Kirk McFee
AOL
6th March '03
   
It's SkidMark's SECOND anniversary of the site going live and we're lucky enough to have secured seasoned SkidMark listed artist Kirk McFee (Kirkrockscom) as our Featured Artist of the Month! Kirk was also the SECOND act to join the ranks of SkidMark on lauch of the site, which makes it fitting that he be our FAOTM on the SECOND anniversary!! We've seen this hard working indie artist produce some excellent work over the last two years, such as his third album "More Time Than Money" The very first ever VIRTUAL INTERVIEW, back in July 2001 was with our man Kirk during the recording phase of "More Time Than Money" - SkidMcSkidder catches up with the Kirkster and talks about what the rocker's been to in ~18 months since the last time the two of them talked....

SkidMcSkidder: Welcome Kirk! It's great to get you back in the interviewee's chair 18 months on.. I hope you aren't too hung over from your birthday celebrations yesterday!

Kirkrockscom: wow, it's been that long? Great to be here, Skidder. I'm a little slowed but I think I can answer some questions for you

SkidMcSkidder: Plenty of stuff's being going on in Kirk world since our last interview back in July 2001. When we talked back then you were half way through
recording your last album, "More Time Than Money". You sold 150 copies in it's first week of release and as I remember the orders were flooding in - how'd the launch and total sales to date pan out?

Kirkrockscom: Well, I've sold over 1,600 copies so far and orders are coming in almost every day. Copies have made their way from Florida to Boston to Seattle and down to Southern California. I'm getting emails from Italy, Japan, Spain, Argentina, and on and on. It's been amazingly cool. Can't wait to do the next one!

SkidMcSkidder: It's an excellent album - and that's a 100% SkidMark guarantee - where can visitors go buy a copy?

Kirkrockscom: Thanks, man. Right now, http://www.Kirkrocks.com is the only place. You can email me from there also and then I can make sure it's signed for ya

SkidMcSkidder: Well if you're reading this interview people - GO BUY a copy now!!

Kirkrockscom: Yeah!

SkidMcSkidder: The track off the album "Purple Room" is one of my all time favourites weren't you shooting a video to promote the track?

Kirkrockscom: I was back in LA but that got put on hold, now I moved back to my home state of Michigan and I'm hoping to do it here

SkidMcSkidder: On the subject of the MTTM CD, You were voted "best album" two years in a row (2001 - 2002) over in www.kweevak.com's annual CD awards - how does that make you feel?

Kirkrockscom: It is a very cool feeling Skidman. It means that a lot of people enjoy my music enough to spread the word to others, it's amazing, I'm spoiled with support but it feels great

Kirkrockscom: It makes me anxious to keep them interested and keep getting better

SkidMcSkidder: Was it down to the success of the CD that You were being managed by one of the members of the 80's all female rock band "Vixen" (how cool was that)?

Kirkrockscom: It was very cool and she opened some doors for me. I'll tell you how it happened in a minute.

SkidMcSkidder: I see from the photo's page on your website you've even been partying with Gene Simmons from rock god's KISS - how the hell did you get into that party??!

Kirkrockscom: I actually crashed that party, got up and sang karaoke. Then everyone wanted to know who I was. Paul Stanley of Kiss was there too and that's the night I met Lenita Erickson (former lead singer of Vixen) It was her party. After that night, I mailed CDs to her, Gene and Paul and she gave me a call offering to help me out. It was awesome. When Gene heard it, I guess he said, "I told you he was good."

SkidMcSkidder: Speaking of KISS, weren't you co-writing new material with Curt Cuomo (co-writer with Kiss's Paul Stanley)?

Kirkrockscom: Yes I was writing with Curt, we didn't get much done however, I'm not sure what happened but I guess that's the music business. He's a very busy guy. I have one song (unfinished) but it was sounding great and then he disappeared. I heard he got too busy with other stuff.

SkidMcSkidder: As you mentioned, you recently moved back to Michigan from L.A. and you're now currently forming your own band - what're you going to call it and how's it coming together?

