Being a resident of the Baltimore area, we get spoiled from time to time when it comes to rock and roll. One of those times are bands like Kix. We get to see Kix play many times through out the year. Empire Extreme got to talk to singer Steve Whiteman about Kix and about his new solo record.

Empire: So we just got done with M3 this year, how was it like being back on the stage and in front of fans after 2020?

Steve: it was kind of special, we have been doing M3 for the past 8-9 years. It’s one of the few festivals we get to headline. That’s always marked on the calendar. 

Empire: How’s it like having your own headlining night on M3 on Friday night?

Steve:  When they first asked us we were like you want us to headline? But they were right and we were wrong. 

Empire: So you have a solo album coming out “You’re Welcome” How did that come about?

Steve: I’ve had a bunch of songs that I’ve had for a few years and thought when Kix made a new album I could throw a few of them on it. Then covid hit and and everybody was sitting around when Jimmy our drummer and Brad had a studio was getting together doing cover songs and they both said we should get Steve in here and do some of the songs that I had.It wasn’t my intention to make a solo album. 

Empire: I love the album and it sounds a lot different from Kix.

Steve: It is, it’s from the influences I had and the influences from 3 Dog Night and Deep Purple I grew up loving. I just write songs and it works. It doesn’t sound like a Kix album but it does rock. 

Empire: I love that the album and love all the Harmonica on it 

Steve: That was mainly because I’m not a great lead guitarist mostly back up, so when those solos came out it’s there because of how bad of a lead guitarist I am. 

Empire: I love how dirty some of the songs are too like “Prick Teaser” and “Tug of Luv”

Steve: That’s totally on purpose. One of my favorite lyricist was Bon Scott and because of the humor he puts into and the sexual humor he injects into it. 

Empire: So during 2020 without touring and working on this solo album what else was you doing to keep yourself sane?

Steve: When the break happened I was teaching and still doing some gigs then it all halted and I honestly didn’t mind the break and I didn’t want to teach anymore. 

Empire: How was it like making “Blow My Fuse” album which blew you guys up

Steve: Yeah that’s the record that did it. We had high hopes on it. We knew that going in this album was the make It or break it album and fortunately it was the make it album. It was a world-wind from going to shows on a bus instead of a van and getting huge shows. Going to Japan and England, things we never done before 

Empire: If you had to pick a song and put it in a time capsule and civilization found it years later, what song would you want them to find of yours?

Steve: Ohh that’s a tough one, it’s hard to pick just one but I would say “Don’t Close Your Eyes” because of how popular that song is and was, it catapulted that album to platinum it was our biggest song. 

Empire: Anything else you like to add?

Steve: If anyone wants to get the album they can buy it digitally everywhere like Amazon and ITunes and if they want a physical copy they get it from https://www.rightrocksportswear.com/kix

About Author

Ron

Ron has keen eye for new talent, a love for the underground, and a tremendous passion for music of any genera. You’ll probably bump into him at a horror convention or some seedy club checking out the next need-to-know band.

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