Today, we have future rock stars Electric Black Horse answering our Seven Questions In Heaven. What makes me think they'll become rock stars? They definitely have the chops, but so do a lot of other bands. But what sets them apart is attitude, that rock 'n' roll swagger. Need proof? Listen to Electric Black Horse front man Michael Pate:Describe your music for our readers who may not be familiar with you.
A highly potent elixir of Sparkle and Balls that aims for heart and hips! Rock and roll in the grand tradition of genre. Engineered to unite the races and put smiles on faces!
Who are your musical influences and idols?
Personally, KISS was the very fist group that I was ever aware of loving and that affair goes on to this very day. I wear that influence very proudly. Let's add Aerosmith, Cheap Trick, the Rolling Stones, T. Rex, the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Van Halen, Vain, Stone Temple Pilots, and the Ramones. The common thread here is that all these groups had something else going on, whether it was a vibe, image, or energy that enhanced the music and didn't put it in the background. Songs. Image. Energy. In the non-rock category I do love Prince, Sly And The Family Stone, Nick Drake, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, The Carpenters, Dusty Springfield, Frank Sinatra, and Tom Jones.
What was the first album, cassette, or CD you bought with your own money?KISS Alive II on vinyl! I was just about old enough to point to it in the record store, bewildered, bug-eyed, and tell my Mom, "I want that!" Before you even hear a note, you open up the gatefold sleeve to basically a picture of four guys on instruments exploding out of the earth on a fireball. Then you play the record and it takes that image and puts music to it. Then I heard all these girls screaming their panties off and it was a wrap. I was six years old.
How did you come up with the name Electric Black Horse?
I happened to be in a car riding through Southern California and the night before we had been out in L.A. at this bar that had a mechanical bull. I was pretty zooted and got up on this thing and the second they turned it on, it flung my dusty ass into the wood posted corral! So as we were riding around, the guy driving says to me, "You're lucky that electric horse didn't kill you last night man" and I just laughed and for the next hour or so the words "ELECTRIC HORSE" just kept repeating in my head. So we were getting into horse stable country and were driving slow because we were looking at the horses and this one place we pulled up to was called "The Black Horse" and like a bolt of lightning, I blurted out, "ELECTRIC BLACK HORSE! THAT'S IT!" True story. It was that simple. It's a great name, isn't it?
You released your debut album nearly a year ago, and you pretty much did it all. Have you guys begun working on a follow-up and, if so, will it be more of a group effort?
We sure have been and it's been an eye opener! I'm lucky enough to have found the three other guys who have commitment, personality, and incredible talent. This band has to be seen live, it's just ridiculous. We'll be going back into the studio hopefully this summer and we can be recorded as a unit. As the lead singer, the lyrics are for the most part 100% me. Musically, it's going to be a fabulous collaboration! I'm beyond excited.
What do you think of the state of rock today?
To be frank, I think it completely blows for the most part. I think rock is in trouble when Daughtry and Nickelback are the biggest selling rock groups. I'm sure they're nice guys but for fuck's sake, what a snoozefest! Nobody is putting their ass on the line for this music and it's sad. Rock and roll has become virtually sexless. There are way too many rock bands that look like they showed up from work or rehearsal or whatever and make no effort to dress for the occasion! Electric Black Horse dresses for the occasion! We look like we sound. That's important to me.
My favorite track on your debut album is "Forever." What are your Top 5 All Time Favorite Glam Ballads?
Wow! Thanks! That track we haven't played live yet, simply because we are trying to turn heads right now and come full on energy-wise. Plus, our sets are usually limited to 30-35 min. "Forever" is our take on electric honky-tonk!
Here's my 5 Top Glam Ballads (in no particular order):
- "Hard Luck Woman," KISS
- "Life on Mars," David Bowie
- "Dream On," Aerosmith
- "Cosmic Dancer," T. Rex
- "Everyday," Slade
