A Dirty Dozen with BRAD KRUG from WICKED LOVE – November 2022

According to a recent press release: “Modern rock band Wicked Love released their self-titled debut single “Wicked Love” to all major platforms. The single is from their EP Wild Ride. Coming in hot from Charleston, SC, Wicked Love is a hard hitting new rock band with old school flavor. Their music is a captivating and catchy blend of pop, metal, and rock ’n’ roll. Wicked Love has opened for artist such as Five Finger Death Punch, Seether, and Hellyeah.” We get guitarist Brad 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 the band put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

Our latest EP Wild Ride is a collection of straight forward easy to digest rock songs. We like writing music with big riffs and choruses that anyone can listen to and enjoy over and over again. There were no nuggets for the hiding on this release. Maybe next time ;)!

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

The earliest memory I have is when my brother exposed me to Offspring’s ‘Americana’ album and I listened to it nonstop after that. I liked the energy of the music and how it impacted me and I wanted to do the same thing for others. Shortly after, I got my own guitar and started practicing and playing.

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

Kids Aren’t Alright by Offspring.

4. Who would be your main five musical influences?

There’s so many to choose from, but if I had to pick five… Offspring, System of A Down, Night Ranger, Airbourne and Def Leppard. They all have pretty influential styles and picking only five feels wrong.

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

Warren DeMartini because he is a riff master and collaborating with his style would be absolutely awesome!

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 as energy rock; I feel like it gets people moving and has the potential to put people in a better mood. It creates a fun, energetic environment.

7. What’s the best thing about being a musician?

One of the best things is probably the constant creating and exploring new musical ideas. There’s always a sense of accomplishment when I’m a part of the process of creating something others can enjoy.

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?

Shane is definitely cooking, Brendan is bringing the drinks in, and Austin is always ready to jam on the acoustic!

9. When was the last time you were star struck and who was it?

I can honestly say I’ve never been star struck, but if I ever met Vivian Campbell or Warren DeMartini, I’m sure I’d be lost for words.

10. If you weren’t a musician, what would be your dream job?

I’ve always wanted to be a paramedic or firefighter. Being able to help others has always been an important quality of mine.

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, I believe that every life experience is an experience and ultimately keeps us on the path we were meant to be on. Without my past experiences, I may not have the knowledge and same feelings I do today.

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 have to say Invasion Of Your Privacy by Ratt because they have huge riffs and it sounded like a lot of fun to record.

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Category: Interviews