Sunflower Dead Interview with Michael Del Pizzo vocals, accordion, piano Jaboo. Sunflower Dead is a Rock / Metal / Alternative band from Long Beach, CA.
Sunflower Dead Interview
– What’s new in the world of Sunflower Dead?
What is not new in our world…! We are just about to release our second Album “It’s Time To Get Weird”. Our first single Dance With Death is killing at radio. The lyric video and official video for the track are doing great. We are working on a very special video for the second single from the album, the title track It’s Time To Get Weird featuring Jonathan Davis from Korn singing with me. I am working with an extremely esteemed horror author on the upcoming SFD Graphic Novel to be debuted at next year’s Comic Con. Plus, setting up touring and a worldwide release for the record, eating sleeping, life… how many hours are in the day?
– How was it recording your album It’s Time To Get Weird?
The recording sessions with Dave Fortman and Mikey Doling producing went amazing. So well in fact, that we booked 30 days to track the album and did it in 12. We weren’t rushing either. It was just laying down tracks, being open minded and staying creative. Dave and Mikey knew exactly what we wanted to achieve and they went well beyond giving us what we asked for. I would make ten more records with
them!
– How did you go about making the artwork and finding the albums title?
The album title “It’s Time To Get Weird” was something that we started saying to each other on the first album cycle before we walked on stage. We look like a bunch of zombie clowns and being a new band, one that has an accordion in it, we knew how it looked to an audience whom had no idea what we were all about. Jamie just started saying …. “Well, It’s Time To Get Weird” and it stuck. Then our Evil Seeds caught on and they started saying it. When it came time to title the new album, there really only was one choice. As far as the album artwork, while we were on tour last year, Jaboo said we should do a mock up of Kiss Rock n Roll Over with our faces. Everyone thought it would be fun but kind of forgot about it. We commissioned Scott Monster Man Jackson to come up with album art again as he did on the vinyl release of our debut album. At first he tried a few digital paintings of us but they didn’t work. He told us to hold tight because he had an idea. Boom, he sends us the SFD mock version of Kiss Rock N Roll Over cover. We couldn’t believe it. It was meant to be!
– When writing a song, is there such a thing as investing too much time?
Probably, if it isn’t working, it is best to move on. Most great songs come together inspired and smooth. I think if you have to work too hard at a song, the universe is telling you to stop. Or maybe that is some hippie nonsense because I am lazy, who knows, haha.
– How many shows do you play per year on average, and how crazy does the schedule get?
We did 6 US Tours to support our debut album with bands like All That Remains, Hell Yeah, In This Moment, etc which were really solid for an unknown band these days. We also did a month long tour of Europe with Snot and Korn this past summer to try out our new material. I don’ think we have the attitude of how many shows we play a year but the quality of shows we play to support an album. Though, I have a feeling we will be playing a LOT of shows to support this album.
– How important is merchandising? Could artists survive without?
Merchandising for any artist especially a band with an image like ours is everything and no, you can NOT survive without it today. I will tell you what, the idea of putting all your eggs into one basket financially and trying to make money off just music, touring and merch is short sighted. You have to think beyond!
– Could you describe some of your earliest influences in life and in music?
Musically, I first loved Dee Snider from Twisted Sister when I was very young. I saw him and said, that’s what I want to be. My biggest influence and idol is Steve Perry from Journey. In life, horror movies and just day dreaming had a big hold on me which caused me to be creative. It’s nice to leave your mind and drift off into other realms for a little.
– In your opinion, which album would be essential to have if someone were stranded on a deserted island?
Sunflower Dead’s IT’S TIME TO GET WEIRD, the love of their life, water, a private chef and a movie theater!
– Do you see a biography being written someday about the experiences you acquired or will acquire in your life?
Of course, I have it written and casted already, haha. Who knows!
– Any words of wisdom to share with aspiring artists?
Think outside the box, listen to everyone, learn as much as possible, respect everyone (even those you don’t like) and remember, this is the music business. See you on the road!
Check out Sunflower Dead Online http://www.sunflowerdead.com/