Interviews: Dan Kincaid

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Rock artist Dan Kincald 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?

Since this is my first solo album, I didn’t have to put much thought into it this time. I could just use my name! I really didn’t miss the painstaking process of trying to come up with the perfect band name.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

When I first started writing Persona Non Grata, I decided that this time around I was just going to sit down in my studio and write whatever came to me. I didn’t really have a particular direction or genre in mind. As I wrote the demos, the music started telling me what it wanted to be. Once I teamed up with Christian Eigner of Depeche Mode and Niko Stoessl, they really caught on to what I was going for and the vibe took shape.

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

I started out writing the album on my own. Shortly after that, I met Christian at a party in the Hollywood Hills. We hung out all night talking about music, life, and our love for the movie Zoolander. Shortly after that, we started recording together. A few weeks later he introduced me to Niko. One day Christian said, “Why don’t you have Niko and I produce your new record?”. I was both flattered and excited. And that’s how Persona Non Grata was born.

4. Each band member favorite band?

I have a pretty eclectic taste in music. I love Bowie, Prince, Guns ‘n’ Roses, Motley Crue, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Nine Inch Nails and a host of others. I gain inspiration from a lot of different artists and genres.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Songwriting is something I need to do. Sometimes there’s an image or idea in my head that just haunts me and won’t let me rest until I give it a voice. It’s my form of therapy. So many of these songs came to be based just on a feeling in me that needed to be expressed.

6. Where was your last gig?

The Whisky-A-Go-Go.

7. Where would you like to act?

Anywhere and everywhere! I’d love to play the States, Europe, Asia, Japan, Mexico, South America, etc.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

There are so many great acts out there. I think I’d fit well with a number of them. Any act out there pouring out their soul and putting their hearts into their music is an act I would like to play with.

9. Whom not?

I’ll play with anyone, anytime and let the crowd decide for themselves. I remember stories of Prince being put on as an opener for the Rolling Stones and the crowd not being very receptive to what he was up to at the time. But he still went out and put on a kick ass show and showed them all who he was. Good music is good music and I think that speaks for itself.

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

Before a show I usually need to be left alone for about 30 minutes so I can put myself in the right headspace. It’s a scary thing to stand up in front of a group of people and bare your soul. I know a lot of people whose pre stage ritual is to puke their guts out and let go of some of that anxiety. Lol I would say this. Enjoy that anxiety and use it. You’re about to go do something that a lot of people will never experience. It’s all part of the process. For me, when the intro starts and the fans start cheering and the guitars start blazing, that anxiety turns into euphoria. Enjoy those moments onstage. Let go, get out there, and show people your art, your truth, and let them see you!

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

David Bowie is the artist who has inspired me the most. He was fearless. He was transformative. Throughout his career he was a shape shifter and always able to stay relevant and communicate with people. He was always able to keep the fans he had and reach out to new generations at the same time. He knew how to touch people’s hearts and minds. He never allowed himself to be put in a box. He made his art on his own terms. I respect him so much for that. Even when he was dying, he chose to write a musical work of art to say goodbye. I miss him. And I wish I had the chance to meet him before he passed.

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

I’ve had female fans tell me that they wanted to have my baby. That seemed a bit extreme. I offered them a picture or autograph instead. Much easier to care for! lol

13. What do you think of your fans?

My fans are amazing, and I appreciate each and every one of them! We live in a digital age. Every bit of info and music is literally at our fingertips. When they pick up their phone, open their computer, turn on their stereo, or look at social media and what they choose to pay attention to at that point in time is me, that is awesome!! Without them, I would not be able to do this. It’s them who make my dreams possible. And judging from the ones I’ve had the pleasure to talk to, a pretty fucking cool group of people as well!!

14. What do you think of our site?

I think your site is amazing! You’ve created a platform for artists to be heard who may not have had that opportunity if not for you! You give them a place to be seen. A place to share a part of themselves. And I myself am very grateful for that!

15. Something add?

I would like to say thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to tell everyone a bit about myself and my new album Persona Non Grata. I’d also like to thank you again for providing a place for new artists to be seen. You guys are awesome! Much love! - Dan Kincaid