F5: Former SICK SPEED Singer Talks About Working With Ex-MEGADETH Bassist

F5, the new Arizona-based band featuring former MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson, ex-SICK SPEED vocalist Dale Steele, drummer David Small, and guitarists Steve Conley and John Davis, have been hard at work in the studio working to complete their debut album. Three of the tracks are fully finished and the sounds are "blistering, new and fresh for heavy music fans," according to the group's newsletter. View photos from the recording sessions at this location.

Steele recently took time out to answer a few questions for the group's mailing list. Read on:

Q: So Dale, the buzz seems enormous on your new group F5. How does it feel to be catapulted into the spotlight of such a sought after band?

Dale Steele: "We have spent the past year working under the radar, so to have this sudden spark of interest is really cool. The funny thing is now we are going back into seclusion again to record our album."

Q: How did you join the group?

Dale Steele: "David Ellefson produced a project I was working on in Minneapolis. We immediately had a great chemistry working together. So when he told me about his new band I asked him for an opportunity to audition. I traveled to Arizona 3 times in the spring of 2003. Soon after, I moved here to Phoenix."

Q: You seem to be well known for your work in a previous band SICK SPEED. What are your thoughts on modern music today and where do you see F5 fitting in that world, or is it something brand new?

Dale Steele: "I am constantly surprised by the amount of fans I have from my SICK SPEED days. Especially considering my time in that band was relatively short.

"I think music today is great. There is something for everyone. You have new bands carrying the rock torch, and there are so many bands from the '70s, '80s, and '90s that are still churning out great records. I feel that if you can't find music to identify with you are just not looking. You don't have to rely on radio and television for your fix anymore. Music is everywhere.

"I think F5 fits nice and snug in the mix. The 5 of us have such a wide range of musical influences both new and old. It excites when I think about the music we are creating."

Q: Aside from you and Ellefson the other members of the group are relatively unknown. Describe their attributes for the fans who will know them soon.

Dale Steele: "Our guitarists are Steve Conley and John Davis. They are a wicked combo. John is raw and Steve is refined. They compliment each other quite nicely. Our drummer is Dave Small. He plays with such passion. He lives and breathes drums. He has amazing energy. I consider myself blessed to play with such gifted musicians.

Q: How does the creative process work within the group? Who does most of the writing, or is it a group effort?

Dale Steele: "The process is explosive. Contained yet volatile. Everyone contributes to the cause. We approach all aspects of the band as a team. Therefore it would be impossible to single out a primary writer."

Q: Any closing thoughts?

Dale Steele: "I am extremely proud of F5 and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for us."

For more information on F5, visit the band's official web site.