Kirkrockscom: I did move back and it took some adjusting so it's taken more time than I had hoped, I knew it wouldn't be that easy though, I'm going through lots of musicians, looking for the right pieces, I'm also currently jamming with another group of guys (no name yet) but we're auditioning drummers, as far as the band I want to put together, I'm going to call it whatever the band decides to call it, it won't be the Kirk McFee Band/Project/Experience or anything like that

SkidMcSkidder: I have lots of venues to play, just have to get it together

Kirkrockscom: Do you know any bass players? ha, ha

SkidMcSkidder: I've got a Westone Thunder bass - you gonna pay my airfare?? (Laughs Out Loud)

Kirkrockscom: Sure

SkidMcSkidder: So Kirk, Are you working on any new material at present ?

Kirkrockscom: Yes I am...

Kirkrockscom: I have one piece that talks about seeing myself as others see me, it's going to be good......

SkidMcSkidder: And raunchy then.. you DAWG!! (LAUGHS OUT LOUD)

Kirkrockscom: Ha, ha. (evil grin) I have another one that talks about the struggles going on in my own head, the things that are holding me back from moving forward more quickly

Kirkrockscom: I'm looking for the special guitar player that's going to help take my music to the next level

SkidMcSkidder: So when do you seriously think the next Kirkster CD is going to hit the streets?

Kirkrockscom: My goal is to finish one this year (one reason is so I can get back into the Kweevak contest), realistically, it may not be until next spring....

Kirkrockscom: Good thing is, I know a lot more after recording 3 times so when I really get going, it should go quickly

SkidMcSkidder: How about a 4 track EP or something similar?

Kirkrockscom: That's a great idea

SkidMcSkidder: A sort of taster of a forth-coming full album

Kirkrockscom: That should satisfy some taste buds for a while

Kirkrockscom: I think I will do that

SkidMcSkidder: Look forward to it then!

Kirkrockscom: You'll be one of the first to get a copy

SkidMcSkidder: You's tha Man!

SkidMcSkidder: You've played all of over LA & your home state of Michigan - So when're you going to jump the pond and bring the Kirkster sound to the UK?

Kirkrockscom: that's a big part of why I moved back to Michigan, to get my finances straightened out a bit so I can come visit cool places like the UK

Kirkrockscom: Hopefully early next year

Kirkrockscom: Possibly sooner but next year would be more realistic, you never know though

SkidMcSkidder: cool - Will look forward to treating you to the SkidMark hospitality (doesn't include my wife though!) (Laughs Out Loud)

Kirkrockscom: Ha, ha, I'm not THAT bad

Kirkrockscom: I will be looking forward to making some acquaintances over there though

SkidMcSkidder: On the subject of the Ladies..

Kirkrockscom: Yes sir

SkidMcSkidder: The burning question on my mind is: There's a picture of you and Brooke Burke on your site - did you.. er date her?

Kirkrockscom: Man, I wish I could say yes but I'll just say, maybe...

Kirkrockscom: I've also been linked to Gwen Stefani, man am I a stud

SkidMcSkidder: (Laughs Out Loud)

SkidMcSkidder: Where was the picture taken?

Kirkrockscom: I met Brooke in Las Vegas, actually while I was in town for Gene's release party for his magazine "Tongue"

Kirkrockscom: She's a very sweet girl

SkidMcSkidder: Ah, that's where that photo of you singing in New York, New York was taken?

Kirkrockscom: That was another time, I sing at the piano bar there when I'm in town, great place, and lots of fun

Kirkrockscom: I love Vegas, I was there 10 times last year

SkidMcSkidder: Wow! Did I ever tell you I got married there?

Kirkrockscom: I think so, what hotel?

SkidMcSkidder: We stayed at Circus, Circus & married at the chapel across the strip from it

Kirkrockscom: Cool

SkidMcSkidder: Last question on the romance front - are you getting much at the moment?

Kirkrockscom: I'm spoiled with that too, Skidder. I'm a lucky, lucky man

SkidMcSkidder:: Damn! can't find a "Jealous" emoticon! (Laughs Out Loud)

Kirkrockscom: Ha, ha

Kirkrockscom: I've had some moments with jealousy

Kirkrockscom: My gig last Thursday was a mess

SkidMcSkidder: Pray tell more!

Kirkrockscom: Well, these two girls saw me talking to this other one, so they came up to me and starting groping me, which in turn pissed that girl off, she walked by me later and gave me a hip check....

