EMQ’s with COLOSSAL STREET JAM
Hi Everyone. Welcome to our new EMQ’s interview with New Jersey, US based Rock/Blues band, the brilliant Colossal Street Jam. Huge thanks to them for taking part!
What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
My name is Gene Potts and I am the lead vocalist for Colossal Street Jam.
Colossal started in the early 90’s and stayed a band until 95, we disbanded and came back together in 2014 with 2 new members joining myself, Sal Marra on guitar and vocals and Tony Flora on bass, we are the original members.
How did you come up with your band name?
Our name comes from our good friend John DiMaggio (the voice of Bender on Futurama). After seeing us for the first time he said we sounded like “one big colossal street jam”.
What country are you from and what is the metal scene like there?
We are from the United States and the metal scene here is huge, we come from the same area as Monster Magnet, Atomic Bitchwax, Overkill and Black Label Society. I am a huge metal fan but our band definitely is not categorized as metal, we an early 70’s Deep Purple, Grand Funk or Bad Company type band.
What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single or Video)
Our latest release is “Just Take Hold”. It’s a 5 song EP that came out in late 2018.
Who have been your greatest influences?
Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad, Paul Rodgers of Free/Bad Company and my father.
What first got you into music?
My father is a gospel vocalist and listened to all types of music when I was growing up. I found my love for Grand Funk and soul music thru my father’s influence.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
That’s a tough one…Markus King or Allen Stone. If Jeff Buckley was still alive I would definitely say him as well.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
There is so many. I like all the European festivals like Download or Wacken Open Air. HRH in England is awesome as well. I think the European crowds get crazier for live music and rock bands.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
A signed picture of them!
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Support unsigned music and indie bands. There is great music in your local area, support them, go to their shows, buy their music.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Prince!
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
I enjoy the family atmosphere of the musicians I play with, I dislike the way unsigned and indie bands are treated. I run the business for our band and it can be very frustrating dealing with promoters, media, managers and etc who give unsigned bands little respect.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
One thing is tough, there’s so many but I’d say “Pay to Play”.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
This may throw you but “Reign in Blood” from Slayer is in my top ten.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
Still like Vinyl but Downloads are easier.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
We opened for Mark Farner in NYC last year.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
I guess what I’m doing during the day, I’m an analyst for a messaging company out of Canada.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
Mark Farner of Grand Funk, Tom Araya from Slayer, Phil Anselmo of Pantera, Paul Rodgers of Bad Company and Tatiana Shmaylyuk of Jinjer. You can come as well.
What’s next for the band?
European tour May 2nd thru 14th.Belgium, Netherlands and Germany.
What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
Facebook, Reverbnation, Spotify, iTunes
https://www.facebook.com/colossalstreetjam/
https://www.reverbnation.com/colossalstreetjam
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3YWEklO6bfARaNpO3bcH3G
Jaffa Cakes? Are they a cake or a biscuit?
Never heard of them but willing to learn.
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Thank you to online mags like yourselves for supporting Indie and unsigned bands.
Support your local musicians they are making some of the best music that not everyone is hearing. If you hear of Colossal Street Jam coming to your town please come see us, say hello!
Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.