Evan Russell Saffer

Having just finished filming the video for 'Dream of Love's Last Dying Breath' from his stunning debut solo album 'Neon Gas', former Fixer singer / songwriter Evan Russell Saffer took some time out to tell Rock Pulse about his previous band, why going solo was the way to go, and how some New York subway passengers got a little more than they bargained for...

RP: Fixer, your previous band, got a more than favourable review on Rock Pulse way back in 2004 - scoring a 10/10 - what went wrong?!


ERS: I poured my heart and soul into that music so I really do appreciate the 10/10 review.  It was about a 9 year run with Fixer, by the end of it, in short, I just wasn't in love anymore.  Isn't that why most people move on from any relationship?  The whole thing felt stale to me, the only original member at the end of it was the drummer, and I was searching for something different.  I've been accused of being an ego maniac in the past, I'm fine with that, I'm filled with ideas and passion and no one who has ever worked with me will deny that.  That said, I did write my solo record and work with my long time guitar player Wilson.  He left Fixer right before we got signed and we've continued to write together and remain friends to this day.

 

RP: ...and what made you decide to work under your own name rather than just starting or joining a band?


ERS: Well, Fixer wasn't huge by any means, but we did have some buzz and I thought it was a step back to try to brand a completely new name.  My name was out there a lot on interviews and press.  Also, I suppose here's the ego maniac, I didn't want to have to worry about changing the name if people left or it wasn't working out.  I wanted full control to go where I want to and work with who I want to.  I have a completely revamped backing band now who are amazing (Eric Bair - lead guitar, Cody Darbe - bass, Tony "Diapers" Baptist - drums).  They not only help me slay the crowd live, we've also written and bunch of new songs and will be headed back into the studio together shortly.

 

RP: Your first solo record, 2010's Neon Gas, includes tracks produced by David J. Holman (Simple Plan, Bush, Adema, Third Eye Blind) - how did that work out and do you gave any further plans to work with him?

 
ERS: He is an incredible positive energy in the studio.  I spent several weeks in Hollywood, CA with David in his home studio.   I was introduced to him by my late manager Bill Aucoin (RIP 2010) and David really helped me be strong and guide this record to completion when things got hairy.  We speak frequently and I'm a big fan of his work, past and present.  I send him new demo's from time to time and I hope we'll work together again in the future.

 

RP: You say the album draws inspiration from writers such as Tom Robbins and Irvine Welsh.  What can you tell us about these authors and how they influence your material...


ERS: My life is filled with stress, which is basically self induced since you create the world through your eyes.  I'm a somewhat idealistic person which can be self destructive at times.  One of my passions in reading, which not only helps to calm me and escape (in a healthy way) from reality, but also influences my writing.  Both of the above mentioned authors have a flair for drama and a witty if not graphic sense of humor.  All things that I love and make me laugh while continuing to turn the pages of life with an eager readyness for dreaming.  Read Jitterbug Perfume, Half Asleep in Frogs Pajamas and Stilllife with Woodpecker by Tom Robbins.  Also, Trainspotting, Glue and Porno by Irving Welsh.....there are more.  I have a few vices myself and these books have no shortage of debauchery.   Basically these two are the type of blokes I would hang out with.  I don't know them personally, but the way they write is definitely the kind of vibe that I dig.


 
RP: How on earth did you get away with hijacking a NY subway carriage for the filming of the upcoming video for 'Dream of Love's Last Dying Breath'?


ERS: With a score of beautiful ladies/dancers/strippers, a director and 1st AD, my drummer on lookout and a lot of alcohol.  I got a bunch of my friends from the NY scene.  All dancers, strippers, rockers, and just phenominal personalities that wanted to be involved.  I spent about $300 in drinks before and after getting everyone in the mood.  We originally planned to shoot late at night so the subways would be relatively empty.  I remember the subway pulls up at 2am and it's fairly packed.  The director JK Toth starts laughing nervously that it;s full, then he says "everyone in, lets go".  And we all just pile in, naked, tits, ass, sunglass, and reckless.  I tell the subway crowd, "thank you so much, I appreciate you being cool with this, I'm a recording artists and this is my video".  After the girls are making out and going nuts all over the poles and eachother, this guy stands up and says: "no dude, thank you".  Rock on!  Everyone positions, lets do it again!


 
RP: You've had a track chosen for the soundtrack to the tattoo parlour TV series NY Ink (which airs along with LA Ink and London Ink on DMax in the UK) - how did that come about?  


ERS: I got that through Michael Weinflash, who knew the producer.  Michael used to work with Bill Aucoin managing my last band.  We've stayed in touch, he's always been a die hard supporter of my music.  The show plays a lot of music, I actually got around to watching it and there is some incredible tattoo talent on there.  They played Chemical Marketplace recently which was my first single and video.

 

RP: Who are your biggest musical influences – old and new?


ERS: I'm influenced by the greats that have made incredible contributions to music and live performance (Rolling Stones, Guns N Roses, Queen, Ozzy, Billy Idol...to name a few).  As I said before though, my music is influenced by writers, film, people I meet.....more than just other musical artists.
 
 

RP: Your songs have a wide vocal range - and your singing styles vary from mellow to all out rock - how do you look after your voice when touring?


ERS: I'm actually very bad at that.  I do have a very good work ethic and the show must always go on.  I'm known to be drinking throughout rehearsal and by the end I'm laying on the floor out of shear exhaustion singing into the microphone.  That usually signals that rehearsal will wrap up in about 15-20 minutes.  Not a good habit.


 
RP: Any plans for a US wide tour to promote 'Neon Gas'?


ERS: Yes, that has always been the plan.  However, I'm much more selective with shows now.  It's either big with a lot of planning and great artists on the bill, or I'm going to keep writing and recording.  It's hard because every artist wants to get out there and play all the time.  However, I think my strategy is working.  If you check my tour schedule right now at www.evanrussellsaffer.com you'll see I'm opening for Queensryche at Irving Plaza in NYC, I'm on Buzzfest 2011 in Michigan alongside Nonpoint, Evans Blue, Motorgrater, and other big names, I'm doing a short run with Joey Belladonna (ANTHRAX) and I'm doing shows throughout the summer at Six Flags Great Adventure.  All amazing shows and venues and I'm very happy with the way my tour schedule is rolling out.

 

RP: ...and any plans to cross the pond to the UK?


ERS: That's been a dream of mine ever since I played in a rock band in Paris, France.  I lived in France for over a year, I've been to London three times and I'm dying to bring my live show all across Europe. Have any connections?  It takes a great agent and good planning, lets make it happen.

 

RP: Looking to the future, do you plan to stay solo or could a big name band looking for a singer tempt you?


ERS: I'm an open minded person and the most important thing to me is the music.  If someone has ideas, I listen.  Ask my current lineup right now.  Right now I'm solo with an incredible band backing me, and things are heating up.  I'm licensing music to television, I just got a new agent who is getting me better shows, and we're writing new music that I plan to record.  So right now ERS is steam-rolling forward.

Thanks so much Toby and Rock Pulse for all the support past and present.

RP: You're welcome!

Check our reviews section later this week for a review of Evan's debut solo album 'Neon Gas', plus you can see what Evan is up to on his official website at www.evanrussellsaffer.com

(c) Toby Winch / Rockpulse 2011

Images courtesy of Evan Russell Saffer.