Interview with Drummer Todd Thanhauser of A.D. 2020
By Mick Michaels
COSMICK VIEW: Hello, Todd! Welcome to The Cosmick View. Thank you for taking some time out of your day to chat with me, it is greatly appreciated.
CV: What do you feel sets the band apart from
other bands, especially those of similar sound and style? What's specific
allure your sound and style have that has people taking notice?
Todd Thanhauser: Our album, “Lockdown Diaries,” which is being released on August 10 2021, was conceived and recorded at the height of the pandemic and features a unique collaboration of musicians including members of Dan Reed Network, Derek Sherinian and Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal from Sons of Apollo and everyone’s favorite bass player, Greg Smith from Ted Nugent, Alice Copper, etc.
Todd Thanhauser: Our album, “Lockdown Diaries,” which is being released on August 10 2021, was conceived and recorded at the height of the pandemic and features a unique collaboration of musicians including members of Dan Reed Network, Derek Sherinian and Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal from Sons of Apollo and everyone’s favorite bass player, Greg Smith from Ted Nugent, Alice Copper, etc.
This album was conceived as a
one-off album that allowed musicians working from home during the pandemic the
opportunity to record and collaborate on a unique project.
CV: For any band, dynamics is key to
grabbing an audience's attention. What do you feel is the main ingredient to
having such a captivating dynamic and being able to bring something more to the
music?
TT: Honesty and integrity is the key in my opinion…people can see when something is not genuine and will shy away from it.
TT: Honesty and integrity is the key in my opinion…people can see when something is not genuine and will shy away from it.
CV: How would you describe the ultimate musical
experience for your fans? And how does the band go about
creating that musical vision, while generating the impact the band
wants to have on its audience?
TT: That’s a tough question because I can’t speak on behalf of the fans, however, I feel that as long as the fans and listeners are impacted by the music then that is the end result we are looking for.
We don’t want to put out albums that don’t move the listener. Even if they don’t like the album, and hate it, then hate is an emotion and that’s okay…at least they were affected by the music which is all we can ask for as musicians.
TT: That’s a tough question because I can’t speak on behalf of the fans, however, I feel that as long as the fans and listeners are impacted by the music then that is the end result we are looking for.
We don’t want to put out albums that don’t move the listener. Even if they don’t like the album, and hate it, then hate is an emotion and that’s okay…at least they were affected by the music which is all we can ask for as musicians.
CV: The music business has always been
one that regardless of who you are, where you came from or where you've been,
you can either sink or swim. Does this type of realism have any effect on
how the band drives itself to succeed?
TT: I am very competitive and like to win and succeed, so whether we are successful or not, as long as I know that I did my best everyday I am good with that. I don’t throw pity parties. LOL
TT: I am very competitive and like to win and succeed, so whether we are successful or not, as long as I know that I did my best everyday I am good with that. I don’t throw pity parties. LOL
CV: In your opinion, is there any middle
ground for a band or is it a do or die climate in today's music industry?
TT: It’s an interesting time in that anyone can write and release music, however ,it’s a double-edged sword because ANYONE can write and release music, so the amount of content the potential listeners have to choose from is enormous and the trick is to get your songs to the end listeners. If a band has the ability to tour, they can do very well. I do believe there is lots of middle ground; however, diversity is the key. Most successful artists who I know are not icons or superstars or independently wealthy, so they tend to have other business ventures in their portfolio that helps sustain them during the lean times. I think this is a good approach.
TT: It’s an interesting time in that anyone can write and release music, however ,it’s a double-edged sword because ANYONE can write and release music, so the amount of content the potential listeners have to choose from is enormous and the trick is to get your songs to the end listeners. If a band has the ability to tour, they can do very well. I do believe there is lots of middle ground; however, diversity is the key. Most successful artists who I know are not icons or superstars or independently wealthy, so they tend to have other business ventures in their portfolio that helps sustain them during the lean times. I think this is a good approach.
CV: How would you describe the band's
internal energy? Does the band’s outward appearance align with its true inward
nature from your perspective?
TT: The members on the album are not only amazing players but also some of the best people on the planet in my opinion and that was one of the reasons they were asked to play because they could bring unique skills but also positive energy to the album.
TT: The members on the album are not only amazing players but also some of the best people on the planet in my opinion and that was one of the reasons they were asked to play because they could bring unique skills but also positive energy to the album.
CV: What's at the core of the
band's songwriting approach? Are there certain elements that are
considered when a song begins to take form and evolves?
TT: We wrote all the songs with Dan Reed our producer and the lyrics were mainly submitted by Mark McNelley, lead vocals, and me. We were wanting to write unique songs; songs that rock but also groove and touch the listener emotionally. The songs have lots of different textures and take the listeners to many different landscapes.
TT: We wrote all the songs with Dan Reed our producer and the lyrics were mainly submitted by Mark McNelley, lead vocals, and me. We were wanting to write unique songs; songs that rock but also groove and touch the listener emotionally. The songs have lots of different textures and take the listeners to many different landscapes.
CV: Do you allow things to just happen when
writing; seeing where a song goes, or is there a certain course of action and
structure you keep a song on, thus, essentially making it destined to achieve
its overall potential?
TT: We had discussed a few writing style before setting down to begin with our producer, Dan Reed. For me, I just allow the song to flow. I think it’s best, versus using rhyming dictionaries and stuff like that to find a word that works.
To me songs are like magic, and they tend to write themselves, at least that is my experience.
TT: We had discussed a few writing style before setting down to begin with our producer, Dan Reed. For me, I just allow the song to flow. I think it’s best, versus using rhyming dictionaries and stuff like that to find a word that works.
To me songs are like magic, and they tend to write themselves, at least that is my experience.
CV: Do you feel how the fans and critics
describe the band’s music accurately reflects how you would describe the band’s
music?
TT: Since our album hasn’t been released, we have not received lots of reviews to date. Response from fans have been very good and the fans are anxiously awaiting the album release.
TT: Since our album hasn’t been released, we have not received lots of reviews to date. Response from fans have been very good and the fans are anxiously awaiting the album release.
CV: Walk us through a typical show for
the band...what can fans who have never seen you perform expect?
TT: At this point in time, A.D.2020 has not performed any live shows, however, this could be possible in 2022…stay tuned.
TT: At this point in time, A.D.2020 has not performed any live shows, however, this could be possible in 2022…stay tuned.
CV: What more can fans look forward to seeing
coming from the band?
TT: Hopefully a lot more music!!
TT: Hopefully a lot more music!!
CV: Thank you again Todd for spending some time talking and sharing with our readers. I
wish you all the best and continued success.
TT: Thank you for the opportunity!!
TT: Thank you for the opportunity!!
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2020 at:
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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.
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