CJSS Interview for Heavy Metal Resource
David T. Chastain Interview
Thanks for doing this interview. It's been a long time since I had heard the name David T. Chastain. What you been up to?
David T. Chastain: Since 2000 I have released Cds with Chastain, Zanister, an Instrumental as well as Southern Gentlemen. So I have been quite busy here in the states. Plus I produced a few bands, Firewind, Vainglory and Kinrick. Hammerfall covered one of my songs, "Ruler of the Wasteland." Also their vocalist, Joacim Cans and I wrote the title track for his solo Cd, "Beyond The Gates."
For a complete list of my stuff go to:
http://www.leviathanrecords.com/chasdisc.htm
Even I don't remember half of them!
If not covered, what is your current status in the music scene?
David T. Chastain: Record label owner, producer, songwriter, and recording artist. I seldom do live shows anymore but occasionally something comes up that strikes my fancy.
Lion Music just recently reissued the 2 CJSS releases from the mid 80's. Why was the decision made to release both albums on a single cd?
David T. Chastain: They hadn't really been available before on Cd so we figured since they were both fairly short it would be best just to release them together. It has actually worked out quite well for all concerned.
Of the 2 do you have a favorite and why?
David T. Chastain: If I had to take one of those to a deserted island most likely it would be "Praise the Loud." While there are many great songs on "World Gone Mad" there are a couple of those that give me the creeps. Pretty much everything on PTL rocks.
Was any work done in the form of remastering and to what extent?
David T. Chastain: Yes it was remastered and of course new packaging.
Will we see anymore classic Chastain remastered or reissued?
David T. Chastain: In the states we did a similar package of the 3rd and 4th CHASTAIN Cds "The 7th of Never" and "The Voice of the Cult." Titled surprisingly enough: "The 7th and The Voice." It has actually done quite well here in the US. For more info on it go to:
http://www.leviathanrecords.com/7nevdes.htm
We also have my first 2 instrumental Cds "Within The Heat" and "Elegant Seduction" waiting in the wings as a single release. Just need to find the right time.
What do you think of the current music scene and how are you fitting into it?
David T. Chastain: As thru all of the metal ages there are great bands and bands I just don't care for. I can't stand the "death metal vocal" stylings of so many bands today. The music is great and then the garble starts. I just don't understand it? As for me fitting in, I never really tried to fit in so I guess if I fit I fit, if I don't I don't. It doesn't really concern me anyway. I have always been interested more in making music than being popular.
With the variety of styles that you can play, which is your favorite and why? (I noticed the heavy blues project Southern Gentleman)
David T. Chastain: Well it depends on what I am recording! Actually if I could snap my fingers and any band I am part of would be a huge band it would probably be Southern Gentlemen. That is just fun music to play with no pretensions. By far, the simplest music of all my bands so it would be easy to play live and just have a good time. It is still pretty damn heavy for that type of music. Check it out at:
http://www.southerngentlemen.com
Out of curiosity and because you are a really great guitar player, is there any up and coming guitarists that catch your eye?
David T. Chastain: Gus G of Firewind is a really great player. I produced the first couple of their Cds and I became a fan of his playing and songwriting. Another guy I have worked with who I think is really good is Corbin King of Kinrick/Vainglory. Also there is a guy named Conrad Simon who lives in Canada who just sent me a demo that really smokes!
If you could change anything in the last 20 years, what would that be?
David T. Chastain: Probably just concentrate on the CHASTAIN band exclusively. It would have made my life a lot easier! However I really have no regrets about anything. It has been a blast for the most part. I have been running Leviathan Records for 20 years and we have always made a profit so I was able to pretty much do whatever the hell I wanted. So I really can't complain about anything.
What is in store for the future of David Chastain?
David T. Chastain: Currently I am working on a new instrumental release that will hit in late 06 or early 07. Kind of like a rock version of my 94 release "Next Planet Please."
Any final thoughts that you want to add that I may have missed?
David T. Chastain: Well...thanks for the fans that have stuck with me through all of these years. I know it is hard to keep track of everything but you can always just go to:
http://www.davidtchastain.com
to find out what the hell I am up to at the moment.
We are still hanging in there!
Thanks a lot for doing this.
David T. Chastain: My pleasure!
Dave-Heavy Metal Resource.com
(2006)CJSS "2-4-1"
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CJSS Classic Photos
CJSS 2000 Photos
CJSS 99 Interview!
