Madison Paige
This "5 and Dime" interview was conducted on the phone with Richie Rivera, the drummer for Madison Paige, just a few days before Halloween on October 27, 2005.
This "5 and Dime" interview was conducted on the phone with Richie Rivera, the drummer for Madison Paige, just a few days before Halloween on October 27, 2005.
Tell me everything people need to know about your band Madison-Paige.
We're Madison Paige, and I'm the drummer Richie Rivera. Paul Caroul is the singer and we're auditioning for a new lead guitarist and bass guitarist. We're looking for guys that share the same passion as us and want to take it to the next level. Madison Paige plays a brand of music that we affectionately call modern arena rock. We take the things that Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Journey, Def Leppard, and Queen stand for in terms of songwriting, showmanship and musicianship; and we take it into the 21st century. The key to that type of success is that we're not ex-members of other bands. We're young, fresh-faced guys with hunger and passion which brings vitality to the equation. We grew up with posters of the old bands on our bedroom walls, but we've developed a taste for modern bands like Nickelback, All-American Rejects, and Butch Walker. We've combined the two worlds, coming up with something that's refreshing as compared to what's been on the radio the last 15 years.
Talk about your band's CD, "Famous Last Words."
That's our debut, and we released it on our own label, Without The World Records. We did it on our own and we're very proud of that. The only thing we didn't do was the artwork. It has thirteen songs that run the gamut stylistically. The record opens with a song called "Bind" which is very Dream Theatre-ish, it's heavy and progressive. It ends with "Restrained" which is very moody and atmospheric. Between those songs, there's everything from power ballads to full-blown arena rock. There's drum loops, there's layers and textures to the songs. It covers a wide range so no matter what mood you're in, there's something on this record you can relate to and incorporate into your day. "Famous Last Words" is sold by amazon.com, cdbaby.com, Tower Records, and all the on-line vendors that sell real rock. Our website and myspace page have song samples.
I guess that until Madison-Paige solidifies its lineup, your band has no touring plans for 2005.
Yes, the live shows are on hold, but we know what we're looking for in new members. Paul and I are very energetic live performers. Once the new guys are in place, we're going to rehearse like madmen, playing songs like "Any Day Now" and "Heaven in Hand." They are staples that Madison Paige fans will expect to hear. That, plus new material that Paul and I are working on during down time, and anything that the new guys bring to the table. Then we'll play select shows in southern California to feel out the live chemistry.
What does your band have in store for your fans in the next 12 months?
We'll definitely lock up the new members. Paul and I may do some acoustic shows, but we have to focus on completing the lineup. We'll continue writing and recording. Then, we plan on shopping the band for representation. So far we've done everything totally on our own. We've probably taken it as far as we can go. Now it's time to see who can take us to the next level with album #2. We need to align ourselves with the right team. That's our biggest priority for the upcoming year. From there, we'll set about the task of taking over the world!
Feel free to promote anything else you'd like that applies to your band.
Our official website is www.madisonpaige.net and our Myspace page is www.myspace.com/madisonpaige. We've posted three new, fully downloadable demos at both sites. We don't have any merch, it's all about the album. Keep checking both sites for the latest, we'll update them immediately after any shows are booked.
Please share your thoughts on Dimebag Darrell.
I was never a Damageplan or Pantera fan, I'm a melody junkie. But I have a tremendous amount of respect for Pantera. You can't deny the scope of their influence, both artistically and commercially. Pantera did more for metal than any band since Metallica. Their legacy will always be remembered. It's so sad what happened, you almost have to question the justice of the universe. Criminals walk around scot free; and a fun, generous, talented guy is murdered in cold blood. It doesn't add up cosmically. I was taken aback and appalled by the media coverage that blamed the incident on metal. Music doesn't create violence, it reflects a pre-existing culture of violence. This tragic event could have happened at any type of concert. It was carried out by a sick, twisted individual with a perverted sense of right and wrong.