MADISON PAIGE

Madison Paige were one of the first Rising Stars on GRTR! and the Newswire and it's my pleasure to update you on the band's activities. They have just released their debut album 'Famous Last Words' - melodic rock for the new century! Over to Richie Rivera...

1. What are you currently up to?

Right now it seems like the better question is, "What AREN'T we currently up to?" After two years of backbreaking work, our debut album, "Famous Last Words," will finally be released on April 20th on Without The World Records. Since the end of January, we've started playing some select dates here in the Los Angeles area and the response as been deafening. We're currently getting the record in stores and to online retailers, lining up some dates in southwestern portion of the United States (California, Arizona, Nevada, etc.), and mounting the appropriate radio and media campaigns to coincide with it all. Plus, we recorded a special bonus CD for the fan club to thank them for hanging in there with us. No rest for the wicked, I guess....

2. Could you take us through some personal highlights of the new album, 'Famous Last Words' please?

This is a truly independent release: it was recorded and released by us for the fans that financed it through advance orders. None of us had ever tackled a project of this magnitude before, so for me it's an incredible triumph to even be holding the finished product in my hand. As far as songs go, I'm currently cranking "Nothing Denied" as I type this.

3. What have been the reviews so far on the album?

We just sent out the first wave of promo packs to journalists, so as of this writing it's too soon to tell. But people who have heard it are digging its diversity and are amazed that we pulled something like this off (as are we). But most of them are sleeping with us, so they might be a bit biased....

4. What have been the live highlights and in an ideal world which other bands would you love to tour with?

We basically took a year off the road to finish this album, so the first show "back" on January 31st, 2004 @ The Gig in Hollywood, CA was probably the best show of our career. We packed the place and people were going crazy, even for songs like "Hold Me Over," which no one outside the studio had ever heard before. Playing live is my favorite thing to do in the world (well, second favorite), so for me it meant a lot that so many people came out to support us. In an ideal world, I'd love to tour with Velvet Revolver (oh, the war stories they could tell...), Tesla, Bon Jovi, Van Halen (so I could pound some Cabo Wabo Tequila w/ Sammy backstage), AFI... the list is endless. We'd also love to tour with The Strokes: they'd make great roadies. They already look the part.

5. What would Madison Paige like to achieve by this time next year?

By this time next year, we will have promoted the hell out of "Famous Last Words," played a TON of dates, and demoed songs for our second album which will be done in conjunction with another label. We're shooting for labels like Maverick or DreamWorks here in the US, but labels like Sanctuary are making some great inroads as well (thanks to Kalodner). The band has a tremendous amount of potential, so we'll just have to see who has the same vision as we do.

6. What's the most rock 'n' roll moment the band has had so far?

We've had some crazy nights at The Rainbow Bar & Grill here in L.A. People know us there, which I'm not entirely convinced is a good thing....

7. Do you see the interest in rock &metal music growing in the US at the moment? What bands do you admire and/or are an influence?

I think there's no question that rock and metal are on the rise here. There are the nostalgia tours that come around every summer and they do great numbers and always deliver a great show, but audiences aren't interested in buying new product from them. They're just there to hear the songs that they lost their virginity to in high school. Out of the newer bands, they may be heavy, but they're not melodic enough for me. But there are a handful of cool bands, like Hoobastank, AFI and Sevendust. Plus, look at The Darkness: if you would have told me a year ago that this band would have Top 40 album in the US I would asked what you were on and how can I get some...and yet, here they are. So all bets are off. As for influences, the guys in MADISON PAIGE are influenced by everyone from Bon Jovi to Queen to Alice In Chains to Dream Theater. If it rocks and it has a great hook, chances are that one of us owns it.

8. Message to your fans?

Where do I begin? First of all, on behalf of the entire band, thank you for your patience and understanding as we completed work on "Famous Last Words." It took much longer than any of us anticipated, but you guys stuck with us through thick and thin. This is as much your album as it is ours. If you haven't checked us out yet (and shame on you), head on over to www.madisonpaige.net. The site has been redesigned and there's a special "ALBUM" section that has mp3 clips of all the songs, as well as lyrics and track-by-track commentary from us. While you're there, if you want to support a new generation of melodic hard rock, buy a copy (or twelve). I promise you, no matter what mood you're in, there's a song for you on there. See ya at the shows! http://www.madisonpaige.net

Interview © 2002 Jason Ritchie/
Format and edit: The Music Index.

All rights reserved.

Classic Rock News Group