Pic: Jim Wright
Interview with ANDREW FREEMAN (LAST IN LINE)
LAST IN LINE released a new EP with a Cover of the Beatles Song “A day in the Life“. What can you tell us about it? What`s the idea behind it?
We had the idea to do a cover and didn’t want to do a typical rock song. We wanted something that was challenging and really showcased the talent of this band. After kicking around a bunch of ideas, Phil suggested “A Day In The Life” and we went for it. Hats off to Phil on this one, he really jumped through a lot of hoops to get everyone motivated to do it.
What can the Fans expect for the New Year? When will be a new record out and what is about touring with the band?
We will be releasing our album “Jericho” on March 31st through Ear Music. The first single “Ghost Town” was released on January 20th and is doing well. We will be releasing the second single, “Do the Work” on February 17. We will be touring in April and later this year in the United States and hopefully Europe.
Do you still have other projects when you’re not working with LAST IN LINE?
I do. I’m working on some solo material that I will be releasing this year. I have a finished album with Mike Orlando (Adrenaline Mob), Achilles Priester (Wasp, Angra) and Rev Jones (MSG) that will also be released in the near future, I also do a lot of session work in my studio for other artists.
The band got a new record deal with ear music, what changes for the band with that?
Nothing really changes for the band creatively. We approached the EP and the LP the same way as we did the first two albums. We have a whole new team around us that is bringing a fresh energy into the mix. New management and new record label. We are excited to see where these partnerships are headed.
Pic: Jim Wright
You have a really strong and powerful voice, what is your secret to keep it in form?
There’s no secret really. I wish there was one to make my answer more interesting. I’ve been really fortunate to have the voice I have. I’m a bit introverted in my life and I don’t really hang out or do rockstar stuff. I like to focus on the art and let the cool guys go party. I don’t over sing or do anything that strains my voice. A lot comes down to diet, exercise, and rest. It’s important to make an effort to stay healthy. Nobody likes a singer who can’t sing… or maybe they do. Bad singing seems to be a trend these days.
Have you got hobbies or interests besides music?
Just sports and working around the house. My son is very involved in sports which keeps me very busy. Every hobby I have turns into something related to music.
In the beginning of the band many people thought it was a DIO Tribute, but you got your own style. Do you feel any pressure with that?
Ronnie Dio was God-like. There’s always pressure when you stand in the place of a legend… but I don’t really think about it. I do my own thing and if people gravitate to it, great. If not, that’s fine as well. Last In Line is 10 years, 3 albums, an EP and countless tours into our run. We have released over 30 original songs. It’s pretty far from a tribute. It’s idiotic to pigeon hole a band, with half of its original songwriting members, as a tribute. They are 50% of that legacy. I’ll never understand that but it’s not my fight.
Pic: Jim Wright
Pic: Jim Wright
