Hardrock Haven Interview with Jeff La Bar and Markus Allen Christopher

Originally posted at: http://hardrockhaven.net/online/2009/jeff-labar-and-markus-allen-christopher-of-freakshow/

Jeff LaBar (Cinderella and Freakshow) checked in with Hardrock Haven to talk about his band new band, Freakshow, which also features drummer Frankie Banali and bassist Tony Franklin. He also talked about the new release, Welcome to the Freakshow; the current status of Cinderella and an update on Tom Kiefer; how Freakshow was formed; the difference in his guitar playing between the two respective bands; his background as a guitarist; and a whole lot more.

Not to be outdone, Markus Allen Christopher follows the audio interview with a text interview of his own!

Freakshow’s Markus Allen Christopher!

HRH: Hey Markus, thanks for being here with Hardrock Haven again! Can you give us the background behind Freakshow? How you guys got together, whose idea was it, how did you each get recruited, etc.?

MAC: I DID ORIGINALLY. I ASKED JEFF FIRST IF HE WANTED TO COME IN THE STUDIO AND PLAY ON SOME NEW SONGS I WAS WORKING ON AND HE WAS TOTALLY INTERESTED AND I CONTACTED FRANKIE ABOUT WHAT I WAS DOING AND THEN HE WAS INTO IT AND THE REST KINDA FELL INTO PLACE AFTER FRANKIE AND MYSELF WORKED OUT THE NEW SONGS. TONY, WHO WE BOTH KNEW, WAS THE FIRST AND OBVIOUS CHOICE FOR THE CD.

HRH: Who came up with the band name, Freakshow, and how many other names did you throw in the trash before deciding on “Freakshow?”

MAC: WE HAD A FEW OTHER IDEAS. FRANKIE CAME UP WITH THE NAME OFF OF SOMETHING I SAID. WHEN HE SAID HOW ABOUT FREAKSHOW? I SAID YEAH THAT’S IT. WE WERE TEXTING ALL DAY ABOUT IT. LOL

HRH: Markus, I’ve known you for a few years from your band Miss Crazy. So, for a horrible and lame joke, how “crazy” is it for you to be in a band with Jeff, Frankie Banali and Tony Franklin? To go from Miss Crazy to a bonafide METAL supergroup?

MAC: LOL YEAH WE HAVE KNOWN EACHOTHER FOR A BIT HUH? I MUST SAY IT IS VERY KICK ASS! I MEAN I REMEMBER THESE GUYS ON MTV! I HAVE SEEN BOTH OF THESE DUDES IN ARENAS. I WAS A TOTAL KID IN THE CROWD.I GREW UP LOVING CINDERELLA AND QUIET RIOT. TO BE INVOLVED WITH THEM AND PLAY MUSIC TOGETHER IS UNREAL. I JUST THANK GOD FOR THIS BAND AND THE CD. LET ALONE THESE GUYS ARE MY FRIENDS!

HRH: Tell me a little bit about what Frankie Banali and Tony Franklin bring, respectively, to Freakshow … what’s it like playing with those amazing talents?

MAC: I THINK IT’S THE GREATEST. WAYNE GRETSKY’S OF ROCK. FRANKIE MAKES ME WANNA TRY SO HARD TO BE GOOD. HE IS A MODERN DAY JOHN BONHAM. TONY IS BASS GUITAR. THE FIRM AND BLUE MURDER. SAY NO MORE.

HRH: Your new album, Welcome to the Freakshow, is going to be released in April on Retrospect Records. I’ve been lucky enough to hear it, and it is better than I would have dared hoped for. Before we get into the songs, how did you hook up with Retrospect Records … what was it like shopping this incredible release around?

MAC: WE SHOPPED IT AND HAD SOME GOOD INTEREST BUT NOT THE DEALS WE WERE LOOKING FOR. DURING A RECESSION IT IS DIFFICULT FOR LABELS TO GIVE OUT EXPECTED BUDGETS. WE CONSIDERED SOME OTHER OPTIONS AND LAST MINUTE WE GOT AN OFFER AND IT SEEMED TO WORK OUT FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED.

HRH: Comparing your vocal style on Miss Crazy to Freakshow, they are similar. Except for the opening track “Welcome to the Freakshow,” where you sound like you are channeling Robert Plant, at times. So, during the recordings, did you purposely try to be more diverse with your vocals and not stick to the Miss Crazy formula, or did you even worry about it and just let everything rip?

