Interview with Redlight King vocalist Kaz

Check out the song: “Comeback”

It has been said that debut albums really define a band, and with the release of their debut Redlight King is truly making a bold statement. I recently had the chance to speak with singer and songwriter Kaz about the group, the music and the incredible year the band is having. Here’s what Kaz had to say.

Now that your new record, Something For The Pain, is complete, how do you feel about it and are you satisfied with the outcome?
Kaz: Yeah I am really stoked that the record is out and people are hearing it. A lot of the songs on it were written over a three year period and when we went to record it we locked out the studio for three months and hammered it out. At the end of the day it was a great experience, but they had to take it out of my hands. I am definitely satisfied, but there are some things I would change or do different, but at the end of the day I am proud of the record.

What is the writing process like? Do you guys all write together?
Kaz: For this particular record it was mostly myself. Lyrics and melody were mostly me, but I think that the band is starting to write more as a group now which is exciting.

When you write do you do so with the live setting in mind?
Kaz: On this particular record I did not have that focus, on the next record I will do it that way. Certain songs you can just feel are played better live, but for the most part it is a studio record; we certainly rehearsed them and tracked them live to the floor. To answer your question though you never know what songs will work or translate live, especially with this being our first record. On the second record we will go out and play some of the songs beforehand and really tweak them that way.

Are there any tracks on the disc that are personal favorite or that have good stories behind them?
Kaz: Well the title track “Something For The Pain”; that sort of was the song that sparked the whole project.

You guys recently signed a deal with Hollywood Records. How did that effect the writing process? Did you feel any pressure at all?
Kaz: No, no pressure at all. We had a couple of labels interested in the project and over half of the record was written when I signed the deal, so I sort of finished the record and submitted it to them and they were ready to roll. That was part of the reason for going to Hollywood Records; they really believed in what I was doing.

So they have been supportive along the way?
Kaz: Yeah they have been great, very supportive. They have been keeping us out on the road as we go and build a fan base. Right now we are in a good place, we have some new songs on the way and we are getting ready to tour this year.

What kind of touring plans do you have?
Kaz: As of right now Bruce it is all mixed up. I would like to tell you something solid right now, but we have things on the table, but nothing that I can really confirm. I will say I think we are going to be busy from March until September.

What would fans be surprised to find on your iPod?
Kaz: Black and Yellow.

Check out the song: “Bullet In My Hand”

If you had not become a musician what other career path would you have liked to attempt?
Kaz: If I had not become a musician I would have liked to build hot rods.

Have you read a book recently that you think others should read?
Kaz: I don’t really read books.

Ketchup or mustard?
Kaz: Ketchup.

What three words best describe Redlight King?
Kaz: Bad-ass and Fast.

Any closing words at all?
Kaz: Support live music!