Spotlight On - North of Malibu
Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008 2:19 am
This week’s guest artist is George Boccanfuso of North of Malibu.
They were recently voted best musical group of 2007 by the listeners of Cult Radio A Go-Go
North of Malibu has been critically acclaimed not only in their home State of California but right across the nation, thanks in part to the release of their latest CD, which is available from cdbaby.com. They got some great help along the way, Harry Gale recorded the guys “live” at the Route 44 Studio in Sebastopol.
This CD is perhaps their most notable release to date. It has been strongly endorsed by The Guitar Legend himself, Mr. Dick Dale. What more can a band ask for? It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll recently caught up with George and asked him to tell us how it feels to be in the spotlight.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
George, many thanks for agreeing to be interviewed by its Only Rock ‘N Roll. As a result your many fans on the Rickresource forum and around the world will be afforded an opportunity to explore the inner workings of a successful surf band.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
So let’s get down to business George. Why surf music? How did you come to pick that genre as your musical art form?
George
Thanks Brian,
I played in a surf band back in the days of the first wave (mid 60's) and have always enjoyed the energy and melody of a good surf tune. Dick Dale's Miserlou was for me one of those songs you remember exactly where you were and what you were doing when you first heard it...still the surf classic.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Speaking of Dick Dale, how did you get an opportunity to meet him?
George
The first time I saw Dick Dale play was in the mid 60's...no one played that loud or that well in that style then. The floors of the venues would shake as well as the rafters. I met Dick about 10 years ago after a show at a local college. Among other things, we talked about Kenpo Karate...a martial arts style that I train in and taught for 15 years. Dick studied the style with it's founder Ed Parker Jr many years ago..we became Kenpo Brothers in a manner of speaking. When we were working on the cd I asked Dick if he would do a review and he agreed. I and the rest of the guys greatly appreciate his input and encouragement.
I'd like to mention here that Dick (now 70) is pretty ill. He is a strong guy with mucho life force so we expect him to get past it ... if you've ever been moved by his music send him some good vibes or maybe even a note on his site.
http://www.dickdale.com
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
I am very sorry to hear that news George, please pass along our wishes for his speedy recovery, not only from myself of course but from this forum in general.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
What factors led to the decision to have Harry Gale and the Route 44 studio to record your music?
George
Harry and I go back a long time. We worked together when I had a record store years ago and even before that we were good friends. He is a VERY accomplished guitarist and songwriter as well as a wizard at the board. Harry lets you sound like..you ..unless I guess you want to sound like someone else.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Your music has been described as being “soaked in reverb, using period correct equipment and amps – cranked, or words to that effect. Does this account for your vintage, yet unique sound or is there some other techno wizardry going on that we should know about?
George
For our surf sound there is no substitute for Fender Dual Showman amps, outboard reverbs and single coil pickup guitars. No effects were used in the studio other then the reverb save for some compression on the tune "Crashing Waves". On that song Paul and I played Rickenbackers and I wanted as much "jangle" as possible.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
The artwork on your CD – Impact Zone is exceptional. Who is responsible for the artwork? Was that a costly undertaking?
George
Paul W, who else? Nah..Paul did it for free! My wife Judy took the photo.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
How are you promoting your new CD, did you put a press release and a promotion package together or are you using a completely different strategy?
George
Grassroots marketing I guess. We send out out blurbs on myspace. I send a lot of business emails anyway so I always send a link for our myspace site at the end of the letter. We sell on cd baby, ebay and 15 digital download sites.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
What factors did you consider when you settled on your business and marketing strategies?
George
Keep as much of the money generated as possible. Keep costs down and product quality high.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Let’s talk about the band. Who are the members of the band and apart from telling us what instruments they play perhaps you can tell our readers what other duties do they fulfill?
George
Paul W. Rhythm/Lead guitar. As mentioned Paul is the resident artist. He's also the house jokester and helps us keep things light.
Rick P. Drums. Rick records all our rehearsals and shows for us to go over and learn from
.
Joseph B. Bass. He brings good looking chicks to the gigs!
George B. Guitar
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Do some of you attend to the business aspects of the band more than others? If so can you tell us how that decision was made and who does what.
George
We talk thing over. I handle most of it.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Are there set rehearsal nights for the band and where and how do you rehearse?
