.: FuryRocks :: interview :: Machines_of_Grace__Zak_Stevens_discusses_their_new_CD

Published: 14 Juli 2009

Machines of Grace – Zak Stevens discusses their new CD

Paying tribute to their metal forefathers while also keeping a modern hard rock edge, the Boston-based quartet, Machines of Grace, is one of the few currents acts that will appeal to both factions. Their self-titled debut, which released digitally on July 7th, certainly proves this, as evidenced by such white hot/melodic rockers as "Just A Game," "Psychotic," and "Fly Away."

Comprised of band members Zak Stevens (vocals, whose credits include Circle II Circle, Savatage), Matt Leff (guitars), Chris Rapoza (bass), and Jeff Plate (drums, whose credits include Trans Siberian Orchestra, Savatage, Metal Church), the album was mixed by renowned studio expert Paul David Hagar.

FURY had the chance to sit with Zak Stevens for an in depth interview:

Can you tell me a little on the band was formed?

Zak: ‘In 1989 I went to school at the Musician’s Institute in Hollywood, CA where I met Matt, our guitar player. We later went back to Boston and formed a band Wicked Witch (which was the core of Machines of Grace). We ended up cutting some demos that later helped me get the gig in Savatage. A few of these demos even made it on to this new CD. Twenty plus years later we reformed and now have the chance do to it right.’

That’s pretty cool that the early demos made it on to the new CD.

‘When you write songs that are pure rock, it has a sort of timelessness that you can depend on it. That’s what we love to do, hard rock, we just keep building on it.’

What was the inspiration and driving message for the new CD?

‘It was kind of reactionary to what is happening in this country. When it came time to do some rewrites to the earlier demos as well as write new songs, I would lean towards what is happening around us. The premise that times are tough and we just have to stick it out. America has to fight through this recession. For example, the song, “The Moment”, is about following your dream, and giving it a shoot because you never want to look back and feel that you never tried.’

Who is responsible for writing the songs?

‘Well we all have a hand in writing and arranging the songs. It’s a band effort and everyone is involved in coming up with ideas, riffs and lyrics. We feel that makes it stronger when we are all involved.’

Can you tell me a little about how you got started in music?

‘It started when I was 9 years old and was leaning to play drums. I played quite a lot of drums in band growing up and even played drums on the first three Circle 2 Circle CDs. I drummed while signing from behind the kit because we had a tough time finding a singer. After college I made the break and decided to do just the front man thing! From a marketing aspect, it was tremendously more helpful being a lead vocalist. If you can kick ass on that component you win!’

Who are some of your musical influences?

‘I would have to say, Bruce Dickenson, Ronnie James Dio, Geoff Tate, Robert Plant and David Coverdale. These are all the Hall of Famers who were all out there at the same time.’

Do you have any favorite tracks on the new CD?

‘Between the Lines, is one of the songs I always enjoy listening to. Its got a good feel to it, a solid rock song the likes of which we need to continue writing in the vein of. I also like The Moment and Better Days.’

How did you come up with the name of the band?

‘In the beginning, we posted a few name options on our website and let the fans pick. We had about 3 names, and they chose Machines of Grace. So needless to say we went with that name.’

What are the touring plans for 2009?

‘We going to go out there playing clubs in August. Starting in New England and working our way down through the US.’

Will you be playing the entire CD or mixing it up with Savatage and C2C?

‘That’s a good question, basically we will concentrate on the new CD but we haven’t discussed mixing and matching. I think it will be enough to play just the new CD and stayed focused.’