Rock Music Alliance: Channel 1

James Zota Baker - Solo Artist, Writer, Touring Player, talks with The RMA's Cole Coleman and Claudio Pesavento about what performing with legendary band War is like; writing and recording with legend Edgar Winter; who some of the guest musicians are on album release "Rebel Road;" and his own releases "Better Than Never," and "Brand New Eyes."

Playboy Playmate Carrie Stevens tells The RMA's Cole Coleman and Claudio Pesavento about studying nutrition and health; how finding modeling and acting parts has become more difficult in today's diversity movement; how her modeling career began; how a visit to Hollywood and meeting Eric Carr (drummer for KISS and relationship partner with Carrie for four years) altered her goal of journalism to modeling for Playboy; how her acting career began and how Eric Carr helped her with auditioning; about authoring her book "Unrated: Revelations Of A Rock 'n' Roll Centerfold;" how people can buy her autographed photos, her book, and visit her on OnlyFans.com.

Mike chats with The RMA's Cole Coleman and Claudio Pesavento about recording Tommy Henriksen's new band Crossbone Skully; Edge Of Paradise's Margarita Monet; guitar miking techniques with Angus Young, Eddie Van Halen, and modern guitarists; amp modeling versus amps; where he was born and raised; his early career days working with legendary producer Bruce Fairbairn; tracking legendary artists; having synesthesia and how he uses that in his mixing and production; how he used the colors and images he sees to help mix Nita Strauss' album "Controlled Chaos."

Jeff chats with The RMA's Cole Coleman and Claudio Pesavento about new Art Of Anarchy release Let There Be Anarchy and it's first song/video release Vilified, how he became part of the band's lineup; details us on his solo career releases Complicated, and The Duets Collection, Vol 1; where he prefers to record his vocals; talks about his origins as a singer; the moments in life when he felt he had achieved success in his career; a brief update on Sons Of Apollo; how he got his gig with Trans-Siberian Orchestra and reveals how TSO rehearses their incredible-spectacular show.

August chats with The RMA's Cole Coleman and Claudio Pesavento about his album release "Guiding Star" including who the primary writers are and doing production with Alessandro Del Vecchio; where he was raised, how he became a musician; what inspired him to move to Los Angeles; how he got his gig with Dennis DeYoung of Styx fame; and tops it off with a little gear talk.

Marco chats with The RMA's Cole Coleman and Claudio Pesavento about his latest album release "New Direction;" and how when combined with his previous release "Viva La Rock" really does establish a new direction for him as a solo artist; what it was like to record "New Direction" with Soren Anderson in Copenhagen, Denmark; how he's looking forward to gigging at guitar shows and festivals; touring in the coming year; an update on band Iconic; and a little about his musical origins and growing up.

Leanne chats with The RMA’s Cole Coleman and Claudio Pesavento about her rising path as a versatile bass player, recording for Linda Perry, attending Emerson College, her father’s early death and how that galvanized her to succeed in music, and how important networking and self marketing is and was in her landing touring and session work - and becoming Band Leader for Demi Lovato.

Dilana chats with The RMA’s Cole Coleman and Claudio Pesavento about her current performing project, being on Rock Star Supernova, The Voice Of Holland, her time as a teenage runaway, and what she has planned next. Tune in for this revealing interview!

In this episode Andy Sarcone Rooney and Manager Karel Hamm speak with host Cole Coleman about the plans for their next release, touring, and videos; how the songwriting is done in Spelled Moon; who the current musicians are in the band; what artists Karel Hamm has worked with and what his managing roll with Spelled Moon is; if release art is relevant in today’s environment; how Spelled Moon got started and what the name means; what city they are based in; listening to a sample of their song “Son Of Vengeance;” whether Andy will get a support guitar player or do both the guitar playing and lead vocals for live shows; how they will be promoting their music and live shows; where the players in Spelled Moon are from; how Andy got started into music; what gear Andy is currently using; and what their next step is.

In this episode Mike Krompass and Dan Taylor speak with host Cole Coleman and Claudio Pesavento about how their first single’s video has reached over 1 million views; their strategy of releasing singles before a full album; the importance of finding band members that you really get along with; having some outside songwriters contribute to songs; the band’s current lineup; being self-produced by band member Mike Krompass; how their band Dead Romantic formed and how they picked their name;  how they’re based out of Yorkshire, UK; how in today’s streaming work they plan to build their audience;  listening to a sample of their song “Yesterday;” how Mike Krompass has worked with Smash Mouth,  Steven Tyler, Mutt Lange, Nelly Furtado, Elton John, Demi Lovato, and more;  exploring Mike’s early days growing up and early career in Los Angeles; how he moved to Nashville to explore the music industry there but ultimately moved to Yorkshire, UK and has made that his base of operations;  how Dan Taylor got a start as a vocalist in a choir and then cover bands; exploring some of Mike’s gear including the Neural DSP Quad Cortex amp modeler; using Tony Iommi’s personal Laney amp for recording; and what gear Dan is using to track his voice.

