Jump to content

GUNS N’ ROSES GUITARIST DJ ASHBA TALKS ABOUT WORKING WITH AXL ROSE, RECORDING WITH NIKKI SIXX AND NEVER SLEEPING


Guest NGOG

Recommended Posts

Guest NewGNRnOldGNR

http://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-dj-ashba-interview/

Regardless of when you’re reading this, Guns N’ Roses and Sixx: A.M. guitarist DJ Ashba is almost certainly awake and working on something creative right now. As you’ll see in our exclusive interview, besides sketching out the legendary band’s future live and recording plans alongside Axl Rose, Ashba recently released a second album with Motley Crue‘s Nikki Sixx under the Sixx: A.M banner.

As if that’s not enough, DJ (Daren Jay, not a hip-hop nickname) also owns a design company, and he’s writing the script for an animated movie. The least you can do, after all that, is to read our interview with this talented and industrious artist:

You’re in Guns N’ Roses and Sixx: A.M., plus you have your own clothing, art and ad companies. Do you sleep?

It’s all coffee. You know what, actually, I stay up late and I get up early; I sleep about four hours a night. I’ve done that for years and years, I’ve been a work-a-holic all my life.

The first rock show you ever saw was Motley Crue, right? Did you ever see Guns N’ Roses?

I’ve never seen Guns N’ Roses live, as weird as that is. It was really difficult, living back home [in rural Illinois], to see concerts, because I was raised in a very religious family. So, the only time I could go to a concert was when I visited my real dad, over in Indiana, and the timing just happened to work out. In fact, the only one he ever took me to was Motley Crue, because it was my 16th birthday present.

But you got to see more as you got older, right?

After that, once I got a car, I’d start driving to shows, but it was still a two hour drive, from the country where I lived, and not many bands came through that area. I just watched MTV every day and listened to every record that I could. I had a paper route, so I’d treat myself, buy a little 45 every week, listen to the s–t out of it and then go get another one. Rock music was really kind of scarce where I was from.

Has your role in Sixx: A.M. changed much between the first and second albums?

I don’t think it did, not too much. The first record [2007's 'The Heroin Diaries Soundtrack'], we really didn’t even know we were making a record at the beginning. It was just one of those thing, it was three best friends, songwriters and producers, just tossing around ideas. Me and Nikki had partnered up out at Funny Farm (their recording studio), we were writing and producing for a lot of different artists. He would go out on tour, that’s when I started tinkering around with all the orchestral things in pro-tools. It was like a whole new world opened for me. I created these weird new pieces of music, like ‘Xmas in Hell’ and ‘Intermission.’ Nikki came back and heard it, he thought they were cool, and started adding these narratives on top of them, and it turned into something great.

So, what was your approach for the new Sixx: A.M. album, ‘This is Gonna Hurt?’

The first album, we were just trying to define what Sixx: A.M. was. The second record, we knew what we sounded like, and we could focus a lot more on the lyrical content and just the music part of it, and take the writing to a whole new level.

Any touring plans for Sixx: A.M.?

There’s no tour plan yet. Motley just went out on tour, and Guns N’ Roses is talking about going out at the end of the year. Nothing’s in stone yet.

Have you seen Tommy Lee’s drum roller-coaster yet?

No, not yet, but Nikki wants me to come out to the Hollywood Bowl show, so I’m gonna have Tommy throw me on it during soundcheck or something; I want to ride it.

You mentioned a Guns N’ Roses tour. Would that include North America?

Well, I mean, I don’t want to put anything out there yet, the only thing that’s in stone right now is Rock in Rio, on Oct. 2, but I know that we’re all itching to get out there, and one of our main big goals is to tour the States. When everything goes through, obviously, everyone will know about it. I’m hoping it happens; it’ll be a lot of fun.

Has Guns N’ Roses been recording any new material?

Axl has so many songs up his sleeve from the ‘Chinese Democracy’ era. He has three albums of really amazing stuff. He’s played me quite a bit of it, it’s really good. I’ve been demoing tons of stuff in my studio; I think the ultimate goal is to sit down and go through everything, and put together what he feels would be the next best thing for Guns N’ Roses. I’ll do whatever I can to help him meet that vision.

What are your favorite songs from ‘Chinese Democracy,’ and which are the most fun to play live?

