Interviews: A.D.2020

We have had the opportunity to interview the Rock band A.D.2020 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?

We were in the pandemic and the name A.D.2020 had a very nice ring to it

2.Why did you want to play this genre?

I have been a rock drummer since the age of 15 and its all I ever really wanted to do.

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

We are more so a “band” on record only, a recording project that was conceived during the height of the pandemic when everyone was home and we thought it would be cool to collaborate on songs. Mark McNelley, lead vocals and I have worked in bands since the mid 2000’s and I have known Dan Reed, producer, backing vocals and guitar and Melvin Brannon,upright bass from Dan Reed Network for a very long time. Greg Smith,bass guitar and Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal I had met about a year before the album was conceived and I loved their energy and musicianship and so I called them and after many hours of conversation we agreed to work together. Derek Sherinian who guests on 3 songs was contacted during early tracking to add some additional keyboards, I had met Derek a year prior but having Ron work with Derek in Sons of Apollo led to the actual parts being completed. We all worked well as a team.

4. Each band member's favourite band?

For me, I like lots of music as long as it’s good there’s not much I won’t listen to. Being a child of the 70’s I tend to listen to lots of the progressive rock bands of the era but I also like HER I think she’s one the great new artists.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

I think song inspiration belongs to the universe and you are chosen to be the conduit to allow the song to come to life. I know people use rhyming dictionaries and stuff like that I don’t like to force a song rather I like the song to flow and if it's meant to be it will just flow easily.

6. Where was your last gig?

For me personally, it was March 2020 and I hope to return to live performances in 2022

7. Whom would you like to feature with?

For musical collaboration I would love to collaborate with Paul McCartney if he’s listening 😊 Also, I have a crush on Lita Ford whom I have met so if she’s listening that would be cool too Lady GaGa is brilliant, HER is an amazing musician too so my list is pretty wide. As long as they are cool and it makes sense I will collaborate with anyone.

8. Whom not?

People who waste your time.

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

Personally, I have never had stage fright, my first public performance was about 6 years old and I was a solo act playing percussion and singing an original song.

10. What bands have inspired you the most?

Band with great musicianship and also great messaging. Humor is also nice too! I am big fan of 70’s progressive rock, RUSH/ELP/YES/Genesis but I also like Funk Rock bands like Dan Reed Network. Queen, Led Zeppelin,KISS also are big influences. 80’s rock The Clash, The Police and many of those bands inspired me growing up.

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

It’s still weird to be asked to sign and autograph things but if they are happier for it I am glad to oblige.

12. What do you think of your fans?

We love the fans without the fans we are nothing. We need fans for feedback which is important to the entire process of being a songwriter and musician.

13. What do you think of our site?

Your site looks great thank you for supporting new music.

14. Something you'd like to add?

Our album “Lockdown Diaries” will be released on August 10 2021 and our website is www.ad2020music.com