Musician Interview with RPM

Q: How did you come up with the name RPM?

RPM: RPM is actually my "real" initials…and it's been my nickname for years.

Q: How difficult was it to get inked to a record deal?

RPM: Once I decided against continuing on with the major label route in favor of releasing my CD independently…it was seamless. I just put in a shit load of hard work, along side my producer Frank Gryner. We opened our own label and went for it. And cannot believe how amazing it has been. A ton of work…but on our own terms.

Q: Did you have to showcase at all and if so where did you showcase?

RPM: I showcased for everyone you can think of in LA and NYC…and I hated it. It was after about 5 of them that I told Frank I was done and we had to come up with another plan. Even though the response was great…the attitude and bullshit were too much to take. And the atmosphere is so contrived.

Q You have a new record out "Irrational Anthem" what are your thoughts about this record?

RPM: My thoughts? I think it's an amazing album that rocks hard and makes you think.

Q: Do you have any personal favorites off the record?

RPM: Different days I gravitate towards different songs. Today A Happy Song, Helium and Play God are my top three.

Q: Where can a fan go to buy your album? Will it be available at your shows?

RPM: You can get it online at rpm.tv, cdbaby.com and amazon.com. In the next few weeks you'll be able to grab it at Best Buy or FYE…and its always available at shows… (Ed. Note: Readers can also purchase RPM's music by clicking on the link to the left of this page.)

Q: In your liner notes you made a comment "I'd like to un-thank all the people who told me to quit." Can you elaborate on this?

RPM: I found that the more dedicated I became to my music and speaking my mind… the less supportive almost everyone around me became. Constantly trying to undermine my efforts. Sabotage my psychological mindset before shows…I ended up cutting off a lot of people during this process. And I don't miss them. And even better? Much more compelling people have taken their place.

Q: You have a reputation for saying what's on your mind. Has anyone tried to get you to tone it down at all?

RPM: Every day. The most notable lately being the GM at the Hard Rock Café…they asked me to tone down my show and do a different set list. I didn't. Tone down my show. Fuck them. The irony is so thick, right? The Hard Rock. As if that place has anything to do with Hard Rock anymore.

Q: You had a benefit concert scheduled with some other musicians and many of them canceled. Can you elaborate on why this happened?

RPM: Because people just don't give a shit about anyone or anything else…Specifically one major act signed on and then cancelled…3 weeks before the show. And they were the main draw. They cancelled because they were offered a paying gig. So they took it.

Q: Will you schedule another benefit concert?

RPM: Yes….but most likely not until I am the main draw. I don't trust anyone to come through anymore.

Q: What are your tour plans for this summer?

RPM: I wish I knew! We are looking at a lot of options and I hope that we settle the plans ASAP. I am dying to get on the road.

Q: Where do you see yourself say five years from now?

RPM: Still writing and performing…on record 4 - hopefully less disgusted with American politics.

Q: A fan comes up to you and tells you that your album has made an impact in their life and they'd like to follow in your footsteps.
What advice would you give them?

RPM: One…you can't follow in anyone's footsteps in rock music and end up where they are. Trailblazing is half of it. Doing it for yourself and for your own reasons is one ingredient that cannot be replaced. Beyond that? Dedicate yourself. Practice. Learn to enjoy the process. And find your own voice. Don't take the easy way.

Q: If you weren't a musician what would you be?

RPM: An archaeologist.

Q: How can a fan join your street team?

RPM: Go to www.rpm.tv/contact and you can join my mailing list and my street team.

Q: Who are some of the bands you listen to?

RPM: Right now? Incubus, Maroon 5. AC/DC. Eminem.

Q: It's your dream concert. You can pick any artist past or present to perform with you at any venue in the world. Who would you pick and where would your dream concert be?

RPM: I simply have no idea.

Q: Do you have anything to say to the fans of RPM?

RPM: Keep Rocking and Keep Thinking…oh, wait! and buy IRRATIONAL ANTHEM!

Q: Thank you very much for your time. I wish you much success.