Ted Poley
Interviewed by Celtic Bob
Melodic hard rock vocalist Ted Poley has been a staple
on the music scene for almost 20 years now. From his humble beginnings
as a drummer in Lush (his first pro band, also featuring his current
bass player Joe Slattery), then as drummer and vocalist in the NJ progressive
rock band Prophet, as lead vocalist for glam metallers Danger Danger,
Bone Machine, and Melodica. Ted has returned as strong as ever on his
new release, the Poley/Pichler CD "BIG" available now on Z
records.
Recently, our very own Celtic Bob was give the
opportunity to pose the following Q and A session with Mr. Poley.
How is the B1G CD selling?
Very well, thanks. That’s because I am playing a lot live and sell them
at shows. Once people get to hear the new songs first, they tend to buy
it after the show.
Why the name change from “Melodica” to “Poley/Pichler”?
No reason really, We just used our real names so people might know its
me in the band. Some didn’t know that I was in Melodica so the new name
lets them know it’s me. Also, it searches better on the net with my last
name in the title.
With your recent parting with Gerhard will the next release be a
“Ted” solo album?
If I do anything else it will be more of a solo album but any other
project would involve the help and input of others to get it done. Do
its never truly "solo".
You are now working with Joe who was in Phrophet with you years ago.
How does that feel as he was Phrophet’s vocalist and now you handle the
vocals?
Joe was not in Prophet. He was the bass player and singer in my first
pro band, "Lush" with ken Dubman from prophet on guitar. It was a killer
power trio. I was just 15 or 16 at the time and we ruled the high school
gymnasium circuit. We had a huge concert p.a. system, amazing stage
clothes, a white fur rug that covered the stage, pyro flash pots, a
lighting rig, and a brand new black dodge maxi van, which had our logo
in huge mirror silver letters on the side. We would do battles of the
bands (we would pull up in the black logo van ,set up this crap and the
other bands would just start to cry), local gigs at town pools and high
schools and party in the van afterwards. We were already living the rock
and roll lifestyle at age 15! But we dreamed of doing it for real and
now I get to play with Joe around the world , living the dream we had
together as kids! He is a great guy and it makes it more fun that I have
known him for 25 years! I wish we still had the van, that ruled.
There is a CD out by “Phrophet” with your vocals on it. How do you
feel about this stuff coming out?
Great! Those guys are very fair to cut me in on the deal, and I am very
happy that collectors and fans can get to hear that music. It took a
long time to do and was a very special time for me personally. One of
the cooler chapters in my long 25 year career in music.
D2 recently released the “Cockroach” CD with your vocals and Paul’s.
This to me seems a bit weird to have 2 versions of all songs on the same
album. How do you feel about them releasing the “Cockroach” CD with your
vocals and the new singers?
I don’t love to promote this CD because I worked hard on it and don’t
make any money from it, but I guess including my version helped sales or
they wouldn’t have done that. I have never heard the Paul Laine version
but I am sure its fine. Oh well, that’s showbiz. I will say that it is a
very good CD. I loved most of the songs on that one.
It seems that they just want to make some extra $$ without having to
do anything.
No comment.
Are you receiving any royalties from it or the recent 2cd Remaster of
“Screw It” with the Live EP included?
I do not and will never profit from any d2 release. Unfortunately. they
own all the rights and chose not to cut me in. I really like the guys as
friends, they are very funny and cool and certainly talented musicians,
and I always had a great time hanging out with them, but I wish they
would change their "scrooge-like" business practices and help me out a
little… maybe someday.
Think you’ll ever share a stage with any of them again?
I would love to, but again, its their band now and its ultimately up to
them. I think it would be great fun, not for a permanent reunion, just a
fun summer tour or something like that. For the fans and for fun. then
back to all of our separate projects.
Since leaving D2 you never changed your sound a helluva lot. Do you
feel this helped you or was a bit of a hindrance?
I just do what I do. I don’t try to be anything in particular. If it
works, great, if not, then oh well. I am an artist and create what I
love. I don’t do it for the hundreds of dollars it generates for my bank
account. lol.
Do you still get put into the “80’s Hair Metal” category?
Yes , on VH-1 we d2 is the #25 top hair band of all time.
Is this a good thing?
As long as they remember me for something, that’s better than nothing.
With all the recent debates over the internet causing the music
industry to lose millions of dollars because of mp3 downloading and file
sharing and some artists are totally against it. What is your stand on
this issue? Personally I agree with it as it helps me discover new music
that I would have never bought or heard before.
It puts bands like mine out of business. You can lose 50% of sales and
for a band that would sell 5000 copies and still make a profit, now they
sell 2500 and lose. It is good for promo but mostly its stealing.
What is your view of the current state of the music industry?
I am not too happy with it.
With the recent tragedy in Rhode Island do you feel a drastic change
in regulations for artists playing clubs?
The contracts that come in from clubs all read "No Pyro". We never use
it, we are exciting enough live without the gimmicks.
A bit of a touchy subject but shouldn’t the club/managers be the ones
in charge of all details? I mean (in this particular case) GW and Jack
were just playing, not setting up and making the arrangements.
When I do a show, I am in charge and I make the decisions and if I don't
want something to happen a certain way then it does not happen that way.
That's all I have to say. God bless those who were killed and hurt
Allot of artists including yourself sell your music online and fans
know that the money goes directly to the artist and not some suit in a
building. Is this the new way of the industry or the only way for allot
of music to be heard?
Both. Always try to order directly from the artist, this will help them
support what they do (www.tedpoley.com) hint hint.
Will the “Longway From Home” be sold on your site in the future?
No, I don’t think so... now and then records have the u.s. rights to
sell that.
That is the hardest one to locate.
It’s available but you have to look for it, it may be out of print now.
I seem to recall an article in Metal Edge with you years ago where
you were showing off your “Toy” collection. Now I see you selling it
online. Is this just for fun or for financial gain?
I buy and sell old toys and antiques, I keep what I like and sell the
rest to buy more. Contact me through my site if you want to sell or
trade for your old toys!
What is the most prized piece in your collection?
I don’t get too worked up about it, I have a cool 4000 year old ancient
Egyptian wood statue that is cool but not the most valuable thing in the
collection. I just think its amazing that its so old.
Has this hobby turned into a business of sorts?
Yes, but I would rather keep 'em all if could afford it!
What are you currently listening to? Any newer bands out there that
excite you?
I like Tantric and some other new bands but not too many. I like the new
Def Leppard CD.
Do you keep up on newer stuff?
Just from the radio.
Anything left you’d like to accomplish?
Maybe get a great day job? That would be sweet.
What can fans expect in the near future?
Any news can be found at www.tedpoley.com.
Anything you’d like to say to the readers of Metal-Rules??
Thanks for your support and please check out my site and hear sound
bytes, see photos, and other stuff. Stay safe and take care!
Thanks for your time.
Thank you.
Official band website
www.tedpoley.com
CD
Review - B1G