A Bad Think – The Savior

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

Q) How do you feel your sound has evolved since your first album?

A) I don’t like to listen to my older music very much. I always want to be moving forward and not looking backward. It might influence the music I am currently working on. I did notice that my voice has changed quite a bit from the early days (for the better) I think.

Q) What are some themes explored on your latest album The Savior?

A) On The Savior I let the lyrics dictate the music. “Going West” has a western feel of open plains and wind in your hair. “Feel Me” is a rocker that has the desperation of everything going wrong. Every song on the album has a different theme.

Q) Your music videos are very rich in imagery to accompany the music itself. What is your creative process to creating those videos?

A) Derrick Borte is a movie director and directs all my videos. We are always looking to do something different and new. I love doing the videos. Derrick picks a few songs that rise to the top for him. We then get together and discuss the concepts and finalize the songs.

Q) On The Savior what song do you feel is the most personal to you?

A) “The Righteous.” It’s about a betrayal that happened to someone very close to me that still affects her.

Q) You had the chance to work with such notable names as Dave Way, Bob Clearmountain and Bob Ludwig in production of The Savior. What do you feel their expertise brought to this album?

A) Those guys brought this album to a level I could never do alone. My father-in-law told me to surround yourself with people that are better than you are. The result speaks for itself.

Q)  What songs off this album are you most looking forward to performing live?

A) I’m looking forward to doing the entire album live as a show with costume and set changes. The big production numbers might prove to be a challenge.

Q) Just as notable as creating A Bad Think you were also the drummer for A Flock Of Seagulls. What did you take away from the experience of being in that band that has helped you currently in your music career?

A) I played on one record and did one tour with A Flock Of Seagulls. It was a lot of fun and the band was tight. I did not take anything unique away from that experience. I had been on the road for over twenty years by then.

Q)  In addition to being a musician, you also founded Windmark Recording, which has had some big names grace its doors. How do you feel that being part of recording and producing the music shapes how you view the creative process?

A) I spend most of my time in a recording studio. I am very comfortable there. I have developed my sound and style by experimenting. I’m never on the clock, so I can take my time and try new things. It’s important for an artist to develop his or hers own style and sound.

Q) Your daughter has also gotten involved in working with you at Windmark. What advice did you offer her about getting involved in the music industry?

A) She is the studio manager and now president at Windmark and has been doing a fabulous job. We are booked out all the time. I just pointed her in the right direction and answered any questions she would ask. She did everything else.

Q) Who would you most want to collaborate with on a song and why?

A) I’ve never really collaborated with anyone, but I think I would like to try working with other people and see what happens. Creativity is a magical thing.

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from checking out your latest album The Savior?

A) I would like them to listen to the album with a complete open mind. Let the music take you where it wants to go. A whole new experience awaits.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your music?

A) I would thank them from the bottom of my heart. They have no idea what it means to me.