How does it feel to have a new band release in the name of Hot Tuna under your belt for the first time in many years and, what is the most satisfying aspect of the new album for you?
Well... all things come to those who wait... and work for it. In a nutshell, the time was just right for us. We are incredibly proud of our new project. To be able to put everything you have learned over the years to productive use is more than satisfying!
The band are playing the record live, is there any chance of UK & European dates other than Italian shows next week?
Not at this moment... we just have gotten any offers, frankly, that said, who knows what will happen as the year unfolds.
The art work on Hot Tuna Albums over the years has been varied and iconic. How do you go about choosing the art work for an album and who designed the latest?
Yeah, we've had some cool looking covers. The one for 'Steady As She Goes,' was designed by our friend Kevin Morgan, who does all of our artwork.
If you were a young man today, would you still chose music as your career and is there any advice for those young musicians who are actually starting out today?
I feel as if music chose me, but yes, I would choose it again. For folks just getting into it, love what you do in your art, but pay attention to the details in your business.
The music of Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna are two quite different styles how did you work with that creatively at the time?
Each music form demanded different things from us as artists. That we were able to rise to the occasion was amazing in hindsight... but we did.
How different today is the process of producing music when compared with when you started out and what do you think is the greatest change in your music industry since the 70’s and what do you think, really hasn’t changed?
First of all... what hasn't changed. You need good songs and talented players to make it work. As far as selling what you have made, I guess the jury is still out on that one. I have no insights into this other than we hope people will buy our CD, of whatever media they like.
The world that you have been part of for many years and the general style of music has meant that you have been part of a big family, band and audience wise along with say, The Allman Bros Band, The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane etc. Just how rewarding and comforting does that feel today?
There is nothing like family... that we and our friends have endured is amazing... that we have people who still like what we do is a blessing!
At the time were you fully aware of both the cultural and musical importance of the groups of musicians you were part of through the late sixties?
Well... I think this is difficult for me to really apprehend... people tell me about it though, and I am honored.
What would you call the highlight of your career or, is that still to come?
Hopefully that is still to come!
For fellow musicians are there any guitars or instruments or studio effects, pedal that you just can’t be without and would recommend to any guitarist?
Good question.... Start with a good instrument and get to know it well... the rest will follow.
