Interviews: Chief Ghoul

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Stoner Rock project Chief Ghoul from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the project on his FACEBOOK PAGE!

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you plan it or come out just like that?

It just kind of came out like that. I started out writing a lot of Americana/Folk/Blues songs and was listening to King Dude at the time. I think his name was a big inspiration for what I went with, and there’s always a bit of darkness in the songs I write so Chief Ghoul felt right.

2. Why did you want to play this genre? 

The Stoner Rock genre is one of my favorites so I always knew I’d dig into it at some point. It wasn’t until I learned more about music production and engineering that I could really make it happen though. My album 1892 is the first album I produced on my own. From then on I haven’t gone to any studios to record, I just did it all from my home studio. I have to give Toontrack a shoutout because without their software I wouldn’t be able to get the sounds I do.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

I think I started writing music around 2011 when I was living in Chicago. Until last year the project was a solo one. I’d say it’s still a solo project, but I have a lead guitarist and a drummer now so that makes playing a lot of my recent material live possible. We’re still looking for a bassist but our set is coming together nicely. 

4. Each band member's favorite band?

I always default to Robert Johnson. But aside from him, Graveyard for sure. Dave (lead guitar) says… “Kenny Loggins, Steely Dan, anything from the David Hasselhoff collection. But for real, I’m always digging Murder By Death.” Bennett (drums) says… “Steely Dan too, Hiatus Kaiyote, Prince, Snarky Puppy”

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Music has always been the one thing that keeps me grounded in a way. I’ve played guitar for a long time now and always preferred to write my own stuff rather than learning other artist’s material. I enjoy learning riffs and licks, but that’s mainly just to have whatever techniques in my pocket to use in my own songs.

6. Where was your last gig?

I think it was last year when I played at a venue in town (Louisville) called Planet of the Tapes. It’s such a rad venue.

7. Where would you like to act?

Now that the band is coming together, I want to play bigger and bigger venues. Bob Dylan just opened a bar/restaurant/venue in town called The Last Refuge. It’s in an old church and they kept it pretty original. The acoustics in there alone make me want to play it, but I’m also a massive fan of Dylan’s early stuff so it would mean a lot to play there. I’d also like to play a show in The Great Pyramid… 

8. Whom would you like to feature with? 

Any band that has the same vibes.

9. Whom not?

None really come to mind.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Oh yeah, I used to get really nervous before I played. I’d say the number one thing to do to help someone get over stage fright would be to get really comfortable and confident with whatever you’ll be playing. The more you know it, the better you can play it. Make it muscle memory.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

I’d say Graveyard is the one band that really pushed me in the direction of wanting to do some Stoner Rock stuff. Bob Dylan’s first album has inspired a lot of the Americana stuff I’ve done. Jimmy Page is my favorite guitarist, he’s definitely inspired a lot of the riffs and licks I put out there.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

I don’t really consider it weird, but I had a couple who was getting married and they asked me to come play my song “Let Me In” at their wedding. I couldn’t make it but I did re-record it for them. I’ll release that new recording at some point.

13. What do you think of your fans?

It’s a really special thing to have someone want to listen to a song I’ve created. I’m grateful for anyone that gives my music a listen, it means more to me than I can put into words.

14. What do you think of our site?

I think giving artists a platform to talk outside of their music is rad, and I’m definitely here for it!

15. Something to add?

Chief Ghoul is taking on a new form, keep your eyes peeled…