In this episode, Joe Lester speaks with host Cole Coleman about his origins in Kodiak and Anchorage AK, his formative years in Seattle, WA; how he got started in music; seeing the beginnings of the “Seattle Sound;” moving to Los Angeles to launch his music career; how he got into The Atomic Punks; touring with The Atomic Punks; having bass player Michael Anthony of Van Halen guest with the band; meeting David Lee Roth; becoming the tour manager for Steel Panther; his photography; forming the band California; being the Los Angeles representative for Ultimate Ears in-ear monitors and how that blends well with his music career.

In this episode, Bjorn Englen speaks with host Cole Coleman and Claudio Pesavento about performing with a hologram of Ronnie James Dio in the band Dio Returns; founding Soul Sign and how long singer Mark Boals from Yngwie Malmsteen band has been involved; getting through the Covid19 pandemic; offering private lessons; starting his music career as a drummer then switching to bass; his early career days in Sweden; rehearsal ethics; how he got the gigs with Quiet Riot, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Uli Jon Roth of the Scorpions; how you must both network and prepare hard for the auditions you get.

In this episode, Ira Black speaks with host Cole Coleman about the newest band he’s in Of Gods & Monsters and their new release due out soon; getting his home studio together and mixing and mastering; experimenting with different instruments and studio tools; his plans to release a solo metal record featuring him on vocals as well as guitar; how he got started playing guitar; how destiny seems to have put him on the road to being a musician from birth; how from the day he got his first guitar he started writing his own music and never was drawn to play covers; remembering his first show with his first band Arcane which was opening for Tommy Tutone; remembering his crossover point from local musician to professional with the band Heathen; his path through Vicious Rumors, Metal Church, Chris Caffery; and Lizzy Borden; recording a track with Vinnie Paul Abbott of Pantera; focusing on Of Gods & Monsters; studio gear for guitar. (Photo By: Karuna Tanahashi)

In this episode, Graham Bonnet and Beth-Ami Heavenstone speak with host Cole Coleman about writing new songs for a new Graham Bonnet album; the newly released Alcatrazz album (2020); doing recording tracks remotely; how Beth-Ami and Graham met and started doing music together; how the new Graham Bonnet album will have guest players Bob Kulick in his last studio appearance, and Steve Vai on it; how Ritchie Blackmore and Cozy Powell were always needling him about his short hair; how in his first show with Rainbow replacing Ronnie James Dio he had to win over the audience; how Beth-Ami’s last interaction with Bob Kulick was a dispute over lyrics; how Graham’s style began in R&B with The Marbles; the path from The Marbles to Rainbow; how there were for a time two Alcatrazz bands performing and how they’re now consolidated to one; how Alcatrazz may tour once the Covid19 Pandemic lifts; remembering his guest appearance with the London Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; guesting at the Ultimate Jam Night at The Whisky in Hollywood; how Beth-Ami got started in playing bass and performed her first gig with Bootleg opening for Jailhouse; Beth-Ami’s bass origins in Philadelphia and New York; how the next Graham Bonnet album may feature many guests spanning his career.

In this episode, John Tempesta speaks with host Cole Coleman about how Motor Sister is mixing their new record; doing remote drum sessions; his beginnings in the Bronx; how he got his first drum kit; how watching Dennis Davis with David Bowie and seeing the Beatles’ movie A Hard Days Night inspired him; how Cozy Powel and John Bonham were major influences; how at age 14 he got out to see numerous shows; playing covers and originals with Jakals; getting out on the road for the first time as a drum tech for Charlie Benente of Anthrax and how that led to his drum position with Exodus; how timing and taking chances has led to many of his drum gigs; how being able to give his first gold record with White Zombie to his parents was a deep moment for him; how electronic drums and loops have been more inspiring than threatening; how he first thought the song More Human Than Human wouldn’t make the album Astro-Creep: 2000; how he started working with Page Hamilton and the new Helmet; how he got the gig with The Cult; the revelation that virtually every gig he’s had has been with people he’s known; how important it is to keep in touch with people you’ve worked with; working with Tony Iommi; how while he’s played a lot of styles in different bands he’s always wanted to try a modern Progressive Rock band; how doing your homework before an audition and going in with confidence and just going for it can get you places!