MAC: THANKS DERRIC. I KINDA JUST DID WHAT I FELT FOR EACH SONG. I THINK THE SONGS ON FREAKSHOW MADE ME REALLY WANT TO OPEN UP. SHOWING PEOPLE I CAN REALLY SING. I AM MY INFLUENCES. I BORROW FROM THE BEST BECAUSE I WANT TO BE THE BEST I CAN. FREAKSHOW BROUGHT THAT OUT FOR ALL OF US IT SEEMS. YOU CAN HEAR THAT ON THIS FREAKSHOW DEBUT.

HRH: How did the songwriting process work on the new release? Did you all add your own parts to each track, was there one central songwriter, how’d that process work between four new components?

MAC: I WROTE THE CD MAINLY AND CO-WROTE 2 SONGS WITH FRANKIE. IT REALLY DOESN’T MATTER TOO MUCH WHO WROTE THE SONGS TO ME. THE PARTS THAT EVERYONE PLAYS ON THE FREAKSHOW CD IS LIKE A MOVIE WITH 4 KILLER ACTORS IN IT. WHAT EVERYONE BRINGS TO THIS CD IS RIPPING!!

HRH: “It’s Really Over” owns one of the dirtiest grooves on the CD, somewhat comparable to Led Zeppelin, except maybe even more sexual. Is this song self-biographical to any members, or, just one of those songs everyone can relate to?

MAC: OH BOY. OUR ZEP INFLUENCE IS TOTALLY THERE. FRANKIE HAS ALOT TO DO WITH THAT. I LOVE ZEP TOO. WE CAN’T HELP THAT. I LOVE THIS SONG TOO. IT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF.

HRH: For the band, how important was it to them for the overall sound that you are a skilled guitarist as well, and can pull the rhythm plow while LaBar focuses on his leads and solos? Was that something the band wanted, a singer who could

add another musical element to the equation?

MAC: I DON’T KNOW HOW IMPORTANT IT WAS ABOUT THE GUITAR. WE NEVER ADDRESSED THAT REALLY. I JUST PLAY GUITAR AND THAT IS KINDA WHO I AM. MY PLAYING IS A BIG PART OF THE FREAKSHOW SOUND AS IT IS WITH M!SS CRAZY. I SHOWED THESE GUYS I CAN PLAY AND THAT IS MY STORY. JEFF KILLS ON LEAD GUITAR. I WISH I WAS THAT GOOD AT LEAD. I CAN PLAY, BUT NOT LIKE HIM!

HRH: Also, what does this mean for Miss Crazy? Is that going to be on hold for a while?

MAC: THAT IS SAFE TO SAY. M!SS CRAZY IS HOW I GOT HERE. M!SS CRAZY FANS ARE IMPORTANT TO ME. FRANKIE AND JEFF DIG ON THE TRIP I HAD WITH THAT BAND. IT IS ALL ABOUT HARD ROCK! WE MIGHT DO A FEW CRAZY SONGS LIVE. ANOTHER M!SS CRAZY CD IS POSSIBLE IF THE TIMING IS RIGHT. NOT A CONCERN OF MINE AT THE TIME BEING.

HRH: Has the band decided on a single yet? If so, which track?

MAC: OH YEAH! 2ND TRACK ON THE CD “EVERYONE”

HRH: When you guys hit the tour circuit, everyone is going to be curious, to hear what Freakshow is all about. So, can we expect to see you on the festival circuit this summer, like maybe Rocklahoma, Rock Gone Wild, or maybe in my backyard, at Dakota Rockfest?

MAC: THAT WOULD BE GREAT. I AM REALLY EXCITED TO PLAY LIVE AGAIN!!

HRH: Is there anything I left out that you’d like to leave with our Hardrock Haven faithful?

MAC: THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME DERRIC. I APPRECIATE YOU AND HARDROCK HAVEN. THANKS TO ALL THE FREAKSHOW AND M1SS CRAZY FANS AND HARD ROCK FANS ALL OVER THE WORLD. CAN’T WAIT TO MEET AND ROCK EVERYONE! ENJOY OUR NEW CD!! CHECK OUT OUR PAGE ON MYSPACE: www.myspace.com/freakshowrox GOD BLESS!

Freakshow CD Now Available to Order Online!

One of the year’s most anticipated releases is here!  Freakshow boasts an amazing array of talent that is sure to make the top ten lists of 2009 releases.  Featuring enigmatic vocalist Markus Allen Christopher (Miss Crazy) , the six-string sting of guitarist Jeff LaBar (Cinderella) , legendary drummer Frankie Banali (Quiet Riot , W.A.S.P.) and rounded out by bassist Tony Franklin (Blue Murder , The Firm) , Freakshow rocks from beginning to end!!  All killer , no filler.  The debut release from Freakshow showcases hi-octane powerful Hard Rock that blends the melodic sound of the 80s with a fresh punchy modern production that is sure to win over many fans worldwide.  Retrospect Records is very honored to host this kick-ass NEW rock-n-roll entity , order this cd today and discover why FREAKSHOW is one of the most talked about bands on the scene.  ESSENTIAL!