Probably ‘This I Love’ is one that really hooked me, because it’s just a great song, lyrically and musically; it goes through a rollercoaster of emotions. It’s very heartfelt, you can tell. I love playing that, but once you get out there live, stuff like ‘Shackler’s Revenge’ and ‘Chinese Democracy’ comes alive. They all really do translate live very well, they’re just high-energy and fun to play. ‘Street of Dreams’ is also great.

The band played a three-and-a-half hour show in Tokyo a while back. Was that a dare or something?

No, we were just having an absolute blast. We went, I think, almost four hours. It was one of those things where we came back [from the main set], it had been 3 hours and 16 minutes, and we had no idea.

You really didn’t notice?

Not really, because every show we’ve been doing a two-and-a-half to three-hour show; we’ve been doing some long nights. The crowd was going nuts; we kind of lost ourselves. We went back out for the encore, we were gonna do two or three songs, and we ended up doing quite a few more. By the time we got off, we realized we beat the all-time Guns N’ Roses record for longest show, which we didn’t set out to do, but it was cool.

You also own your own ad agency?

Ashba Media, it’s a graphic design agency, a creative agency. We do everything from, gosh … you name it. Right now, I’m working on an animated movie script that I wrote, and my company is designing all the characters. We’re starting to design some Guns N’ Roses merchandise; we did some of the stage design, all the art on Axl’s piano. We do a lot of work with Ovation guitars, just a lot of different things. It’s just a really cool way to tie in my love for art and my love for music.

Any last thoughts you’d like to share with the readers?

I’m excited about the new Sixx: A.M. record. I’m really happy that radio is playing the s–t out of it, that fans are really getting it. We really dumped our heart and souls into it, as we did the last time, but this one is real special to all of us. We really tried to step it up in terms of the whole overall message, to make a solid record from beginning to end. I think we did that, and it’s nice to see people are enjoying it!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You really didn’t notice?

Not really, because every show we’ve been doing a two-and-a-half to three-hour show; we’ve been doing some long nights. The crowd was going nuts; we kind of lost ourselves. We went back out for the encore, we were gonna do two or three songs, and we ended up doing quite a few more. By the time we got off, we realized we beat the all-time Guns N’ Roses record for longest show, which we didn’t set out to do, but it was cool.

Yeah right... Listen again to axl's in ear monitor before Nice Boys, they clearly wanted the record... Certainly not a bad thing, but to say it was just a coincidence, and they didn't realize until the show was over ist just... hmmm

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You really didn’t notice?

Not really, because every show we’ve been doing a two-and-a-half to three-hour show; we’ve been doing some long nights. The crowd was going nuts; we kind of lost ourselves. We went back out for the encore, we were gonna do two or three songs, and we ended up doing quite a few more. By the time we got off, we realized we beat the all-time Guns N’ Roses record for longest show, which we didn’t set out to do, but it was cool.

Yeah right... Listen again to axl's in ear monitor before Nice Boys, they clearly wanted the record... Certainly not a bad thing, but to say it was just a coincidence, and they didn't realize until the show was over ist just... hmmm

Could be just some lack of precision in his wording. Maybe they didn't set out for the record at the beginning of the show, but realized during the encore. Why on earth would he lie about something this trivial.

As far as I remember there's no talk of any record during the main set.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You really didn’t notice?

Not really, because every show we’ve been doing a two-and-a-half to three-hour show; we’ve been doing some long nights. The crowd was going nuts; we kind of lost ourselves. We went back out for the encore, we were gonna do two or three songs, and we ended up doing quite a few more. By the time we got off, we realized we beat the all-time Guns N’ Roses record for longest show, which we didn’t set out to do, but it was cool.

Yeah right... Listen again to axl's in ear monitor before Nice Boys, they clearly wanted the record... Certainly not a bad thing, but to say it was just a coincidence, and they didn't realize until the show was over ist just... hmmm

Seriously? Don't be such a tool...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You really didn’t notice?

Not really, because every show we’ve been doing a two-and-a-half to three-hour show; we’ve been doing some long nights. The crowd was going nuts; we kind of lost ourselves. We went back out for the encore, we were gonna do two or three songs, and we ended up doing quite a few more. By the time we got off, we realized we beat the all-time Guns N’ Roses record for longest show, which we didn’t set out to do, but it was cool.

Yeah right... Listen again to axl's in ear monitor before Nice Boys, they clearly wanted the record... Certainly not a bad thing, but to say it was just a coincidence, and they didn't realize until the show was over ist just... hmmm

You're weird dude.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest siliconmessiah

Great to see that Guns N´ Roses supposed guitarist ends the interview to tell everyone that he is "exited about the new Sixx AM album".

