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While trying to shine a light on the music talent in the state, it's rare when we can feature an artist who has been on the original music circuit in three different ends of Ohio. Singer/songwriter/guitarist Chris Allen knows the state's routes as well as some of the ODOT snow plow drivers and recently put out his first solo effort, "Goodbye Girl And The Big Apple Circus." Not long ago, he traded some thoughts with OhioOnline music correspondent Peanuts on what Allen has done thus far. |
| OO: |
So where does the magical music tour start? |
| CA: |
"Born and raised in Cleveland, where I attended St. Ignatius High. I went to Miami University in Oxford, where I really got my start playing in bands, because there's quite a music scene in Oxford and Cincinnati. Then lived in the latter city for two years after college, where I played regularly, along with Dayton and Columbus." |
| OO: |
I think you missed Toledo. Who got you interested in music? |
| CA: |
"My dad and sister's Beatles, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen records on an old 'all in one' box unit, that also served as furniture, with the phonograph and eight track players. Then I saw Springsteen perform 'Rosalita' at a No Nukes concert on television and I was done for." |
| OO: |
Since you've lived in many places, any famous bands before this? |
| CA: |
"I released two records, from 1989-1993, with a band out of Oxford called Two Doors Down, who were based there and Cincinnati and played regularly on the college circuit. And that was Two Doors Down, years before the well known Three Doors Down became famous. I'm still waiting on royalty checks." |
| OO: |
Next time use Pay Pal. What writers have influenced you? |
| CA: |
"Sounds like a scratched disc, but who didn't Bob Dylan influence? Springsteen and Tom Petty were big for me and then I discovered a lot of punk writers like Paul Westerberg of the Replacements, Joe Strummer of the Clash, Bob Mould of Husker Du and, in his own world and genre, Tom Waits." |
| OO: |
Which leads to the description of your music. |
| CA: |
"Despite all the new 'alt-country' and 'Americana' labels that get thrown around, I've always considered what we do as rock and roll. We do throw in some folk residue, but, at the end of the day, the band likes to turn up the amps." |
| OO: |
Is this your first solo effort? |
| CA: |
"Yes, but I also have regular touring band backing me up. Between all my previous bands and side projects (Two Doors Down, Rosavelt, The Bedroom Legends, The Lonesome Stars), this will be my tenth release. The Lonesome Stars are still active, by the way." |
| OO: |
Where was the new disc cut? |
| CA: |
"It was recorded mostly in Kernersville, North Carolina at Mitch Easter's Fidelitoreum Studio. Don Dixon, who produced the disc, has worked with Mitch on a number of projects, most notably R.E.M. The bulk of the ten song recording was done over three fourteen hour days." |
| OO: |
How did you like that studio? |
| CA: |
"Don Dixon wanted to get me out of Ohio for this one and it was amazing working with such talented guys who have a long history. Every tube amp, guitar and toy imaginable at our disposal, recorded down to good old two inch analog tape. We then brought the tapes up to Don's studio in Canton to finish up some odds and ends." |
| OO: |
Long term plans? |
| CA: |
"The disc just got released in Europe by Rosa Records and is doing well, so I'm hoping to get over there soon to tour. We've recorded two tracks for the next one and I plan to finish it this year as well as playing New York City and our now annual tour of Alaska, which is a whole 'nother conversation." |
| OO: |
And the last word is? |
| CA: |
"I think we got it all, other than go out and support your local artists." |
