends are some of the toughest to deal with at times, I have found. Surrounding yourself with people who you know are out to see that you make the most of opportunities given to you, and want the best for you, is always a good start. I personally am blessed with a wide group of people - friends and family that I care for and that has helped me get through any tough times I've been faced with.

•Why should young people get involved in music or a band, and what would your advice be for young people wanting to get into it?
I think that if you are interested in music, try playing an instrument or singing. If you really enjoy it and stick with it then it can become your passion. It is always healthy to have something you enjoy so much that it can help you escape problems, figure out your feelings or just be a release from the struggles of everyday life. My advice would be to stick at it. Figure out EXACTLY what you want to do, and how you wish to do it. Then go about putting steps in place to make your dream happen.

•What has been your career highlight so far?
I have had so many in the last year: Recording two videos with my closest friends; opening for an international act like Alice Cooper.  
But I think recording our debut album in America is something I've dreamt about doing since I was a young boy so that would have to take the top honour.

•If you go out partying, what are some of the things you do to make sure you stay safe and your friends stay safe?
Don't drink out of other people's drinks, try and stay close to your friends you are out with and if you can't make sure your phone is on, and you have someone you can call if anything happens.

•What do you see as the impact on NZ youth that are drinking underage and/or taking drugs?
I just think that, if you're not careful, it can lead to an addiction… and that is something I would not wish upon anyone.

•What were some myths you believed in when you were young (in relation to alcohol and drugs), and did they influence your decision making?
I used to think that taking drugs was what the cool kids did, because it was so glorified in American movies… but when seeing friends experimenting with them and the decisions they made that I knew they usually wouldn't… that quickly changed my attitude towards drugs.

Josh Grant Betty

 

Shotgun Alley - Davie Love

•Who influenced you in the direction you’ve taken with your career?
Anyone from parents and family, band members, band managers, friends even fans of anything I have done musically. Also artists who I grew up listening to. Shotgun Alley has 6 members, meaning a lot of different tastes, which is great for song writing because we are able to incorporate ideas from people who don't just listen to one genre.

•How influential was the support of your family?
My brother plays in Shotgun Alley with me, and we support and influence each other every day, whether it’s with song writing, or live direction. Personally without the support of my family I don't think I would still be playing music at the extent I am. They are the ones who really believe in what I'm doing and are so supportive with everything I do.

•What do you think are some of the struggles young people face growing up in NZ?
Young people are always faced with difficult problems, in any country. Whether it be stereotyping, racism or just disheartening behaviour from people you are surrounded by. The best thing to do is to surround yourself with supportive people, people who make you feel good about yourself and what you’re doing. It makes a huge difference whether you have a positive or negative outlook on life.


•What are some of the struggles you have faced getting to where you are today? How did you overcome them?
For me there has always been a lot of "Tall Poppy Syndrome" in this country. Unfortunately some people just can’t seem to want to support fellow artists or give anyone constructive criticism. No one wants to give you positive feedback when you’re doing well. I found the best way to overcome this, like anything is to do everything yourself, and to have people around you who do really care and do really want to help.

•Why should young people get involved in music or a band, and what would your advice be for young people wanting to get into it?
Music has always given me a sense of belonging to something. Being a part of Shotgun Alley is like having a huge extended family who support you, are there for you and share all the same dreams and ambitions as you. For young people I don't think there is a better emotional, physical or mental outlet. It really releases your creative side in a way that can not only help you but can be powerful for others who feel your music. The best advice I can give is if it is something you want to do, dream big and follow those dreams. When I started out playing, my dreams went as far as playing shows to people who enjoy the music, I never thought I would be able to support some of my favourite bands, release EPs and albums internationally, tour overseas and be able to appeal to people all around the world with a song I wrote in my bedroom.

•What has been your career highlight so far?
There has been so many, really I am blessed to be able to have enjoyed as much as I have. Ones that stick out though would have to be recording with Shotgun Alley in LA, and supporting massive international acts that I grew up listening to.

•If you go out partying, what are some of the things you do to make sure you stay safe and your friends stay safe?
I think if you do go out partying, it’s always good to be surrounded by friends. Partying in a controlled environment, or somewhere you know really well always helps. Also for younger kids letting parents or other friends know where you’re going is also a good idea.

•What do you see as the impact on NZ youth that are drinking underage and/or taking drugs?
Obviously whether parents like it or not, the majority of today's youth are curious. They are gonna try things like alcohol because unfortunately that is what has been drummed in to every ones heads, from the likes of television and commercial advertising. The sad thing is, is that because the coolest kid in school does it, everyone wants to do it. It takes one person to set a bad example and it becomes a very serious situation. Parents need to be setting the example for their children. They are the ones their children look up to the most. I think television will always generate the problems, because there will always be movies and music videos and all the rest condoning it.

•What were some myths you believed in when you were young (in relation to alcohol and drugs), and did they influence your decision making?
I really think when you’re young, you do watch television and you do see your favourite artists or movie stars drinking and smoking and that's what compels you to want to try it. If it’s something regular your parents do, that's another easy way to get involved. When I was young, I was young. Just like everybody else. I wanted to try it because it was cool to do so. It did influence me, but I think if you’re smart you find out pretty quick what works for your body and what doesn't.

Davie Love