Guitarist STEVE BROWN Discusses TRIXTER Reunion

Guitarist Steve Brown recently spoke with SplitScreen Entertainment about the TRIXTER reunion, his memories of touring with KISS and his acoustic rendition of their song "A Million To One", as featured on the new tribute album "Kiss My Ankh: A Tribute To Vinnie Vincent". Steve also discussed his STEREO FALLOUT project and confirmed a new live TRIXTER date. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow.

SplitScreen Entertainment: What are your feelings on the recent TRIXTER reunion shows, the band's first since the early '90s?

Steve Brown: The experience was simply mind-blowing. It was just so much fun! The band really is better than ever and it feels fantastic to be rocking with Pete Loran, P.J. Farley and Mark Scott again. We just confirmed an additional Trixter show for Friday, September 19th. We'll be playing with WARRANT at Myth in Minneapolis, MN so it should be another great time! There are also a bunch of other things in the works, like more shows and new CDs. You know me, I'm always working on rockin' the world!

SplitScreen Entertainment: What are your memories of TRIXTER touring with KISS in 1992?

Steve Brown: It was a dream come true, for sure. The "Revenge" album and tour was one of their best efforts from the non-makeup era and to be a part of that was historic and cool. Gene Simmons was so much fun to hang out with and Eric Singer is a bro. He's like the fifth TRIXTER! Ha! Just a joke, buddy! Gene once even said to me, in his spooky low voice, "You should have Eric Singer join TRIXTER and give me 10%." Paul Stanley was actually very low key. The first night I met him, he said to me, "Heyyyyyyyyyy... I hear you're a great guitar player." Very, very, very fuckin' cool!

SplitScreen Entertainment: How did you go about arranging your acoustic interpretation of "A Million To One"?

Steve Brown: First of all, "A Million To One" is a great, great song! Great melody, stellar chord progression and most importantly... an emotional, believable vocal. I knew right away where I wanted to go with it... a little modern, a little retro. I hope Stanley Eisen approves! I added everything but the pool and hot tub. The track has absolutely massive production! Mutt Lange would be proud. It's just killer. Everyone I've played the song for asks, "Why isn't this on the radio right now?" They say it sounds current, like DAUGHTRY or NICKELBACK. The best part is when they ask me, "Who wrote this song?" When I tell them it was Paul Stanley and Vinnie Vincent, they're floored! Those two wrote some awesome tunes. Recording "A Million To One" really got my creative juices rocking again! I honestly think it's one of the best songs I've ever recorded.

SplitScreen Entertainment: Fellow Jerseyites Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora are often credited with kicking off the popularity of rock artists recreating their hits in acoustic form with their performance of "Livin' on a Prayer" and "Wanted Dead or Alive" during the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards. Why do you think acoustic versions of rock songs have remained so popular?

Steve Brown: Pete Loran and I were actually there when JBJ and Sambo did that! Overall, I feel that an acoustic version shows off the real, true heart and soul of a song.

SplitScreen Entertainment: In recent years you've established a considerable following by playing solo acoustic shows in and around your home state of New Jersey. What do you enjoy most about performing acoustically?

Steve Brown: Acoustic shows let people hear your true talent because you can't hide behind the volume. I love being able to show "The Other Side" of Steve Brown (in a shameless bit of self promotion for my STEREO FALLOUT CD, available now at CDBaby.com). To put it simply, it's the best album I have ever done. It's just a shame that the music biz is in the toilet these days.

The entire interview is available here.