Interviews: Testarossa

In this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Hard Rock/Rock band Testarrosa from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

Testarossa just fit the vibe we are going for. It is an iconic car. It’s excessive and screams for attention. What’s more rock-n-roll than that?

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

A lot of people accuse us of sounding “80’s,” but I wouldn’t say we are “80’s.” We just set out to play rock music that didn’t suck. We play the guitar how the guitar is meant to be played, loud and obnoxious. Shredding is a dying art. I can’t figure out why it ever went out of style. People still think Eddie Van Halen is cool, right? The bass and drums lay down a fat and danceable groove and the choruses just happen to be very catchy. The songs are lighthearted at times, but sensitive and serious when they need to be. We try not to overthink things. We just want to be the life of the party, that’s all.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

We played in various bands over the years. Jordan (guitarist) and I played together in a band together previously. Buddy (drummer) and I played in another band. We met Blake (bassist) through a mutual friend. We are a conglomeration of several dysfunctional bands. If it weren’t for music none of us would have ever met.

4. Each band member favorite band?

Colten – Aerosmith or Black Oak Arkansas Jordan – Yngwie Malmsteen Buddy – Def Leppard or Asking Alexandria Blake – Kiss

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Usually, I’m inspired by a singular guitar riff. I’ll start to piece together the music in my head then I will imagine myself performing the song live. If I can’t see myself fronting a song live, the song will die before it ever gets lyrics. As far as lyrics go, I think humor is an underutilized tool. Songs can be funny and still be good. We are not Steel Panther. I prefer tongue-n-cheek humor that requires a second listen. Serious songs are written from personal experiences and situations that affect my mood significantly. Our music is all about vibes. The whole purpose of our songs is to convey an idea or feeling vividly in a 3-4 minute window. It’s very hard to tell a story in a few sentences.

6. Where was your last gig?

We had a keg party at our practice space. We do so once or twice a year and raise money for various causes. A lot of the time the money goes to the local children’s hospital. That seems to be a cause everyone can get behind. It’s always a good time and reminds me of what the music scene should be a community.

7. Where would you like to act?

On the biggest stages possible. More is always more. There is an unquenchable thirst for success and upstaging our last performance. That’s what keeps us going.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Our feature with Danny Worsnop of Asking Alexandria is pretty tight. I never in a million years expected that to happen. If I could have anyone else on the record it would probably be Steven Tyler. Aerosmith is America’s answer to Led Zepplin. It doesn’t get cooler than that.

9. Whom not?

Luke Bryan. That dude is lame.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

All the time. Embrace the uncomfortable feeling and use it to your advantage. Adrenaline will make the human body do some amazing things. Think about why you play music in the first place -- to show people what you have created. So get out there and show them! Once you are confident in your abilities, performing live is the strongest addiction you can have. Make sure you know the songs. Video your practices. I learned so much by just watching myself perform in a mirror. Sounds silly, but it makes a difference.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Aerosmith, Motley Crue, Van Halen, anybody who is down to have a good time. 

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

To play their 8-year old’s birthday party. It was very “school of rockish.” The kids dug it though and it was actually a lot of fun. Anything to spread the word that rock-n-roll ain’t dead.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Anybody that supports Testarossa is a friend of mine. It’s so cool to see people I’ve never met before talking about music that we’ve made. It’s really wild. The other day someone in Ireland contacted us about our debut single “Mother Lover.” It’s a great feeling to know that there are people out there that care about your music.

14. What do you think of our site?

Super rad! It is so cool the see all of the bands featured on the site. There’s a sense of community and that’s what the music world needs. Keep crushing!

15. Something add?

Keep an eye out for our debut, “Late for the Party.” Download our single “Rock-n-Roll.” Follow us on all the social media platforms @testarossarocks. Thanks for the interview!