Order CD here: http://www.retrospectrecords.com/products/freakshow.html

Order Digital Download here:

New Freakshow CD Release is Set for April 20th

Freakshow CD

Retrospect Records is proud to announce the confirmed release the self titled debut FREAKSHOW CD which features Markus Allen Christopher (M!SS CRAZY) Frankie Banali (QUIET RIOT/W.A.S.P.) Jeff LaBar (Cinderella) and Tony Franklin (The Firm/Blue Murder). The CD is tentatively expected to be released on Monday April 20th 2009. Watch the Official Freakshow Page for further updates.

Click the below link for the official Freakshow Myspace Site: 

www.myspace.com/freakshowrox

“FREAKSHOW” CD will be available for purchase through the following points of sale:

IN THE USA THROUGH:

RETROSPECT RECORDS: www.retrospectrecords.com

AMAZON.COM: www.amazon.com

NEH RECORDS: www.nehrecords.com

IN GERMANY THROUGH:

AOR HEAVEN: www.aorheaven.com

IN JAPAN THROUGH:

DISC HEAVEN: www.diskheaven.com

HITMAN RECORDS: www.hitman-metal.com

(Additional points of purchase will be added as they become available)

Rock Zone Interview with Markus Allen Christopher

In this exclusive interview w/Rock Zone Productions Markus discussed his band Miss Crazy, and also discussed his latest project Freakshow which is a band that also features Frankie Banali, Tony Franklin, and Jeff Lebar.

1.  Rock Zone: – Where are you originally from?

MAC: – I am from British Columbia, Canada.  I moved to the U.S. and traveled back and forth.  I just came back from there.

2.  Rock Zone: – Who were the bands/musicians who had the greatest influence on you?

MAC: – Oh man so many to mention.  AC/DC, Kiss, Cinderella, Def Leppard, Quiet Riot, Kix, all that stuff.  Loved it all!  There are so many others that helped me become what I am!

3.  Rock Zone: – How long have you been a professional musician?

MAC: – I’m professional?  I always knew when I was in grade school that this is what I wanted to be.  I’m a Pro rocker!  LOL!

4.  Rock Zone: – You are of course a Singer and Guitar Player…I was curious which of those roles are you most comfortable with?  Are you more comfortable with your ability to play the guitar or your ability as a Singer?

MAC: – I think as a Singer.  But I play and sing so it’s kinda trippy without my guitar when I sing so….I love to play guitar.  I love doing it in Miss Crazy.  In Freakshow it was real fun when we recorded the CD.  I  look forward to seeing how it goes live!  I  would love to just sing live on some songs and not play guitar!

5.  Rock Zone: – What year was your band Miss Crazy formed?

MAC: – End of 2005

6.  Rock Zone: – Of all the band’s that Miss Crazy has toured with over the years who have been some of your favorite bands that you’ve had the opportunity to tour with?

7.  Rock Zone: – What’s the biggest audience that Miss Crazy has ever played for?

MAC: – 50,000 at Hemfest, Seattle 2007.

8.  Rock Zone: – What is the craziest thing that has ever happened at a Miss Crazy show?

MAC: – Umm  Miss Crazy actually playing every night in a different City across the U.S.

9.  Rock Zone: – What is currently going on w/Miss Crazy?

MAC: –  Freakshow is my main gig at the moment.

10.  Rock Zone: – You are also in Freakshow, a new band which also features Jeff Lebar (Cinderella) , Frankie Banali (Quiet Riot) , and Tony Franklin (The Firm,Quiet Riot,Whitesnake)…Can you tell me how this project first came together?

