Sanaz: How did you guys meet and what brought you guys together to start Ghost Train?
Charlie: The band formed by complete chance from the ashes of three different bands. AJ (Bass) and Owen (Guitar) were neighbors who hit it off and got the ball rolling together. They met Andy (Drums) who recommended his former band mate, Ryo (Guitar). Then Charlie (Vocals) met AJ on myspace (who says internet relationships never work out!?) and a chance conversation led to several beers and a complete line-up.
Sanaz: Living in London UK, tell me about the scene there?
Charlie: The scene is large, yet fragmented and restless - the majority priced out of a proper RnR lifestyle by sky-high living costs. Pubs, clubs and live music venues are struggling to remain open as the city's soul is slowly being leased off to the highest corporate bidder. London is not the City it once was. Something's got to give.
Sanaz: I know you guys haven't talked about your Influences, but I want to know... so tell us about it...
Charlie: Our influences are the same as any young musicians, inspired by the glamour and hedonistic excess of the fabled RnR lifestyle of the 70s and 80s. We're just 5 guys who want to be happy and our music brings us just that. It's a bonus if it does the same for others!
Sanaz: What are the goals for the band, are you guys planning on touring to the US?
Charlie: We want to be the best we can be; to continue to learn our trade and push ourselves to the fullest of our potential. We would love to tour the Globe and of course that puts the US firmly on our radar.
Sanaz: When can we expect the new album?
Charlie: We are currently working on a new, self-produced EP, which we hope will showcase some of our most popular material. As for a full length debut album, we hope to have one out in the near future.
Sanaz: What is the band currently doing?
Charlie: We are currently preparing for more UK shows in early 2011; working on the EP, as well as new material.
Sanaz: Being such a fun crazy band, tell me about how it's like to be at your shows?
Charlie: "fun, crazy"? Ha! Well, we take a lot of pride in putting all our energy into our shows. It's high octane stuff which ends up seldom restricted to the stage. It's not just an aural experience but a full visual trip too. A dose of showmanship is what sets the live shows apart from having the tunes on in the background and what we hope gives our live audiences top value for money.
Sanaz: How do you compare the reaction of people from the 80's to today?
Charlie: Our genre is no longer as dominant on the music scene as it was in the 80s, so in that regard it's more of an uphill struggle today to achieve wider recognition.
Sanaz: What's it like in your daily life? Describe yourself and your band members just hanging out at home or at a party...
Charlie: Unfortunately it's not all sex, drugs etc! Being a fledgling, unsigned musician is an expensive career choice and one that means we all have to carry unglamorous jobs to make ends meet. When we're all together, off the clock, we really let our hair down!
Sanaz: You have covered a WASP song that I really love... if you were to cover more songs, what would they be and by what bands?
Charlie: Thank you. Flattery will get you everywhere. ;-) The UK has had such a wealth of talent emerge over the years, it would be a shame for us not to choose material from a classic British band at some point - though we won't speculate with names!
Sanaz: It's going to be real fun to have you guys play in US :) We will be looking forward to that day! Thank you for your time and Keep on Rockin!
