The Almas - Interview - PETE'S ROCK NEWS AND VIEWS.COM

Interview with Frank Slifka (Founding member/lead guitarist) with The Almas and Pete Devine of Pete’s Rock News and Views (http://petesrocknewsandviews.com)

PD: How would you describe yourself or your band as an artist?

FS: I feel that we are one of the harder working bands in the industry, especially at our level. We try to keep it old school; tour as much as we can, shake some hands, and play some rock and roll.

PD: Can you tell us briefly about your background – i.e. where you’re from, how you came to make music, etc.

FS: My name is Frank Slifka, I was born and raised in Burlington, Wisconsin and have been playing guitar since I was 13 years old. My music career has been heavily influenced by the 80’s and 50’s/60’s rock and roll…you know, the old stuff.

PD: Who and what inspires you to make music, both in terms of musical and other influences? What do you like to write about in your songs?

FS: Well, when it comes to guitar, I have always been inspired by the simplicity of Angus Young’s (ACDC) guitar playing. Less is always more. Music is about creating a feeling and experience. When it comes to writing songs, I always want them to help or inspire people.

PD: What are your aspirations as an artist?

FS: To pay the bills! Lol. But seriously, if I can help at least one person with my music, then my job as a musician is complete.

PD: What is the proudest moment in your music career so far?

FS: The proudest moment in my music career so far is probably being able to record in Nashville, TN with #1 Active Rock charting music producer, Kile Odell. That experience changed the way I looked at writing music.

PD: Promoting one’s music is such a challenge these days, especially with so many new artists emerging from bedrooms in the day of the home studio. How is that going?

FS: Well, it’s difficult, but the truth is – I feel – that type of promotion is limited and is not sustainable. To me, the idea of a band is to go out and play some shows in front of people. The only way to do that and make a lasting impression on somebody is to go out and personally meet them.

PD: And how do you book and promote your live shows and tours? Any performances coming up?

FS: All our booking goes through our agent James Cripps at Blind Anxiety Entertainment – and we definitely put him to work as we plan to be very active this year!

Some of the big events coming up (that we can mention now) are Monster Hall Music Festival on Friday, June 9th in Unity, WI with Flaw and Scotty Austin (formerly of Saving Abel), the freshly announced Rock Fest in Cadott, WI on Friday, July 14th where we will be performing along with some of our favorites like Slipknot, Falling In Reverse, Ice Nine Kills, and Asking Alexandria, to name a few. We will also be performing at the Sturgis Bike Rally this August 2nd and 6th with Scotty Austin (formerly of Saving Abel) in South Dakota!

PD: What do you think about downloading music online? What about streaming sites like Spotify?

FS: I think they are a necessary evil. It is great for accessibility of music, however, it’s really a false representation of a band’s worth. Because of these streaming services, bands don’t make money off of their music.

PD: What song do you wish you’d written and why?

FS: I wish I had written “Back In Black” by ACDC! That song is the sound of rock and roll guitar riffs!

PD: Is there anything you don’t like about the music industry, which you would change if you could?

FS: It takes money to make money – I hate that! It just takes money to make you “famous”.

PD: So, what are you working on at the moment?

FS: We recently released our newest single “Cage” along with a music video on January 20th, and are already planning out our next release! But in the meantime, we are putting in work behind the scenes and miles on the road, playing live shows and connecting with our fans!

PD: Where can we learn more about you and buy your music/merch online?

FS: The best way to get to know us is by attending a live show! We make sure to keep active on the road, as well as on our social media – so give us a follow wherever you like to keep up-to-date with all your other favorite artists, and check out our show calendar! You can find us everywhere at (@almastheband), or simply on our website (www.almastheband.com) where you can also find our online merch store!