MAC: – Well I was going to do a solo CD.  I asked Jeff if he would play on it and he said he would.  I always loved Cinderella so I asked him and it was on.  He heard of me and liked MISS CRAZY and we knew we could rip together.  Then I mentioned to Frankie what I was doing and sent him MISS CRAZY.  After speaking to him on the phone I sent him some demo ideas and he was like “Fuc* yeah”  I mean Frankie Banal is fuc*ing Frankie Banali right?  MR.  Bang Your Head himself, already a hero of mine.  So he was in on the recording.  So then I started saying maybe I should forget about making this a solo CD and this could be a really, radical band.  I already wrote all these crazy, new songs and worked it all with Frankie when he flew in to record the basic tracks.  We also arranged everything.  Tony came in and killed it on Bass!  Tony is one of the best and one of my favorite bass players.  This guy played and recorded with Jimmy “fuc*ing” Page of Led Zeppelin!!!!!  Tony was already friends with MISS CRAZY and was our bass player Kim’s A/R at Fender.  Frankie knew him and I mentioned his name and Frankie said he would ask him.  We really just wanted the best possible bass tracks.  Answer?  Tony Franklin!  At this time in my life I’m fuc*ing spoiled as hell!  I’m so glad to be a rocker at this point.  Glad to believe in Arena Rock and live it.  So we decided to have a new band because we all had a reason or three that our former and current bands were not playing or recording.  So Freakshow was born! Bam!

11.  Rock Zone: – While I understand that Bassist Tony Franklin does play on the debut Freakshow CD….I also understand that he will not be touring with the band….Has the band began looking for a replacement for Tony for touring purpouses?

MAC: – In these times you need to keep your job.  Tony has done all the touring and he is pretty high at Fender and his job is secure there.  We are so happy he recorded this CD.  If he were to tour again it would most likely be with Blue Murder.  So we have a long list of dudes when we decide to tour.

12.  Rock Zone: – I was curious if before working with them in Freakshow if you were a fan of the work that Frankie, Jeff, and Tony had previously done in their respective bands?

MAC: – Oh yes totally.  Cinderella is one of my favorites.  I can sing all their songs in the shower perfect.  LOL.  Cinderella was the first to take an AC?DC vibe and add the commercial thing to it with some blues and they were kicking ass all over.  Quiet Riot?  Geez The Metal Health and Condition Critical  are gold to me.  I even got those early ones with Randy Rhoads!  I need to get a fuc*ing copy of QRIII on CD! …..Frankie!!!LOL!  Tony Franklin I saw in concert with The Firm when I was a little kid.  I remember his blond hair.  My friend took me with his older brothers and some rocker chicks.  It was at the COW Palice in San Francisco.  The older kids were saying things to us like: Do you even know who Paul Rodgers is?  Jimmy Page is a God ya know!  He’s from Led Zeppelin!!!  I was just like fuc* off!  I just wanna see a concert!  LOL, I remember it smelled like total weed at the concert!  LOL!  I got wind of Blue Murder way later.

13.  Rock Zone: – I know that Freakshow has been recording your debut CD for a while now…..How has the recording been going and how would you describe the overall sound of Freakshow?

MAC: – The CD is done and it looks like it should come out around Aprilish!  The CD is fuc*ing ripping!  Speaking to everyone involved including myself.  We all agree that this is one of the best Cds that we have ever done.  Sometimes it just happens like that.  Playing with Frankie Banali is so crazy.  He is so damn good.  He’s like playing with John Bonham if he lived, the closest thing there is.  When I listen to the tracks I still can’t believe I did this album with these guys.  This CD lets everyone who loves hard rock know what time it is!  Hard Rock is what we all do best.  We did it all together right here on this Freakshow CD!

14.  Rock Zone: – Does everyone in the band contribute to the songwriting?

MAC: – Well I wrote the songs mainly.  Frankie and I Co-wrote two.  It was everyone who made the songs rock.  Everyone one the CD has their parts down.  You can tell when you hear it.  We all really nailed it hard.

15.  Rock Zone: – Any idea when the freakshow CD is going to be released?

MAC: – Once again in April.

16.  Rock Zone: – Has Freakshow signed with a label or will you guys be releasing the CD yourselves?

MAC: – We will be putting it out through Retrospect Records

17.  Rock Zone: – Who produced the CD?

MAC: – Ronnie Borchert (Miss Crazy)

18.  Rock Zone: – I really dig the Freakshow logo…Who designed that?

MAC: – Our friend Ken Knecht.

19.  Rock Zone: – What plans do you guys have to promote the Freakshow CD once it is released?

MAC: – That is up to the label.  I believe it will be through every rock provided avenue.  A fan base has already formed in large numbers.  The fans will help spread the word along the internet, radio, MYSPACE, websites, and individual fans of MISS CRAZY, Cinderella, and Quiet Riot.

20.  Rock Zone: – What should fans expect from Markus Allen Christopher, MISS CRAZY, and Freakshow in the near future?

MAC: – I will do a solo CD some day.   Freakshow will release this CD and hopefully do some touring and will go from there.  Freakshow has broad horizons.