Interview with Alex Grossi, Guitarist of Hookers and Blow

May 27, 2020

Interview with Alex Grossi, Guitarist of Hookers and Blow

By Mick Michaels

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

Alex Grossi: Thank you!

CV: Does having a band with an all-star cast as Hookers and Blow does, give the band an edge over other bands with lesser known and unknown members in your opinion?

AG: The term "All Star band" is a double edged sword. There are dozens of thrown together projects each year that feature various members of various name bands, and most are here today, then gone later today... I think we have an edge simply because we have been persistent about building the brand due to our work ethic... I don't know too many other side projects like HOOKERS & BLOW that can say they have been touring steadily for 16 years and counting....

CV: As well, does such an ensemble of notable musicians also ensure the songwriting will be of a higher caliber?

AG: If and when we actually write a song, you tell us...LOL

CV: Super groups have been criticized as a means for artists to highjack and monetize the industry's fan base, thus, thinking the competition of any up and coming act's possibly of success. Is there any truth in such a belief?

AG: I don't consider HOOKERS & BLOW a "Super-Group" - that term reminds me of these one-time cash grab projects that do one record, and a show or 2, and then disappear.

CV: Hookers and Blow's new single is a stellar, rip roaring cover of the late Eddie Money's hit "Shakin'." Did Eddie ever get a chance to hear your rendition of his classic ditty before his passing?

AG: Thank you, we are very happy with it - Sadly, the Money man did not hear our version - he was aware of the project and was always supportive of me and a really, really great person to us. He is very missed.

CV: Does working with a record label, like Golden Robot Records, that seemingly gets the band and all its diversities, offer more of an ideal setting for writing and recording an album?

AG: What is great about Golden Robot is that they don't try to dictate too much what we do, they let their artists be themselves, which in turn enables the bands to deliver a more natural representation of who they are.

CV: What do you feel working with producer Alistair James brought to the project that otherwise would not be present in the end project's result?

AG: I always say that AJ is "one of us" - He is very much a perfectionist and has a ridiculously good ear.... He gets what the HOOKERS & BLOW project is about, and has the same twisted sense of humor we have, which made the recording sessions extra fun and relaxed - I think you can hear that on the record too...

CV: How does the band plan to handle touring for the new project in 2020 now that the world is currently crippled by the COVID-19 virus?

AG: Right now, we are all locked down waiting to see what is going to happen next. Obviously, we have postponed several dates, which are now set to take place this fall, or whenever it's safe for everyone.

CV: Do you feel this current worldwide epidemic will have lasting, negative effects on the music industry as a whole for both new and veteran artists? Or could there be a hidden blessing in disguise once all this is behind us?

AG: It's obviously affecting everyone across the board, and certainly evened the playing field, which is in a roundabout way, positive - by that I mean that it's going to hopefully make both artists and fans appreciate live music a little more and not take it for granted as much. Maybe after all of this is over less people will spend the whole show looking at or through their phones, and maybe some of the artists will step up their game as well and turn in better, more passionate performances...who knows?

CV: What do you see as the biggest change in the music industry over the last couple of years that has greatly impacted how an artist conducts business and makes music?

AG: I see more and more emphasis being put on protecting artist's brands. I don't think in the future you will see 2 versions of the same band fighting over the rights to the name, as that is never fun for anyone involved. I think newer artists are going to take a page from some of these acts' playbook on what NOT to do and protect their intellectual property to avoid these scenarios from happening again.

CV: What next? What more can fans expect to come from Hookers and Blow?

AG: We are about to release our second single "Rocks Off" (Rolling Stones cover) in 2 weeks, then follow it up with a couple more throughout the summer. We have a handful of fall and winter tour dates on the books as well - We can't wait to get back out there and see everyone again...

CV: Thank you again Alex for spending some time talking and sharing with our readers. I wish you all the best and continued success.

AG: Thank you!!

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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.