Interview with High Voltage 2013
-Who are all of the band members? And what do they do in the band?
​
Erin Schneider: Lead Vocals
Josh Rhines: Lead Guitar
Collin Scott: Drums
Kevin A: Bass
Oliver Huang: Synth
​
-What's the origin of your band name, High Voltage? Have you changed the band's name before?
​
Josh Rhines: we went with the name High Voltage because it fit the music we wanted to play - loud, aggressive rock n' roll. There have been no name changes.
​
-What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?
​
Erin: We're a rock band. The guys are definitely into classic and heavy rock, and some newer music like Muse and Red Hot Chili Peppers. I come from a bluesier background, with a lot of influence from Joni Mitchell.
​
-How old were you when you started this band?
​
Josh Rhines: I was 21 when Collin and I started the group.
​
-How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?
​
Collin Scott: Josh and I met in high school have been playing together for almost 6 years in various forms. We met up with Kevin and Erin about a year ago and things just clicked.
​
-When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?
​
Josh Rhines: We started up in the winter of 2010. We started playing covers, and moved on to writing our own material and finding people that wanted to pursue the same type of music as us - which was female fronted rock.
​
-Do you have a record label? If so, what is it?
​
Oliver Huang: We have been completely independent so far. We book our own shows, write our own music, and Josh does all of the recording and production.
​
-What can you tell me about your instruments? (i.e., Are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play with whatever's available? What made you choose the instruments you have now? Was it cost or was it a style/model/brand/color preference?
​
Josh: I use PRS Guitars through Diezel and Marshall amps. The sound that this combination offers is great - thick, heavy vibrant guitar tones. I am partial to PRS guitars because they are built topnotch, it's hard to find a guitar that compares, even the iconic guitars like Gibson Les Pauls fall short to them, in my opinion. The Diezel amp has a very thick, heavy sound that is out of this world. And of course, Marshall has that classic British guitar sound.
Collin: I use a custom set of Ludwig drums and Sabian symbols. They are a good combination, and have a very big sound.
Kevin: I use Fender basses and a combination of Mesa and Aguilar for amps.
-Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
​
Josh Rhines: we have performed mostly around Missoula at various venues and festivals, but we also played Warped Tour in Boise last summer. We have a few Missoula gigs coming up - we are having a CD release party in March, as well as opening up for Eye Empire & Surrender the Fall.
​
-Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list for your shows?
​
Kevin: We try to perform whatever is current for the band. We finished our new album and we play most of the material off that, as well as a few of the old favorites like Supernova and Tell Me. We also perform a few covers here and there, like Black Velvet, Seek & Destroy, Into The Void and Rockin' The Free World. Josh writes the set before the shows, and it really depends on what kind of show it is.
​
-Who writes your songs? Is it a group effort?
​
Collin: Josh writes the music and the lyrics for most of the songs, and we all add our own flare in rehearsal as we are learning them. We're pretty focused on the structure of the songs, as well as the flow. Each song is different, and we try to offer something fresh every time.
-What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
​
Josh Rhines: Like most rock bands, we have our songs about love, anger and rebellion. I tend to write my songs based on what is happening in the world and around me - the experiences that I or others have. Because of the ever changing world and growth as an artist, the songs I write in a couple years will surely be different than the ones I write today.
​
-What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more
spontaneous?
​
Erin: We have set rehearsal times - Tuesday and Thursday night, every week. Sometimes more, depending on our show or recording schedule.
​
-How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
​
Kevin: our music has gotten more focused and the band is tighter. Which is funny to say, considering we have written songs that integrate blues, reggae, metal and disco - but the songs still sound focused and cohesive. It makes more sense if you listen.
​
-What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
​
Collin: the challenge in being a band is finding a group of people that click musically and personally. It took Josh and I a while to find those people, but now that we have, things are awesome.
-What's your ultimate direction for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune?
​
Josh Rhines: Our number one focus is the music. We just finished our new record, "Colors", so we are going to be promoting that for the next year. We are also starting to write new songs too, getting a jump start on the third record. Everyone wants to be big rock stars, but at the end of the day, we just want to share our music with as many people as possible, and hopefully they enjoy what we are doing and become a fan.
​
-What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
​
Josh: never give up. learn from others, but at the end of the day, do your own thing, follow your own destiny.
​
-How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard your music before?
​
Josh: Female fronted rock music, inspired by the likes of Muse, Led Zeppelin, Halestorm, Evanescence and Metallica. A diverse rock sound.
​
-How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
​
Josh: you can find us at one of the links below, all of which have music and information about the band. you can also find any of us on Facebook and chat us up.
​
-Website links in which other people can find your music, or more information for your band?
​
www.facebook.com/highvoltagemontana
www.reverbnation.com/highvoltagemontana
www.twitter.com/highvoltagemt
www.highvoltagemontana.com
www.soundcloud.com/highvoltagemontana
www.youtube.com/highvoltagemontana
-Would you ever do an interview like this with us again?
​
Josh: of course!
​
-Would you like to do more fun/funny questions in another interview?
​
Collin: sure
-Any last words?
​
Josh: When one is all, and all is one, to be a rock, and not to roll.
