Spotlight On - Darren Trott, Manager of Airway Lanes
Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 12:10 pm
This week’s guest is Darren Trott who is the manager for one of the best new bands to come out of Australia – Airway Lanes. He’s also just established his own company, Trott Management Group.
Darren is as we all know is also an avid musician with a huge amount of talent. For those of you who have had the opportunity to see and hear him play guitar, bass or drums you know what I am talking about. Those of you who have not had this experience are missing out on listening to an incredible musician who can do it all equally well. I had to travel to Australia to hear him, but if you ever get the chance for yourself when he is on this continent, do yourself a favor and go. You will not be disappointed.
Besides all this talent, Darren is one of the best blokes (guys) you could ever want to meet. So how did this great musician end up being the manager for an incredible band like Airway Lanes.
Let’s find out for ourselves.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll recently caught up with Darren and put him under the spotlight.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Darren thanks for agreeing to an interview for It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll and the Rickresource forum. So let’s get started.
How did you come to meet the lads from Airway Lanes?
Darren
I first saw them supporting Icecream Hands (another great band from Melbourne) in August 2006, three days before I flew to California for the Rickenbacker 75th party. Greg Rahilly was with me and by the end of the band’s set, they had won us over with their sound.
Over the next few months I continued to attend performances and in March 2007 I ended up offering the band the use of my vintage guitar collection during the recording of their debut album. I attended many of the recording sessions.
I would regularly offer the band balanced feedback about their shows and occasionally I’d jump up on stage to assist with technical problems.
One night they asked me to consider managing them, which until that point, I’d never really given much thought to. In particular, I thought that my wife, Robyn (a former band widow!) would think I was crazy to take on such a role. I was very mistaken, as she was in total support, suggesting it was a great way to bring together experiences I’ve had over 25 years of performing in bands, with 20 years of corporate business management and leadership.
I was appointed as the band’s manager exactly one year to the day after I first saw them.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Airway Lanes obviously have a pedigree, can you tell us a little about them?
Darren
I should say that there is no way I could do what I’m doing if I didn’t absolutely love the band’s music. In a world dominated by dance, hip-hop, death metal etc, it was so refreshing to come across a real band writing meaningful songs, with strong melodies and fine musicianship.
The band is the brainchild of Dan Hall and Chris Hawker. Dan was a founding member and bass player with Taxiride, who had outstanding commercial success in the mid-90s in Australia and overseas. Taxiride had a number of top ten singles, toured the world and released a number of albums. Dan is a multi-instrumentalist and now fronts Airway Lanes as singer/guitarist. Most importantly, he has a fabulous voice, reminiscent of the late Jeff Buckley…and I don’t make that comparison lightly.
After leaving Taxiride, Dan teamed up with Chris around 2004 and they began writing and performing as a duo. They soon added Scrubby on bass and Spyder on drums, with Airway Lanes releasing their first ep through independent local label Dust Devil Music in 2006. When the band performs live, founding Taxiride guitarist Tim Wild joins them on keyboards.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Who is the main songwriter/performer in Airway Lanes and what is his particular background in the music business?
Darren
Dan and Chris share songwriting duties, as individuals or in partnership. The band’s debut album “In Vino Veritas” reflects life’s rollercoaster ride of human relations. Roughly translated it means “in wine is truth”. It’s a concept album of sorts, designed to be listened to from beginning to end, as their story gets told.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
You recently filmed a video with Airway Lanes, can you describe that experience to us and tell us how that came to fruition?
Darren
My first day as the band’s manager was the day I arrived home from the Rickenbacker SoCal Confluence in August 2007. I had the unpleasant task of cancelling a video shoot the band had previously arranged. Communication and collaboration is so important. No-one had kept the label in the loop with the plan. So there they were, ready to shoot a video clip, without funding approval, for a song which hadn’t even been agreed to as a single release.
