Interview with Megadeth & Ellefson Bassist David Ellefson

October 21, 2020

Interview with Megadeth & Ellefson Bassist David Ellefson

By Mick Michaels

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

CV: Being a multi-faceted artist, do you consider yourself a Renaissance man?
David Ellefson: I think others do! For me, I just do the next indicated thing in front of me, whether it’s music, coffee, the record label, etc. But having a hand in all those things does create a wide cache of things to do.

CV: With a modern, revived version of Combat Records under your tutelage, does being a successful artist give you a unique perspective and insight as a label owner? Do you see the world of music differently than the everyday record company exec?
DE: This is certainly a different time in the record business but having a label is still a must if you expect to be taken seriously as an artist…especially for booking agents, touring, and even media servicing, as well as radio promotion. The rules still apply as the record label is the primary gate keeper and on ramp into the rest of the business.

CV: The new norm for an artist is to wear many hats; essentially, an expectation to be a jack of all trades. Do you feel such a concept could possibly detract from writing good material as their focus is now divided, especially for the artist who doesn't have an established audience or the resources?
DE: I think it’s all about having a team. It may be my name on the door but I don’t fool myself to think I could do this all myself. Thom Hazaert has been an incredible visionary for the ELLEFSON brands and between us we have real partnership on how we move things along.

CV: It does seem that the longer a band is around the more impact they have on their fans and the genre. There is an undeniable connection...maybe even influence. David, how would you describe Megadeth's long standing connection to their fans? Why is it so strong in your opinion?
DE: It’s really incredible. Even more so is how strong the connection is around the world. It’s like it’s equally as strong everywhere. A band is more than the songs…it’s about the charisma, the lineup and the connection from each member as well as the group connection. And in our case, Vic Rattlehead is a fifth member as a mascot. He even has his own social media handles!

CV: Should an artist use their celebrity status to be influential on world issues; politically, socially, religiously...or is there a certain amount of industry bias or individual compromise associated with speaking one's truth or backing a particular cause when trying to change or sway large numbers of people? Could such viewpoints or endeavors ruin a person’s career?
DE: Frank Zappa once said “Shut up and play yer guitar” and I think that still holds real value. Too often celebrity is being famous for all the wrong things. Musical artists have a gift to have a voice through their music. So, say it through your music and your lyrics…that’s why you have fans!

CV: Many believe that having a celebrity attached to a cause can add a level of validity. But there are also those who assume celebrity endorsements in only exist to further their own careers and less to actually make a difference. Some would argue that often artists will shelf their own beliefs and opinions to follow a trend or create press. Regardless of the actual intent, can an artist's involvement really make a difference I your opinion? Can their efforts create a real change? But more importantly, can an artist remain true to themselves and to their core beliefs without compromise and still have a positive impact on a cause?
DE: Well, like it or not, once you’re in the spotlight, you are in some ways a celebrity for that moment or that cause; be it your music, your message or otherwise. And with that comes a responsibility to be an example to your audience. If you are reckless, then that’s your message. If you have higher aspirations, your celebrity can carry incredible weight to help others. The trick with celebrity is that it puts a target right on your head to always be that person, kinda like you always have to be “on”, when in fact all of us wear many hats and are always growing. Sometimes our public doesn’t want to see us change, but we do and that is just part of life.

CV: David, your new “No Cover" album will be releasing in November and you have already released the Cheap Trick classic “Auf Wiedersehen.” Tell us a little about what inspired you to put this album together.
DE: It was originally just a little stop over to carry us through the pandemic until things open up and we could release the full length ELLEFSON LP of original material, which is largely already written and recorded. But with limited touring we felt recording some covers would be fun and keep us occupied for a while.

As it turns out, the covers took on a life of their own and “No Cover” was born and now bears 18 songs in a double CD package. It’s been one of the most fun albums I’ve ever worked on because I got to go back to revisit the songs which first got me interested in rock music and ultimately groomed me to become a professional bassist.

CV: Ellefson has a number of dates coming up with Saliva, The Crowned and A Killer’s Confession. How does the band intend to handle COVID safety protocols and restrictions currently in effect? Is there any concern about your wellbeing?
DE: We are told there will be limited ticket sales to accommodate the social distance mandate. Also, the meet ‘n greets and after show merch sales will be structured to accommodate the distancing as well. We are masked up and hoping for the best to try and get live music back to the fans in as safe a way as possible.

CV: Some acts that have already performed under current conditions have been considered irresponsible, even reckless by some. Is there any apprehension on your part regarding negative press for moving forward with a tour?
DE: There was some apprehension and trust me, we don’t want to get sick either! So, we are all doing our part and aware that things could always change at any given moment, too.

CV: Many critics have argued that digital technology has robbed both the music and the fans of quality and substance, essentially making everyone a recording artist and over saturating the market with unmemorable music. Do you agree with such assessments? Has the digital media robbed music and the fans of some level of substance?
DE: I buy all my music on iTunes and have since the platform was invented. Apple pays a fair royalty so I use their platform. As for the others, it is just now part of our culture. Fortunately, metal music is still driven by physical product for so many fans because we like the artwork and packaging. I like to purchase both…the physical for fun and have the digital on my iPhone for traveling, because that’s when I usually do my music listening.

CV: Given the current climate and the unknowns that the future still holds for any of us, do you feel this pandemic will have long term negative effects on the music industry as a whole? Or do you consider the world’s current situation more as an opportunity for industry to make some positive changes and deepen the connection between artists and fans?
DE: It’s going to take a while to get things moving again. In some ways, the pandemic has helped all of us be creative in our down time and also develop new platforms for live events which may have not been created if it weren’t for the current situation. But, being isolated is not in our nature as a species. In the end, people need connection with other people and that’s what live music experiences bring to us all.

CV: David, as we are all in this together, what words of encouragement and hope can you relay to the fans amidst the world's current crisis?
DE: I’ve found it good to keep things ahead of me to look forward to…being creative, writing music & books, getting more involved in my coffee business. We’ve started so many ventures these past few years and being on tour pulls my attention away from them from time to time. This has been a perfect time to help tighten some things up on all fronts.

Plus, I think being in the outdoors helps connect to real life, not just being tethered to a computer or cell phone screen. I bike, swim, golf, hike and pretty much anything to just be outside and those are things I probably wouldn’t be participating in as much if I was on a tour right now. So, from lemons comes lemonade!

CV: What's next for you...what can fans expect to see coming post 2020? Any big plans for the upcoming Holiday season?
DE: The shows in Oct/Nov are exciting and I’m looking forward to them. We are working on a new coffee and finishing up the next ELLEFSON LP. This is a great season to have things in the can and ready for launching when the time is right moving forward.

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

Check out David at:
Official: www.davidellefson.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/davidellefson
Instagram: www.instagram.com/davidellefsonbass
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ellefsondavid
Coffee Official: www.ellefsoncoffeeco.com
Coffee Instagram: www.instagram.com/ellefsoncoffeeco
Combat Instagram: www.instagram.com/combatrecs

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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, show host, 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.