FEATURED INTERVIEWS 07                         

Blasko

Blasko is currently Ozzy's bass player and Ozzy has never sounded this good. With numerous years of touring experience, side projects, and Mercenary Management, Blasko is the right man for the job. We take a quick moment to talk with the man about his thoughts on Ozzfest 2007 and why he compares himself to a shark.

By: Gian Erguiza

Gian: You’re currently out on the road playing bass for Ozzy, which is just completely awesome! How’s the tour and the road coming along?

Blasko: It is an awesome experience. I feel very fortunate to be here. It’s got to be a dream to play for Ozzy.

Gian: Have you always dreamt of playing next to the Ozzman himself?

Blasko: I never really dreamed about it because it seemed like such an unattainable goal. Wishful thinking at best. But yes, it is a dream come true.

Gian: Please elaborate. What are your thoughts on the current Ozzfest being a “Free Fest” and where do you think that music is headed to nowadays?

Blasko: The Free Fest was a great success from my perspective. Ozzfest fans showed up and had a great time as always. Nothing different in that respect. I think initially there was much criticism and speculation as to how it would work out, which is to be expected. It was something new that no one had done before. Of course there were haters. But ya know what, ask any one who went to the shows. We all had a blast! I think we are at an exciting time in music. There is a lot out there, and it is all quite accessible, which is cool. In some ways I miss the “mystery” factor in music however, but I don’t wanna sound like the old guy complaining about how much better the “old days” were or some shit. I embrace the change that is taking place with the music scene both good and bad. I anxiously anticipate the next music revolution. I imagine there will be an anti- myspace, anti- scenecore, anti- corporate musical resistance in our future. It only seems natural.

Gian: So tell me Blasko, as co-owner of Mercenary Management, Bassist for Ozzy and Bassist for Death Riders, how hard is it to balance your time in between all of these projects and your other ventures?

Blasko: Easy, I don’t sleep. No rest for the wicked man. I am like a shark. if I stop swimming, I will sink.

Gian: Being co-owner of Mercenary Management, how do you decide and pick which bands to take on under your roster? This one’s for our hopefuls out there.

Blasko: There is no real formula. Usually something just feels right. It’s just an instinct thing I guess. For the hopefuls, feel free to send us a link to our myspace page.

Gian: Speaking of MM, who, under your roster, is making the most noise and is getting the most attention so far? Any recommends?

Blasko: In This Moment and Goatwhore are currently our most successful artists. But At All Cost, Soilent Green, and Creature Feature kick fuckin’ ass too.

Gian: Death Riders, your side project, sounds totally way different from all of your other projects from before or current. How did you get involved with the Death Riders and where does this different style of playing come from? Influences? Bass Heroes?

Blasko: I don’t see any point in doing something that sounds similar to what I have done previously. The Death Riders is a fun studio project with a cool group of friends. When we get together, TDR is what comes out. There are no rules, and we only do what we want to do.

Gian: Let’s talk gear. What do you primarily use to get that nice sounding bottom end while you’re onstage or in the studio?

Blasko: I endorse Schecter Guitars and Mesa Boogie amps. That combo is my tonal assault.

Gian: November Fire is currently the place where to get your official Blasko T-shirt. Are we going to start seeing your shirts/apparel in other stores or clothing chains sometime soon? Any plans?

Blasko: Haha, no. I will be putting up some additional items on my site though, like autographed posters and guitar picks.

Gian: With all of the different bands that you have played with and being in the business for so long, what is the single most important lesson that you have learned throughout your experiences?

Blasko: Don’t be an egotistical prick. We are all pirates man. To get here you must make sacrifices in your life. Respect the people around you and never forget what it took to get you here.

Gian: What is the best thing about playing in front of a live crowd, unforgiving or not?

Blasko: I think it’s the energy. It is impossible to describe the feeling that you get when you play live. It is addicting.

Gian: What does Blasko consider to be fun or good times?

Blasko: At this point, just waking up is good for me. I am just living the dream right now. Some day it will be over, and I’m not gonna worry about that now. Right now, I am just living in the moment.

Gian: Any additional comments?

Blasko: Come visit me and say hi at www.myspace.com/blasko666 Thanks!

Gian: Peace!

Make sure to check out Blasko with Ozzy! Death Riders is also currently recording new tracks and Mercenary Management is always looking for new hopefuls to take under their roster. You can check out MM at http://www.mercenarymanagement.com