George Gourgaris of Greece's Rock Overdose music portal, talked with Jeff Scott Soto about his new album, W.E.T., his relations with Greece and many more. Enjoy the interview below:
RockOverdose: Hello Jeff,welcome to Rockoverdose.gr.How are you? Give us some details about the new album and what do we have to expect from it?
Jeff Scott Soto: Thanks, all good with me just busy as always haha...this new album rocks, well, the 14 song Deluxe Edition definitely rocks, this version is my personal vision of what I needed for this album to feel complete so I hope people will spend the extra Euros to check it out! I think people will like this album, I personally love it, I hope it is successful ONLY so it allows me more flexibility to tour because promoters will only be excited about my new tour if they know the album is selling well.
RockOverdose: How did you come up with the title "Damage Control" ?
Jeff Scott Soto: As I was writing the songs, I realized the theme was leaning a lot on this topic...for those who don't know, the term 'damage control' is used for making a positive out of negative, it is done daily from politicians to cheating spouses. It was after I wrote the lyrics to the title song Damage Control is when I realized it would make a great title for the album as a lot of the songs lean towards this actual subject.
RockOverdose: You are well known for your numerous collaborations with great musicians and "Damage Control" is no exception. Just to mention Dave Meniketti,Jamie Borger or Casey Grillo. How difficult is to create music with different musicians, while keeping your sound unique?
Jeff Scott Soto: Not difficult at all, each of these individuals including all the others who collaborated with me on the album were hand chosen by me as the producer to KNOW they play a specific role in helping me complete the picture here. It is gratifying to know I was right in my choices as the performances were well beyond what I could have dreamed of.
RockOverdose: What do you remember from your collaboration with Yngwie Malmsteen? How did you met,do you remember?
Jeff Scott Soto: That's a long story that happened a long time ago, haha, there is a JSS book coming out later this year that chronicles my entire career up to Damage Control, it will have many stories and details about a lot most don't know about my career, not so much as an autobiography but as history lesson to JSS, I am excited and this is the best way to know this story and many others.
RockOverdose: What happened with W.E.T.? ?Do you prepare anything or was it a short-lived project?
Jeff Scott Soto: I have already finished singing 7 songs from the new album, we are working very hard to finish my side of things because I have a very busy year ahead and when I am done, the others can concentrate on the rest of it.
RockOverdose: What's your opinion about Black Sabbath's reunion and band reunions in general?
Jeff Scott Soto: Great for them or anyone who wants to continue, why not?
RockOverdose: You already know the greek melodic/AOR band Danger Angel.
How do you decide to participate to Danger Angel's first full-length album and what is your involvement in their second album?
Jeff Scott Soto: I am very close to their manager, Alex Politis, he is a great friend and through him I got to discover these great guys...as a favor to help them promote their 1st album, I sang one song on it without knowing what the rest of the album would be like but this new album truly is a rebirth of the band both musically and ambition. With their new vocalist, they have expanded to what I consider something fresh, new and exciting...I was thrilled to be able to help them with it and I think it will make a lot of people turn their heads and say 'wow!'.
RockOverdose: What plans do you have for the future, a tour maybe?
Jeff Scott Soto: Yes, of course, I have a summer tour I am doing 1st in the US with another extravaganza then I will start concentrating on booking my own tour, I wanted to wait and not tour right away as if the album is well received, I can do a proper, longer tour...I certainly plan on returning to Greece!
RockOverdose: What are you listening to this period ?
Jeff Scott Soto: WET & Danger Angel, 2 bands that I am working on still, no time to listen to anything else....oh yea, except for Damage Control, haha.
RockOverdose: Jeff, thank you for your time. Do you have something to add?
Jeff Scott Soto: It is my pleasure, honor and privilege that I can borrow your ears, your hearts and attention to my music, thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to do so and see you on the road soon!
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