KickActs interviews “Apollo Under Fire”!

Welcome to Kick Acts. Tell us a little about yourself and were you can be found online.

*For More Information Please Visit:* www.apollounderfireband.com http://www.cavigoldrecords.com/apollopreorder www.facebook.com/apollounderfire

DC: All social media outlets and digital retailers including iTunes.com

Who are your musical heroes and influences? Why?

DC: Vocally it would be Chris Cornell. I just love his character, note selection and lyrical canvas. He has only grown as an inspiration for me. Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Live, all influences **for me. Love me some Sarah McLaughlin too.

Do you have any advice for someone just getting started in the music business?

DC: There is no “Best”, there is only “you”. Never stop learning and create from the heart.

What piece of advice did you ignore that you wish you hadn’t?

DC: Not sure, I learned most everything the hard way haha.

Do you have a greatest gig story or worst gig horror story you’d like to share?

DC: I’ve had some tough nights up there where it seemed everything was going wrong. Technical difficulties are the worst, as a performer there is nothing you can do about it. One show we (Eye Empire) were playing in Houston, the guitar rig went out 3 notes into the first song. We had to finish the song with just drum, bass and vocal. Talk about being left out in the open haha.

Do you have any other hobbies other than playing music? Collect stamps? Collect hats from off the side of the road? Make sock puppets? Sit in the dark and eat Cheetos?

DC: I love baseball. That’s not really a hobby but I keep up with it like a hobby. I’m a stat guy.

What do you think about the current music scene or lack of? Care to address that?

DC: I’m not sure, I mean, some of it’s good and some of it’s ridiculous. That’s nothing new, what’s new is the way it’s covered. We will always find ourselves at a growing point…a moment in history where we have to make a decision on what the future will hold. We’re experiencing that now and there are some growing pains that come along with it. I am one with the struggle, living it now, so fight on!

Do you think reality shows like American Idol, X factor and The Voice have helped or hurt the music industry as a whole?

DC: It’s definitely a unique platform. Personally it’s just another example of how our society likes to build it’s heroes up to tear them down. Many great voices out there, tons of talent but so many more intangibles that go into making a “great” that will never be measured in that environment. It’s the road that makes the artist. You can’t fast track that. You have to live it.

What is your opinion of unauthorized music downloads?

DC: If you still show up for the live show, buy a ticket, pick up a shirt, burn away.

Tell us something about each of your band members that we wouldn’t expect to hear.

DC: Peter is a Chip freak. Tom absolutely despises Mayonnaise. Jimmy works for a company that designs digital weapons training systems and Stu used to sell Police gear to local Police Departments.

Do you know what a vinyl album is and have your ever purchased one? If so, what was it?

DC: Yes I do and I actually prefer vinyl! Last I purchased was an original pressing of “Master of Puppets”.

You’re marooned on an island with Justin Bieber. Do you choke him out the first night in his sleep or what?

DC: I’m probably going to be too busy trying to figure out how the hell I ended up with Justin Bieber in the first place.

What is your opinion of Miley Cyrus?

DC: Stopped paying attention a long time ago and to be honest never really did pay attention to begin with.

Which would you rather hear in concert? Lip synching or real vocals?

DC: It’s sad that this would even be a question. Real vocals.

Who, or what, is the next big thing?

DC: So many talented artists out there. I am all over 21 pilots right now but they’ve been around for a bit.

One artist you can’t get enough of and can’t live without is…

DC: Soundgarden

Confession time. Share a secret about yourself.

DC: I am Bipolar and it is something that I work on everyday of my life.

Favorite movie of all time and why.

DC: Impossible to answer. All time favorite story line would be Star Wars, all movies. It just has a spiritual overtone that speaks to my core. It inspires me and is something that I share deeply with my sons.

Our last question is called “Shout It Out Loud”. It’s were you get to talk about whatever you want to talk about. So go ahead and “SHOUT IT OUT LOUD”!

DC: APOLLO UNDER FIRE BY APOLLO UNDER FIRE IS OUT NOW!! GRAB YOUR COPY TODAY!! iTunes.com* *”Gotta Believe”* – The 1st single from the self-titled debut record out NOW on iTunes and all other digital outlets!! https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/apollo-under-fire/id1120675442 Official

Lyric Video for *“Gotta Believe”

Apollo Under Fire is:

Vocals: Donald Carpenter (Eye Empire/Submersed)
Guitars: Peter Klett (Candlebox/Lotus)
Guitars: Jimmy Kwong (SoulSwitch)
Drums: Tom Costanza
Bass: Stu Cox