The Booze Interview
Last week, we at BTS were turned onto this Atlanta quintet, the Booze, with their 60s mod sound that is compellingly poignant and downright tasty. We premiered track “Kick Me Where It Hurts” earlier in the week and just caught up with the Booze guitarist/songwriter Randy Michael for an exclusive interview as the band prepares release their latest full-length At Maximum Volume via Underrated Records Feb 22. Joshua BTS: Greetings! Thank you for taking time to answer a few questions for Blow The Scene readers around the world! Let’s begin by having you introduce yourself and declare your onstage weapon of choice with the Booze. Randy Michael: Randy Michael – Guitar – (Plexi Glass Dan Armstrong) and booze song writer. Joshua BTS: There is an unmistakable 60s Rock n’ Roll feel to the Booze’s sound. Is it fair to say that the Booze strive to create a sound that is reminiscent of the Rock n Roll glory days? Randy Michael: Well, on our early records, that was the case. We’d been students of guys like Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Muddy Waters. Really what the British Invasion was based on. So we tried very hard to get those types of sounds, like recording in mono using a limited amount mics, super panning the drums to only side. But on this record we didn’t try to do that. We just wanted to make a Booze record. That’s it. Joshua BTS: Can you tell us a little bit about the history of the Booze? Where and when did your inception take place? Bring us up to speed with the current line-up if you would. Randy Michael: The Booze really got going at the end of 2006. We were the guys in the corner with the merc suits and the winklepicker boots. We were probably the only mods in Atlanta, with the exception of a few older guys, and that’s how we made our bones. Our original rhythm guitarist and harp player Brian Roberts, is not featured on At Maximum Volume. Although he played on the first three, he was replaced by Ricky Dover Jr. That’s probably the only change in the our line up. Randy Michael: At Maximum Volume is a different kind of Booze record. Our other records we’re very sort of heartbroken love songs to an up tempo beat. This album is more of a guitar record. What I mean is, it’s loaded with riffs and guitar leads all over it, and the lyrical content is a lot more grown up, I guess you can say. It’s more ”Me,” and less ”she.” It was recorded at The Factory Studios in Atlanta by Dan Dixon. You’ll be able to buy it on iTunes and hard copies at the shows, I think that’s it for now. Joshua BTS: Tasty Kakes or Twinkies? Randy Michael: Twinkies I suppose. Joshua BTS:As we mentioned before, you are able to capture a sound that embodies the 60s era Rock n’ Roll with modern low-fi and a pop sensibility. One for our techie friends..Any pieces of equipment that you find pivotal to your sound? Randy Michael: Well, we track the whole band together, even vocals. I feel that’s very important. It somehow always helps when you’re looking at the other fella, you’re not just focused on you, but the band. I think the only thing that’s crucial is the guy playing. If you don’t have him at the start, you’ve got nothing. We use guitars like vintage SG’s and Ricks and Teles. Fender Twin Silverface amps. Joshua BTS: And while we are on the topic of sound, are there any special recording techniques you use in the studio to capture a sound with an authentic 60s feel? Randy Michael: Well, we used to set up 2 mics on the drum kit, one on the kick and an over head. We let everything bleed, and cranked the verb on loads of stuff. We added percussion on a middle 8 and no place else, underlying acoustic. But as for this record, we just went in and played. Joshua BTS: Who are some of your influences? Randy Michael:As a band, I think Blind Willie McTell – we don’t sound anything like him, but his songs have inspired many a Booze song. We all like guys like Son House and Robert Johnson and bands like the Stones, Tom Petty and Thin Lizzy. There’s more but we don’t have that kind of time. Joshua BTS: Any upcoming tour plans? Any bands you guys would like to hit the road with or cities you are eager to play? Randy Michael: We’re doing a West Coast tour in March with the Biters. I’m just looking forwarded to being on the road, I’ll go nuts if I’m home too long. It really does me in. Joshua BTS: Transformers or GI-Joe? Randy Michael: I was always a Turtles fan, but I guess GI-Joe. Joshua BTS: Thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions for BTS readers around the world! We look forward to keeping up with your future endeavors. Randy Michael: Thanks a lot for thinking of us. Click For Tour Dates and Brand New Streaming Track “Kick Me Where It Hurts” off of At Maximum Volume More info at theBooze.net Related posts:
Joshua BTS: You have a new album coming out February 22? Can you tell us about the forthcoming record? What can fans expect? Where and when was it recorded? Where can fans pick up a copy or Pre-Order? 
