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Wood : BIGGER, HARDER, THICKER, FATTER, BETTER
AAM: First off, the band's name, “WOOD,” where did that come from? HAWK: Well, it was one of those names that you come up with and at first you laugh and then you say, Hey, that would be a cool name.' Then I did a mad search making sure it wasn't used, and then I started making it a trademark—which I started in 1998, and it is just now becoming a trademark. But we are everything WOOD means. When you go to jail, and you're a white boy, everyone calls you a WOOD. Everyone, even the cops, so it has nothing to do with racism or hatred. WOOD as a fuel burns hot and intensely. WOOD as a tree is deeply rooted in the earth and it's alive, growing, reaching for the sky. So let's put that all in perspective. WOOD is 4 white boys, burning intensely hot, deeply rooted in L.A., where they are alive and growing and reaching for the stars. Oh yeah, and the girls like WOOD. WOOD is also the most powerful symbol used in our logo: The WOOD cross AAM: And in your band's logo, patches, and just WOOD's overall image. Do you think it's important that a band have an image? Bobby: Yes. It's important to be unique and stand out. HAWK: Yes. People judge you by first impressions, which sometimes is unfortunate (because it's really what's inside), but that's the way humans are, so image is everything. You are judged from the first time someone lays eyes on you. I even wrote a song about it called “Judgment Day” which is all about people's first impressions, and how you are judged right from the start. But the image we present is what we stand for, and it is real. We stand for American pride with the image of the American-made Harley Davidson. I live free, I ride free, therefore I am what I am. Franko: Of course an image is important: It's an extension of who you are. AAM: What would you consider to be some of your main musical influences? Bobby: I would say Metallica, Godsmack and Korn.
Franko: Black Sabbath, The Who, Iron Maiden, Ted Nugent, and I also like jazz and fusion too Mike: Zeppelin, Sabbath, and Randy Rhoads. AAM: I understand there's a new lineup, a few member changes? Who are the members of Wood? HAWK: I'm on guitar and lead vocals and Franko is on bass and backup vocals. Then the two newest members are Bobby Richards on drums, who has been with the band for a year, and Mike Moore on lead guitar/backup vocals. Mike is our newest member, who has been with the band for four months, during our recording. He has yet to play a live show with us. AAM: The new lineup must be working; I hear Wood has picked up a few endorsements lately? Bobby: The band has come full circle and we couldn't be tighter! We collaborate now like a well-oiled machine. And yes, that's correct, I am endorsed with SilverFox Percussion. Mike: Me, GHS Strings. HAWK: Minarik Guitars, and I personally endorse Gibson Les Pauls. Franko is waiting for Minarik to get their bass line out. AAM: Speaking of recording, what is all this we are hearing about your new album “Final Destruction”? Is this the band's first full-length album? Bobby: This is our first full production CD. HAWK: All the others were just low-budget recordings we handed out or sold as a collection, so this is our first professional production. Franko: Yeah, this is the real deal. It's about time. AAM: “Final Destruction” is a very interesting title for an album. Is there any meaning behind that? Is this your final album? Bobby: Hell no, we've only just begin! HAWK: With the way things are going in this world—people killing each other, children abused, tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanoes and terrorism—we're headed for the final destruction in one way or another. Who knows what will happen next? But [the title] is in no way meaning that this is the end of the world as we know it now, because we are ultimately in control of our actions, and we can make a difference if we pull together and balance the world of all its negativity. But [the title] is insight to where we are heading if we don't change our ways. And we all know, S*** HAPPENS!!! Franko: No, it's not the final album, it's the first of many. We want to give our fans insight into what could happen. AAM: How does your new album's music compare to the band's previous music? Bobby: It's a brand new WOOD and sound. HAWK: Bigger, harder, thicker, fatter, better. It's like WOOD on Viagra. Franko: Hawk said it all. AAM: Every album has a ballad, and word is WOOD's song “Something On My Mind” is just incredible, a sure-to-be hit single for the band! What makes this song THE one? HAWK: All WOOD's songs are written from the heart, and if that makes them commercial or a hit, that's because we conveyed our hearts to theirs, not because we formulated it for that. And if we hit your heart, and make you feel and hear what we were trying to say, then that's the only hit I care about. So if it becomes a hit and more people hear it and feel it, then my mission has been done, even if it only hits one person. But the more the better. Franko: This song has deep meaning and feeling and should win us our first Grammy. AAM: When will your new album be released? Bobby: God only knows and he's not telling, LOL! Summer 2005 is our target. HAWK: Hopefully before the world ends, LOL! Franko: I hope before hell freezes over. AAM: How much touring is planned to support “Final Destruction” when it's released? Bobby: In June we will be in New York City from the 9 th to the 19 th performing at numerous venues and the Nickstock festival. HAWK: As much touring as possible. There will be shows here and maybe a showcase after New York, and then we have plans for San Francisco, Las Vegas and Phoenix. AAM: WOOD has always been one of the hardest working independent bands in L.A. How hard are you going to push “Final Destruction” to the major labels? Bobby: Until they are sick of hearing about us. Franko: Till they sign us, so we will go away. HAWK: A good strategy is to do massive promoting, get massive attention and rave reviews in all the local and national magazines, and create a massive buzz (which we have been doing), and then get presented properly to the labels by our manager or lawyer. From what I hear we are doing everything right so far. Now we just need to get together a killer package (which we are doing now), and be presented to the right labels, and then do a showcase for them. That is the goal right now. AAM: Any thoughts of radio or TV? HAWK: We have something to say, so let it be heard on all medias. Franko: Of course: We want it all!!! AAM: If WOOD were to go on a major tour, what band would you most like to share the stage with? Bobby: That is a hard one. We would be proud to open on any major tour. (Ozzfest would be nice!) Franko: I would be happy just to be on stage performing for our fans all over the world. HAWK: OZZFEST, BLS, Moterhead, Priest. AAM: At the end of the day, what is WOOD's ultimate goal? HAWK: To have ears listening to what we have to say. Franko: Miller time!!! AAM: How will your fans keep up with you, a hotline, web site, or? Bobby: All the above. HAWK: Our hotline number is (818)887-2079, and our web site is http://www.thebandwood.com/. AAM: Is there anything that you would like to add to this interview? Bobby: Just to thank all the fans for their support over the years. We won't forget any of you guys. HAWK: Nothing to add, but I would like to ADD anyone reading this to our mailing list. E-mail us at mailto:wood@thebandwood.com. Franko: I agree with Bobby:and Hawk. All Access Magazine wishes to congratulate WOOD on their soon-to-be released album “Final Destruction” and wishes them many years of success. Got metal? Got WOOD? Get “Final Destruction” in stores this summer.... WOOD's Management:
Claudia duPreez-Hyder, (818)355-5278, mailto:Claudia@Sulako.com.
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HAWK: Beatles, Stones, Metallica and Alice
in Chains.