I met with the label and sought agreement on the selection of the first single, “Don’t Let Go”. We agreed on a video concept, a budget and a location. The aim was to keep the costs down and still have a professional quality clip suitable for television. Through me the band submitted a properly costed budget, story board and time schedule, and funding was approved.
Many of the people involved in the shoot volunteered their services. Filming took place over two days of extreme heat in January. Seeing the clip go from an idea, to a story board, to the finished product was an incredible experience, and I’m pleased to have played a role in bringing the song and the video clip to life in this way.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Without telling stories out of school can you tell us about some of the things that a manager gets involved with and that a band of this calibre has to deal with?
Darren
Dan recently joked that I’ve inherited another four children. Sometimes that’s exactly how it feels!
I get calls and messages at all hours; I carry the drinks tray; I massage the various egos involved; I champion the band’s efforts when they do well; I kick them in the pants when they don’t; I offer advice and a balanced viewpoint; I supply guitars and amps when needed; I lug equipment; I collect the cash; I pay the bills; I take care of the merchandising; I sourced the publicist; I liaise with promoters, booking agents, publicists, record label, distributor, media, band members and fans; I manage the myspace site; I identify publishing opportunities; I act as band photographer, driver and security; I anticipate risks and do my best to protect the best interests of the band and it’s members.
Most critical of all is leadership and the co-ordination and communication between the various stakeholders.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
The band has had some amazing success in Australia. Tell us about those successes and how you are planning to capitalize on them.
Darren
The band’s first EP was well received and the song “Desire” received airplay in Melbourne and Sydney and in some regional areas. This led to the band supporting InXs early last year and an appearance on the “Rove Live” TV program. Unfortunately, in the absence of a manager at that time, the momentum stalled.
More recently, the first single from the new album “Don’t Let Go” was selected as iTunes “Single of the Week” across Australia and New Zealand, during the busiest period of the year for downloads – the Xmas and New Year break. The song was downloaded nearly 11,000 times during a nine day period. We have an album launched planned for mid-May and the publicity campaign is about to go into full swing in support of the new album. This campaign kicks off this week and targets radio, print media, street press and retail music stores.
It’s really important that everyone continues to look for opportunities and taps into the help offered by friends and industry contacts.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Who are the musicians and producers that are responsible for the latest CD that Airway Lanes recorded? What sort of effort did they bring to the table?
Darren
Dan Hall handled lead vocals, guitars and piano, with Chris Hawker on guitar also. Glen “Scrub” Evans played bass and Paul “Spyder” Marrett played drums and percussion. Tim Wild (Taxiride) contributed keyboards on four tracks and we added a horn section to a number of songs.
Recordings were undertaken at Lighthill Studio and Supersonic Recordings in Melbourne, and the album was produced by Dan and Chris, and co-produced by Ricki Rae.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Do you travel with the band when they play in Australia and do you plan to travel with them when they make their debut in North America?
Darren
At this stage the band’s performances have been locally around Melbourne, so I’ve attended almost all of the shows. With the album ready for release, we’re planning some serious touring into regional Victoria and to other capital cities within Australia, especially Sydney.
Touring costs money and unless it’s being sponsored, it will be done in the most economical way possible. My corporate and family commitments will prevent me from just “going on tour with the boys”, however careful planning should allow me to attend weekend shows interstate.
As far as a future US tour is concerned, there’s a possibility the band will visit the US for the South By Southwest Festival in Austin, TX next year. I’ll definitely be taking leave to accompany the band if, and when, this happens.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Darren, what experience have you brought to the table to make Airway Lanes better in many respects?
Darren
As a musician myself, I bring an understanding of the struggle to create original music and the preciousness of the final product. It’s a very personal thing, so Dan and Chris want the music to be presented in the right way. I understand the sacrifices they make for their art. In many ways, to me they represent the life I could have chosen if I’d decided to commit 110% to a musical career many years ago. It’s like they are my alter-egos!
At a business level, I bring an understanding of getting product to market. Decisions need to be made in a practical sense, with an understanding of the economics. I bring strategic thinking and vision so that the end goal can be broken down into achievable steps. That’s really important, because the band members themselves aren’t naturally good at that.