Kirkrockscom: Then I took a break and got followed into the bathroom by an angry husband who asked me what was going on with me and his wife

Kirkrockscom: Good thing I was too drunk to be scared

SkidMcSkidder: No way!

Kirkrockscom: Fortunately, nothing was going on, I didn't really know what he was talking about

SkidMcSkidder: I love it! (Laughs Out Loud)

Kirkrockscom: Yeah, it was a rough night

Kirkrockscom: But the crowd had fun

Kirkrockscom: And I made a few bucks

SkidMcSkidder: And what do you reckon was the wildest thing to ever happen at one of your gigs?

Kirkrockscom: hmmm

Kirkrockscom: Let me get back to you on that one

Kirkrockscom: I have to think for a minute

SkidMcSkidder: Too many wild moments eh? (Laughs Out Loud)

Kirkrockscom: I can tell you one funny performing story that wasn't technically my gig

SkidMcSkidder: Go on..

Kirkrockscom: It's always crazy

Kirkrockscom: I have another story after this one too

SkidMcSkidder: Shoot!

Kirkrockscom: I was back home in Detroit for a visit and I was driving this girl home, I was passing a bar when I saw that a band I had heard about was playing that night....

Kirkrockscom: So we cruise in and I'm showing my ID, the band gets done with a song and I make eye contact with the lead singer (I'm at the door still).....

Kirkrockscom: He says, "Hey everyone, Creed was in town tonight. It's great to have them in Detroit"

Kirkrockscom: I hear this and continue on paying my cover, etc...

Kirkrockscom: This guy won't let it go, "Yeah, the Creed show just let out, is anyone from Creed here?"....

Kirkrockscom: So I'm like, "Fuck it" and I ran up on the stage.....

Kirkrockscom: I looked at the guys in the band and said, "Do you guys know "Higher?"....

Kirkrockscom: they looked at me and each other in amazement, shook their heads and started jamming

Kirkrockscom: Immediately the place went nuts, security guards to the front of the stage, everyone on their cell phones and I proceeded to do my best Scott Stapp impersonation

Kirkrockscom: I got all kinds of phone numbers from people hoping to get backstage, tons of drinks/shots...

Kirkrockscom: Then a waitress took me in a back room to talk to the owner, finally I had to fess up and he said, "Well who are you?" And i said, "I'm Kirk McFee!"

SkidMcSkidder: I like it!

Kirkrockscom: And now I can play at that bar any time I want

SkidMcSkidder: Kirk Rocks! (Creed style!) (Laughs Out Loud)

Kirkrockscom: Broke one guy's heart though, I bought him a shot so he wouldn't kill me

Kirkrockscom: It was fun

SkidMcSkidder: Sounds it!

SkidMcSkidder: What was the other story?

Kirkrockscom: I was taking a break between sets, out talking with the crowd when a roadie came to tell me the guys were having a meeting in the dressing room...

Kirkrockscom: So I excused myself and went back there... to my surprise and fear/delight (mixed) was this stripper who had been after me for months

Kirkrockscom: I had a girlfriend at the time and was just trying to avoid her, she used my own roadie to trick me, turned out, I was glad she did

Kirkrockscom: She had the shortest leather miniskirt ever created and no panties

Kirkrockscom: Funniest part is while we were "getting better acquainted", my guitar player came in to fix a string, and I was his hero for a long time

Kirkrockscom: She was very hot

Kirkrockscom: Tough business

SkidMcSkidder: You're gonna be my hero for a long time too! Heh heh

SkidMcSkidder: What do I ask you to follow that eh??

Kirkrockscom: Another gig, I had 3 girls within 5 feet of each other who thought they were my girlfriend

SkidMcSkidder: Damn! - That's a dangerous scenario!

Kirkrockscom: One I tried to break up with a couple weeks before, another flew 2,000 miles to surprise me, my friend rushed me out a side door

Kirkrockscom: Then he took me to a party and two of them showed up

Kirkrockscom: It was me and 2 crying girls in a very small bathroom

Kirkrockscom: That's a typical Kirk gig

SkidMcSkidder: I was right - you are a DAWG!!

