Time allows band members to develop a good chemistry amongst themselves. It also allows members to better know each other's tendencies as musicians and songwriters. A period of development can also result in the right lineup settling into place, as well as the improvement of the band's live act.
Spent is one such act that I have had the great privilege to watch develop in such a way over the past few years. Having always exhibited talent, the band is really coming into its own. They are about to take things up yet another notch with the release of their brand new CD, "Scars".
On the verge of their CD release party in Lexington on Friday, May 22nd, I was able to interview Spent frontman Mike "Gonzo" Gonzalez, regarding the band, the new CD, and even his forays into independent film acting.
I have to say that some of the answers were surprising, but then again Gonzo is a very multi-faceted individual, and certainly not predictable!
Fans of metal and heavy music should give the new CD a listen, and those in range of Lexington can take advantage of a great metal show this coming Friday night! Now, let's get to the interview!
-Stephen Zimmer
SZ: Tell us how Spent originated, and a little about the band’s history.
MG: Testing my memory so early...geez. Well, it was SEVERAL years ago during our college years at UK. Myself and two friends(Phelps and Chad, our original drummer) had been talking about starting a band for months. Our dilemma was Chad didn't have his drumset in town. So, one day after visiting his family for the weekend Chad came home with his set. We started jamming out as a 3 piece. I then asked a mutual friend, Ken to come in for a little bit on guitar until we found a permanent guitar player. Ken still hasn't left. We played with this original lineup for several years and released one CD in 2003. Late 2005 we all decided Spent had run it course and walked away from the band. Early 2007 we decided to get back together but Chad said he wasn't ready to get back into the music world. So, with his blessing, we moved on and decided to add a second guitar player to come to the 5 piece band we are now. 
SZ: What is the current lineup of Spent?
MG: Current lineup consists of 3 of the 4 original members:
Mike Phelps-Bass
Ken Mars-Guitar
Mike Gonzalez-Vocals
We've added a second guitar player, Brian Stinnett and he's been with the band for over 2 years now.
The newest member is Chris Morgan on drums. He's been with us for about 5 months now.
SZ: What other releases have been issued by Spent to date, in terms of both CDs and videos?
MG: In 2003 we released our first CD, an 11 song full length CD called "American Pasttime"(yes, it's still available).
In 2008 we released a DVD that included 3 live songs, 2 videos and a trailer for a film that our current single, "Breaking Down", will be featured on.
SZ: Tell us a little about the recording sessions for the new CD, in terms of the length of time that you spent in the studio, the individuals responsible for engineering and producing these sessions, etc.
MG: We started recording this CD over a year ago, if you can believe that, with Phil Weisenberger. The initial recording session was to get "Breaking Down" recorded for a film it's going to be featured on, "Bulletsong". We recorded that song over the period of a weekend. From there we spent a couple of months in pre-production and then got our drummer at the time to record all of the drum tracks in a weekend. Luke Stevenson, the drummer on the CD, was getting ready to move to Nebraska with his wife so we wanted to make sure we got the foundation down before he left. After that we periodically went into the studio and recorded one instrument at a time for the album as a whole. By the time we finished recording the tracks we had difficulty finding the right drummer to fit in with the band so that added some needless delay in getting this to you. We wanted to make sure that we could do a CD release and have the right guy playing with us so that we can really push the album. I think we've found that in Chris.
Just to get back to Phil for a second, what an absolute pleasure working with him. The guy knows his stuff for sure but I think he was able to take our vision and really make it happen. It was a great give and take relationship and he really improved many of the songs. He recorded, mixed and mastered all the songs and I hope you think he did as great a job as we do. I can guarantee we'll be recording the next album with him.
SZ: Describe the songwriting process for Spent. Are there any principle songwriters in the group? Or does the full band write the material together?
MG: I'd say the principal songwriter in Spent would be Ken. Ken, or Brian, will usually come in with a song idea and then the band normally adds/expands so that we've all contributed in some way. That being said, Ken is usually the one that tries to put the musical theory behind the songs and keeps them somewhat structured. He add the Spent touch that makes Spent sound like Spent.
Lyrically, to this point, I'm the only one who writes lyrics. Phelps has contributed on some of our older songs.
SZ: What are your goals for Spent in the upcoming year, following the release of the new CD?
MG: That's easy...write and record a third CD. Never wanted to stay complacent, we really want to get back into the studio ASAP. To be honest, most of the songs on "Scars" have been kicked around for a bit so we're ready to start writing and getting back in the studio. It won't be 5 years until the next disc, that's for sure.
SZ: As an up and coming band, you sometimes get opportunities to open for well-established, major label level artists. Have you had any acts that you have really gotten a thrill out of opening for or playing with?
MG: To date, the show that's given me the biggest thrill has to be when we opened for 36 Crazyfists. One of my favorite bands and to be able to open up in our hometown as direct support was awesome. Straight Line Stitch was also on that bill and I became a huge fan of theirs from that show. Really cool bunch of people and just a thrill to play with.
Still waiting for the call to open for Sevendust or Killswitch Engage.lol
SZ: As a lead singer, who are your influences musically?
