This week we have a cool interview with the Ted Poley of Danger Danger! Ted speaks about his past, future, and of course his favorite band, Liberty n' Justice. So, with great pleasure, we present to you … Ted Poley.
First Ted can you tell us what you've been up to?
I have been working on a few different recording projects, playing with my own live band, as well as touring the world again with Danger Danger. My web site is www.tedpoley.com and d2's website is www.dangerdanger.com.
This past year you did a reunion with Danger Danger. How were those shows and can we expect a new D2 record anytime soon?
The shows were great. We have more being planned now for spring 2005, that looks like it's going to turn into another world tour with dates already booked in UK and Spain and more to be filled in other parts of Europe.
Of all the records you have ever recorded which is your favorite and why?
Bonemachine "Disappearing Inc" is my favorite work ever. I loved working with J3. That CD has some of my favorite songs and vocal performances, and it was done way before Pro Tools existed, so it's all real.
I have Danger Danger's "Cockroach" CD. Which do you like better: the Ted Poley or the Paul Laine version?
Definitely Paul's.
Besides music you do something with toys. How is that going? Can someone actually make a living selling antique toys?
I dont rely on it for a living. It's my hobby and I make some good money trading and buying and selling what I dont keep for myself. No I wouldn't suggest it as a career choice. I suggest staying in school and doing something normal. I have a good time at it and have sold many antique toys in the $1000-$5000 range so it takes big bucks to buy good antiques and old toys
Once you told Justin that you were really down with one Christian band and a song. Who was the band and song?
I love DC Talk's "Consume Me".
Name the 3 highest points and the 3 lowest points of your musical career to date.
High points would be headlining in Japan, touring with KISS, and recently being voted the VH-1 #25 hair band of all time. Low points would probably include this interview. I'm only kidding.
You recently did a song called "Always Tomorrow" for the new Liberty n' Justice CD. How did you get involved with this project and how did the song come about?
It's a great collection of cool artists and songs and I was happy to get involved. It's a very cool CD. The song was something that was re-tooled from another project and I think this version came out really well.
Danger Danger was a great melodic hard rock band and your second album "Screw It" and your third album "Cockroach" was just as good as anything else being released at the time. How come D2 never broke into the mainstream more than they did?
We were about 5 minutes too late. Just as we were about to break, grunge took over and it was the death of our musical genre.
What do you miss most about 1989?
My tourbus and my dog.
On your CD Poley/Pichler "Big" you do a song called "Elton John." What is up with that?
Just a tribute to one of my own heros. The lyrics speak for themselves.
Spiritually what do you believe?
I believe this interview is taking a long time!
Over the years, who are some of the best bands you have toured with?
KISS, Extreme, Warrant
The last of Ted Poley:
Last CD you purchased?
The Darkness
Last toy you bought?
A new Toyota MR-2 Spyder convertible
Last rock star you hung with?
Steve West
Last time you prayed?
Last night
Last time you spoke with Kasey Smith?
I think it was in 1991. I miss him, he is a really good guy.
Who treated you better as an artist: CBS or Z Records?
Both treated me very well to my face, and both were also very similar business-wise. Most labels are the same; some are bigger than others but in the end it's all pretty much the same.
You recently did a song for the game "Sonic Adventure 2." At this stage of your career what pays better: rock albums or video game soundtracks?
Yes, I have written and sung on three Sega games so far. They sell millions of them, so it's my biggest selling work. Definitely video games
What does 2005 and beyond hold for the musician Ted Poley?
I have a few things in the works: a solo cd, a live world tour with D2, and another smaller solo tour in the fall in the UK.
And finally, a LNJ 4-ALL word association. We will mention a name or thing, and you give us your thoughts:
Charlie Calv (Shotgun Symphony)
He is one of the nicest, coolest guys on the planet, and a great musician too, a pleasure to work with. If you look up "cool" in the dictionary, you will find a picture of Charlie, being cool.
Jani Lane (Warrant)
I don't know Jani too well personally, but he sings great on his records.
Vic Rivera (Adriangale)
This guy is a true musical genius. An amazing songwriter and he plays almost every instrument.
Paul Laine (former singer of Danger Danger)
I never met him but he's a great singer and he's always been very classy in his interviews when asked about me. So I like him.
Tony Harnell (TNT)
I friggin LOVE Tony. He has always been one of my favorite singers and it's a joy to have him as a personal friend. I find myself hanging out with him in the most exotic places like Japan, Sweden. It's always been fun when I see him. I also work with him on the Sega games.
Bruno Ravel (Danger Danger)
A great musician and producer. He's like my big bro.
Lance Quinn (Producer)
That guy is a production genius. I have been blessed to have had the chance to work with such great people over the years. He developed early Bon Jovi and Danger Danger as well as so many songs that you would know from other artists.
Mitch Malloy (singer)
He's a great singer. I don't know him personally but I am a fan of his work.
John Kivel (Kivel Records)
Always makes me laugh, in a good way.
Steve Rachelle (Tuff / Metal-Sludge)
Again, one of the nicest, coolest, and smartest guys I have met. The first time we met at a fan event in Los Angeles, he taught me how to start my first record label which was Big Disc Music and was very successful. Never underestimate Stevie. He is capable of very big things and is always involved in something interesting.
Sorry there's no dirt dishing, but I like all those people. If you want to hear me say that someone sucks or has no talent then ask me about Ashlee Simpson. :) Rock on.