Eh.

The current situation for Axl´s project is outright ridiculous and as a true GNR-fan in heart and soul, I hope that I´m not the only one with that opinion.

This is fucked up.

Edited by siliconmessiah
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest NewGNRnOldGNR

Great to see that Guns N´ Roses supposed guitarist ends the interview to tell everyone that he is "exited about the new Sixx AM album".

There’s no “supposition”, Dj is legitimately one of three GN’R guitarists. The interview was largely Guns N’ Roses; thus there was no requirement for Dj to respond with a GN’R related concluding sentiment.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The current situation for Axl´s project

U mean GnR, wich is the band Axl allways been... and, current situation? WTF? They just ended the most succesfull world tour since 90s (still need USA dates), CD is out, sell very well considering all the shits was going on, mix some lawsuits with ur former manager who tried to fuck u and the band... and u have the current situation, for me its the best time in GnR since 93-94 at least, constantly touring for like 2+ years, CDs out, GREAT chemistry within band members, members that can speak freely to fans about GNR... i dont understand some people here o.0

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great to see that Guns N´ Roses supposed guitarist ends the interview to tell everyone that he is "exited about the new Sixx AM album".

Eh.

The current situation for Axl´s project is outright ridiculous and as a true GNR-fan in heart and soul, I hope that I´m not the only one with that opinion.

This is fucked up.

You are not the only one.

There are about 3-4 other ones on this forum just like you.

The rest of us have moved on from the version of the band that parted ways in the 90's and are living in 2011.

We aren't still hung up on the actual name of a band, nor are we hung up on band members who have not been in the band for over a decade.

NOR do we spend hours every day posting on forums of bands that we don't like.

DJ answered every question asked to him relating to GnR.

The Slash Fan Boys complain about a lack of communication from the band to the public........but whenever DJ does an interview, they bash him for every comment he makes. Hypocrite much? We get it. You hate the new band. You hate Axl. You hate DJ. You hate what Axl has done with Guns n Roses......but yet instead of hanging out on forum's of bands that you like, you come here every day. Makes no sense at all.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

thanks for posting, good read (3 albums worth , hmm.. thats like the 5th time thats been confirmed :) )

Three albums worth and still no album in sight... Statements like "I think the ultimate goal is to sit down and go through everything" aren't promising either. What the hell does Axl do all day?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

thanks for posting, good read (3 albums worth , hmm.. thats like the 5th time thats been confirmed :) )

Three albums worth and still no album in sight... Statements like "I think the ultimate goal is to sit down and go through everything" aren't promising either. What the hell does Axl do all day?

Most likely not give a shit about comments like yours....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just can't figure out why people around here hate on DJ. The guy obviously loves what he does. I guess it really boils down to he's having fun, and some people on this site are jealous.

Do you really think that? You're spending too much time around here methinks...

Methinks you haven't spent enough time here. But don't worry, you'll get to about your first year on the forums and realise what I'm talking about.

Edited by iftheworld
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Usually if someone has a deep passion for something, their enthusiasm can quickly become negative if they feel like the flame is dying out. Doesnt mean silicoln Or others arent a fan because they are critical. It means he is frustrated with his favorite band me thinks. Alot of people feel this way, they just dont vent it online. But thats whats cool bout the forums. You can express your opinion of your fav band, good or bad. If CD2 dropped tomorow we'd all be like a pig in shit.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

thanks for posting, good read (3 albums worth , hmm.. thats like the 5th time thats been confirmed :) )

Three albums worth and still no album in sight... Statements like "I think the ultimate goal is to sit down and go through everything" aren't promising either. What the hell does Axl do all day?

Most likely not give a shit about comments like yours....

Well you cared enough to comment on my comment, get off Axl's nuts man, all I did was question how he works, I did not make a personal attack on him or you.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great to see that Guns N´ Roses supposed guitarist ends the interview to tell everyone that he is "exited about the new Sixx AM album".

Eh.

The current situation for Axl´s project is outright ridiculous and as a true GNR-fan in heart and soul, I hope that I´m not the only one with that opinion.

This is fucked up.

Every single day you come here with the same amount of bullshit. You're not a true GNR-fan, you're just an stupid asshole that can't move on and don't have anything better to do.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...