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E-mail interview with american band Cromwell, October'08
Active Rock: You're one of the best kept secrets of music scene. What's your story?? How did you hook up?? 
Cromwell: We all went to the same high school, grew up in the same area, and hung around the same people. One day we were all in between projects and happen to meet and play. We have been a band ever since. At first it was just fun, then more and more people started to show up to practices, which turned into shows and so on……The name Cromwell comes from a street name that we partied and grew up on, the street that brought us all together. Cromwell Street in Rialto California.
Active Rock: As far as I'm concerned, you're very determinate in what you're doing. Where this determination come from?? Is it your recipe for success??
Cromwell: Yes we are very determined. Everyone one of us in the band all share the same dream. No recipe, just a drive and will power to do something we have always wanted.
Active Rock: I checked photo gallery on your MySpace with fans having Cromwell's tattoos. That's rare for independent bands to have such a dedicated fan base.
Cromwell: You seen that! Our fans are fucken crazy! We love them so much!!! The tattoo photos keep growing and growing, more people getting the Cromwell "C" and supporting. We really love and appreciate all our fans, you guys are so kick ass!
Active Rock: You have released independently two efforts, EP "So Close to Forever" and LP "Illusion and Obsession". I'm sure it was tough, because there was no label behind you at that time. How did you make that happen??
Cromwell: It was tough, real tough. Honestly I don't know how we did it, but we knew it had to happen. That's actually similar story to everything we have done, even tour lol. Once, well twice.. we left on a month long tour across the whole U.S in a gas guzzler, hauling a van full of equipment, with only a couple hundred dollars, that was a challenge! But things are always tough, especially when you have a dream and nothing to fund it. You just got to get out and do it.
Active Rock: Finally, you get signed by Redefined Records. How did you hook up wit them?
Cromwell: The CEO of the label had been in contact with our management, coming to shows, etc... Cromwell as a band had been in contact with a few different labels and opportunities. Redefined presented to us exactly what we were looking for. They did not want to change our image, style, or music. They just wanted to sign us because of who we already were. After months of shows, tours, meetings and phone calls, we set it in stone.
Active Rock: Your CD "Illusion and Obsession" will have a nationwide release on January 2009 via Redefined. Did you re-recorded some of the tunes?? How this material will differ from your independent release? 
Cromwell: Yes it will be re released through Redefined Records in January 2009. The songs are not re recorded, but it gives us an opportunity to spread our music to areas we would have never imagined (like Poland:-), also tour different states and regions. It will get us to the next step, in the near future possibly release another cd.
Active Rock: "Better days" is a great single, this song reached the number one spot on our chart. I'm sure it's also a fan favorite in the US, but as far as you go mainstream, don't you afraid you won't fit American radio standard (Hinder, Chevelle, Three Days Grace, Seether)??
Cromwell: Thank you! Yeah Better Days is a fan Favorite, its our hype song. That is when the crowd really gets moving. We are not to worried it fits what everyone would consider mainstream.. We write music based on thought's, life, and emotion. We try and write music people can relate to, and enjoy mainstream or not.
Active Rock: Your drummer Marty Elliott is insane! He's drumming is outstanding. It's like you have a power metal drummer in alternative band.
Cromwell: Marty is an animal. He is very talented! We all listen and are influenced by different styles of music but somehow we to make it all mesh well. We love Marty!
Active Rock: You play a lot of live shows, also acoustic performances. What concerts means to you?? What people can expect from Cromwell live show?? Where the idea on acoustic shows came from?? 
Cromwell: Concerts are everything to us, that is where we shine. We are not a studio band, we love to be on stage playing for everyone who will listen. We love to go mingle with our fans and friends and just have fun and enjoy what we do. The Acoustic performance is something we do to switch it up a bit. Some places we tour through are more of a low key setting, sometimes industry shows. It is something we enjoy doing every once in a while. It keeps things fresh and different. Most radio performances we do are done acoustic, people seem to enjoy it. Cromwell live is different. We put a lot of heart and energy into every show, we feed off the crowd. You can expect to hear four real guys playing music that moves us.
Active Rock: What are your plans for the future??
Cromwell: We would like to be on the road and tour as much as possible. After time (about a year) possibly record a few new tracks. Then tour, tour and tour again . We would love come through Poland:-)
Active Rock: What would you like to tell to your fans in Poland??
Cromwell: You guys are amazing! We love you all, thank you so much for the support!
Active Rock: THANKS for your time!!! Rock on CROMWELL!!!
Q - Sebastian Grabowski sebastian@activerock.pl |