1. You said you got a new EP out what can you tell me about it?
Danny: Yes. I have been working with scott from the band, from autumn to ashes, & Mike from Roger Miret & the disasters, under the name Emergency. We finished recording an EP a few weeks ago, its available for streaming at http://soundcloud.com/emergencyli. In addition, Sworn enemy have been writing material the last few months, and we actually started demoing a few things last week.
2. This summer your going to be doing some drum clinics at Guitar Center what's that all about it and how did you get involved with that?
Danny: The clinics are every Thursday in July. I've been a music educator for years now. It's what I usually define myself as more so than a touring musician or writer. I started doing impromptu clinics and master class type of things while I was warming up at gigs. Other drummers or musicians would see what I was doing and ask questions. I'm a drum geek and always will share what I know with anyone who is interested. I've been studying music for over 15 years, I've amassed a great deal of knowledge and am still learning. The guitar center thing came about by pure luck and being at the right place at the right time. The new GM at the local one near me was there and I asked him what he though about holding a clinic, he asked for four! So now I've got a series of classes scheduled there for July. Drum workshop & Vater have sent over a bunch of things to give away and help promote, hopefully sabian will get behind us as well.
3. What's your connection with Emergency and Sworn Enemy?
Danny: Years ago I worked with Mike the singer of Emergency in various projects and hired session situations. We have been friends for years. We always try and hook up when we can, he had this band he was doing with Scott, and other mike, they were fishing for a drummer. My name came up and we had a meeting, I immediately was into it.The positivity, and genuine vibe I got from everyone was amazing. The right motives are behind that band. Music we would want to listen to. Its from the heart with those guys. Sworn Enemy, al has been my bud since 99. I've always looked forward to hanging with him when our paths crossed. When he lost his drummer a few years ago I auditioned and ended up playing with them for two tour cycles. Over the last year I've helped Sal rebuild the band by finding new musicians to play with, running tour budgets and making sure all the day to day business is being held up. We have a great unit right now. All guys I've known over the 10 year mark and have been involved with in other bands or tours/sessions. Everyone pulls their weight and are great people.
4. What about Suicide City is there any talk about new music?
Danny: Aj and I are always sending files back and forth to each other. Im not sure if there is any future in that band. I'd love to do some new music and play some shows. I'll tell you this much, this was the first year that everyone in the group has been communicating in a very long time. It seems we all have come to peace about the fall, and can be friendly with one another again. It feels good to see my brothers and sister be able to talk and enjoy all the great stuff we did and saw together. if it happened, it would be up to Jennifer, Karl and Billys schedules and desire to play again.
5. Who are some of your musical influences?
Danny: I love a lot of the early 90's stuff. Alice in Chains, Sound Garden, Nirvana, STP, I also am heavy into Guns N Roses, Fear Factory, Miles Davis and Avenged Sevenfold.
6. How about drummers who do you look up to the most and take inspiration from?
Danny: Now a days its been some of the people I've been lucky enough to know and follow closely. Danny Schuler of Biohazard, Yael, currently out with Ugly Kid Joe, Roy Mayorga of Stone Sour, and Mark from Taking Back Sunday. They all play like its the last show they are going to do. Its amazing to see the level they play on every night.
7. What are your dreams and goals?
Danny: I want to build the educational side of my life. With these clinics coming up, I hope to start building my roster of students back up. I also hope to branch out and do out of state and out of country clinics. I'd like to tour as a clinician the way I would in a band. I'd like to do a book and a dvd, finish my own batch of songs and have them released some how. Hopefully get that dream gig that pays all the bills and I lose myself in the music of. See my own bands get their music released and get back out on the road.
8. What do you think about downloading music online?
Danny: I buy my most of my music right off of iTunes these days. I don't use torrent sites or download anything illegally. Fact is, it is stealing. I don't steal. If I like something I'll buy it. As an artist I have to lead by example. If I'm going to be pissed about someone stealing my music, I best not steal theres.
9. What's your outlook on the record industry today?
Danny: I'm about to start dealing with labels soon, so I guess I'll see whats happening. I see a lot of smaller labels getting bigger acts and really working with them lc how I heard it was back in the day. Giant corporations do nothing but harm. Smaller companies are more liable and easily accessible. It might really be for the best when the industry finally stabilizes. Maybe big oil or pharmaceuticals will get their extinction event next.
10. Tell us a story about a day in your life.
Danny: Typical day. wake up around 6, do some kind of training, weight lifting, running, Insanity. Something first thing in the morning. Then I'll practice on the Marimba, Piano, guitar and drums, one hour each. After that I'll either teach in the afternoon or write some music. Evening are either spent in rehearsal or just relaxing at home. Sometimes there are one off gigs or sessions that interupt my schedule, but for the most part, thats a typical day for me.
11. What inspires you to do what you do?
Danny: The quest to express myself. I also have an obsession with the idea that theres a secret to learn that will make everything in life easy. Once its discovered anything can be possible. I'm searching for it. I'm pretty sire its latent inside of each of us, we just have been trained and programmed to not find it or answer to it.
12. What advice would you give to fellow bands?
Danny: Play from the heart. Talk about EVERYTHING. Always be kind to each other and don't let a small thing turn into a fight. If you have a great band, that people are into, just get along eight each other and do the leg work. Its the best thing in the world I've found so far.
13. How does music affect you and the world around you?
Danny: Music is the universal language. It is sacred. Having been able to study it and perform it has been an honor. Music is my emotional outlet, it allows me to say things I normally wouldn't be able to express. Playing the drums has transformed me physically, and the melodic instruments I play have changed my hearing. I believe I am way more sensitive and intuitive because of music.
14. What are the biggest obstacles for bands?
Danny: Getting along without a doubt. Success can be measured in so many different ways. Record sales, Sold out tours, making a demo or even playing a first gig. When bands start having internal issues it all goes to hell. The most successful band in the world would throw it away over nothing.
15. Tell us about your next shows and why we should be there.
Danny: The clinics are going to be great. I'll be showing off some new techniques and hopefully helping everyone that wants to develop them do so. In addition I'll be sharing some real world knowledge and how to use it. The Sworn Enemy dates are always fun. We are playing in July, Philly and Ct.
16. Anything else you'd like to say or want to add?
Danny: I'd like to thank you for supporting me. You rock! Please check out www.DanLamagna.com for access to my social networking sites and to keep up on what I'm doing. If anyone would like to bee a clinic please contact dw, or myself directly at any of my pages.
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