Ex-WHITE LION Frontman: 'If You Want To Make It In The Music Business, Don't Set A Time Limit'

Former WHITE LION frontman Mike Tramp recently answered a few fan questions via his web site:

Q: Why did FREAK OF NATURE split up? Do you know what Johnny Haro and Dennis Chick are up to these days? What are the chances of you working with either of these guys again?

Mike: Well, I kind of made the decision to end the band that I loved so much once I saw that the energy was gone and a pep talk was needed daily. Like I've said before, I would rather go out on a high note, so that's why I called it off while we still friends and a good band. Dennis now runs a custom motorcycle shop in L.A. Johnny still plays with various bands.

Q: I am an aspiring singer/songwriter and play in a band. You are one of my major influences. Do you have any advice to pass on to up and coming people like myself?

Mike: If you want to make it in the music business, don't set a time limit, be prepared to give everything up for your dreams, and I mean everything!

Q: With the newTRAMP'S WHITE LION album, will Troy P. Farrell (drums),Jamie Law (guitar),Claus Longwood (bass) or Henning Wanner (keyboards) be involved in any of the songwriting?

Mike: Since the band has only really been together playing classic WHITE LION songs, we still need lots of time to become a band playing new songs. But at this moment I have written the majority of songs with Claus as he and I know each other real well and have a clear vision of where this new band is heading sound-wise.

Q: Given you have toured and lived in many different countries, I'm interested to know what languages you can speak?

Mike: Rock'n'Roll! I speak and understand German, same with Spanish as I lived there for three years. Indonesian is becoming more and more familiar by each trip. And of course the Aussie lingo.

Q: It seemed WHITE LION stood for the little man in this great big world. Some songs you sang were about the environment and Green Peace-related. Was that your own personal view or the band as a whole?

Mike: My view was not the band's view. Not to say anything bad, but Vito [Bratta, WHITE LION guitarist] couldn't give a shit about how anyone in the world felt.

Q: We all know you write very personal lyrics which contain pieces of your life. For something totally differen't, have you ever considered making a concept album?

Mike: WHITE LION songs were not personal in anyway. FREAK OF NATURE started getting closer. Tramp solo is almost my life. Concept album, could be new WHITE LION as the music lends itself to that. Tramp solo is not a concept artist.

Q: Many artists these days post on their website samples of songs from their upcoming albums many months prior to release. Given you have an awesome new website, would you ever consider doing the same for your new solo album or WHITE LION album?

Mike: Yes, for sure, that is a must these days!

Q: I know it has been put on hold, but can you please reveal a little bit about your next solo album as I have read that you have some songs recorded. How does it compare to your last three solo releases?

Mike: Well, to be honest, it's been a bit of a roller-coaster ride. I started recording the album last October, and could basically have finished it a month later. Then I took it back to Australia and started messing around with it, I suddenly got stuck as there was something that wasn't right. The thing that wasn't right is what has bothered me always. I always wanted Mike Tramp solo, or can I just say Mike Tramp, to be nothing like WHITE LION and FREAK and that also meant the live show. But as you all know my set got filled up with the old songs and that band got harder and harder 'till I had to say that's it, no more. Now that WHITE LION is recording a new album and touring, I am finally done with the heavy guitar in my solo music and also in the live show and my solo album is clear as whistle. I have dumped half the songs, written five new songs and looking forward to finishing it and getting it out. It won't interfere with WHITE LION and the future cause it's not an album that should be reviewed in the same magazine as WHITE LION.

Q: When you go on tour in Indonesia, or anywhere for that matter, do you ever fear terrorist action? Speaking of Indonesia, many of us not familiar with this country wonder what it is like when you tour there? Are Indonesians big fans of rock music?

Mike: No, I don't! I have never feared for my life anywhere I have toured, and least of all Indonesia. I feel more safe there than going through the streets of Copenhagen at night where braindead people drunk off their ass are a bigger threat than being a white person in the middle of 100,000 Indonesians. Yes, Indonesia loves rock'n'roll like the rest of the world.