F5 ( left-right) Steve Conley, Dale Steele, John Davis, David Ellefson, and David Small

Let’s Rock America has a special treat in store for all of our devoted readers this week. First of all, we decided to abandon the usual self promoting B.S. we have forced you all to read from our passed 7 spotlight intros…after all, you already know that the Let’s Rock America website is the best thing to come along in aiding the independent musician since the four track recorder and the delete button. You know it, we know it…enough said. In our relentless search for quality content, Let’s Rock America had the honor to speak with a true legend in the music business and take this opportunity to present what we truly believe is going to be one of the most successful new bands of the first part of the 21st Century. F5 is a Phoenicia, Arizona based hard rock band formed by former Megadeth bass player David Ellefson in 2002. After his Megadeth days, Ellefson founded a production company in his home state of Arizona in order to help up and coming musicians with their own projects. Through his work as a producer, Ellefson met Steve Conley (lead guitar), John Davis (rhythm guitar), Dave Small (drums) and Dale Steele (lead vocalist). Although Ellefson was approached to re-formulate Megadeth, he felt that it would be a lot more fun to start from scratch. With all the pieces of the puzzle put together, F5 released their debut CD “A Drug For All Seasons” first to the European market in August of 2005 and then for the American market in September of that same year.

In a recent phone interview with Ellefson, LRA got an earful of insight into the marketing and promotion side of the music business. After all, it was Ellefson himself who penned the music business Bible “Making Music Your Business…a guide for young musicians”. Aside from being a virtuoso on the bass, Ellefson’s intellect and passion for making music has been the recipe for his 20 plus years of success in the music industry.

“A Drug For All Seasons” combines the basic elements of Power Metal and Hard Rock in the traditional “head banging” style and at certain times with an “in your face” rhythm and distorted guitars. However, in a refreshing way, slick, melodic guitar riffs transcend the landscape in such a way that a bare bones acoustic performance of the same tunes could have the same impact. There are absolutely no standouts on this recording…every song is a standout in itself. Dale Steele’s gruff, soaring vocals seem to command attention while melodic riffs from Steve Conley’s fingers compliment the hard driving rhythm created by John Davis’ power chords. David Ellefson continues to surge with his mastery of the bottom end that speaks so eloquently with the hard pounding rhythm from Dave Small’s drumsticks. The record speaks to a vast audience…not just metal heads. As a matter of fact…one could classify this record as Metal Pop or Alternative Metal because of the catchy riff oriented tones that stick in your head after the very first listen. The complicated change structures in every tune show off an impressive group of musicians who seem to have gelled chemically in a short period of time. Fans of Megadeth, System of a Down and Stone Temple Pilots would all, undoubtedly, be equally impressed by F5 for introducing a whole new take on the Hard Rock genre.

Let’s Rock America is eternally grateful to F5 for their input. We highly recommend checking out these guys! Bottom line…they rock, and you might learn a thing or two! Become an F5 fan!

Here’s the exclusive interview with David Ellefson, Dale Steele and John Davis of F5:

Let’s Rock America: F5’s debut record “A Drug For All Seasons” seems to mix an old school
metal sensibility with a more modern day pop savvy, melodic overtone. Incredibly original! We are curious to know the genius behind the music. How do the five of you approach the songwriting end of each of these tunes? How do your individual musical backgrounds contribute?

Dale Steele: The songs usually originate with a guitar riff, which would come from David or Steve. At that point the entire band works on honing the riffs into a workable arrangement...then I write lyrics and melody...it is really a group effort.

LRA: As we understand it, F5 was founded back in 2002. The new record seems to be a testimonial to David Ellefson’s dedication for continued success in every aspect of the music business after his Megadeth days. How did F5 come about? What was the overall feeling for each of you after all of the pieces of the puzzle finally connected?

David Ellefson: Music is my passion, life, hobby and career and F5 has been a great vehicle for me to continue to express creative ideas musically. F5 has a real good chemistry and strong bond between us and I’d like to think it is a band where everyone can bring their best to the table.

LRA: There doesn’t seem to be any “B Sides” on a “Drug For All Seasons”…no fillers. In other words…“A Drug For All Seasons” could already be a greatest hits album. We would be curious to know if the band just wrote for the record or were there a bunch of tunes to pick and choose from?

John Davis: Thanks I appreciate that. There were quite a few tunes written for the record but I feel F5 as a band found ourselves and our sound thru the studio process. Producer Ryan Greene worked tirelessly as did all the members of F5 to NOT be satisfied with “good enough”. Ryan really likes to get the performance from the artist as opposed to “We’ll fix in the mix” attitude. Having recorded with both kinds of producers Ryan’s way really makes the difference with the end product.