The most important thing I bring is my experience in dealing with people, especially conflict resolution.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
When you discuss matters with the band do you bring up subjects of interest through one person in particular or do you sit down as a group and decide matters in a democratic fashion?
Darren
I work very closely with Dan and Chris individually, and as a pair. There is no Airway Lanes without Dan Hall. He’s the ultimate decision maker. Chris is great to talk to about the music business and our long ” things to do list”.
I attempt to circulate an email update weekly to everyone, so that the whole band is in the loop on most things. My style is collaborative, so I try to gain the involvement of those interested in the issue to start with, and then make or recommend a decision.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Darren, where do you see yourself and this band in five to ten years?
Darren
I’d like to think that the band and I will have had a long and successful relationship, however I’m a realist too. Right now, the focus is on the debut album release, which looms large in the immediate future. Longer term plans will no doubt be influenced by the market’s reaction to the album.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Does the band have an agency in North America lined up to promote their appearances or if not how are you looking after that aspect of their management?
Darren
At this stage we don’t have a North American agency. That’s something on my to-do list. I’m hoping that all build some contacts via RickResource Forum members as a starting point!
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Are you planning a world wide release of their latest CD and if so how will you accomplish that goal? If not how are you planning to establish a foothold in the North American market?
The album will initially be released just in Australia, through the distributor, Stomp.
Stomp have an association with the Sub Pop label from Seattle and this would be a sensible option for US release.
The digital world now makes this a whole lot easier, and Airway Lanes material is already available for digital download worldwide, through iTunes and through Dust Devil Music/Stomp.
The album will be released in Australia on 17 May 2008.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Darren are you hoping to sign the band to a major record label in the future and if so who do you have your sights set on and why? If not, why not?
Darren
The band is signed to Dust Devil Music, an independent label based in Melbourne. This was primarily to retain complete artistic control over the release, which the band has now achieved. The label allowed the band to select the songs, the track listing, the studio, the co-producer, the mastering company and the end result is an album that the band is extremely happy with. You simply couldn’t get that degree of control with a major label.
The band doesn’t have to compete with three dozen other artists all vying for the label’s attention and funding.
The trade off is that you don’t have the same budget or in-house distribution reach as you’d have with a major label, however the digital age is changing all of this. Bands can make superb recordings in their loungerooms with Protools. Songs can be distributed through MySpace and a million online music stores. Bands don’t need a major label to get their music “out there”. We’re already seeing signs of serious trouble in the business models of most majors.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Let’s talk about the video that you showed me. It featured one of your Rickenbacker instruments. Tell me what it means to you to have one of your guitars featured in not only such a great video but also on the song itself.
Darren
I vividly remember the look on the faces of the band members and the studio sound engineer, when the ’60 Rickenbacker 335F (aka Fatboy) was first strummed, as it rang out through a 60s Vox AC-30 and a 100watt Marshall Plexi head and quad box. It was pure magic! That guitar was featured on “Carry You Away”, ““In Your Eyes” and the single “Don’t Let Go”. For the video shoot, Chris used my ’60 345F (aka Fatboy II and formerly owned by RickResource member Tony Matura). It’s gorgeous fireglo finish was a great contrast to the more monochrome feel of the band performance. I told Chris I didn’t mind sharing some of my “mojo” with him!
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Who does Airway Lanes sound like in your mind at least and what will you do to help them continue to create a sound and a following of their own?
Darren
I think there are shades of REM, The Replacements, Crowded House, The Beatles, Coldplay and Jeff Buckley. I simply love Dan’s voice and songwriting approach, which is written from the heart and you can hear it. It’s unpretentious and accessible.
I believe that many people are looking for music which is not dance, not hip hop, not death metal, not neo-punk, just bloody good songs with strong melodies that stick in your head. Classic rock/pop which appeals to everyone at some point.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Tell us about their upcoming shows and or tour plans within Australia. Where can someone go to see this incredible band?
