A Dirty Dozen with SCOTT THEIS from POWER TAKE OFF – October 2026
According to a recent press release: “Power Take Off has unveiled the official music video for “Cornfields at Midnight,” bringing a new visual dimension to the band’s latest hard-hitting single. Released August 18th on all streaming platforms via ANRGIRL / Betachain and distributed through FUGA/Universal, “Cornfields at Midnight” showcases Power Take Off’s signature combination of raw energy, tight musicianship, infectious hooks, and the unmistakable chemistry of a band built around family.” We get lead vocalist Scott 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?
Our latest release by Power Take Off is a song called “Cornfields at Midnight.” The little nugget in the song is the change that happens in our lifetimes that whether we accept the change or not, we just need to learn, adapt, move forward, and just try to keep up with the now… ‘In this concreted city that used to be our town.’
2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?
I’m the dad in the band. Being the oldest and growing up on a farm in WI in the mid 70’s, we always had the am radio on in the barn listening to country classics. Some of my huge influences in songwriting. Nowadays my 19-year-old son Ayden, drummer of Power Take Off, inspires me as a father, musician, and human being.
3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?
Power Take Off are a five-piece band. We all contribute to the Power Take Off sound. So many Influences and so many styles by all of us, but it’s what makes us who we are.
4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?
If I personally could collaborate with anyone, it would be John Bon Jovi, Springsteen, or someone of that stature. Midwest meets the Jersy Boys. LOL. Just what those guys have been through and how long they have been doing it is incredible and mind blowing to me.
5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour? What do you like to do to unwind?
I ride motorcycles, donate time at church, and hang with Ayden’s Mom. Like I said I’m the dad in the band, so nothing to crazy, but Power Take Off have been known to blow a lot of crap up with fireworks in my backyard and do stupid stuff with my old farm minibike.
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?
Power Take Off music is upbeat and always tells you the listener a story. Whether creating a revolution, wanting to be the Kool-Aid in your dixie cup, or standing out in a cornfield at midnight. Power Take Off are from the rural communities of WI. We love to sing about The Heartland and are always proud of where we come from.
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 are all hanging out, Ethan, our guitar player and my son Ayden are always jamming, banging, and hollering something. I’m the guy that reels them all in every night. We all love watching 80’s movies on the bus. Dumb and Dumber, Three Amigos, Caddy Shack. All the classics.
8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?
The last time I was starstruck was about 5 years ago when I met Bret Michaels. I was stupid, I think I told him I love him. Ayden was there and still laughs about it to this day. So embarrassing.
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 playing in a band is spending so much time with my son Ayden, traveling, and seeing the world. There’s not a lot of money in the music biz these days, so you got to really do it for the love of songs and what you and your crew stand for.
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?
There’s no question that really bothers me. If anything, I appreciate you having the interest to ask.
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 would never do anything different except maybe not buy that crappy used motorcycle or something like that. Every road has led me to this point, and I can’t ask for more than that.
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?
Of course, the one and only king of Rock and Roll…. Mr. Elvis Presley. The Comeback Special. Black leather is so Bad Ass!
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Category: Interviews
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ToddStar - that's me... just a rocking accountant who had dreams of being a rock star. I get to do the next best thing to rocking the globe - I get to take pictures of the lucky ones that do. I love to shoot all genres of music and different types of performers. If it is related to music, I love to photograph it. I get to shoot and hang with not only some of my friends and idols, but some of the coolest people around today.Subscribe
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