1. How did Helifino come about and how long have you been together?
Let’s see…. Wow… Rob and I used to be in a band together several
years ago and then we hooked back up again to form Helifino.
We’ve been around for about four years now...
2. Please tell us a little about the
songwriting process in Helifino.
Usually someone
introduces a riff and we start jamming on it and then someone will
take it where it goes... whatever feels right.
3. You recently had a lineup change adding a new vocalist?
Please tell us a little about the reason for the change.
Basically our old singer became increasingly difficult to work with.
Not seeing eye to eye with anyone and not willing to compromise.
4. How do you feel about the new lineup?
I think the change was for the better and it has pushed us in a
slightly new direction.
5. What kind of direction?
I suppose we can do a lot more now with a more versatile vocalist.
6. What's your opinion of the Cincy music scene? Who are some
of the good bands/clubs in Cincy?
I’d say the professionalism in the music scene needs an upgrade.
As far as good bands I would say Hekura, Banderas, and the Screaming
Kings.
7. Helifino has one full length CD that was released in June 2003;
Looking back what are you thoughts on the CD?
I feel like it was rushed do to lack of funds and we settled a lot
on stuff we should of took more time at.
8. Are there plans for a new CD in the future?
Yes. We’re currently writing for a release later this year.
Until then you can pick up a new 3 song demo we recently recorded at
our shows for free.
9. What are some of your favorite venues?
And bands outside your hometown?
I like Skully's in
Columbus. And I dug the Short Street Lounge in Lexington (RIP)
As far as bands I'd say Devil Stomp and Frohman.
10. Very often, bands reach a certain level
of local success but aren't able to make it to the next level.
And what mistakes do you think bands commonly make?
I think that
sometimes bands get ahead of themselves, they get a big head and
stop working so hard and it causes them to fail.
11. Over the last few years, more and more
people are now focusing on home recording instead of heading into a
studio to produce their bands first demos, do you think this is a
good or bad thing and how do you think it helps or hurts the
unsigned bands that choose this route?
It has its ups and
downs. It’s good for unsigned bands that can’t afford studio
rates. But then again if you’re shopping something to label
that doesn’t sound quite as professional they may not be
interested.
12. Any last words for your fans?
See you on April
first at Top Cats!