Darren
The band performs regularly in Melbourne. On March22 the band performs an unplugged set at Elwood RSL and at Ruby’s Lounge in Belgrave on April 26. The official album launch show will be at Chapel off Chapel on May 17. We’re in the planning stages of a Sydney and Brisbane tour in June & July.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Have you had any experiences managing this band that have just rocked you and made you stop and think what on earth is this all about, if so tell us about the one experience that stands out for you?
Darren
Brian, there are three stand out experiences, all equally important for different reasons.
The first occurred when Dan accidently snapped the headstock off of his Guild SG-style guitar. I knew he would struggle to get it fixed. A few days later I asked him what his dream guitar would be, if money was no object, and Dan suggested a ’63 Fender Tele with a rosewood neck. Next time we saw each other, I gifted him a Telecaster from my collection, a battered looking Ocean Turquoise ’63 RI Tele with a rosewood neck. It was an emotional moment. That guitar remains as Dan’s main instrument.
At the other end of the scale there was one really flat performance a little while ago, which was in front of an almost empty room, thankfully. Too much time at the bar before the performance resulted in a slow moving train crash on stage. The band has learned and moved on from this, but I refused to collect their performance fee on the night. I could have walked away at that point.
The third special moment was when Robyn and I had our first listen to the finished album all the way through. To hear such beautiful songs sounding so good, with such clarity, made me immensely grateful for being given the opportunity to be part of it’s creation. It was another very emotional moment and after six months on high rotation it’s still my favourite album!
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
What advice do you have for those who want to become a successful musician?
Darren
“It’s A Long Way To the Top if You Wanna Rock’n’Roll”.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Where can we listen to and then go to buy Airway Lanes music?
Darren
Checkout http://www.myspace.com/airwaylanes
Songs are available for download through many sites including iTunes or at http://www.amazon.com/Airway-Lanes-AIRW ... B000IND3NU
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Darren on behalf of It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll and The Rickresource forum I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to participate in this most enjoyable interview.
Darren
Thanks Brian, for the opportunity to share my experiences so far!
Darren is as we all know is also an avid musician with a huge amount of talent. For those of you who have had the opportunity to see and hear him play guitar, bass or drums you know what I am talking about. Those of you who have not had this experience are missing out on listening to an incredible musician who can do it all equally well. I had to travel to Australia to hear him, but if you ever get the chance for yourself when he is on this continent, do yourself a favor and go. You will not be disappointed.
Besides all this talent, Darren is one of the best blokes (guys) you could ever want to meet. So how did this great musician end up being the manager for an incredible band like Airway Lanes.
Let’s find out for ourselves.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll recently caught up with Darren and put him under the spotlight.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Darren thanks for agreeing to an interview for It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll and the Rickresource forum. So let’s get started.
How did you come to meet the lads from Airway Lanes?
Darren
I first saw them supporting Icecream Hands (another great band from Melbourne) in August 2006, three days before I flew to California for the Rickenbacker 75th party. Greg Rahilly was with me and by the end of the band’s set, they had won us over with their sound.
Over the next few months I continued to attend performances and in March 2007 I ended up offering the band the use of my vintage guitar collection during the recording of their debut album. I attended many of the recording sessions.
I would regularly offer the band balanced feedback about their shows and occasionally I’d jump up on stage to assist with technical problems.
One night they asked me to consider managing them, which until that point, I’d never really given much thought to. In particular, I thought that my wife, Robyn (a former band widow!) would think I was crazy to take on such a role. I was very mistaken, as she was in total support, suggesting it was a great way to bring together experiences I’ve had over 25 years of performing in bands, with 20 years of corporate business management and leadership.
I was appointed as the band’s manager exactly one year to the day after I first saw them.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Airway Lanes obviously have a pedigree, can you tell us a little about them?
