Festivalphoto recently managed to interview Chandler Mogel, the Singer with Greek band Outloud following the release of their new album, "Love Catastrophe"
Festivalphoto: Hi Chandler… You've just released your new album, “Love Catastrophe” through AOR Heaven... Can you tell us a bit about the songs on the album?
Chandler: “Yes, sure!! The album came out right at the end of July, and the songs are a little more structured and a little more mature this time around. We went for more of a melodic rock approach this time, and we're all really happy with the way it turned out.”
“It's hard to pick just one song, but some of my favorites are “Isolation Game”, “Live Again”, “Clean Hands” and the title “Love Catastrophe” itself. We feel there is something for everyone on this album; from a metal tune like “Live Again”, to a power ballad like “Someday”; from ‘Arena Rock’ like “Clean Hands”, to a modern edged rock track like “Isolation Game”, and ‘Pop Metal’ like “Love Catastrophe”.”
Festivalphoto: How would you compare the new album to your first, “We'll Rock You To Hell And Back Again”?
Chandler: “As I said above, we feel that the songs are more developed as opposed to the spontaneous approach we had on the first record. It's also got a little less of an edge, mixing-wise, making it more tailored towards melodic rock; but that’s not meant to alienate any fans of the first album either! If you like that one, you will love this one!”
Festivalphoto: Who writes the songs; is it a group effort or are there one or two main songwriters?
Chandler: “The songwriters are basically Bob (Katsionis), Tony (Kash) and myself. It’s usually Bob and Tony who come up with a basic music track and I'll then write lyrics and melodies over the top. A couple times though we’ve done it the other way around - I had a melody and lyric idea and recorded it, and then, Bob came up with music underneath…”
Festivalphoto: What are the musical influences that influenced the writing of the album?
Chandler: “Well, it really all started with Tony's influences, which then extended to bands we all loved! Motley Crue, AC/DC, G'N'R, Priest, Maiden, etc.. Then add in mine and Bob's influences, which are quite different, and you get the unique hard rock sound of the band. I have a lot of 70's influences (from rock, funk, right through to soul music, going back to the 60s and 50s even!) and Bob comes from a progressive / modern metal background where he's into such bands as Dream Theater and Annihilator. Put all this together and you get……Outloud!”
Festivalphoto: How would you describe the music that comes out then?
Chandler: “See above really with loads of hooks! People have described it as a combination of all of those influences. And, we've been compared to TNT, Skid Row, Foreigner, and Night Ranger to name just a few? It’s really weird but it’s also a huge compliment!”
Festivalphoto: Any plans to tour? In the UK maybe?
Chandler: “Not yet, but we’d love to. Hopefully soon! Mark (Cross) is over there right now getting ready for a tour with the band Tank and then he’ll be out with Tainted Nation / Electric Boys in October and will be laying some groundwork for us there, exploring some possibilities for us to come over, so let’s hope that works?!”
Festivalphoto: With Bob Katsionis still being a member of Firewind, does this make it difficult to arrange things like tours and recording sessions for the band?
Chandler: “Not really!! With Gus G (guitarist of Firewind) playing with Ozzy Osbourne as well right now, there is plenty of time for Outloud. Bob will be out of commission for two months or so soon as Firewind have a couple of tours planned, but we’re used to this, so it’s not a problem!”
Festivalphoto: Do you think the Firewind connection is helpful when it comes to attracting new fans to Outloud?
Chandler: “It definitely has been, especially with the first record; but, now, we are beginning to carve out our own niche I think, and there are many fans out there who know us just for Outloud. It's a different genre really; but I do believe we can appeal to Firewind fans AND melodic rock fans at the same time, even if it's most likely going to be the latter going forward, just because of how the music is working these days!”
Festivalphoto: What bands did you listen to when growing up?
Chandler: “Believe it or not, I actually listened to a lot of bands like Earth Wind & Fire, Tower Of Power, Hall & Oates, and Stevie Wonder; loads of funk and soul music. Then, I got into high school and discovered metal, and ultimately, hard rock! Throughout my youth, I kept on searching for great bands to listen to and definitely built up quite a CD collection!”
Festivalphoto: What bands do you like to listen to these days then; still the same mixture?
Chandler: “Yes. These days, it’s pretty much the same type of stuff as above, but with a bit more swing, jazz, 60's stuff, soul, etc. Of course, lots of hard rock too!! I love the new Mr. Big album! They’re one of my favorite bands.”
Festivalphoto: Thanks for your time
Chandler: And thanks for the interview!!
“Check out the brand new video for "Waiting For Your Love", the first single off the "Love Catastrophe" album on Youtube:
