A Dirty Dozen with NEAL GRUSKY from PREY FOR SUNDAY – February 2021
According to a recent press release: “Prey for Sunday is a Hard Rock/ Metal band that was formed in Los Angeles, California in 2018. Founded by Guitarist / Songwriter Neal Grusky, Lead Singer / Songwriter Tony Persico, and Bassist Shad. Neal and Tony worked with Producer/Songwriter Peter Strzelecki to write and record the first Prey For Sunday album. Realizing the immediate chemistry they shared a vision; a need to create a unique, memorable sound that would go on to become Prey for Sunday – Music that’s made to stand the test of time. They pride themselves in creating musically dynamic songs, with meaningful, melodic, and “like it is” lyrical content.” We get guitarist Neal 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 the band put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?
I layered many different melodies in the guitar parts. If you listen closely you’ll hear little melodies going on in most of the songs, aside from the regular guitar parts. The same goes for vocals also. We did all of this to build the dynamic of any said song. Some songs don’t need this, since they are more straight forward songs that don’t require any extra dynamic.
2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?
I was introduced to music from my family. My sisters played piano, and also my grandfather played piano. My parents also were very creative as well. The moment I realized I wanted to make music my career, was my sister taking me to a concert. That was the defining moment for me.
3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?
So many performers, to many to mention. What captured my attention was all the great songs I heard on the radio. I just loved powerful, catchy songs.
4. Who would be your main five musical influences?
I really like Shinedown, 3 Days Grace, Breaking Benjamin, Asking Alexandria. I cant say I really have any influences, i just enjoy great songs, nothing compares to that.
5. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?
Eric Bass from Shinedown. I love the way his ideas and use of dynamics.
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?
I would describe our music a catchy, dynamic, and melodic. I’ve heard someone describe our music as post grunge. Its ironic we could be any further from that style of music.
7. What’s the best thing about being a musician?
The freedom of creativity. Also, how rewarding it is when people around you enjoy the work you have created.
8. When the band are all hanging out together, who cooks; who gets the drinks in; and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?
Tony loves to eat, he is always first there, when it come to eating out. I like to cook. I am first to get my guitar out, and play.
9. When was the last time you were star struck and who was it?
The last time I was star struck, was meeting Michael Jackson’s drummer. His name is Sugar Foot. Great guy, and amazing time for sure!
10. If you weren’t a musician, what would be your dream job?
I like and appreciate many things, But, my dream job, has always been music. My Dad owned a restaurant. It would be nice to run a restaurant.
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?
In my previous band we never had an official producer. I wish I could have gone back in time, and have a producer on each of our albums.
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 would love to go back to Ozzy Osbourne’s first or second solo album and be a fly on the wall. Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman were just amazing albums.
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Category: Interviews