Sound Matters episode #123 features Tom's 3rd in-depth conversation with Mark Kendall from the multi-platinum band Great White. In this episode, we debut a new segment called "Song Matters" where I specifically dig into an artist's recollections and stories on the songwriting and recording of many of the band's classic tracks. Mark goes deep into many tracks from Great White's back catalog sharing insights about the making of the music through the years. The "Song Matters" segments are for anyone who is interested in the creation process, and how the music ultimately gets written, recorded and released.
Inside the Interview:
> Overview of how Great White and Mark wrote songs in the early days
> On reasons for recording fuller demos before presenting to band
> "Congo Square"
> Hendrix and Bowie's approach to song ideas
> Not the Mark Kendall show... but a band of dudes with opinions
> Collaborative or competitive in Great White with respect to songwriting credits
> "Mista Bone"
> "Rock Me" and how some of the greats change typical songwriting approaches
> When others in the band hear and help with your ideas
> Tom Petty and Jackson Browne... masters of their craft
> When to keep working on a song or move on
> Collaborating with bandmate Michael Lardie and writing solo sections
> Writing in different song structure styles
> Getting inspiration from other sources and Richie Blackmore's lifts, etc.
> "Hold On" from the 1st album and "No Better Than Hell"
> "Shot In the Dark" from 2nd album (and Alan Niven's contributions)
> Jack Russell and writing lyrics
> Alan Niven (like the 6th Great White member) - strong with lyrics and the business side
> "Waiting For Love" from Shot In the Dark (w/Stephan Jerry Lynn Williams)
> Nervous when recording and working with Michael Wagner
> The Once Bitten record... did they sense it was gonna be big
> "Rock Me" and hearing it back for the first time
> On "Rock Me" and the workaround for the 7 min. length
> "Save Your Love"
> "Lady Red Light"
> Michael Wagner - no effects records
> "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" (Ian Hunter)
> "The Angel Song" with Dio charity-inspired lyric and video
> "Call It Rock and Roll"
> "Afterglow" (Steve Marriott)
> On Steve Marriott and (Jack Russell) singing on Herman Rarebell's solo album
> "Love Is A Lie"
> Working with Jack Blades (and Don Dokken)
> Recording guitars and drums for the Can't Get There from Here album
> Really listening to others ideas before shooting them down in favor of your idea
> "This Is the Life" with Terry Illous (from XYZ) and Mark's grandson on the track
> Underrated Great White songs: "Hold On" and "Street Killer" from the first album
> Songs that are selected as singles vs. those that are B-sides
"One of the best interview experiences I've ever had! Tom is highly intelligent and touched on band subject-matter that most others don't explore which always lends itself to an interesting conversation. It was great to be on Tom Leu’s shows! Tom does his homework and preparation which made it a great experience to be on the show! When a journalist or host in this case does their research, it makes the show interesting and flow well. Tom is a complete professional in that regard!"
- Mark Kendall >>www.officialgreatwhite.com
Connect with Tom:
👉🏻https://solo.to/tomleu
👉🏻https://facebook.com/tomleu
👉🏻https://instagram.com/tomleu
