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April Issue 2002
Hello again everyone! For this issue we have 20 questions with Donnie Vie with the
help of his better half Joni. Also Joni had an idea to ask Donnie about his thoughts
on his solo acoustic sets and I have that for you all as well. Thanks so much Joni! I
also had a short conversation with Chip about the new CD and some additional song
titles for you all and what to expect. And our newest edition to the staff Jeff
Overstreet did a recent Johnny Monaco interview as well and a brief show review so
this will be a jam-packed issue! Also more inclusions of, "How I came to know Enuff
Z'nuff" at the very end of the issue.
For those of you who may know or not know Jeff he is from the Chicago area and
has been friends with the guys for years so he just seemed to be the perfect fit. I
know he will be a good addition to the newsletter and if you would like to read more
about him he is on the "meet the staff" page and has a bio and a couple of nice
pictures with Donnie, Chip along with his lovely wife Lisa. Welcome aboard Jeff!
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20 questions with Donnie Vie:
1) Musical background:
First musical instrument you played? At what age? Who taught you? Or did you
learn on your own?
Learned on my own on the piano at age 7 or 8
2) List all instruments you play/have played. You name it I've played it
3) Your hidden/unknown/surprise "talent" (everyone has one!) Cooking
4) First song you remember hearing. I'm a little Tea Pot
5) Your "guilty pleasure": I can't put that right now
6) Your biggest pet peeve. 20 questions!
7) Your proudest moment. My wedding/ first time I held my first album in my hand
8) Your best childhood memory. Don't really have any
9) Your worst childhood memory. All of them
10) Name something you'd like to learn to do. Work a computer
11) Your biggest 'real' fear. Going bald
12) First professional recording experience: when? A record called yesterday &
today w/whom?
A production I was in, each act was the Beatles, the Jacksons, Elvis, and Santana Play or sing or both? Played interments on the Jacksons and
played and sang on the Beatles song (this was the first recording I did with Chip
too)
13) Who is the one person that you would like to meet, that you have not yet met?
GOD
14) Who is/was your greatest influence in life?
My Grandpa
15) Is there any specific thing that you like to do to get into a creative mindset?
No that just happens when it happens
16) What is a typical day for you? I wake up, I make my wife's lunch, do my wife,
pick out her clothes, send her to work, call my buddies, hang out write, record, &
jam, make dinner, do my wife, eat dinner, watch some TV, do my wife and go to
sleep!!
17) Have you ever regretted following your dream? YES
18) If you weren't a singer/writer, what else would you be interested in doing?
I would like to be a person who does pedicures.. cause I love nasty, ashy, overgrown
toe-naily feet or work with animals (sort or the same)
19) Any projects on the side you are doing? My wife and my solo record
20) Any one story from the Glam Slam Tour you'd like to share? Second day of the
tour I looked to the side of the stage and seen some hot chick dancing and I kept
looking at her and her hair! Later that day 3 chicks came on the bus and one of
them was that same chick and she was really hot with killer hair, sweet face, and
rockin sunglassses. We talked for a little while and the next day she was there again
and we talked for two more days. JUST TALKING and watching TV on the back of
the bus. It really lifted my depression and over the next 6 months, I fell in love and
married her… all very quickly I might add!!!
In Donnie's words…
Well my wife came up with a pretty cool idea; that I should give my inner thoughts
on these solo sets I've done. And kinda reflect or let ya see them through my eyes.
Before I continue, I have to say the fans have got to be blown away by Joni Vie! As I
am now aware of what I do, and also have a premeditated method to my so-called
madness- not to mention am aware of things and the coolest people I always took for
granted {THE FANS}! Cause she is not only my wife and boss, but also a HUGE
Z'nuff fan. I must confess these little solo gigs obviously haven't been promoted and
were initially intended for me to sing favorite songs to my wife!
I'll tell ya I've never done anything solo and all of a sudden I found myself nervous.
