Our fourth interview is with someone you may not have heard of before, but we promise you'll enjoy what he has to say. He is a close friend to LnJ plus he has ties to Christian rock heavyweights Petra! So sit back, relax, and let's talk with guitarist/songwriter Lance Gehl.
LNJ: First, can you tell us what you've been up to and where can people go to find more about you?
Lance: Lately I have been working on material for the new LNJ album. I've also been working on a project much like Sheryl Crow's "Tuesday Night Music Club" (but on Wednesdays. I hope that doesn't jinx it). A group of talented musicians/songwriters (Kevin Stiles, Ralph Jones and Tim Bennett) working together on various projects. Come by our website and drop us a note!
Lance, you co-wrote a song on "Welcome to the Revolution" called "It's About Love." Wasn't this song going to be on John Schlitt's solo album? How did it end up here?
Yes it was, and as far I know it will be on John's solo record as well. It ended up on "Revolution" because John's producer, Gary Manuel, also produced "Welcome to the Revolution." Thankfully Justin and Gary decided to use it.
Speaking of John's solo album, rumor has it you co-wrote three of the songs: "It's About Love," "I'm OK," and "Cast a Stone." What was it like working with John? How much input did he have and how much did you have as a songwriter?
Just meeting John was great. I am a huge Head East and Petra fan. The fact he has won four Grammy's is very cool. Writing with John is an experience that I will never forget. As far as the songs went, musically its 99 percent what Chris Farrell and I wrote. John made some changes lyrically to make sure the message was exactly what he wanted.
Okay, we've got to ask... John's third solo album was recorded back in 2000-2001. So what is going on? Which will be released first, John's album or Guns n' Roses' "Chinese Democracy"?
I keep in touch with Gary Manuel and it's actually very close to being complete. I have heard all the tracks and John has written quite a few. I think his fans will be very pleased.
Only time will tell which one gets released first. Did you see Axl on the MTV awards? My money is on Mr. Schlitt.
You have listened to most of LNJ's "Soundtrack of a Soul." So what's it like? Are we going to have more of the rap stuff?
It's a total straight-up rock album. I really like what I have heard so far.
Yo Yo. The rap is out. But I understand Justin has future plans for a Christian polka/metal record. I don't get it, either. But hey, it's Justin.
You co-wrote one of the new songs on the album called "Killer Grin." Can you tell us about it?
Again, just straight-ahead rock. When I'm working with Justin it basically starts with a guitar riff and takes off from there. That's how "Killer Grin" happened. I can't wait to hear the final mix.
Justin wanted to put an acoustic version of "I'm OK" on his new album, but looking at the track listing it is not there. Why?
Chris Farrell and I would love to see this released. This is a song we both strongly believe in. We think it would do well on radio. But it's just one of those things we can't control.
What have been the 3 highest points and the 3 lowest points of your musical career to date?
The highest point without a doubt was becoming a published songwriter just like the man who inspired me to write, Len Gehl Sr. (my father). Second was working with John Schlitt. Third? Abusing Justin Murr's phone number. As far as the lowest, there are so many on the list it's hard to pick my favorites.
What are you listening to right now?
London Calling, The Clear, Velvet Revolver, Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers. And oddly enough, the "Killer Grin" demo. Go figure.
Rumor has it you and Justin talk on the phone a few times a week. The real question is, if he's gone till late night most days then why are you calling his house in the afternoon?
To talk to his wife Sharon, because she's the one really in charge.
What did you really think of "Welcome to the Revolution?"
Track 11 rocks!
You know Kevin Chalfant from The Storm. Have any stories you want to share?
I've known Kevin for years. He's a great talent. He called me for guitar lessons and I gave him one lesson and he never called back. It's got to be one of two things: either I'm a terrible teacher or he's a very fast learner. The things that make you go hmmmmm...
What instruments do you play? Do you prefer playing live or songwriting?
Guitar, bass and a little piano (no, not a real small piano). As a kid I didn't take my lessons seriously enough (sorry mom). But my brother did, so I can always beg him for help.
At this point in time, songwriting is the priority.
What does 2005 and beyond hold for the musician/songwriter Lance Gehl?
I want to continue to write and record with my partners. Musically I'm very excited because the styles range from hard rock to country. We recently added another great writer and long time friend, A.J. Yuill from Nashville, who has written many songs ... including a song for Collin Raye, a country artist with 25 top tens. Recently we have made some solid connections in L.A. as well. I'm confident and hopeful that 2005 will be a great year.
Finally, it's time for a LNJ 4-ALL word association. We mention a name or thing, and you give us your thoughts.
Kevin Chalfant (The Storm/Two Fires)
Awesome singer/writer and producer and quite possibly a killer guitar player.
Gary Manuel (producer)
Great producer with a fantastic facility in Peoria, Ill. (Mirror Image) I really enjoyed the experience of working on John Schlitt's solo record there.
Chris Farrell (songwriter)
Very busy with his new project/band Slick Adams. As always I wish him the best of luck.
Kevin Stiles (songwriter)
Where do I start? He's a graduate of the Musician's Institute of Hollywood Calif (translation: killer drummer). He played in L.A. during the 80's and released an LP with his band Devastation. Living in L.A. and through several drum clinics became friends with the late Jeff Porcaro (Toto) a major influence on his drumming. He's also a talented songwriter, guitarist, and singer. I'm very lucky to be working with him
Ralph Jones (songwriter)
The guy who understands all the noise in our heads and some how brings to life. Live sound engineer, recording studio engineer/computer software. He's very much involved in the writing/arranging process. Thanks for the playing the keys.
Tim Bennett (songwriter)
My guitar partner in crime for the last decade. He's the kingpin of original metal riffs. Vocal harmonies and talk box on demand. He's always there making it better, 24/7.
Jamie Rowe (Guardian)
What can I say? Guardian rocks. London Calling rocks. The triple threat: writer, singer, guitar player. The versatility of his vocal style is amazing. I hope to meet him someday.
Jim Peterik (Survivor)
The Man! Enough said.
Justin Murr (Liberty n' Justice)
Who? Oh yeah, that's Sharon's husband right? But seriously, what he gets done and how he gets it done is just incredible.
Stephan Pearcey (RATT)
Fantastic frontman. I just purchased Ratt 81-91. It's amazing how many hits this band has had. Even more amazing, Stephen wrote or co-wrote every one of them. He's a true professional in selecting material that he would like to sing.
That was Lance Gehl, ladies and gentleman. Give him some fame and look how easy he forgets us. I still can't believe he asked "Who?"!