A Dirty Dozen with DINO McCORD from RED VOODOO – July 2020

According to a recent press release: “Sacramento’s rock band RED VOODOO are ready to take on the world with their debut single, “Rise Up!” produced by Tesla guitarist Frank Hannon. Influenced by the upbeat, party rock n roll of the 80’s (yet mixed with a refreshing soulful sound) and comprised of members Dino McCord (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Davin Loiler (guitar), Andrew Edwards (bass), and Nick Pesely (drums), the group is also working on a full-length debut album – also under the guidance of Frank Hannon Productions, the new artist development label currently working with a few select new up and coming young artists.” We get singer Dino to discuss new music, influences, and much more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

“Rise Up” is Red Voodoo’s debut single and is inspired about this global pandemic that we are going through right now. Something you might not have noticed when watching the music video the first or second watch is that in one of the shots with my sunglasses you can see the videographer Colton Hall in the reflection. Not just yet this video is really meant to be an introduction down the road when we have more material, we will get more creative with Easter eggs and reoccurring themes in our music videos.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

I can thank my Dad for the reason love music. He was in bands back in the early 80’s late 90’s. Not a lot of people know this but Frank Hannon, my bands producer and mentor, worked with my dad’s band thirty years ago. The moment I wanted to be a singer/musician is when I went to go see Sammy Hagar and the Circle. It was my first concert and I instantly had a connection with the music and how he made others feel in the audience. After that show I really wanted to be a singer.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

Expanding on that I would say Sammy Hagar is my biggest influence. I would sing Van Halen’s 5150 and OU812 in the shower every morning practice my singing preparing to form a band which would turn out to be Red Voodoo.

4. Who would be your main five musical influences?

My five influences would have to be Sammy Hagar, Tesla, Eagles, Van Halen, and Montrose.

5. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

Surprisingly this isn’t a Rock artist at all. I would choose Chris Stapleton. He is a phenomenal songwriter and singer and he play collaborates with a lot of artist across all genres.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

Red Voodoo is new rock n roll that pays homage to the old sound but is for a new generation of listeners. California party rock is our vibe. A lot like what  Van Halen did in the early 70’s and with Sammy I’m the late 80’s. I don’t like to bash on reviewers or fans but I would say I came across a comment the other day on an old video we were playing outside and it was hot! The person told me to get some pants on because it looked like I was going to go mow the lawn in my shorts haha!

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

When we hang out, we go get food or just jam at practice we all live far from each other so it’s hard to hang out but when we get on tour that will change haha! I know that not only does Nick is killer at drums, but he also cooks. Dave and Drew for sure would bust out the guitars for the sing-alongs. I would gladly pass out the drinks!

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

I will be honest the first time I met Frank I was a little star struck especially when he invites you to play a Tesla song with him!

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

The best part of being a musician is making other people feel happy and helping them forget the worries of everyday life. If I weren’t a musician, I think I would either try to be a talk show host or something to do with boating something I really enjoy doing.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

My question would be what makes Red Voodoo different from other bands? My answer would be that there isn’t a lot of young energetic rock bands in this day and age. We would like to bring that back to my generation. Greta Van Fleet and Dirty Honey are on the rise and we hope to follow them in their footsteps.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

I’ve been very thankful to have not have a single moment or situation where I would want a do-over I just go with the changes and live life to the fullest.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

I think I would want to be there when Eddie Van Halen and Sammy Hagar wrote the song “Right Now.” This is the song that made me really want to improve my singing and the message is so important. If you want to do something go out and accomplish it.

BONUS QUESTION – Due to the current world situation with COVID-19 / quarantine / shelter in place, what have you discovered you miss the most from your life before the pandemic struck?

I would say live shows. Going to concerts is a fun experience and an escape from everyday life.

RED VOODOO LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

Category: Interviews