But being a fan of music myself, I get sick of the same 'ol' and watch my favorite
songs from 11 records go unplayed and wasted! Being so used to my big brother being there, always {CHIP} I confess I adopted
kind of a new big bro acoustically; Andrew Rollins. As he has been my partner on
the solo stuff & honestly my guitar playing live has much yet to be desired! I have
been letting loose more the more, I do this and realize FUCK the guitar lets just
have fun with some songs people might otherwise never hear live! It's a pretty vain
attitude, I have to take to do this, but face it if you're a fan this shit is great and way
fuckin underrated. So I pretend these are classic hits and deliver them accordingly…
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I had a short talk with Chip recently about the new disc and got more song titles
and what to expect. First off he told me that the new record would be slated for a
late spring to summer release of this year. That does not mean that it will be
released in the in the states at that time though. I asked him what to direction the
record would be and he simply said, "It'll be another Z'nuff record". I asked if it
would be heavier in nature and he said it wouldn't be different than their most
recent releases. A mix of both heavier and mellower melodic tunes they are known
for. From what he said it didn't sound like they intended on changing their formula
for their music and I was happy to hear that.
There is no set title for the CD as of my conversation yet but he did give me some
song titles. Good Times, Roll Me, Saturday, The Sun, Rollerblading In The Shade,
Z-Overture will be on this record as well. Along with, Can't Wait, Sanibel Island,
I've Fall in Love I believe Chip said the title was? Something close to that as that
was the one title that confused me from what Donnie told me. I believe it's probably
a play on words and fall is supposed to be the season and it was as many of their
titles are creative that way. I heard the last three tunes right before Christmas and
they were awesome! There are more but those were the only other ones he mentioned to me while we had the chance to talk on this particular day. Also he
mentioned show dates starting in April and others to follow…
Chris
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An interview with Johnny Monaco by Jeff Overstreet:
01) What is the latest news on the new Enuff Z'nuff album?
Well, I do believe the CD is finished & is in the final stages of mixing or might even
be done by now. I haven't heard it in its entirety but I know there's a bunch of real
goods in there. I think I'm playing on like 4 songs. I don't know when it's gonna be
released. Maybe end of summer I dunno.
02) Did you get to play any guitar parts on the new album? And if so, what
songs?
See above answer. Huh… you know what?? I don't really know the names yet. I
know "Z'nuff Overture" is one. I can't remember the other titles, I'm sure I was
told but I forgot, even though that sounds bad it's true.
03) You currently have 4 separate projects Enuff Z'nuff, Low-Tek/Johnny Monaco and Sadie….Do you find it hard to make time for each project?
And, Which one currently takes precedence?
"Johnny Monaco" band seems to be working well lately. Low-tek is more of a
studio thing right now, (I'm making a tekno cd with that) "Sadie" is an ongoing
challenge; I think our set list is up to 60 songs. And whenever EZN calls me for
a show I put my socks on & I'm ready to go. It's not hard to do all of them, I
mean I wake up @ noon, watch TV all day and write tunes, how hard can it be.
(Unlike Ricky Parent who is evidentially on tour 365 days a year... (See: Ricky
Parent EZN EXPRESS interview question #16!!)
04) Sadie is generally a Beatles cover band. Was this band your idea or someone
else's?
It's not a tribute band. We do songs by all kinds of bands from that time. And
yea I guess it was my idea, I just wanted to cover all the more obscure tunes that
you don't hear a lot but that we like. And I figured if I had to learn something
to get paid for it I rather learn these then some other lame ass tunes.
(Editors Note: Sadie is VERY generally a Beatles cover band. As John states
they do songs from all kinds of bands from that time)
05) Other than the Beatles, who are some of your songwriting influences from
the past and who are some current artists you like?
Old: Costello, Trick, Ozzy, Rush, Iron Madian, Beach Boys, Bowie, Queen, VH,
Nugent, Zeppelin, The Who, Elton John, Journey, Pink Floyd, Jellyfish, Nirvana, I'm sure there's more…. New: Anything pop. I don't have tons of
favorites but I like Fiona, Manson, Radio Head….
06) Of all the Low-Tek/Johnny Monaco songs you have written which is the most
enjoyable to play live and why?
"Where: U: Want2B" is pretty cool. It's really up-tempo & there's a lot of
screaming. I like a lot of the newer ones too, I guess cause they're new.
