BTD Interviews Band Wicked Theory

BTD Interviews Band Wicked Theory

Hey there, Wicked Theory! I am loving the band name—it’s got a great vibe. Before we get into things, could each of you introduce yourselves and tell us what role you play in the band?

Aart Knyff – Lead guitars and vocals “writer, producer and audio engineer”

Jodee Frawlee – Lead vocals and guitars “Writer”

Tony Franklin – Bass guitars

Jeff Instasi – Guitar, vocals and keyboards

Jeff Masi – Bass “Violated and Bone’s”

Keith Ryan – Drums and percussion

Are you all originally from the Boston area, or did the band come together from different parts?

Basically yes – we are all originally from the New England area

 

Could you describe your music to BTD listeners in ten words or less?

Heavy groove-based Rock with a tasteful touch of PROG

I read you have a new record coming out how exciting. How would you describe this new album?

We’re very excited to release this collection of heartfelt original songs written by Jodee and Aart and arranged by the band

I saw the new album cover—it’s very striking! Is that the official artwork for your upcoming release? What’s the story behind the design?

Yes, it is the new records art work and band logo. Thank you – glad it hits ya! It’s a concept from Aart about the state of the world seen thru social media. It was created by Peter Franchell a long time friend, musician and graphic designer from NY

Did Guru Bob St. John mix the entire album? What was it like working with him?

Yes, Bob St John mixed and Mastered the record. Aart has been working with Bob since his days in L-88 and Sinful with Nuno Bettencourt in the early 80’s. He been a mentor to Aart ever since

You recently performed at The Royale in Boston—how was that experience? Any highlights from the night you’d like to share with our BTD listeners?

The Royal is an incredible venue, one of – if not the best in Boston. We were invited onto the bill by our friend Jason Cornwell of the Def Leppard tribute band High ‘N’ Dry. We had an amazing set – the band is ‘Wicked’ live!

I know some bands have some interesting things they do before a show, do you have any pre-show rituals or superstitions?

Wicked Theory is made up of all experienced pros. So, we always show up well oiled and ready to go. These songs not three cord pop songs so we all need to be on point. Pre-game is usually just hanging together, keeping relaxed and having fun!

So, what’s been your wildest or most memorable show so far?

Tricky question. Wicked Theory is a new project and we’ve only performed a handful of times together. However individually there are shows and memories galore. Individually we’ve performed and recorded with –

Steve Via

Nuno Bettencourt

Gary Cherone

Richie Kotzen

Tony Franklin

Tim Bradshaw – John Mayer & David Gray

Ed Toth – The Doobie Brothers & Vertical Horizon

ECT!!!

Let’s talk about the band name—Wicked Theory. What’s the origin of that name, and how does it reflect your sound or message?

Naming a band is always hard -We had put a collective list together of possible names. We picked Wicked Theory for several reasons. We thought it aligned with the debut records song lyrics. It had a Boston lean as Wicked is a deep part of New England slang. We felt we could built a Wicked Pissah visual brand with it!

Your track “This Could Be Love” has been making waves. What a rock ‘in tune, and what message are you hoping to convey through it?

The lyrics were written by Jodee. My interpretation is falling fast and hard in love thinking this is forever love. Then coming to the hard realization that it is not and you’ve been played. We’ve all been there – we’ve all been hurt.

Curious, what’s your song writing process like? Do lyrics or riffs come first?

Aart – normally I write songs – both the music and lyrics. For this project things went a little different. I was producing record for Johnny Press called Nuclear Gypsy that Jodee sang on. It dawned on us that we had known and respected each other for decades and yet hadn’t worked together. Jodee said – I have a bunch of lyrics. So, intern I said I have a bunch of songs and boom. Keith Ryan, Tony Franklin and I had already recorded basic arrangements for Jodee to work with. Once Jodee put her magic on them we recorded the final versions you hear on the record.

I know sometimes there is some sort of theme when creating an album, do you have one for your new album?

Yes and no, songs generally come from what we are seeing, hearing and feeling in the moments of creation. Not every song is part of a planned concept but they are also very connected.

Any songs on the upcoming album that were particularly challenging to finish?

Violated for me was the last and most difficult to finish. It has a bit of a difficult timing signature and I struggled to come up with a guitar solo that I connected with. I always try to play for the song, not just to fill a space with notes.

Do you have a favorite track on the new record—and why?

Not really – It changes over time for me. Since I am with the songs from writing to recording everyone’s performance’s to mixing to mastering. I typically don’t listen to them for a year or so. I need some distance from them to hear them as a listener and not an engineer.

What’s this I read about some signature AK guitars from Splawn Amplification. Can you tell us more about that?

I fell in love with Splawn Amplifiers around 2010 when I was recording the first Theory Thirteen record. I sent Scott Splawn a note complimenting him on making one of the best amplifiers I’d ever played thru along with a song from the recording sessions. Splawn loved the record and offer me a artist deal which I humbly signed. Much to my surprise Splawn also hand builds some of the most incredible guitars I’ve ever played. With the release of this new record and new band I wanted a change from the guitars I had been playing. Scott offered to build me a custom series of guitars based on my specification and with my logo on the guitars.

I am very excited have the first prototype from Splawn and I’m blown away by the instrument.

What do you like to do when you’re not making music?

We all have lots of various interests however music is the main fuel in all of our tanks. Jodee and Keith have several great cover/tribute gigs. Tony is out with Lou Gram of Foreigner and I own a recording studio and produce a plethora of local artists as well as one of the music directors for the Rock Godz Hall of Fame in LA.

As we start to wrap up this interview, is there anything else you’d like to share with our BTD listeners, do you have any final thoughts or shout-outs you’d like to make?

Yes, a shout out to Joe Viglione. I’ve known and worked with Joe since the early 80’s. Joe and his Rock & Roll Anthology records were instrumental in the success of my band L-88 and the single “I Want You” . It’s amazing to be working with Joe again 30 plus years later. It’s a testament to Joe’s talents to have such longevity in this crazy business.