Dale: We just did a lot of writing, and the result was what you hear on the record. We were really lucky to have had the opportunity to write and record the songs without the stress of a record company breathing down our backs...the process was very natural.

LRA: Megadeth covered a few tunes in their hey day…who was behind the idea to cover Edie Brickell’s “What I Am”? F5’s cover of that track brings about another expansion of the band’s limitless ability, creativity and originality. Who was behind arranging that tune into Rock/Metal? It certainly shows a certain sensibility to appealing to a wider audience…was that the idea?

Dale: Not at all...it just kind of came out of Steve noodling around...then WHOA!! That sounds like Edie!! I always dug that song. I can still remember hearing it for the first time years ago.

John: It all started with Steve Conley playing a riff frighteningly reminiscent to the “What I Am” riff. Oddly enough I believe David Ellefson recognized the similarity and decided to arrange it into a rock tune. I have to admit I was a little hesitant at first, but I think it rocks now. We get a great response from this tune live. It’s cool to see the reaction on peoples faces when they finally recognize the tune.

LRA: The name F5 beckons to a category for a storm. Is that what the band wanted to promote themselves as or is there another meaning to it? Who’s idea was it or how did it come about?

John: Dave Small is the one who thought of the name F5. I think it started out as associating the name F5 with the Fuchsia Scale, but turned in Force of 5. To me meaning, 5 dudes with a common goal that get together to write kick ass music.

Dale: We were trying to come up with a name, which is really difficult!!! Dave Small came up with it and it stuck. An F5 tornado is the most destructive. The force of the five of us together is very cool and also
volatile sometimes. That always seems to be the case with creative people. I guess the name fits in more ways than one.

LRA: We want to get a sense of the individual personalities of each one of you. Who are your influences? What drives you to make a career from music? Essentially, what makes each of you tick? Let’s start with…

JOHN DAVIS (Rhythm, Lead & Acoustic Guitars): Well, my influences range. I grew up listening to Yngwie Malmsteen , George Lynch, Paul Gilbert, all the shred guitar players. But like any musician looking to grow I started to explore other styles. So I guess at this point I look at it like, if it’s cool it does not matter what style it is. You know what makes me tick is good music, good people, Starbucks and Italian food. As far as what drives me to make a career from the music is plain and simple, it is how I am “wired” so to speak. I do not know if it was a conscious decision to make a career in music, it was more like, this is what I do. If anything I have family to thank for supporting my career in music. I think that people at a young age get re-wired to live a different dream from what they were meant, kind of like the F5 track “Hold Me Down”.

DALE STEELE (Lead Vocals): OZZY, Sabbath...Priest. That is the stuff I grew up on. I guess I was bit
by the rock bug at an early age...It is something that has always been with me. Every time we have a show, and I walk out on the stage, I feel like a kid all over again. I don't ever want to lose that. Music is a gift from GOD!!! It really is!

DAVID ELLEFSON (4, 5 & 12 String Bass Guitars, Rhythm Guitar): I’ve liked everything from KISS to IRON MAIDEN over the years. I keep up on what’s new and current as these things all influence you as a writer.

LRA: In support of your debut record “A Drug For All Seasons”, you have been playing quite a few venues. Which shows were your favorites? What can we expect as far as a full fledged tour? Are there any surprises in store for the fans at your shows?

DAVID: At this point our audience wants to see the band live so shows are vital. I’m not as concerned about the venues as I am about just getting the band out to new cities to play in front of people.

LRA: We understand that David Ellefson has written a book “Making Music Your Business”. Is there any short answer advice for our independent musicians out there on making it in the music business?

DAVID: My advice is to get out and play with as many people as possible as that helps round you out as a musician and professional. Most of all, have fun with it. It’s called “playing” music, not “working” music!

John: Absolutely! Put on your suit of armor, learn as much as you can about the music business and find a good attorney!

LRA: We are undeniably grateful for F5’s input. We all want to know where we can buy the record “A Drug For All Seasons” and where we can find out more about this new phenomenon F5!

Dale: www.F5theband.com !

John: You are very welcome. You can buy the record online at places like Amazon, www.f5theband.com, Tower Records in store and online, and if you happen to find yourself in a store that does not have “A Drug for All Seasons” BUG them to get it!

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If you wish to contact or find out more about F5, go to www.f5theband.com.
Please tune in weekly for upcoming featured independant musicians at Let's Rock America.
This dialogue was reported by Rich Kubicz for www.letsrockamerica.com

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