07) You have 3 other band members that play in Johnny Monaco: Zodiac, Erik7
and Conrad. How did you meet these guys?
I went to GIT w/ Zodiac; he's real good on guitar and low maintenance. I meet
Erik7 at the EZN "Paraphernalia" in store @ Rolling Stones Records. He's been a long time fan of EZN and used to come out to the shows. At the time I
think I was playing w/ Ricky. But then Ricky got ringworm and had to quit. ;)
I met Conrad also in LA… he was living out there w/ another friend of mine
from Chicago while I was there. Me & him have been playing together the
longest out of anyone in the band. On & off for years.
08) Do they have any input in the songwriting process for the band Johnny
Monaco?
Well I mainly write all the songs & their parts, but when we practice stuff is
always added in by everyone. Sometimes the drummer will even come up with a
good harmony or something. That's happened once…lol.
09) "Johnny Monaco" has a few songs like "Dirty Bird Wings" & "Tugboat"
that have not made it on to cd. Are there any plans to get this music out in
the future?
Yes. "Tugboat" is actually an old song and I have it on CD. "Dirty Bird Wings"
& "Pillow Talk" are new and haven't been recorded yet. I'm almost building a
studio/bedroom in the basement, so by summer I should have a new CD done. It's been taking a while to build the room. Did I mention that Ricky Parent
tours all year round?
10) Have you ever written music with Chip or Donnie?
Not really. Sometimes I'll come up with like a stupid little extension to a part
that was already written. And they'll patronize me to make it look like it was
such a big deal. "Oh yea that's a real cool part" or "Chip, Monaco's got a great
idea…" But I know they're just saying it to make me feel good like I'm contributing. But I know I'm not. They got so many good ideas & tunes and
they just keep coming. Maybe he'll need my input when he's on the "Iron Lung". You know just for writing out the chords and stuff. Cause' that might
get in the way of his breathing straw. (Like at the end of "Amadeus")
11) How did you like being on the road during last summers Glam Slam Metal
Jam?
Yea I liked it. I like being on the road but not for a real long time. It was just
long enough. I mean touring w/ those other bands was kinda gay but at least it
was warm.
12) Of the 3 other lead guitarists on that tour, C.C Deville, Billy Morris and
Carlos Cavazo, who's style did you like the best?
Billy Morris w/ out a doubt. He's really good.
13) If you had a choice to do a major arena tour again, who would you like to go
on the road with?
Oh man that's a hard call. I really couldn't say. Anyone but the "Bullet Boys".
14) Are there any local Chicago bands that are unsigned that you really like?
Uh…. Let's see. Pivot Man, 2GK, Kill Hannah, www.Tristen.com.
15) If there were only one place in Chicago that Low-Tek could play where
would it be?
Metro
16) Donnie Vie is working on his solo project. Have you or any other members
of Enuff Z'nuff helped on his recordings?
I think both Ricky & Chip played on some of that. I haven't yet.
17) On the Enuff Z'nuff recording of Yankee Rose for the Steve Vai/Joe Satriani
Tribute album, the liner notes state Donnie Vie was on lead vocals, but it's
actually Chip. Was Donnie supposed to sing lead?
I don't know what happen on that death star. I think it was a time issue and the
track need to be recorded so Chip did it. Poor guy, he's STILL getting egged on
the street for that one.
18) Did you have any part in that recording?
NO. I was having my head crushed in a vice that day and just couldn't change my
plans.
19) Which feels more comfortable, being a lead guitarist or a lead singer?
Well… probably a guitarist since there's less to do. But either one is fine.
20) The Low-Tek website has been under construction for ages. When will it be
active?
I don't know ask Keavin.
(Editors Note: Keavin Wiggins is currently working on John's official site.