In this episode, host Cole Coleman talks with Susanna Aleksandra, Niila Perkkio, and Leevi Erkkila as they announce the release of their latest EP: Not Your Kind; if they feel they are reaching an audience beyond Finland their home country; how and when Cyan Kicks formed; meeting each other in music school; describing the live music club scene in their town of Helsinki; how once forming they set a goal to succeed as music artists; how songwriting takes place inside Cyan Kicks; how they chose their name; how they were set to perform at festivals and begin performing beyond Finland before the Covid19 pandemic hit; who the current lineup of the band is; deciding to perform or record first; remembering their first performance; how their record label Ranka Kustannus found them; if they have a producer or are self-produced; listening to a sample of the song The Flood from their latest EP: Not Your Kind; announcing their plans to release a full-length album in the Fall of 2021; how Susanna Aleksandra is fulfilling her lifelong dream to sing and perform and some of her influences; some of the gear Niila uses to record and produce the band; how Niila secretly became a guitar player and some of his influences; how Leevi got into music and has always been drawn to bass; some of the guitars and plugins Niila uses to track with; some of the bass guitars and gear Leevi uses; some of the microphones Susanna uses in the studio and live; how they have begun tracking their next full-length album and are pouring all their energy into it.

In this episode, Stevie Stewart talks with host Cole Coleman about how he’s been holding up during the Covid19 pandemic; how The Sweet is deciding if they will continue since the death of bassist and founder Steve Priest; how he found out that Steve Priest had died and how it has affected him; how if The Sweet continue he may take over the bass spot; how he first started working with The Sweet; how he had to perform on the night his stepfather died and how musicians often must perform under adverse conditions; how there were two versions of The Sweet performing; how many bands from the golden age of rock have two versions and that they are becoming multi-generational; where he was born and raised in a musical family; growing up as a hyper-kid eager to play the drums and his mother’s piano; how his step-father steered him towards piano; how he got his first organ and first Hammond organ; how as a keyboard player having the right gear can open doors; how he decided to move to Los Angeles in 1992; how placing an ad in Music Connection got him plenty of gigs his first year in L.A.; meeting up again with Nick Nicholas and gigging with the band World Classic Rockers for 13 years where he worked with many major names in Rock; his battle with severe dyslexia and his highly developed sense of hearing as a result; performing at and enjoying the Lucky Strike and Ultimate Jam nights in Hollywood; many of his current projects; some of the gear he uses in the studio; his advice for making connections and furthering your career in the virtual-digital age.

In this episode, Mark Ritchie and Mick Malusa of STONETRIP talk with host Cole Coleman announcing the video for their first release “Sideways;” how STONETRIP formed; assembling the lineup of the band over 6-7 months; recording their songs during the downtime of the Covid19 pandemic; about how Mark and Mick have known each other through bands; naming the lineup of STONETRIP; how they wrote their first group of songs; how they chose STONETRIP for their name; deciding to perform first then record; remembering a few venues they performed at in the city they’re based in Melbourne, Australia; starting up with a promotions and marketing company; finding producer Rickie Rae through seeking a killer drum sound; the inspiration of the lyrics and listening to a sample of their first release “Sideways;” where guitarist Mick Malusa is from and how he became a guitar player; where singer Mark Ritchie is from and how he became a singer; the guitars, amps, and effects Mick Malusa uses; deciding to either release a full album or release singles over the coming year.

In this episode, Sam Bam Koltun talks with host Cole Coleman about the origin of his name; his latest main projects with Faster Pussycat, Budderside, and Dorothy; how he got the gig with Faster Pussycat; his days growing up in Chesterfield Missouri, his first gigs and jam nights there; what it’s like having a dad who looks like a rock star; how Rafael Moreira inspired him to first get into guitar playing; his first arena gig at age 14; moving to Los Angeles at age 18 to attend Musician’s Institute; his first gig and first jam after moving to Los Angeles; his time with Made In America; meeting some of his guitar heroes at the Lucky Strike jams; his first touring experience with Gabbie Rae opening for the band Europe; how meeting people, networking, attending the jams is at least as important as your playing ability and has led to 100% of his gigs; how he has written 150 songs of his own and hopes to record and release them one day; how his gig with Budderside happened; and a chat about gear including his Les Pauls, amps and amp-modeling versus real amps, stomp boxes and multi-effects processors; and recording Faster Pussycat’s next album using all Kemper.

In this episode, Margarita Monet talks with host Cole Coleman giving an update on the recording of the latest Edge Of Paradise album including what it might be called; if it’s a concept album; working with producers Mike Plotnikoff, Neil Sanderson of Three Days Grace, and Howard Benson; if the lineup of musicians has changed and if there are any guest appearances; how close they are to finishing it and when it may be released; a little info on what gear Dave Bates is using for recording guitars and what Margarita is using for keyboard soundscapes; which songs from the album may be singles; confirming that the organization of their recording deal with Frontiers Records is expanding; confirming that they will resume touring as soon as the 2020-21 Covid-19 pandemic is over.* See Episode 5 for our biography with Margarita and the forming of Edge Of Paradise.

