and you thought you knew.. Raftree

"I've recorded all the guitar and bass parts myself.. having shared a vision with Vincent Livolsi (my drummer) about what we see as missing in the world of music has helped to keep this going.. that, and of course, my wife, who has believed in me since me met 10 years ago!"

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Ken Raftree made me want to buy a Gibson Les Paul, a Fender Telecaster, and a Strat simply from the way he described their individual sounds! The man is responsible for bringing 'Raftree' a high energy innovative rock/pop ensemble into the world. The band's first self-titled EP features some highly desirable frontline rock anthems performed with skill and craftmanship and all the more reason for us to invite Ken Raftree over the border to answer the inevitable questions..

The Interview - November 16 2006
Welcome to IOM Ken.. can we begin with you telling us a bit about your background?

I am a singer, songwriter, engineer and producer.  I began taking classical vocal lessons to improve my backing vocal skills to build on playing guitar since I was 13.  My vocal ability improved so much that I began taking lead vocals and song-writing much more seriously.  Now, after a lot of hard work and determination, I've been very fortunate to put out a representation of my abilities.

What would you say have been your main musical influences?

My influences are Queensryche, Dream Theater, Toto Van Halen, and Sevendust

What could you tell us about “high points” in your musical career?

So far I've been selected for a couple of compilations. One features the track Salvation released by Apache Rose and a few others overseas (UK) and in the Netherlands...  and of course meeting my drummer Vincent Livolsi

How about low points and how you managed to get over them?

Trying to find the right players and being frustrated by having to start over.  That is why I have recorded all the guitar and bass parts myself.  Having shared a vision with Vincent (my drummer) about what we see as missing in the world of music has helped to keep this going... that and of course my wife whom has believed in me since me met 10 years ago.

If you could turn the clocks back, is there anything you would have done differently?

I don't think so.  I needed to grow and get to a point of being comfortable and confident on stage.

Who did you work with on your most recent projects?

Well like I said...  I have worked with Vincent for the past 3 years or so to fine tune our music.  I just couldn't seem to find a producer/engineer who shared my vision, so I did it myself!

If you could pick a favourite track from your recent work what would it be?

Wow, that's really hard!  As a matter of fact I recently pulled out my CD and was so satisfied with every track.  If I had to pick I would say Room, but Salvation and Eyes You Hide seem to be the people's favorites so what do I know?

What musical instruments/equipment do you normally use?

I use a Les Paul for most of the tracks except for Room…  for that I used an Ibanez RG460.. it just has razor sharp tone.  Line 6 Pod, BBE maximizer.  For Vocals I love the Audix OM6… it cuts through everything..  Oh and of course a Takamini EF series!

Do you have a favourite instrument either as a player or appreciator?

No not really.  I am intrigued by how a Les Paul has growl, Ibanez have grind, and Tele's and Srats have a kind of acoustic dirty sound!

Can you remember your first stage and/or studio experience?

Oh, Yeah.  I opened for this group called KIX in 1990.  My first studio experience was at a place called Showplace Studios in NJ, great place!

What five albums would you want to find if you were stranded on a desert island with enough food, water, a copy of IOM, a fantastic audio system, and any one musical instrument of your choice?

The Beatles - Abbey Road

Queensryche - Rage For Order

Dream theater - Images and Words

Foreigner - Records

ACDC - Back in Black

(My instrument would be a 1965 LES PAUL original!)
Do you have a favourite album cover of all time?
n/a
and what, may we ask, are the five albums you listened to most recently?

Herb Albert and the Tijuana brass - the one with the girl in a Whipped Cream Bikini.

Sevendust - Animosity

INXS - Kick

Thornley - come again

RA - Duality

Kings X -  Dogman 

How's that for a mix?

What five movies did you watch most recently?

Transporter II

Saving Private Ryan

The Incredibles

Mr. and Mrs. Smith

40 Yr old Virgin

Which artist would you most like to meet or borrow a bag of sugar from as a next door neighbour?
I'd like to meet Charlize Theron
If you could have been responsible for writing the best song or piece of music ever written, what would it be?
Believe it or not 'Carol of the Bells'.  It's a happy but slightly disturbing song!
If you could have three wishes, what would they be?

1. tour the world playing my music ( not too selfish huh?)

2. stop poverty in USA

3. end the violence in Africa

On to the more intimate side of Mr Raftree.. what did you dream about last night AND you can't say 'I do not remember'...

I was competing in the World Poker tournament ( it was the last thing I saw before bed!)

And, if we were to “shadow” you on a typical day, what might we see you doing?

You would see me selling commercial sound systems for businesses!

What did you do, the day before yesterday?
Other than work.  i was online trying to promote my CD
If you had to move to another country for a year to record an album, but you only had a few suitcases and an hour to pack…  what would you take?

It depends on how big the suitcases are..

1. my wife

2. my computer and hard drives for scratch ideas

3. all my guitars and gear

What bugs you most?
Ignorant people!
What makes your day really shine?
When I multitask and nothing falls apart!
I hate to end it all like this Ken, but.. finally, what are your plans for 2007?

My plans for 2007 are to heavily promote my EP, Be signed to a large independent label to promote me and my music and continue to grow and write good music for people that appreciate it!

Mr Ken Raftree.. thanks for dropping by... the delightful Sandra will see you to the car!
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Ken Raftree was interviewed by Colin Lynch - November 16 2006
© 2006 R Cat Communications - All Rights Reserved

 

 

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