Interview at The Pit Oct. 2002http://www.avmdev.com/thepit/index.htm |
| A little while back, I received a demo cd of from the Houston band, OUTWORLD. I knew hardly anything about the band before I listened to these 4 songs so didn’t know what to expect. On first listen I was blown away by the raw talent that jumped out at me instantly. It usually takes a few listens for any new band to get any kind of hold on me but I was intrigued right from the start with the exemplary musical performance contained within. Outworld is a 5-piece band. They first formed in 1997 but had a time apart as the band went their separate ways to reform again with the original lineup that consists today of: Vocals: Kelly Carpenter The band can be roughly described as Progressive/Power Metal, with
influences such as Dream Theater, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Symphony X.
Only one of the songs on the demo featured vocals, but it was a good
indication of the talent of vocalist Kelly Carpenter who, on one song,
proves his range and ability. The rest of the band show a high degree
of talent, with guitarist Rusty Cooley stands out as one gifted guitarist
shredding his way along the fretboard with an impressive style. The
whole band compliments each other very well. All signs show that it
won’t take long before they are signed to a label. Before adding
vocals they were a instrumental band and have recorded a cd to be released
under guitarist Rusty Cooley's name. To be released on the Lion Music
label and is slated for a January 2003 release. This will definitely
be one to be checked out. Entrigued by what I had heard, I asked some
questions of three members of the band. BOBBY: We have ideas for several songs on the plate....but right now we are focusing on finishing a third song to showcase Outworld's writing capabilities. When the 3rd song is done, we will add it to the other 2 already finished and start submitting the 3 to record labels as a demo. Once we have some support from a label we will continue writing and recording until a full CD is ready to go. If labels require us to have a full CD finished before they consider us, we will then have to figure out how to fund the recording of the debut Outworld CD ourselves. THE PIT: Do you have a time frame in mind for when you would like to have a cd completed? BOBBY: I'm thinking we should have something completed by Autumn of next year, if not sooner. I think I speak for everyone in the band when I say that we are anxious to be a part of the Metal market as soon as possible. THE PIT: Any plans for playing live shows or are you just right now worrying about writing and recording? BOBBY: There are no plans at this time to do any shows. However, that doesn't mean we won't play a festival or two before the debut album comes out. After the debut release, we expect to do a small tour opening for a bigger act somewhere in Europe. THE PIT: What is the writing process of the band? BOBBY: Usually one person will come up with a riff or most of a song. Then the rest of us inject our ideas and help arrange and mold the song to fit the collective vision for it. THE PIT: 5 years down the road where do you hope to see OUTWORLD? BOBBY: Once we get label support I for see Outworld being a major contributor to the Metal market for years to come. I know the guys in the band very well, and they are in it for the long haul because of their love for music. THE PIT: What do you bring to the music scene that differs you from other bands? KELLY: I think the way we blend musical styles and the conviction with which we express ourselves. When this band comes at you, you'll know it. THE PIT: What individuals or bands had the most influence on you becoming a musician? BOBBY: Ozzy and Van Halen (at first)....but in my late teens it was Yngwie Malmsteen, Europe and Helloween. KELLY: The Beatles, Black Sabbath, Dio, Iron Maiden. When I heard what Geoff Tate was doing on Operation Mindcrime, something in me clicked-I hadn't sang seriously before. I went after that range and power that release with a vengeance. Now it's my life. RUSTY: For me it was Randy Rhoads at first them when I heard Yngwie it was all over. Other influences include Paul Gilbert , Jason Becker , Paganini , Shawn Lane , Derek Taylor , all of the old Shrapnel guys. I could go on for a couple of pages. THE PIT: What band or album was the first one that you got you into heavy music? BOBBY: Def Leppard - On Through the Night KELLY: Iron Maiden -Number of the Beast. RUSTY: Iron Maiden-Number of the Beast. THE PIT: Name your favourite Hard Rock/Heavy Metal album of all time. BOBBY: Yngwie J. Malmsteen's Rising Force - Marching Out KELLY: Ronnie James Dio -Holy Diver RUSTY: That's a hard one , it would have to be either Yngwie's first album or the first Racer X album. THE PIT: Finally where did the name OUTWORLD come from? BOBBY: It came about from our bass player's fondness of video games and a movie. Mortal Kombat is a game and movie in which they have a place called Outworld, which is where monsters exist. Well, we use that name in more of an Alienstic sense. When we first were getting the band going we thought of Outworld as striving for a better music standard, and not accepting what's played on the radio everyday over and over. There is another whole world out there of great music, which is the one we reach for and believe in. We live amongst those who dwell upon what's handed to them on the radio. Outworld, and those who choose not to listen to the common music are the aliens if you will. For more info on Outworld go check out there website at http://www.outworld.cc
And check out guitarist Rusty Cooley’s website at
http://www.rustycooley.com There you can read more info on the band
and check out some of their music. I would like to thank the whole band
for the answers and especially Bobby for the interaction and being very
helpful with this feature. And for the use of the pictures. And thanks
to Christina for passing on Outworld's demo. THINGY |