MG: Wow, that's a really tough call. My musical interest really runs the gambit. As part of my top 5 all-time favorite musicians I have Prince and John Mellencamp. I listen to some salsa and spanish music, I listen to rap, R&B, pop, mainstream rock, metal, pretty much everything. I like to think that I try to stay as true to who I am as I can be. All this great music has influenced me in different ways so it's tough to nail it to just one or two influences. I know that's kind of a cop out but it's the best answer I can give you.
SZ: Anyone that has seen Spent knows that you are anything but shy on stage. You exhibit a great energy and presence, which adds a lot to a live show. In terms of being a front-man and stage performer, do you have any influences in this specific area?
MG: I've seen so many great frontmen but no one has controlled an audience like Prince. I wouldn't say he's influenced anything directly but I don't think there's anything worse than going to a live show and watching 4 or 5 guys stand around. Especially at a smaller level when you're really trying to win fans over and make your band stand out over the other bands on the scene I think having that stage energy/persona is what sets someone apart.
Some other bands I think put on a GREAT live show, Sevendust and Nonpoint. Helps that they have really rabid/loyal fans. I strive to acheive a fanbase that feels as passionately about our music as I do about theirs.
SZ: You are also a film actor, with a starring role in the upcoming independent crime-drama from writer/director Nathan Day called "Bulletsong". Tell us about your role, any other acting roles you have had, and a little about your experience starring in an independent feature.
MG: I really don't have much experience in acting. Other than being Birdie in "Bye Bye Birdie" in a school play "Bulletsong" is my first real shot at acting. I've had a couple of extra roles(Murderer and Sirens) but other than that, nothing.
I play the role of Cesario Mendez in "Bulletsong". Basic gist, I'm a father/husband who used to do some bad stuff but is trying to get my life right for my family. My best friend keeps bringing me back into things as he's a perpetual f-up and he comes to me to help him out. After agreeing to help him one last time we rob a gas station. After that, things go sour and a little girl is killed. Without giving anymore away, the girl's father comes after us for revenge. It's a story about revenge/redemption but I think the depth of the characters is something you don't see a lot in indie films. The director, Nathan Day, put a lot of trust in me with giving me this role. I certainly hope I've lived up to my end of the bargain.
SZ: On the subject of independent film, Spent has music in "Bulletsong" (and did a music video for “Breaking Down” that included footage from the movie), as well as the short horror film "The Sirens" (Released on the Indie Movie Masters Festival of Horrors Vol. 1 DVD). Does having your music in independent movies help to raise awareness of the band and your music? Do you recommend these kinds of opportunities to other bands?
MG: I'd recommend any band getting their music in as many different arenas as possible. You never know who may be watching that might never have the chance to hear you before. We had a few sales the night of the Indie Movie Master Festival of Horrors screening just because our music was featured on it. Our motto has always been one fan at a time. So, if putting our music in a movie opens up one more person then it was certainly worthwhile. We take great pride and responsibility in knowing that someone is choosing to either watch or listen to us. It's our obligation to make sure that person is entertained. You've spent your hard earned money to see us or buy a CD so you should feel like you're getting your money's worth.
SZ: Give us some more information on the CD release party. Time, date, set-length, and opening acts (if any).
MG: Gladly...never shy about promotion.lol May 22nd, 9pm at the Skylight Lounge in Lexington, KY. Our friends in Falling to Rise are playing with us. This will be our first show together but we've seen them several times and I think this might be the best combo, style wise, we've ever played with. Each other's fans should enjoy the entire night of music. We're looking at playing a little longer than usual but it will be a full on show for the entire night. So come out and be prepared to be rowdy. We hope that people walk away blown away by what they saw at the Skylight Lounge.
SZ: Where will the CD be available following the release party? How can fans get it?
MG: As of right now, it'll be available via our myspace page (www.myspace.com/spent) and at all shows. We're planning to get the album added to iTunes as well.
SZ: Is there anything else that you would like to share with your fans, and heavy music fans in general?
MG: I wish there was a way that I could honestly let each and everyone of them know how truly they are appreciated by every last one of us. We continue to do this because people continue to come to our shows and continue to show their love for the band. In every sense of the words, we could not do this without each of you. We've put a lot of hard work into this CD and are so very proud of the final product. We hope that you enjoy the CD as much as we do. Please continue to support and spread the word. Word of mouth is the best promotion in the world. Thank you for the loyalty and patience you've had with Spent throughout the years. The best is yet to come. Can't wait to get this CD into your hands. See you Friday night, May 22nd at the Skylight Lounge.
Peace and horns up.
(Below is the music video for "Breaking Down", which is on the new CD "Scars", and is also featured in the upcoming feature film "Bulletsong". The video was shot and produced by Jason Scolf of Wish'n Wel Films)
"Breaking Down"
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As a long time fan and friend of Spent, I can tell anyone reading this interview that as passionately as "Gonzo" talks about his craft, it just simply doesn't compare to the reality of the heart and soul he puts into every facet of the "Spent" experience. Like Steven, I've been fortunate enough to see the band from genesis to present and the many many miles and obstacles they've faced have made them stronger, hungrier and more honed than ever. The music constantly rises to new levels and I truly believe that the new CD "Scars" will be an outstanding example of their talent and prowess. DO NOT MISS your opportunity to be there when "Scars" touches down, it's going to be one hell of a show and one monster of an album. - Nathan Day Writer/Director "Bulletsong"
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