George
We practice one time per week for 3 hours. Paul W has to drive an hour or more (each direction) we appreciate it. The rest of us are in this area.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
How do you come up with original tunes? Can you walk us through a typical process from the start of the inspiration through to introducing a new tune to the band and finally deciding on the arrangement?
George
Most of the time I'll sit down with my guitar and a tape recorder. I will work out a rhythm pattern..maybe next a turnaround and a bridge. Sometimes a lead or bass figure. I'll bring the song to the band at that point and we'll jam it a bit..make some changes while each member adds their musical input. Sometimes this can happen in one session....sometime longer.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Who is normally the catalyst for deciding which new tunes to add to you repertoire?
George
For the surf it's been mostly myself. There are some musical adventures we will be exploring in the near future...Paul W has an agenda for us there!
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Does the band have a leader and/or a band manager? If so, how did that decision come about?
George
We manage ourselves as a group. I try and start the ball rolling.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
What kind of music do you like to listen to George and what foundation or influences do you draw your inspiration from?
George
Like most on the forum I'm sure, I listen to most everything. I pull many of my solos more from a blues then a traditional surf form...
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Where do you want to take your music and where do you want your music to take you?
George
Gig once a month or so...record once or twice a year. We will be doing a video next summer. One goal has been to get some music into a film. We will be going into the studio this month to record one song (not ours) at the request of the writer of the tune...he's also the screenwriter/producer of the film with a long list of Hollywood credits. All I can say right now is that it is a classic first wave tune that is covered my many surf bands.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Do you have any advice that you can share with musicians that are just putting a band together?
George
Please have some fun and know your goals. More then anything you are going to be hanging out with your bandmates so there has to be a fun factor. Make your own cd/do your own promotion/book your own gigs/sell your own cd's....keep most of what you make this way.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
On behalf of It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll and The Rickresource forum I would like to thank you George for participating in this most enjoyable interview.
As a result I feel (as I am sure others do as well), that we know a lot more about you and the guys. In particular I would also like to thank you for allowing me to put a spotlight on the business and artistic decisions taken by of one of Northern California’s very best and hardest working surf bands.
You certainly have delivered on your promise of quality. Your music is remarkably well played and it delivers a classic feel with a fresh approach. I wish you continued success in all your endeavors.
George has agreed to take and answer questions from forum members so feel free to bombard him with questions about North of Malibu.
They were recently voted best musical group of 2007 by the listeners of Cult Radio A Go-Go
North of Malibu has been critically acclaimed not only in their home State of California but right across the nation, thanks in part to the release of their latest CD, which is available from cdbaby.com. They got some great help along the way, Harry Gale recorded the guys “live” at the Route 44 Studio in Sebastopol.
This CD is perhaps their most notable release to date. It has been strongly endorsed by The Guitar Legend himself, Mr. Dick Dale. What more can a band ask for? It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll recently caught up with George and asked him to tell us how it feels to be in the spotlight.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
George, many thanks for agreeing to be interviewed by its Only Rock ‘N Roll. As a result your many fans on the Rickresource forum and around the world will be afforded an opportunity to explore the inner workings of a successful surf band.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
So let’s get down to business George. Why surf music? How did you come to pick that genre as your musical art form?
George
Thanks Brian,
I played in a surf band back in the days of the first wave (mid 60's) and have always enjoyed the energy and melody of a good surf tune. Dick Dale's Miserlou was for me one of those songs you remember exactly where you were and what you were doing when you first heard it...still the surf classic.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Speaking of Dick Dale, how did you get an opportunity to meet him?
George
The first time I saw Dick Dale play was in the mid 60's...no one played that loud or that well in that style then. The floors of the venues would shake as well as the rafters. I met Dick about 10 years ago after a show at a local college. Among other things, we talked about Kenpo Karate...a martial arts style that I train in and taught for 15 years. Dick studied the style with it's founder Ed Parker Jr many years ago..we became Kenpo Brothers in a manner of speaking. When we were working on the cd I asked Dick if he would do a review and he agreed. I and the rest of the guys greatly appreciate his input and encouragement.
I'd like to mention here that Dick (now 70) is pretty ill. He is a strong guy with mucho life force so we expect him to get past it ... if you've ever been moved by his music send him some good vibes or maybe even a note on his site.
http://www.dickdale.com
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
I am very sorry to hear that news George, please pass along our wishes for his speedy recovery, not only from myself of course but from this forum in general.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
What factors led to the decision to have Harry Gale and the Route 44 studio to record your music?