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A short review of a recent Johnny Monaco Show:
The show on Saturday could not have been better. The club was 602 North in
Glendale Heights, IL. The club was really cool. Big, but classy. They had a great big
stage and a very good sound system, as well as tons of lighting for the stage and
crowd. John's band was the first of 2 bands that night. The main band was called
Strange Days (yes a Doors cover band). John played a few new tunes, including a
few acoustic numbers. The set list is as follows: 01) I Can Only Believe (A new tune
with just John and his electric guitar. 02) Swing (heavy tune with backing
percussion effects ala NIN). 03) Dirty Bird Wings (heavy, but totally hook laden. one
of John's best). 04) Pillow Talk 05) You Win Me Over (This, in my opinion, is a
great song with hit potential) 06) There's This Girl (A new tune) 07) You Will 08)
Incubus (Another strong tune with massive hooks!) 09) Tugboat (Heavy Pop). 10) B-R-E-A-T-H (John's most EZN sounding song.... Donnie could have written this). 11)
Fatal Problem (A new acoustic number/Solo John) 12) Plain Living Cloth (John
busted out the acoustic guitar for this one too...he had a full band
backing) (Another new song). 13) Perverted Love (John's most famous song, so far!!) 14) He's A Whore
(Also, very heavy). 15) Love Machine 16) Uki & Amy (A great show ending song
with lots of hooks). That was it.... he should of gone longer in my opinion, but a so,
so Doors cover band was due up. The crowd was very receptive to his brand of
power pop. Lots of clapping, cheering and picture taking. There was even a few
autograph signings. The boys need a place to practice, so I told them they could do it
at my house if they wanted...we'll see. That's it for now, Jeff Overstreet…
Happy birthday wishes from the staff at the Express and from all of your fans to
Donnie Vie! Hope it was a special one for you brother!
Until next time from the staff at the Express… Chris, Mike and Jeff O!
The EZN Express
www.eznexpress.com
"There are no perfect men in this world. Only perfect intentions".
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How I came to know EZN:
I guess the first time I heard of them was on MTV in the New Thing video. I was 17, coming to the end of my high school days, playing guitar for a
number of years and dreaming of rock superstardom. I must admit they didn't make much of an impression back then. The music was good but I never
even bought the album Fast forward to '95...
I'm in college and I think I picked up 'Strength' for 4.99 at a drug store.
I was blown away by the fact that every song on that album was terrific. Within a month or two I saw in a small local music mag that they just put
out a new album. The review went on to explain that these guys had been putting out solid music since their debut and this was their 7th offering?
I was shocked. How could a band that I thought had disappeared with the hair-bands do all this under the radar with no airplay? I bought the album
and loved it. From that point on I've been hooked. I tell anyone who will
listen that these guys are fantastic!
I've got all but one of their US albums and I just saw them this past summer
on the Glam Slam tour with my wife and a friend. I got a chance to meet Chip and Monaco and they were both very nice and patient and met with
everyone.
These guys are a class act and I'll buy everything they put out - no questions asked. On every album they have 12 or more great songs. That's
rare in today's music industry.
Thanks for the great music…
Chris Waters
How I came to know EZN:
I never really got into EZN until 'Strength'. I thought the first album was ok
but was floored by 'Strength'. I became a true fan though after being able
to see the guys at the Thirsty Whale (RIP) in River Grove, IL. I was about
20 at the time so my buddy & I went to the all ages show. My friend, Norb,
who worked sound there let my friend & I backstage before the show to meet
Chip. Chip was so cool. He asked us where we were from at when he found out my friend & I had gone to St. Rita High School, he began ripping on us cuz
he had gone to Brother Rice - an archrival. Then he gave us free posters and
copies of the infamous Rolling Stone article about how Strength & EZN is the
next big thing. Then Derek came backstage and showed us all his new guitar.
It was like we knew each other for years. Chip then had us help him pick the
set list for that show. It was totally unreal. I've been lucky enuff to meet a bunch
of musicians but these guys were beyond a doubt the coolest and most down to earth. I've followed them and have supported them now for at least
12 years. I take pride in them at their Chicago roots. I still feel to this day that
the Pumpkins were over-rated and EZN was always over-looked.
Thanks for the trip down memory lane. I HAIL YOU, BROTHERS!
Keith Rochford
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Ken Reichard made graphic changes and upgrades to my site during the month of
March. Thanks for the help Ken! If anyone needs a Webmaster for your site you
can email Ken at: scuzzles@yahoo.com
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