Darren
I should say that there is no way I could do what I’m doing if I didn’t absolutely love the band’s music. In a world dominated by dance, hip-hop, death metal etc, it was so refreshing to come across a real band writing meaningful songs, with strong melodies and fine musicianship.
The band is the brainchild of Dan Hall and Chris Hawker. Dan was a founding member and bass player with Taxiride, who had outstanding commercial success in the mid-90s in Australia and overseas. Taxiride had a number of top ten singles, toured the world and released a number of albums. Dan is a multi-instrumentalist and now fronts Airway Lanes as singer/guitarist. Most importantly, he has a fabulous voice, reminiscent of the late Jeff Buckley…and I don’t make that comparison lightly.
After leaving Taxiride, Dan teamed up with Chris around 2004 and they began writing and performing as a duo. They soon added Scrubby on bass and Spyder on drums, with Airway Lanes releasing their first ep through independent local label Dust Devil Music in 2006. When the band performs live, founding Taxiride guitarist Tim Wild joins them on keyboards.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Who is the main songwriter/performer in Airway Lanes and what is his particular background in the music business?
Darren
Dan and Chris share songwriting duties, as individuals or in partnership. The band’s debut album “In Vino Veritas” reflects life’s rollercoaster ride of human relations. Roughly translated it means “in wine is truth”. It’s a concept album of sorts, designed to be listened to from beginning to end, as their story gets told.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
You recently filmed a video with Airway Lanes, can you describe that experience to us and tell us how that came to fruition?
Darren
My first day as the band’s manager was the day I arrived home from the Rickenbacker SoCal Confluence in August 2007. I had the unpleasant task of cancelling a video shoot the band had previously arranged. Communication and collaboration is so important. No-one had kept the label in the loop with the plan. So there they were, ready to shoot a video clip, without funding approval, for a song which hadn’t even been agreed to as a single release.
I met with the label and sought agreement on the selection of the first single, “Don’t Let Go”. We agreed on a video concept, a budget and a location. The aim was to keep the costs down and still have a professional quality clip suitable for television. Through me the band submitted a properly costed budget, story board and time schedule, and funding was approved.
Many of the people involved in the shoot volunteered their services. Filming took place over two days of extreme heat in January. Seeing the clip go from an idea, to a story board, to the finished product was an incredible experience, and I’m pleased to have played a role in bringing the song and the video clip to life in this way.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Without telling stories out of school can you tell us about some of the things that a manager gets involved with and that a band of this calibre has to deal with?
Darren
Dan recently joked that I’ve inherited another four children. Sometimes that’s exactly how it feels!
I get calls and messages at all hours; I carry the drinks tray; I massage the various egos involved; I champion the band’s efforts when they do well; I kick them in the pants when they don’t; I offer advice and a balanced viewpoint; I supply guitars and amps when needed; I lug equipment; I collect the cash; I pay the bills; I take care of the merchandising; I sourced the publicist; I liaise with promoters, booking agents, publicists, record label, distributor, media, band members and fans; I manage the myspace site; I identify publishing opportunities; I act as band photographer, driver and security; I anticipate risks and do my best to protect the best interests of the band and it’s members.
Most critical of all is leadership and the co-ordination and communication between the various stakeholders.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
The band has had some amazing success in Australia. Tell us about those successes and how you are planning to capitalize on them.
Darren
The band’s first EP was well received and the song “Desire” received airplay in Melbourne and Sydney and in some regional areas. This led to the band supporting InXs early last year and an appearance on the “Rove Live” TV program. Unfortunately, in the absence of a manager at that time, the momentum stalled.
More recently, the first single from the new album “Don’t Let Go” was selected as iTunes “Single of the Week” across Australia and New Zealand, during the busiest period of the year for downloads – the Xmas and New Year break. The song was downloaded nearly 11,000 times during a nine day period. We have an album launched planned for mid-May and the publicity campaign is about to go into full swing in support of the new album. This campaign kicks off this week and targets radio, print media, street press and retail music stores.
