ELECTRIC BLACK HORSE

Today, we have future rock stars Electric Black Horse answering our Seven Questions In Heaven. What makes me think they'll become rock stars? They definitely have the chops, but so do a lot of other bands. But what sets them apart is attitude, that rock 'n' roll swagger. Need proof? Listen to Electric Black Horse front man Michael Pate:

Describe your music for our readers who may not be familiar with you.
A highly potent elixir of Sparkle and Balls that aims for heart and hips! Rock and roll in the grand tradition of genre. Engineered to unite the races and put smiles on faces!

Who are your musical influences and idols?
Personally, KISS was the very fist group that I was ever aware of loving and that affair goes on to this very day. I wear that influence very proudly. Let's add Aerosmith, Cheap Trick, the Rolling Stones, T. Rex, the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Van Halen, Vain, Stone Temple Pilots, and the Ramones. The common thread here is that all these groups had something else going on, whether it was a vibe, image, or energy that enhanced the music and didn't put it in the background. Songs. Image. Energy. In the non-rock category I do love Prince, Sly And The Family Stone, Nick Drake, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, The Carpenters, Dusty Springfield, Frank Sinatra, and Tom Jones.

What was the first album, cassette, or CD you bought with your own money?
KISS Alive II on vinyl! I was just about old enough to point to it in the record store, bewildered, bug-eyed, and tell my Mom, "I want that!" Before you even hear a note, you open up the gatefold sleeve to basically a picture of four guys on instruments exploding out of the earth on a fireball. Then you play the record and it takes that image and puts music to it. Then I heard all these girls screaming their panties off and it was a wrap. I was six years old.

How did you come up with the name Electric Black Horse?
I happened to be in a car riding through Southern California and the night before we had been out in L.A. at this bar that had a mechanical bull. I was pretty zooted and got up on this thing and the second they turned it on, it flung my dusty ass into the wood posted corral! So as we were riding around, the guy driving says to me, "You're lucky that electric horse didn't kill you last night man" and I just laughed and for the next hour or so the words "ELECTRIC HORSE" just kept repeating in my head. So we were getting into horse stable country and were driving slow because we were looking at the horses and this one place we pulled up to was called "The Black Horse" and like a bolt of lightning, I blurted out, "ELECTRIC BLACK HORSE! THAT'S IT!" True story. It was that simple. It's a great name, isn't it?

You released your debut album nearly a year ago, and you pretty much did it all. Have you guys begun working on a follow-up and, if so, will it be more of a group effort?
We sure have been and it's been an eye opener! I'm lucky enough to have found the three other guys who have commitment, personality, and incredible talent. This band has to be seen live, it's just ridiculous. We'll be going back into the studio hopefully this summer and we can be recorded as a unit. As the lead singer, the lyrics are for the most part 100% me. Musically, it's going to be a fabulous collaboration! I'm beyond excited.



What do you think of the state of rock today?
To be frank, I think it completely blows for the most part. I think rock is in trouble when Daughtry and Nickelback are the biggest selling rock groups. I'm sure they're nice guys but for fuck's sake, what a snoozefest! Nobody is putting their ass on the line for this music and it's sad. Rock and roll has become virtually sexless. There are way too many rock bands that look like they showed up from work or rehearsal or whatever and make no effort to dress for the occasion! Electric Black Horse dresses for the occasion! We look like we sound. That's important to me.

My favorite track on your debut album is "Forever." What are your Top 5 All Time Favorite Glam Ballads?
Wow! Thanks! That track we haven't played live yet, simply because we are trying to turn heads right now and come full on energy-wise. Plus, our sets are usually limited to 30-35 min. "Forever" is our take on electric honky-tonk!

Here's my 5 Top Glam Ballads (in no particular order):

"Hard Luck Woman," KISS
"Life on Mars," David Bowie
"Dream On," Aerosmith
"Cosmic Dancer," T. Rex
"Everyday," Slade - www.culturebrats.com

Electric Black Horse is a New York City rock band in an exciting place at the moment. They have a new self-titled debut album oozing with seventies sleaze rock and have released their first single and video, "Capricorn Girl". In addition to their new venture they are planning a tour, to record more music, and "drink Champagne." I had a chance to discuss their debut album, their writing process, and New York City with lead vocalist and guitarist, Michael Pate.

Sleaze Roxx: Tell us about Electric Black Horse.

Michael Pate of Electric Black Horse Sleaze Roxx Interview Michael Pate: We're a rock and roll band in the grand tradition of rock and roll bands. Formed in January of 2011, we're a wonderful mix of 'sparkle and balls' -- we hit hard and true. Electric Black Horse is myself, Michael Pate, on lead vocals and guitar, Merx on lead guitar, JT Hardy on bass guitar, and Shane Considine on drums.

Sleaze Roxx: Your music is a fresh take on seventies rock and roll. What about influences? In "Roses" and "Cheap Party Favors" I imagine this is how The New York Dolls would sound today, while "Koke Rock" has a Rolling Stones vibe.

