Brian Knight's interview with Outtaline percussionist.
RV: First off give our readers a rundown on current members of Outtaline.
L: All axeslinging duties are carried out by Jeff Scronce, Bass bludgeoning is provided by way of Action Jackson, and myself ("Lightning") on all cannonizing.
RV: Who provides vocal duties?
L: Actually we all switch off, all of us are lead vocalists and while one is on lead the others provide the harmony lines.
RV: Why do you think you are gaining so much attention in your region?
L: I wouldn't call it "attention" we just like to get out there and perform, but we're real to our fans we come off stage and have drinks, and talk to them. While we're on stage we encourage the fans to get involved. Like do some bartop dancing, get up on the speaker stacks and do a little grinding. I think the real person aspect would be the focus for why we have a huge fanbase.
RV: So do you consider attention from news related sources a viable fan building outlet?
L: The media plays a role in helping us gain fans, but it boils down to wether or not people can approach you as a performer that keeps them coming back. Plus giving 110% into the performing aspect helps us gain strong reviews from the media which in return gets someone out to the show. After all I wouldn't perform a song that wasn't up to par in our repertoire. Practice, Practice, Practice.
RV: How much effort goes into getting a product out to the people?
L: I would say a majority of our time is spent on getting that certain dynamic hook sounding right before we perform a certain song. That is where a majority of our time, and effort goes into gearing up to throw something out there for consumption.
RV: So is there anything left for performing live, effort wise?
L: You don't just play your instrument, you play the song. You can feel the groove while performing if you listen to the whole band. And when everyone's in the pocket together that evokes a fun mood that lets us interact more freely on stage, and with the audience. It's about feeling the music while you play, if it is effort you should really take that back to a practice situation.
RV: So, what's next for Outtaline?
L: Actually getting back to where it all started with shows in the Midwest region. We hope to see everyone out at the nightclubs in 2003.
RV: On a final note tell everyone what's in your cd player right now.
L: Actually a disc with St. Louis artists like Drawpointe, Rocket Park, Somnia, and Robynn Ragland.
