ACIDIC: Rock's PH Balance

"I find that much of our music is inspired by grunge like Jane's Addiction and Pearl Jam as well as modern artists like Green Day, Cage the Elephant, and Foo Fighters. I love these bands and especially admire the way that they convey their sound on stage! I also find inspiration from people like Mozart for structure and harmonies," says ACIDIC frontman Michael Gossard.

Nowdays, songs like "Uninspired" sound a little bit like The Red Hot Chili Peppers. "Everything has changed about our sound and the way it is produced and written. ACIDIC started as a group of friends simply playing music together. Our sound was simple and rocking. We have developed into a multi-faceted beast of music and have included more solos into our songs. This as well as richer choruses and a large crisp sound have made us what we are today, but we started with the same foundation that still infuses everything we do, to this very minute. Most of our songs are about meaningful things that happen in our lives, and, well, GIRLS, although some of our most rocking songs are about total nonsense! They do underscore our energy on stage and they always get the crowd energized! When we play live, we explode! We act like Tasmanian Devils on a rampage, so my favorite songs are the ones that reflect that."

"The industry is not as I had expected it to be. I originally imagined that studio engineers and producers had some magical powers that allowed them to make hit records. I also thought record companies controlled the universe," he laughs but adding in a more serious tone, "it was true that record companies do have a lot of powe,r but it is not impossible to tour and sell records without them, although it doesn't hurt to have their support. I also learned that record producers and engineers are thoughtful people with a vision of feeling and perfection. I wish that it was easier for an independent band to get signed and gain the big time spotlight, but it can and will happen if one sets one's mind on the prize."

"I am very involved in many charities and frequently spend time volunteering to help give back to the community. I am also love cooking for other people, and while I'm a vegetarian these days, I can make an omelet that will leave you licking the plate. Ask me about Broccoli Parmesan sometime! I'm a pretty good sushi chef as well. I'm also learning the recording arts, album production, and experimenting with Pro Tools. And I do a few semi-gymnastic things onstage, mainly from my karate training. Our drummer, Matt Whitaker, is very insightful about certain happenings on the road and we believe he has some sort of sixth sense. He is a childhood cancer survivor although you'd never know he was sick when you see how powerful he drums. He's like a Sherman tank! Ted Dubrawski, our bass player, is an avid surfer and can fix anything as well as having the calmest demeanor of any person I know. He studied to be a 'luthier,' which is someone who actually makes guitars. He brought his latest original creation to play on the Candlebox tour. And he likes to take his shirt off onstage, which our female fans very much appreciate!"

ACIDICband.com