Michael Pate: I absolutely worship at the altar of late 60's-70's rock and roll for sure! KISS, Queen, Aerosmith, Cheap Trick, AC/DC, The Rolling Stones, T.Rex, Slade, David Bowie w/ Mick Ronson, the Alice Cooper Band, The Kinks, Black Sabbath, The Jimi Hendrix Experience... let me stop because you know, we could keep going. I love 70's glam rock because, to me, the songwriting was far superior to what was going on in the 80's. That being said... Vain is a huge influence -- best sleaze band EVER! It's interesting you mention the New York Dolls because although I'm very aware of who they are, I don't have any of their records. I gotta remedy that.

Sleaze Roxx: Describe the song writing process for the band, also specific to the lyrics. You often balance 'light' rock and roll with dark undertones -- care to elaborate where this comes from?

Michael Pate: I wrote all the songs and recorded the album about four months before the band was formed. I used the finished record to find people that actually wanted to play with me. I had formed Electric Black Horse with another guy and we gave a deposit to Stacy O' Dell (who produced the record) with the intent of making a full length album. The other guy wound up wanting to do his own thing and since the Electric Black Horse name was mine, I was left with a deposit and only four songs. Stacy asked me if had 10 songs (which I didn't) and if I wanted to forge ahead and make the album alone. So I just blurted out, "Of course! I have 10 songs! Let's do this!" All I had at the time was "Koke Rock", "Birthday Bitch", "Capricorn Girl" and "Freeman." I did all the vocals, guitar and bass while Stacy played the drums and a few little piano and organ parts.

Concerning the lyrics, I like that contrast of a darker lyric with an uppity beat and melody. Cheap Trick is really great at that and I totally cop from them every chance I get... Alice Cooper too.

Sleaze Roxx: Speaking of "Cheap Party Favors", the lyrics paint a dark picture of Hollywood. Have you had any bad experiences, or is it just a general dislike?

Michael Pate of Electric Black Horse Sleaze Roxx Interview Michael Pate: Oh, Hollywood! I like Hollywood just fine. The city gave birth to a scene that went down in history. The Doors, Van Halen, Motley Crue, Jane's Addiction, Guns and Roses... so, much respect. People out there are just... well, different. I've always been partial to San Francisco (Vain!) and Northern California, folks up there are more like New Yorkers in my eyes. The women are beautiful AND intelligent!

"Cheap Party Favors" I wrote in response to all the 'celebutantes' who just can't handle the money and fame -- specifically, Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hliton came to mind while penning the lyrics. When we play it live, I always dedicate it to Lindsay Lohan and say that I hope she doesn't wind up dead -- so there are good intentions involved! It's my favorite to play live and it's become a crowd favorite.

Sleaze Roxx: All of the tracks complement each other in a great way, to create a full album. In this day of 'download my single' it's very rare to find a solid album without 'filler'. Was there a conscious intent to put out such a complete album? How did you decide on the songs, did a lot of get cut or was the track listing planned out from the beginning?

Michael Pate: I have to tip my hat to the few groups nowadays who don't distribute digitally... AC/DC is sticking to their guns and I have so much respect for that. I grew up on the 'album' format and I went in making this record in that mindset. However, I'm realistic too. AC/DC is a 'legacy' group with a near 40 year career with a deep fan base. Electric Black Horse isn't getting away with no downloading! I'm an album guy -- I still buy CD's religiously. I like to hold the case while I'm listening, I lik - www.sleazeroxx.com

New York City rockers Electric Black Horse have released their debut self-titled album. A lot of new bands are claiming to 'bring back glam rock', and very few understand what this means... or are unable to deliver. So I was pleasantly surprised when I listened to Electric Black Horse and heard a fresh sound that reminded me of the New York Dolls, with a modern day twist. My other takeaway? This is an album that is meant to be listened to all the way through. During a time of 'download my single on iTunes', I'm excited to report that Electric Black Horse have put together a collection of catchy glam/punk tunes that complement the overall sound and songs on this album from start to finish.
The album kicks off with the straight-forward rocker "Capricorn Girl" -- this is the first single (and video) and makes the point that rock and roll doesn't have to be too serious and still kick ass. "Roses" and "All Over Now" follow the lead song and really sets the pace for the rest of the album -- glam infused with punk, and sleazy rock and roll riffs, with simple, but clever lyrics. "Koke Rock" is another catchy tune that captures the sound of The Rolling Stones meets the streets of New York City. In "Cheap Party Favors" Michael Pate nails the vocals with a slow punk groove that is either an ode, or warning, to those looking for Hollywood dreams. Pate doesn't mince words in "Birthday Bitch", a downtrodden wish with lyrics "Happy Birthday baby, I really don't care" and repulsion toward consumerism throughout (I suspect there's a personal story behind the song). The ballad, "Forever", ties everything together and closes the album nicely.
If you're looking for eighties glam style stadium rock, this isn't for you. However, if you like sleazy seventies riffs then Electric Black Horse is a band to check out! This is an album to play when you wake up, are riding the F-train to work, or are getting ready for a night of debauchery -- just make sure to leave enough time to play the whole album.
www.electricblackhorse.com - www.facebook.com/electricblackhorse

Reviewed by David S. Grant (www.davidsgrant.com - author of 'BLOOD: The New Red') for Sleaze Roxx, March 2012 - www.sleazeroxx.com