A Dirty Dozen with MICHAEL TARLAZZI From BLACK WAIL – March 2021

According to a recent press release: “New Jersey rock quintet BLACK WAIL is primed to release their latest studio offering. The band has announced their new EP, Born on Fire, which will see an April 23, 2021 release via Rhyme & Reason. The new EP is the band’s fourth studio effort since forming in 2014, and is preceded by their late-2017 offering Chromium Homes. Fans eager to get a taste of the upcoming record can check out the lead single, “See Conspiracy”, which is out now on digital and streaming platforms. Black Wail formed in Jersey City in early 2014 when Tarlazzi, then best known as a drummer or guitarist, decided to front his own band to draw on his influences of metal, punk, psych, stoner, and classic rock; playing guitar as well as handling vocals for the first time. After recruiting Susan Lutin on bass and Bram Teitelman on keys, the lineup solidified with the addition of guitarist Ed Charreun and drummer Felipe Torres, who also play in the sludge/noise trio Twin God. Born on Fire, the quintet’s fourth EP, follows 2017’s Chromium Homes, and was recorded by Grammy-winning producer John Seymour (Bouncing Souls), who co-produced the EP with the band.” We get guitarist / vocalist Mike to discuss new music, influences, and 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?

“See Conspiracy” is about all of the insane conspiracy theories floating around these days – and about the fact that so many people believe them despite any hard evidence disproving them.

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

My Father is a guitar player and was in bands while I was growing up. Watching him play shows as a young lad inspired me to want to do the same.

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

Watching Led Zeppelin’s The Song Remains The Same movie on TV as a kid.

4. Who would be your main five musical influences?

Almost an impossible question to answer but I’ll try: Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Iron Maiden, and ZZ Top.

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

I already snagged the musicians I dreamed of playing with – they’re all in my band!

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?

Hard Rock with an edge? “almost Metal” I have no idea about the second part.

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?

I definitely cook. Susan definitely getting in those drinks – she makes excellent cocktails. We almost never break out acoustic guitars haha.

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

Seeing Buzz Osbourne from the Melvins at the Warsaw in Brooklyn.

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?

I can’t say what the best part is – it’s complex. There are many things I love about music / writing songs / performing. I Already have my non-musical dream job. If I couldn’t play music, I’m not sure Id really ever be happy again 🙁

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?

I’m new at this. Ill let you know when it happens.

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?

No regrets.

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?

Any Beatles session or any production by George Martin, Jeff Lynn or Eddie Kramer.

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Category: Interviews