SEVEN 13 – Interview with Eddie Q. Matthews

Hello my friend! I am glad I have the chance to ask you some questions. I had never heard of Seven 13 and when I saw a review of yours in a webzine I thought it would be a good idea to contact with you. Thank God I did it! So, I think that it’s not only me who never heard of you before but also many of our readers. Please tell me a few words about Seven 13.

Well, let us first start off by thanking you for your time and interest into our group. We have been working steadily on this project since 1998. There have been many changes within the band through the years but we just seem grow stronger and better with our music. The name of our band represents “Balance.” To achieve anything successfully in life you must have one thing – Balance. “SEVEN” represents supposedly a lucky number while “13” is supposedly and unlucky number. This use of both displays the day, the night – the black, the white – in other words, “Balance.”

Your music is not easy to describe it. You mix rock with metal and pop influences and the result is something original. How could you describe your music? I think the term theatrical rock band is more because of your live appearances.

Our music reflects our own personal experiences, tastes and styles. As one goes through life, we each develop our own path and as true musicians, we reflect that with our music. We do not sit down and tell ourselves to write this way or that way. The muse comes from within and each one of us brings our own unique style to the songs which then produces the “SEVEN 13” sound.

I would like you to tell me a few words about your lyrics. They are not contained in the booklet and I would like to have an idea about their content.

The lyrics of each song represent our own life experiences in someway or another. The “Unleashed” album reflects upon life's journey through several aspects – love, hate, joy, lust, etc.

What are your influences as a band? What kind of music do you listen to in your spare time?

Each member of SEVEN 13 listens to so many different styles of music that it would be difficult to list all of our influences. Some of the larger impacts upon us have been Alice Cooper, David Bowie, Metallica, Mozart, Bach. On our own, we each have our own tastes and that becomes evident when we develop each song together.

You will be performing at this year’s “Splashy Fen” event in South Africa. How did this happen? Have you receive support from this country?

Splashy Fen is a large outdoor event much like “Woodstock” was in the United States. We have dedicated promoters and investors who are seeking competent industry people to take SEVEN 13 to the next level of exposure. Much like when you mentioned that you had not heard of SEVEN 13, well, that is specifically why we are moving to other countries and expanding our presence throughout the world. We are working with a specific South African promoter on this venture.

I read in your bio that you have sold over 6.000 cd’s and have featured in several books and compilations. Do you promote both your cd’s by yourselves or are you in co-operation with distributors? I would also like you to tell me what are the comments you have received about your music.

Because of the unique sound of SEVEN 13, many people find it refreshing to listen to something that's not the “same old” sound. We do work in promoting our CD's but we do have some distributors in the States that assist as well. So many comments have been made about our music but I can offer a few recent reviews. Featured Artist Seven 13, Unleashed With so many bands making it from the Boston area, it was hard to believe there are any more decent Indie bands, but Seven 13 proved me wrong. Although the recording of Unleashed seemed to inhibit the sound and at times, the vocals of Kenneth Michael seemed to overpower the music, Seven 13 has some intelligent vocals with intricate music. The intro to track one, “Drink!” has you leaning one way, as the drums give a funk quality. Then Amanda Adams strikes with the keyboards and from there it's a roller coaster ride for 11 songs. There is no doubt that bands such as Rainbow and Yes! will spring to life when listening to this band. Visit Seven 13 at: www.seven13band.com

I would like you to tell me what the cover of “Unleashed” represents. I can see a lion but what is the point if we read between the lines?

Reading between the lines on the front cover, you will see the numbers “713” listed as well as a heart monitor's line. This displays our fierce dedication to moving ahead and finally being able to experience our music in a larger world arena. It's been a long time coming and alot of hard work.

Tell me a band or an artist that you would like to play with in a concert…

Alice Cooper would be an excellent fit and opportunity.

Have you faced any unusual or funny situation in any of your concerts? Tell me something funny that has happened…

Our dancer, Lauren, is an amazing professional and has put up with so many things due to a show. Bruises, bumps, and scrapes but she keeps right on with the show and her passion comes through to the audience. One time, we were playing in Hollywood, California and in one of Lauren's enactments of our music, many of the club's employees ran over to “help her” not knowing it was part of the show. That is how realistic and dedicated she is with portraying the passion within our music.

Would you prefer to be deaf or blind?

Absolutely prefer blind because without the joy of music, that would be such a black existence.

Do you know any greek band or artist?

If we took the time to go through each band member's music collection, I'm sure we'd come up with a Greek band or artist in there.

That’s all my friend. Thanks for your time and good luck in your future plans!!! Byezzzzzzz

Thank you, Andrew and we appreciate all your support. You've been great.

SEVEN 13
www.seven13band.com