Exclusive Interview with Kings County

How would you classify your music?

Our music is hard- hitting rock with melodic hooks and raw powerful guitars. We have a pretty eclectic mix of influences but we hear a lot our songs have a 90’s rock feel to them but with our own distinct style. We never try to follow a style or trend, we just write what naturally comes out of us.

Who are some of your top 5 musical influences?

We are pretty much fans of anything that rocks, guitar driven melodic music. 

Some of our earlier on influences were the Beatles, a lot of the hard rock groups of the 70’s such as Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith. 90’s bands such as Guns n Roses, Stone Temple Pilots, Collective Soul and even some of today’s music, Daughtry, Shinedown.

What do you want fans to take away from your music?

Most of our songs are written from past experiences, real life situations. I truly believe that when a listener can relate to a song, a feeling, a personal experience it tends to stick with them longer. That’s how we write the majority of our music, it’s just a better and way to connect to your audience when you pour out real life situations in your music and lyrics.

How is the music scene in your locale?

Orlando, and Florida in general has a massive music scene. There are a ton of places to perform and because of the great climate the live scene is pretty much active 12 months a year. The band originally formed in New York where the competition is ferocious and you better be good to make noise. I really believe it makes you a better player or you fall by the wayside. We basically took that attitude with us when we moved to Orlando and that got us into some great venues including Disney World.

What is the best concert you have been to?

Wow, great question and not an easy one to answer. For the band as a whole I’d have to say Bon Jovi here in Orlando, FL. Not only was the show great, Kings County was fortunate enough to open the show for Bon Jovi to a sold out audience. Such a career changing moment for the band, when you get to play in front of 20,000 in an arena. 

What do you like most about playing live?

Many times people ask if you prefer recording or playing live more. The writing and recording process is great, love the creative side of it all but playing in front of a live audience is by far the reward.. Nothing better then the interaction between the band and a live audience. When you feed of each other and it really can make for a great show.

Is there a song on your latest CD release here that stands out as your personal favorite, and why?

All the songs on the album have a personal connection to us but the one I can personally relate to is “Blood Stained Adrenaline”. I wrote the lyrics about an old drummer I played with who was so talented and a great musician but he lived his life as a drug addict. As he got older he moved onto

prescription drugs and finally after years of abuse he succumb to his addiction at such as early age.”Blood Stained Adrenaline”  addresses  the widespread abuse of opioids and how they have affected some many lives. It’s our way to bring light to this personal situation. 

How have you evolved as an artist over the last year?

As a band you have to continue to grow and evolve or you wither away. For years the band started as a successful rock cover band and we played tons of shows. Working cover bands make for great original bands because you constantly perform and develop your craft, pay your dues and accumulate fans. It’s a great way to get your original music out to listeners. Our writing process has evolved. Try not to follow trends or current music styles or you will be chasing your own tail. Do what you do and develop it, eventually people with take notice cause great music is great music. 

If you could meet, play a gig, co-write a song, have dinner, have a drink with any band or artist (dead or alive) who would it be?  

 Tough question, there’s so many but here goes.  Mine is definitely not the norm but I would have to say trumpet player Herb Albert. Yea, I know, coming from a rock guy but there’s 

a back story to it. Ever since I was a kid my father played Herb Alpert on his turntable. I instantly became a fan and for years as I grew older the songs became apart of my life. I loved rock music but Herb Alpert just had that connection to my childhood and being with my father who has since passed. Herb always had the best musicians at the time, such a hard worker and heard he could be a tyrant but it paid off with his success. Would be an amazing experience to pick his brain for a while.

What’s next for you? 

Now that our new album has been released we are looking forward to getting it to the masses. The Internet is a great tool for upcoming bands to get their music worldwide. We continue to write new music. Like with anything, the more you do it the better you become at it and writing and creating music is no exception. We will continue to follow our passion for making music and performing live and hopefully pick up some new fans along the way.

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/kingscounty3

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FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/kingscountyband

URL: www.kingscountyofficial.com

End of Interview