Kirkrockscom: It happens

Kirkrockscom: Alright, I guess we can move on my man

SkidMcSkidder: Okay, yeah, let's cool it down 8-)

Kirkrockscom: Ha, ha

SkidMcSkidder: How's Katie getting on with the Kirk McFee fan club?

Kirkrockscom: She's been great and very patient with me, I've been so busy with stuff. We've been planning to send out a newsletter with an update but we haven't found time to sit down and do it. My mailing list has grown to over 1,400 people, another nice feeling

Kirkrockscom: Are you in there Skidder?

SkidMcSkidder: Yeah man

SkidMcSkidder: Oh the fan club?

Kirkrockscom: Did you get a membership card?

Kirkrockscom: I'll have to get you one

Kirkrockscom: She made cards up and everything

SkidMcSkidder: Sorry dude - I misunderstood ya - not yet - although I did contribute a piece to a newsletter for Katie

SkidMcSkidder: Cool

Kirkrockscom: I know you did, that was sweet

Kirkrockscom: She's ready to go, just waiting on me, Katie's the best fan club pres I could ask for

SkidMcSkidder: You'll have to get her to send me a copy for the SkidMark collection!

Kirkrockscom: Alright, you got it

SkidMcSkidder: Cheers bro

Kirkrockscom: Speaking of which, are you planning a SkidMark compilation?

SkidMcSkidder: I'm definitely planning a compilation album for release this year - I've been patiently waiting for the right line up of songs to give it the right sound & flow....

Kirkrockscom: Cool

Kirkrockscom: You have many great artists, I know several

SkidMcSkidder: I've currently ear marked a definite 9 tracks - if of course I can get the artist's permission to use them - I would LOVE to use "Purple Room" on it

Kirkrockscom: Can I interview you for a minute?

SkidMcSkidder: Sure

Kirkrockscom: That would be awesome if you used "Purple Room." Have you gotten some feedback on SkidMark, how are you feeling the website is progressing?

Kirkrockscom: Are the bands involved?

SkidMcSkidder: The first year and a half was really hard work - learning basic web writing skills, getting bands interested in being listed on the site and getting visitors in through the door, the last few month's have really seen a steady pay back in terms of interest from both bands wanting to join, other music resources wanting to be listed on the "Good Indie Guide" & more importantly, visitors to the site - currently getting about 2000 hits a month.

Kirkrockscom: That's awesome man, congrats! you're an inspiration, seriously, you deserve it with all the hard work you put in

SkidMcSkidder: Cheers mate!

SkidMcSkidder: I've tried involving the artists in the direction of the site - For example Dawgboy from Uncle Binley's Room created the excellent "DAwg Art Gallery"

Kirkrockscom: I know you're high on Uncle Binley, I'll have to check them out some time

SkidMcSkidder: They're very cool

SkidMcSkidder: Ed Van Wylick from the Dutch band "Sleazy Dreams" wrote a few Euro editorials about indie gigs on the mainland

Kirkrockscom: Real cool

Kirkrockscom: Where is Binley from, NY?

SkidMcSkidder: Based in Chicago one half, Jumblo, is still there but the other half of the men from Uncle, Dawgboy, is currently living in NY

Kirkrockscom: Oops, sorry, you can start asking again

Kirkrockscom: cool

SkidMcSkidder: Hey man - I enjoyed it - no one's ever shown an interest in my side of things before!

Kirkrockscom: I'm actually very interested in what you're doing and hearing

SkidMcSkidder: The hearing side is wonderful - I've got to hear so many new sounds & vibes since I started doing this thang...

SkidMcSkidder: It's the doing bit that can be a drag...

Kirkrockscom: I bet, you probably have tons of stuff

Kirkrockscom: For sure

SkidMcSkidder: Site maintenance on a monthly basis is a nightmare nowadays - it's such a monster-sized site now - about 150 pages

Kirkrockscom: Geez!

SkidMcSkidder: plus trying to record my own music...

SkidMcSkidder: Rebuild my motorbike...

SkidMcSkidder: Full time job....

Kirkrockscom: Keep the little lady happy, etc

SkidMcSkidder: You got it!

Kirkrockscom: And most of those bands, you talk to on a somewhat regular basis?

