Music
Interview: tmBlog chats to Million Dollar Reload
Million Dollar Reload are from Belfast N.Ireland and have been hailed as `the most exciting rock band to come out of Ireland since Thin Lizzy`.
We caught up with Million Dollar Reload, ahead of their gig at Empire Music Hall later this month.
What has been the most exciting moment of your career to date?
There’s been quite a few highlights so far. We’ve been lucky enough to have played across parts of America, UK and Europe, and shared stages at some of the biggest festivals in the world along side some of our musical heroes. The highlight for me would be when our debut album sold out in Japan in just three days. When we released it we didn’t expect to get such a great response! Some people emailed us photographs from Tower Records in Tokyo showing us the promotion they were using for us, those large cardboard cut out displays and featured displays that we didn’t think for a second they would have used for a wee band from Ireland!
What was your favourite festival to perform at?
That would have to be Download Festival. We’ve played three times, but the first time had to be the best! It was such an experience being on the bill along side some of the biggest names in the business. That year it had sold out, so there was about 120 000 people on site, the weather was great and everyone was in high spirits. All the ingredients for a great festival!
How do you engage with your fans?
Social media is very important. It is the obvious way to keep fans updated with whats going on. We tour as much as we can, it is without doubt the best way to engage with people. When you do shows both at home and abroad you’re able to win over new fans quicker than you ever could through the internet or with an album.
What musicians do you admire?
There are so many it’s hard to pin point. Every member is influenced by different artists, there are of course the staples that we all love; The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Guns N’ Roses, yet some of us listen to heavier bands, some bluesier, etc. I think the variety is important of giving us our sound.
Are there any artists you would like to collaborate with?
There’s so many! We haven’t collaborated with anyone so far, but if we we’re to record with another artist I’d like to work with someone people wouldn’t expect… like Van Morrison maybe. There’s the obvious home connection, but to work with someone with that level of talent and versatility would be great!
What is the most difficult part of being in the music industry?
Probably the fact that labels aren’t as keen to back upcoming bands, not like they were 25 years ago. With the internet’s affect on album sales the “business” is a lot more cautious who they work with and invest in. The upside of this is that it empowers the artist, and gives them the opportunity to self promote and create a profile in the business, instead of having to completely rely on a label to do that for you. So it has is difficulties but those that turn them into opportunities tend to succeed.
Can you describe Million Dollar Reload’s music in three words?
Powerful, Energetic & Melodic
Million Dollar Reload, return to The Empire Music Hall Belfast on 15 August. With special guests The Rising.
