How did you decide to go for a solo album?
I’ve been writing songs for years and after touring the world with various bands, I developed my own voice as a singer/songwriter. Inspiration feeds creativity and I’m blessed to have all of these experiences from a career in music.

Your sound has been defined as “British influenced pop and classic rock’n’roll, with textures ranging from the psychedelic to electronic music”…but what are your main influences?
I love the music of Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Radiohead, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, As well as many new artists.

Is there a particular story behind any of the songs?
“Fly” was written for the late Wes Wehmiller. He was my bassist and friend for the past 10 years. People may construe this song to be about lost love. I guess in some ways it is. I loved Wes and his music.

How did you find Wes Wehmiller, Nalle, Kris Pooley, Ryland Steen and Aaron Sterling?
Living in Los Angeles, I have an amazing network of musicians at my fingertips. These are some of the best and I’ve been lucky to have them as musical partners and friends.

I have a picture of you with a sitar. How did you start playing guitar? Have you got a “fav guitar” among the ones you own?
I studied the Sitar at UCLA. My teacher was Nazir Jerazboy from North India. I’ve only scratched the surface of the fascinating instrument. I love my Gibson 335 and Les Pauls. Honestly I don’t have many vintage instruments. I’m not of the breed of musician who must have the 59 Goldtop or early 70’s Plexi. I like to play music and it doesn’t matter if it’s a sears acoustic or an old Martin. It’s in the artist not the equipment. I do appreciate fine instruments, however I generally don’t have conversations about gear. I started playing guitar when I was around 10 years old. Inspired by my sister Plavka who is a brilliant singer/songwriter.

Most of the SLAM! readers know you as the former guitar player of Buckcherry, but you have actually worked with many artists, such as Wallflowers and Marvelous 3. What are your memories of those experiences?
All of the bands I’ve played with have had their own unique strong points. For instance, Buckcherry’s shows were the most exciting and energy filled than anything I’ve done since. Whereas, working with a prolific artist like Jakob Dylan was fulfilling on songwriting level and musically speaking, graceful and emotional. Working with Marvelous 3 was not even in a live situation. I was chillin’ in a studio with my friend Butch Walker and rippin’ some leads. A very cool social hang.

Have you already listened to the solo album of Butch Walker and the new Buckcherry album? Your opinion?
I have heard a few tracks. Butch is a great singer and writer. I like the direction he’s gone with his solo album.

Talking of Buckcherry, why did you leave the band?
I left a month after bassist J.B. He was my best bud in the band and it really wasn’t fun anymore. Music is a social thing and if people are not connecting, it doesn’t matter how strong the music or successful the band. We all got into bands to have fun. So there’s no use in being miserable.

Are you still in good terms with them? What do you think of Josh Todd?
I speak with Keith occasionally. He’s a cool cat. Josh is a great performer. We’re on amicable terms. I wish them my best for the new Buckcherry.

Buckcherry did re-open a section of the music business that was covered by alternative bands only. Are you happy with what you have achieved or do you think there was something more that could have been done?
I’m proud of what we achieved. I don’t think BC was out to break any ground, just a hard rock band having fun. We weren’t trying to reinvent the wheel and by all means, we didn’t.

I know you’re working on a fantasy/thriller called “Changeling”. What is it about?
This movie is about a freelance courier, Daniel, who doesn’t fit in society and comes to learn that he is a changeling, not of human blood. My character is Thomas the Rhymer, a 13th century English, immortal poet who is a rockstar in the present time. Thomas ends up being the liaison between Daniel and the land of the Fey or the alternate universe. It’s a very clever story. The director Kevin Michael Thomas was extremely cool to work with. I will be acting more in the future.

By the way, while playing with your old bands, you appeared in some movies soundtracks, such as “American Pie”, “Road Trip” and “Mission: Impossible 2”. Did you like them? What are you favourite movies and actors? Those films were fun blockbusters. I love Christopher Walken, Robert Deniro, Johnny Depp, Gary Oldman,
Movies I dig: City Of God, Requiem For A Dream, The Piano, Chocolate, Moulin Rouge, The Notebook, True Romance.

Who do you think is the most rock’n’roll actor: Johnny Depp, Jack Black or Mike Myers?
Johnny Depp. He always surprises his audience with unusual roles and is not fearful. I believe that’s what rock ‘n’ roll is about. Innovation.

Talking of music again, I read your biography and I found out you have shared the stage with Anastacia, Bonnie Raitt…and toured with Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Kiss and so on…who left you the best and the worst memory?
I would say Buckcherry left both worst and best. When we were united, we were unstoppable, but unfortunately, we couldn’t stay together so that leaves a bittersweet ending. I did have a once in a lifetime experience while on tour with the Rolling Stones. I partied with Mick Jagger and a few friends in his suite. Being in the company of a legend and gentleman was priceless.

You were on stage with Axl Rose on 2000, any funny story to tell about him? Why do you think Chinese Democracy is not out yet?
He was cool when we jammed at the Cat Club in Hollywood. Axl was unpretentious and loving the music. I’m not really up on what he’s doing these days, but his albums release is painfully overdue.

Almost finished…what are you listening to lately?
Postal Service, Interpol, Keane, Coldplay mostly British pop.

Future plans and final message for the Italian fans?
Thanks for your support and kindness. Peace and blessings to all. See www.dhamma.org for a path towards liberation of the mind.