Interview with Guitarist & Vocalist Ed Gage

June 12, 2023

Interview with Guitarist & Vocalist Ed Gage

By Mick Michaels

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

CV: Tell us a little about yourself and your music.

Ed Gage: My name is Ed Gage. My solo band consists of my guitarist and drummer, Derek Sedota and Nick Moran. As well as two bass players who have previously recorded with me, John Gallagher of the legendary NWOBHM band Raven and Rik Fox (Steeler, W.A.S.P.). I’ve released an EP as well as a few singles and two music videos. One of them having the late Steve Grimmett of Grim Reaper as a guest vocalist. I’m currently not on the road at the moment but who knows what can happen down the road.

CV: Given so many major changes over the last decade, do you believe the music industry is a practicable and stable enough environment for new artists to even consider making it a valid career choice? Can a level of sustainable success really be achieved in your opinion for your band?
EG: Never say never. I don’t plan to stop until I make it to the top. It’s a tough industry, both in film and music. There’s no question to that. But I think I can achieve success in them. But in the end of the day it’s also up to the music fans and listeners if they’re willing to give me that chance. As a musician, actor, martial artist and stuntman, I’ve managed to do more than most have in such a short period of time.

CV: What do you see as the biggest change in the music industry since you first started out as an artist?

EG: Well, the COVID-19 pandemic definitely made some changes. There’s no question to that. But seeing that we can all record mobile in today’s world says a lot rather than going into a studio.

CV: How do you see your music separating itself from your peers and avoiding just being another cog in the wheel?

EG: I like to be old school but also have a touch of new school. I like to have that nostalgic sound that not many bands attempt these days. There’s some that do but not many of them.

CV: Has the industry’s many changes affected how you write music? Has it influenced your songwriting style in any drastic form?
EG: Not at all. However, what has held me back lately is how people can be in not just the industry but the music scene in itself. Seeing that we have a huge problem with bullying in the scene, no one is going to want to participate in an unwelcoming environment. I wouldn’t. I’d like to see that change. We’re all in it for the same purpose, for the love of music.

CV: Has digital technology led the way for almost anyone to be a musical artist in your opinion?

EG: Absolutely. But I believe in quality over quantity. Sure you can be a “musical artist”, but it won’t always mean you’re great at it. Just because you have a large following doesn’t mean your music is great. In my honest opinion if you sound good and you’re actually trying to make a good song I can respect that because you’re putting in effort.

CV: Has music in general been broken into too many sub-genres? Why you do think there are so many classifications of music types? Can this be confusing for an artist who is looking to build a brand? As well, can it be confusing for the fans?

EG: There’s no question that there are many sub-genres, especially in the Metal Genre. I think especially with all the movements in metal like the NWOBHM movement, the Thrash movement, the Glam Metal movement and even the Norwegian Black Metal, it caused many other genres to be created and expand in the long run. It could be confusing. Especially since I like to experiment in different sub-genres. It may confuse fans too. But that’s what’s great about it, there’s so much to choose from.

CV: How would you define “iconic” when it comes to being an artist or musician? What do you think makes an artist iconic?

EG: Iconic I believe would mean that you’ve made an impact not just as a musician, but if you’ve managed to make an impact as a person. Like “because of you I never gave up”, or “because of you I made these positive impacts in my life”. Your personality plays a huge part in it and especially the way you treat your fans. Bruce Dickinson, Rob Halford, Ronnie James Dio, they’re all Heavy Metal icons. Not only because of the music they’ve made, but because of how they are as people.

CV: Who would you consider to be a modern day “rock star?” And is being a “rock star” something to aspire to?
EG: I never really cared for the term “rock star” to be honest. It has two meanings in today’s world at least in my opinion. One being that your on top of the world musically. AC/DC, KISS, Judas Priest, Motörhead, W.A.S.P., all those bands earned the title “rock star” and “iconic” because they made it to the top and impacted many. The other definition of a “rock star” being the negative definition meaning that someone is too in love with their ego. Whenever people call me “rock star” I honestly feel that I’m not a rock star in either of those cases. I still have a long way to go before I get to the top, and most of all I try to be as humble as possible with people. Life is too short to be bitter and have an ego bigger than your heart.

CV: Does music need to have a message to convey to the world for it to be worth listening to in your opinion?
EG: Yeah, absolutely. The title track of my EP Moth To The Flame has a great message behind it. Reminding you to remember those who stood by you through the good and bad and also look out for those who only want a piece of you but never had your back, they’ll have a dangerous attraction to you like a Moth To The Flame. And I plan to put out other great messages in future music to come that I feel people can relate to. I want to go down a serious route lyrically.

CV: What's next for you? What can fans expect to see coming?
EG: Honestly, I’m trying to sit down and attempt to write new material. I’m trying to wait for that spark to get me back into the saddle of writing and recording. I would love to go on the road and tour one day. Especially with one or more of my favorite acts. I’m seeking a manager and booking agent for my band along with seeking to get with a bigger label. But like I said, it’s all up to the music listeners out there that are willing to give me a chance. So, here’s to what the future has in store for me. I’m still doing movies as well along with training as a martial artist. I’m always staying active one way or another.

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

Check out Ed Gage at:

www.edgage.yolasite.com

https://www.facebook.com/EdGageActorMusician

https://instagram.com/mr.ed_gage

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0wBHsNK4lJZ305J8danj2E?si=TxjIMbaoQW-8cbkCsxYYjQ

https://youtube.com/@EdGageActorMusician

The Cosmick View

Where the stars always shine bright
www.thecosmickview.com
www.facebook.com/TheCosmickView

www.thecosmickvoice.com
www.anchor.fm/the-cosmick-voice

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.