Interview with Armored Saint Guitarist Jeff Duncan (Odin, DC4)

April 27, 2020

Interview with Armored Saint Guitarist Jeff Duncan (Odin, DC4)

By Mick Michaels

COSMICK VIEW: Hello, Jeff! Welcome to The Cosmick View. Thank you for taking some time out of your day to chat with me, it's greatly appreciated.

CV: Do you see “Wanderlust” as being an album that has taken a lifetime to write?

Jeff Duncan: Yes and no. I’ve been wanting to do a guitar instrumental album for many years, but I waited until I felt my skill level was up to the task. It took a lot of playing for me to get to that place. Once I decided I was going to do it, the writing of the songs happened rather quickly. I was very inspired.

CV: Would you say that “Wanderlust” offers fans a different side of your guitar playing personality, possibly a side that many are unfamiliar with?

JD: I think so. I’ve mostly released Rock and Metal type of guitar playing. Though this album definitely offers that, I have some very melodic pieces drawing from different influences. I’d like to think it’s a good representation of how I’ve evolved as a guitarist over the years.

CV: Was it important to you to have “Wanderlust” released in a physical format, especially in an age where digital content and accessibility is such the norm; not to mention that lower sales figures for physical media often steers artists to avoid it all together?

JD: It was very important to me. A lot of music fans still like having a CD or vinyl format. I still sign lots of CDs and vinyl for people…especially in Europe. Digital is necessary, but I don’t think physical copies are a dead issue.

CV: Does the album’s title, “Wanderlust” have special meaning? Is there a story behind it?

JD:”Wanderlust” means a deep desire to travel. The word seemed fitting as I was branching out making this album and exploring uncharted territory as a guitarist and musician.

CV: When writing songs as a guitar player, what would you say takes precedence as the main ingredient for you to go from concept to completion: emotion or technique?

JD: It definitely starts with a feeling. Technique is a matter of executing the idea. For me, it’s most important to convey the emotion.

CV: In your opinion, can a song be written purely on playing techniques alone?

JD: I suppose it’s possible, but I’ve never done that.

CV: Odin is often regarded among fans as Heavy Metal’s hidden jewel. The band became a national name by its inclusion in the infamous 80s cult classic documentary, “The Decline of Western Civilization – The Metal Years.” Looking back now at the movie, and specifically the genre’s portrayal in the film, do you feel the movie may have done more harm than good, especially in terms of uplifting the artist, the scene and the music as a whole as something that can be taken seriously and as a positive career choice to pursue for young people? Or was the movie more intended to be tongue and cheek, playing on the genre’s and the scene’s stereotypes?

JD: It was a time and a place. Whatever the director was trying to convey, I don’t know. It was accurate though. Everybody was running wild with dreams and a lifestyle. I think in the end the movie was a snapshot of a time in Rock history. I’m glad I was a part of it.

CV: After doing the movie, what were your initial reactions after seeing the movie in completion for the first time? Where you happy with how it turned out and its depiction of the band?

JD: At first I was a bit embarrassed. We just seemed so naïve…which we were. The truth is, ODIN was ending at that point. However, as time went on, a lot of people have told me they loved ODIN in that movie and still do to this day; we just got filmed being how a lot of bands were at that time. I made peace with it and have no regrets.

CV: Armored Saint is also planning to release a new album in 2020. This will mark your seventh album with the band since joining its ranks in 1989. What can fans expect from the new album?

JD: The new material is really good. I think fans of Armored Saint will enjoy it. It’s the classic Armored Saint sound, but as we like to do, has some twists and turns to keep things interesting.

CV: The music industry has greatly changed since 1989, there’s no secret about that. So many veteran artists have said that young bands these days do not have a shot at making a living in the business. Is this an accurate assessment in your opinion?

JD: It’s definitely different, no doubt. I don’t like to be a dream killer, so I wouldn’t say young bands don’t have a chance. I think with dedication and passion for anything someone loves, they can create whatever they want. Making art should never be solely about money. Artists have been underdogs since the beginning of time. I say do what you love no matter what. You’ll leave this place a happier person.

CV: Going on the previous question’s notion, for the sake of discussion, that it may be nearly impossible for a young band to even attempt to make a living in the music business, what would you suggest they do, based on your experience, to get a leg up or level out the odds somewhat in their favor?

JD: Don’t do drugs or subscribe to any cliché lifestyle. Be clear minded and focused. It’s not an easy road. Don’t make it harder by walking in a haze.

CV: In addition to the “Wanderlust” physical release and the new Armored Saint album, what’s next for you?

JD: Planning on recording an EP with my band DC4 as well as performing “Wanderlust” live in Vegas and L.A. I have a great band lined up to do that with me.

CV: Thank you again Jeff for spending some time talking and sharing with our readers. It was a pleasure. I wish you all the best and continued success.

JD: Thank you so much for your interest and well wishes! It’s been a pleasure.

Check out Jeff at:
"Wanderlust" download: https://orcd.co/abad709

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jeffduncanrocks/
Official Armored Saint: www.armoredsaint.com
Facebook Armored Saint: www.facebook.com/thearmoredsaint/

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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.