SkidMcSkidder: No

SkidMcSkidder: Not all

SkidMcSkidder: There's a hard core of bands who want to be proactive

SkidMcSkidder: (like yourself!)

Kirkrockscom: I enjoy it

Kirkrockscom: Plus it can only help, getting the word out to as many people as possible

Kirkrockscom: That's cool, talk to Ali lately?

SkidMcSkidder: Haven't talked to Ali for a while now - she's a busy babe!

Kirkrockscom: She's a hard worker

SkidMcSkidder: she recently had her music sound tracked to a Darryl Hanna movie

Kirkrockscom: Wow, that's great!

Kirkrockscom: She's really good

SkidMcSkidder: The artist's who really show an interest (off the top of my head) are: Lynn - Gate 18, John Taglieri, the boys from Fractional, Danielle - Blue Remedy, Chris - Death Becomes You & Kris - Rise, to name a few

Kirkrockscom: I think Lynn's kinda hot, isn't she?

Kirkrockscom: But she's married

SkidMcSkidder: Yeah Lynn's a scream

SkidMcSkidder: I love IM'ing her

SkidMcSkidder: Excellent vocals too

Kirkrockscom: Cool

SkidMcSkidder: Hey did you ever catch a Fractional gig when you lived in LA??

Kirkrockscom: No, I didn't

SkidMcSkidder: Man they ROCK!

Kirkrockscom: I'll have to check them out

SkidMcSkidder: Very heavy

SkidMcSkidder: Yeah man - I'm proud, there are some VERY cool bands / solo artists listed nowadays on SkidMark

Kirkrockscom: That's awesome, mate

SkidMcSkidder: The bands / acts to most likely to hit the big time this year for their individual sound, talent & sheer hard self promotion are: Fractional (USA), Ali Handal (USA), Rise (UK), Kirk McFee (USA), Gate 18 (USA) & John Taglieri (USA). There are bound to be more contenders I've forgotten to mention - but this list is "off the cuff" and related to the acts that I keep hearing about success after success in the Indie media.

Kirkrockscom: Awesome, I made the list!

Kirkrockscom: I talk to John sometimes too, he's a very hard worker

SkidMcSkidder: I expect to see you make me an accurate predictor dude!

Kirkrockscom: I'll make it happen, Markus

SkidMcSkidder: Cool

SkidMcSkidder: You better 8-)

Kirkrockscom: I do have one thing I want to add that I'm proud of

SkidMcSkidder: Go for it

Kirkrockscom: I've been working with a friend who's a 6th grade teacher on an educational cartoon for kids age 6-12

Kirkrockscom: It's taken up some of my time with writing script and tunes

Kirkrockscom: We're planning on setting up meetings with Disney, Nickelodeon, Warner Bros. and Fox to pitch it, hopefully by July/August

Kirkrockscom: And any other outlets we can find

Kirkrockscom: It's pretty good

SkidMcSkidder: Fantastic news bruv

Kirkrockscom: It's a lot of fun

Kirkrockscom: I think it will be a big hit

SkidMcSkidder: And I bet satisfying too - knowing kids'll get educated at the same time

Kirkrockscom: yeah, they won't even know it, I'm getting educated doing it

SkidMcSkidder: Heh heh

Kirkrockscom: Maybe you can help me write the episode when the characters head to the UK

SkidMcSkidder: I say old chap - what a spiffing idea!

Kirkrockscom: It's cool, I just wanted to tell you

Kirkrockscom: That's the stuff I'll need from ya

SkidMcSkidder: You know me - if I can do something for ya bro I'll do it!

Kirkrockscom: Awesome, thanks

Kirkrockscom: Wait until you see it

Kirkrockscom: It's not rock n roll but it's cool, the songs will rock

SkidMcSkidder: looking forward to it

SkidMcSkidder: Well, Kirk it's been brilliant talking to you again, good luck with all your latest projects and we look forward to your continued input to the pages of SkidMark!

Kirkrockscom: Thanks for your time, Skidder! Keep up the great work!

SkidMcSkidder: Later Kirk !

Kirkrockscom: See ya, mate

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Virtual Interview conducted using AOL instant messenger ™ 06-03-2003
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