In this episode, Brian Young session guitarist for many and well-known for his time as band member with the Atomic Punks and the David Lee Roth Band talks with host Cole Coleman about his beginnings in Camarillo CA; attending GIT circa: 1983-84; his inspiration for starting to play guitar and early influences including Chet Atkins, Led Zeppelin, Yes, Allan Holdsworth; his early cover band leading to an original band with singer Jeff Scott Soto; his time with Beau Nasty and Psychotic Symphony; his gig with Atomic Punks leading to the David Lee Roth Band and what it’s like to work with Dave; a brief chat about recording and gear; and some advice for jump starting your career as a guitarist.

In this episode, Grammy Award winning musician and Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductee Tony Kaye talks with host Cole Coleman about his latest project "End Of Innocence" which commemorates the tragic events of the 9/11 2001 attacks in New York City; his latest keyboard rig; his beginnings on piano and organ; backing up Roy Orbison; meeting Chris Squire and Jon Anderson in a London club; Peter Banks' involvement in naming Yes; getting the news of Peter's death in 2013; being a guest player on Peter Banks' posthumous release with David Cross called "Crossover" under artist name David Cross & Peter Banks; recommending Steve Howe as Peter's replacement in Yes; Steve Howe's new autobiography "All My Yesterdays" revealing some mind altering times with Steve and Tony. (Part 1 of 3)

In this episode, Jon Davison vocalist of Prog/Rock band Yes talks with host Cole Coleman about working on a new album during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic; remembering Jon's early days starting on guitar and bass; how he first sang in church choir; growing up with best friend drummer Taylor Hawkins; remembering Seattle based Psychedelic band Sky Cries Mary; beginning his vocal career in a Yes-Tribute band; further honing his vocal ability with Prog/Rock band Glass Hammer; the role Taylor Hawkins played in introducing Jon to Yes; singing in Chris Squire's band; getting the call to join Yes on tour; working with Billy Sherwood on side band Arc Of Life; meeting Jon Anderson; explaining that Yes has no plans to stop touring and how they may continue through generations.

In this episode, Margarita Monet vocalist of Edge Of Paradise talks with host Cole Coleman about what countries they especially tour in; how they approach songwriting; her beginnings in Armenia, Moscow Russia, and Houston TX; coming to Los Angeles and founding Edge Of Paradise with guitarist Dave Bates; working with Michael Wagener, Chuck Johnson, Mike Plotnikoff, Jacob Hansen, Neil Sanderson; thinking of music and visual arts as a combined expression; her evolving vocal style; the importance of in-ear monitors; creating videos; stimulating and opening minds with lyrics; and a brief glimpse of what is next for Edge Of Paradise.

In Part 2: Host Cole Coleman continues his conference call with Paul, Jimmy, Claudio, and John speaking about monitor gear; why Mahogany Rush (MR) parted ways; remembering when young AC/DC opened for MR. Then, we go to Drum Talk featuring Jimmy Ayoub and John Tempesta (The Cult, Rob Zombie) discussing shells, heads, snares and snare drums, cymbals, and tips for drummers starting out. During the conversation Jimmy Ayoub reveals his battle with cancer and Claudio Pesavento shares about his own battle with cancer while working with Chris Squire (Yes). Then, we wrap things up with MR remembering when Rush battled them for the name - and the limelight!

In Part 1: Host Cole Coleman speaks with members of Mahogany Rush - Paul, Jimmy, and Claudio about how MR got started; performing at High Schools and Colleges instead of clubs; getting their breakthrough record deal; Frank Marino's similarities to Jimi Hendrix; their record company's questionable promotions; their hit song Strange Dreams; adding keyboardist Claudio Pesavento; touring with Aerosmith, Kansas, Blue Oyster Cult, and Queen.

In Part 2: Grammy Award winning bass player Francesco DiCosmo tells host Cole Coleman about being on the Red Carpet at The Grammys speaking with Steve Vai; how he met up with John Sykes and became a member of Thin Lizzy; touring with Ronnie Montrose; performing in Russia with Bobby Kimball; doing a string of gigs with Jason Bonham; and getting to jam with Robert Plant.

In Part 1: Grammy winning bass player Francesco DiCosmo tells host Cole Coleman of his latest project Dear Souls, playing in Rush tribute bands A Farewell To Kings and Caress Of Steel, attending Musicians Institute, working with and recording for Chris Poland, and how he came to be the studio bass player for Evanescence on their Grammy Award winning debut album Fallen.