This week we talk with one of our favorite Christian singers and guitarists, Ken Tamplin. Ken is a great guy with a lot of talent. Plus, he's like Santa Claus! He sent a free MP3 which you can download now. The song is called "Believe" and features Daize Shayne, with Ken on guitars! So just sit back, listen to the song and read what Ken has to say. And you guys better pay attention!
Ken, can you tell us what you've been up to?
I have started a new Company called New Game Media. Our first client is a lovely Christian girl who is a two-time world champion longboard surfer, musician, model and actress. Here name is Daize Shayne. She has a love for hard melodic rock and "bringing back the guitar" which I'm sure you know is close to my heart as well. Check out www.daize.com for more info. My personal website is www.kentamplin.com and it has a great chat room. My NewGameMedia.com website will be up soon as well.
This being the season of Christian bands reuniting (Stryper, Guardian, White Cross, Holy Soldier), when will we see Shout back together?
You know I tried that with the "Shout/Back" album. But besides me and Joey Galletta the drummer, the chops of the other guys just weren't there. I really like what I am doing now since I have such a great opportunity for growth and bringing the gospel message to the secular world.
On the discography page of your website there are thirteen albums listed. Which one are you most proud of and why?
There should be over 20 listed. I guess I like most all of what I have done over the years except "In The Witness Box." It was a record I was forced to make by Benson. "Axe To Grind" was cool. My last album, "Wake The Nations," was cool. And of course the early Shout stuff was fun.
You participated on the last Liberty n' Justice album, "Welcome To The Revolution," with a song called "One Word." After receiving your copy you told Justin how disappointed you were in the project as a whole. You even went so far as to say "Send me the masters and let me re-master it." Can you talk about that album and tell us what could have be done differently?
I am not looking to slit my throat here, and I don't make a habit of going around bagging on projects. I was disappointed not only by the sonic quality, but I was disappointed by songs and performances with a couple of exceptions. I do however think the concept was awesome. Over the years we have seen SO many projects that carry a "name" value with little or no substance. This doesn't only apply to music, it applies to movies and even sports, etc.
I am maybe the most guilty when it comes to having "names" on my records. My last album, "Wake The Nations" featured Doud Aldrich (Whitesnake, Lion, Dio) Reb Beach (Dokken, Whitesnake, Winger), Marty Friedman (Megadeth), Ritchie Kotzen (Mr. Big, Poison), Jeff Watson (Night Ranger), Kee Marcello (Europe), Jeff Scott Soto and the list goes on. I will tell you this, every single person who performed did an exceptional job. In fact, there were a couple on there who didn't and I pulled them from the record. I tried to bring in guys who strive toward excellence, not just name value.
What I would have done differently was focus on the songs first and had a little better control of the production and the enthusiam of the performances. It reminds me a lot of when I have to quickly hire some musicians for a one-night-stand gig. The musicians are really into the money or prestige of the gig rather than digging in and spending the time to make things great. That's why I'm a much bigger fan of bands that have played together for a while as opposed to hired musicians. You can just smell the complacency. If you must have all hired guns, than you'd better have a very strong handle on exactly what you want and expect out of them.
The last time you spoke with Justin, you mentioned that you were working on a new CD. Has this been put on hold? If not, what can we expect to hear?
As I mentioned earlier, I am very preoccupied with my new company. However, I did get to play a lot of guitar on Daize's CD. Your readers can download one of the tracks here to get a taste of the CD and decide for themselves.
Have you "Jihad enough" ?
No way! I'm always up for a good fight! I've had enough of bad music and corporate bull^%$#t. Does that count?
You have four-octave range in your voice, you are an incredible guitar player, and you write unbelievable songs. So who in your family gets more attention — you are your cousin Sammy Hagar?
Thank you for the flattering compliments. Sam is definitely king. That part of my family barely acknowledges that I exist. I really don't mind, Sam is extremely talented and one of the best front men I've ever seen. I am just proud to be in some part of the family food chain there somewhere.
Name the three highest points and the three lowest points of your musical career to date.
Highest would include Shout, meeting the President, and getting to do music for a living. Lowest would include the day anthem arena rock died (around 1993-94), being away from my family on long tours, and not trusting God more.
As a Christian musician do you care more about the music or the ministry?
I'm not sure how these can be separated. My minitry is my life. All I am, all I do, all my actions, every thought word and deed. Music is only a part of that. I don't think of my music as "ministry." I think of my life example as ministry. Music must conform to my life example.
Rumor has it you tried out for Foreigner when Lou Gramm and Mick Jones split back in the 1990s. How was Mick and how close were you to getting the gig?
Don't really know. I was asked to try out and I did. They said they liked me and then chose someone else. I must not have been what they were looking for.
How involved are you in your local church, and what do you believe?
This is broad qustion. I am part of Calvary Chapel Laguna Beach where Don McLure is the pastor. This is a recent migration away from Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, Chuck Smith's church, where I led the worship. This is a season for me to listen and not lead at the moment.
The last of Ken Tamplin......
last song you wrote?
That changes by the hour. The last song I recorded for a record is called "Believe" and it is being performed by Daize Shayne.
last TV show you watched besides "Fear Factor"?
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (I love to watch this with my kids)
last time you were on TV?
Playing for Arnold Terminator at the Republican National Convention.
last "famous" person you spoke with?
I speak with senators and congressmen all the time so I'm not sure how to answer that. I guess it was Jerry Lewis last Sunday night. I sat next to him and Susan Sarandon at the Satellite Awards where Daize Shayne was a presenter.
last time you listened to "Welcome to The Revolution"?
About 1 month ago.
What does 05' and beyond hold for the musician Ken Tamplin?
Only God knows. I have some fun ideas for my company New Game Media that I pray will come to fruition to provide me the platform I would like to have to honor Him at a new level.
And finally a L n' J 4-ALL Word Association. We mention a name or thing and you give us your thoughts.
Lou Gramm (Foreigner)
One of my favorite singers who has inspired me greatly over the years.
Daize Shayne (singer)
An extremely sweet and well balanced young lady who has a huge heart for God and inner city kids.
Dale Thompson (Bride)
The "Real Deal"
Jeff Scott Soto (singer)
A great singer and exceptional performer.
Jamie Rowe (Guardian)
Another very talented person.
Mickey Thomas (Starship)
One of my favorite voices of all time.
Jeff Fenholt (singer/ preacher)
Someone who has lived a big life
Chuck King (Shout)
A good, loyal and sincere friend
Dane Spencer (Song Haus Music)
The label that distributed "Wake The Nations" in the U.S.
George W. Bush (President of The United States)
Our commander-in-chief and a great president.