George
Harry and I go back a long time. We worked together when I had a record store years ago and even before that we were good friends. He is a VERY accomplished guitarist and songwriter as well as a wizard at the board. Harry lets you sound like..you ..unless I guess you want to sound like someone else.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Your music has been described as being “soaked in reverb, using period correct equipment and amps – cranked, or words to that effect. Does this account for your vintage, yet unique sound or is there some other techno wizardry going on that we should know about?
George
For our surf sound there is no substitute for Fender Dual Showman amps, outboard reverbs and single coil pickup guitars. No effects were used in the studio other then the reverb save for some compression on the tune "Crashing Waves". On that song Paul and I played Rickenbackers and I wanted as much "jangle" as possible.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
The artwork on your CD – Impact Zone is exceptional. Who is responsible for the artwork? Was that a costly undertaking?
George
Paul W, who else? Nah..Paul did it for free! My wife Judy took the photo.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
How are you promoting your new CD, did you put a press release and a promotion package together or are you using a completely different strategy?
George
Grassroots marketing I guess. We send out out blurbs on myspace. I send a lot of business emails anyway so I always send a link for our myspace site at the end of the letter. We sell on cd baby, ebay and 15 digital download sites.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
What factors did you consider when you settled on your business and marketing strategies?
George
Keep as much of the money generated as possible. Keep costs down and product quality high.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Let’s talk about the band. Who are the members of the band and apart from telling us what instruments they play perhaps you can tell our readers what other duties do they fulfill?
George
Paul W. Rhythm/Lead guitar. As mentioned Paul is the resident artist. He's also the house jokester and helps us keep things light.
Rick P. Drums. Rick records all our rehearsals and shows for us to go over and learn from
.
Joseph B. Bass. He brings good looking chicks to the gigs!
George B. Guitar
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Do some of you attend to the business aspects of the band more than others? If so can you tell us how that decision was made and who does what.
George
We talk thing over. I handle most of it.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Are there set rehearsal nights for the band and where and how do you rehearse?
George
We practice one time per week for 3 hours. Paul W has to drive an hour or more (each direction) we appreciate it. The rest of us are in this area.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
How do you come up with original tunes? Can you walk us through a typical process from the start of the inspiration through to introducing a new tune to the band and finally deciding on the arrangement?
George
Most of the time I'll sit down with my guitar and a tape recorder. I will work out a rhythm pattern..maybe next a turnaround and a bridge. Sometimes a lead or bass figure. I'll bring the song to the band at that point and we'll jam it a bit..make some changes while each member adds their musical input. Sometimes this can happen in one session....sometime longer.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Who is normally the catalyst for deciding which new tunes to add to you repertoire?
George
For the surf it's been mostly myself. There are some musical adventures we will be exploring in the near future...Paul W has an agenda for us there!
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Does the band have a leader and/or a band manager? If so, how did that decision come about?
George
We manage ourselves as a group. I try and start the ball rolling.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
What kind of music do you like to listen to George and what foundation or influences do you draw your inspiration from?
George
Like most on the forum I'm sure, I listen to most everything. I pull many of my solos more from a blues then a traditional surf form...
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Where do you want to take your music and where do you want your music to take you?
George
Gig once a month or so...record once or twice a year. We will be doing a video next summer. One goal has been to get some music into a film. We will be going into the studio this month to record one song (not ours) at the request of the writer of the tune...he's also the screenwriter/producer of the film with a long list of Hollywood credits. All I can say right now is that it is a classic first wave tune that is covered my many surf bands.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Do you have any advice that you can share with musicians that are just putting a band together?
George
Please have some fun and know your goals. More then anything you are going to be hanging out with your bandmates so there has to be a fun factor. Make your own cd/do your own promotion/book your own gigs/sell your own cd's....keep most of what you make this way.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
On behalf of It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll and The Rickresource forum I would like to thank you George for participating in this most enjoyable interview.
As a result I feel (as I am sure others do as well), that we know a lot more about you and the guys. In particular I would also like to thank you for allowing me to put a spotlight on the business and artistic decisions taken by of one of Northern California’s very best and hardest working surf bands.
You certainly have delivered on your promise of quality. Your music is remarkably well played and it delivers a classic feel with a fresh approach. I wish you continued success in all your endeavors.
George has agreed to take and answer questions from forum members so feel free to bombard him with questions about North of Malibu.
Too late I already did.