It’s really important that everyone continues to look for opportunities and taps into the help offered by friends and industry contacts.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Who are the musicians and producers that are responsible for the latest CD that Airway Lanes recorded? What sort of effort did they bring to the table?
Darren
Dan Hall handled lead vocals, guitars and piano, with Chris Hawker on guitar also. Glen “Scrub” Evans played bass and Paul “Spyder” Marrett played drums and percussion. Tim Wild (Taxiride) contributed keyboards on four tracks and we added a horn section to a number of songs.
Recordings were undertaken at Lighthill Studio and Supersonic Recordings in Melbourne, and the album was produced by Dan and Chris, and co-produced by Ricki Rae.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Do you travel with the band when they play in Australia and do you plan to travel with them when they make their debut in North America?
Darren
At this stage the band’s performances have been locally around Melbourne, so I’ve attended almost all of the shows. With the album ready for release, we’re planning some serious touring into regional Victoria and to other capital cities within Australia, especially Sydney.
Touring costs money and unless it’s being sponsored, it will be done in the most economical way possible. My corporate and family commitments will prevent me from just “going on tour with the boys”, however careful planning should allow me to attend weekend shows interstate.
As far as a future US tour is concerned, there’s a possibility the band will visit the US for the South By Southwest Festival in Austin, TX next year. I’ll definitely be taking leave to accompany the band if, and when, this happens.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Darren, what experience have you brought to the table to make Airway Lanes better in many respects?
Darren
As a musician myself, I bring an understanding of the struggle to create original music and the preciousness of the final product. It’s a very personal thing, so Dan and Chris want the music to be presented in the right way. I understand the sacrifices they make for their art. In many ways, to me they represent the life I could have chosen if I’d decided to commit 110% to a musical career many years ago. It’s like they are my alter-egos!
At a business level, I bring an understanding of getting product to market. Decisions need to be made in a practical sense, with an understanding of the economics. I bring strategic thinking and vision so that the end goal can be broken down into achievable steps. That’s really important, because the band members themselves aren’t naturally good at that.
The most important thing I bring is my experience in dealing with people, especially conflict resolution.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
When you discuss matters with the band do you bring up subjects of interest through one person in particular or do you sit down as a group and decide matters in a democratic fashion?
Darren
I work very closely with Dan and Chris individually, and as a pair. There is no Airway Lanes without Dan Hall. He’s the ultimate decision maker. Chris is great to talk to about the music business and our long ” things to do list”.
I attempt to circulate an email update weekly to everyone, so that the whole band is in the loop on most things. My style is collaborative, so I try to gain the involvement of those interested in the issue to start with, and then make or recommend a decision.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Darren, where do you see yourself and this band in five to ten years?
Darren
I’d like to think that the band and I will have had a long and successful relationship, however I’m a realist too. Right now, the focus is on the debut album release, which looms large in the immediate future. Longer term plans will no doubt be influenced by the market’s reaction to the album.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Does the band have an agency in North America lined up to promote their appearances or if not how are you looking after that aspect of their management?
Darren
At this stage we don’t have a North American agency. That’s something on my to-do list. I’m hoping that all build some contacts via RickResource Forum members as a starting point!
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Are you planning a world wide release of their latest CD and if so how will you accomplish that goal? If not how are you planning to establish a foothold in the North American market?
The album will initially be released just in Australia, through the distributor, Stomp.
Stomp have an association with the Sub Pop label from Seattle and this would be a sensible option for US release.
The digital world now makes this a whole lot easier, and Airway Lanes material is already available for digital download worldwide, through iTunes and through Dust Devil Music/Stomp.
The album will be released in Australia on 17 May 2008.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Darren are you hoping to sign the band to a major record label in the future and if so who do you have your sights set on and why? If not, why not?
Darren
The band is signed to Dust Devil Music, an independent label based in Melbourne. This was primarily to retain complete artistic control over the release, which the band has now achieved. The label allowed the band to select the songs, the track listing, the studio, the co-producer, the mastering company and the end result is an album that the band is extremely happy with. You simply couldn’t get that degree of control with a major label.
The band doesn’t have to compete with three dozen other artists all vying for the label’s attention and funding.
The trade off is that you don’t have the same budget or in-house distribution reach as you’d have with a major label, however the digital age is changing all of this. Bands can make superb recordings in their loungerooms with Protools. Songs can be distributed through MySpace and a million online music stores. Bands don’t need a major label to get their music “out there”. We’re already seeing signs of serious trouble in the business models of most majors.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Let’s talk about the video that you showed me. It featured one of your Rickenbacker instruments. Tell me what it means to you to have one of your guitars featured in not only such a great video but also on the song itself.
Darren
I vividly remember the look on the faces of the band members and the studio sound engineer, when the ’60 Rickenbacker 335F (aka Fatboy) was first strummed, as it rang out through a 60s Vox AC-30 and a 100watt Marshall Plexi head and quad box. It was pure magic! That guitar was featured on “Carry You Away”, ““In Your Eyes” and the single “Don’t Let Go”. For the video shoot, Chris used my ’60 345F (aka Fatboy II and formerly owned by RickResource member Tony Matura). It’s gorgeous fireglo finish was a great contrast to the more monochrome feel of the band performance. I told Chris I didn’t mind sharing some of my “mojo” with him!
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Who does Airway Lanes sound like in your mind at least and what will you do to help them continue to create a sound and a following of their own?
Darren
I think there are shades of REM, The Replacements, Crowded House, The Beatles, Coldplay and Jeff Buckley. I simply love Dan’s voice and songwriting approach, which is written from the heart and you can hear it. It’s unpretentious and accessible.
I believe that many people are looking for music which is not dance, not hip hop, not death metal, not neo-punk, just bloody good songs with strong melodies that stick in your head. Classic rock/pop which appeals to everyone at some point.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Tell us about their upcoming shows and or tour plans within Australia. Where can someone go to see this incredible band?
Darren
The band performs regularly in Melbourne. On March22 the band performs an unplugged set at Elwood RSL and at Ruby’s Lounge in Belgrave on April 26. The official album launch show will be at Chapel off Chapel on May 17. We’re in the planning stages of a Sydney and Brisbane tour in June & July.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Have you had any experiences managing this band that have just rocked you and made you stop and think what on earth is this all about, if so tell us about the one experience that stands out for you?
Darren
Brian, there are three stand out experiences, all equally important for different reasons.
The first occurred when Dan accidently snapped the headstock off of his Guild SG-style guitar. I knew he would struggle to get it fixed. A few days later I asked him what his dream guitar would be, if money was no object, and Dan suggested a ’63 Fender Tele with a rosewood neck. Next time we saw each other, I gifted him a Telecaster from my collection, a battered looking Ocean Turquoise ’63 RI Tele with a rosewood neck. It was an emotional moment. That guitar remains as Dan’s main instrument.
At the other end of the scale there was one really flat performance a little while ago, which was in front of an almost empty room, thankfully. Too much time at the bar before the performance resulted in a slow moving train crash on stage. The band has learned and moved on from this, but I refused to collect their performance fee on the night. I could have walked away at that point.
The third special moment was when Robyn and I had our first listen to the finished album all the way through. To hear such beautiful songs sounding so good, with such clarity, made me immensely grateful for being given the opportunity to be part of it’s creation. It was another very emotional moment and after six months on high rotation it’s still my favourite album!
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
What advice do you have for those who want to become a successful musician?
Darren
“It’s A Long Way To the Top if You Wanna Rock’n’Roll”.
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Where can we listen to and then go to buy Airway Lanes music?
Darren
Checkout http://www.myspace.com/airwaylanes
Songs are available for download through many sites including iTunes or at http://www.amazon.com/Airway-Lanes-AIRW ... B000IND3NU
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
Darren on behalf of It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll and The Rickresource forum I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to participate in this most enjoyable interview.
Darren
Thanks Brian, for the opportunity to share my experiences so far!
