Recently, we had the pleasure to interview Nick Menza. American drummer is best known for his work on four of Megadeth’s albums – Rust In Peace, Countdown to Extinction, Youthanasia and Cryptic Writings. In the interview Nick talked mainly about his new projects with Chris Poland, James LoMenzo and a brand new project that’s rumored to be in the works with Rusty Cooley, Phil Sgrosso (As I Lay Dying, Wovenwar) and frontman Jon Howard (Threat Signal). He also admitted that rock will never die. In addition, we talked about musical influences from jazz to the heavy metal, his plans for the future and about his solo album called „Life After Deth”. Also, be sure to check out our interview with Dave Lombardo (PHILM, ex-Slayer)!
DeathMagnetic.pl: A few days ago you were recording drums track in Village Studio. Currently you are working on a project with Chris Poland, James LoMenzo and Rusty Cooley. What can we expect from the album and when it will be released?
Nick Menza: I do studio sessions for various artist’s of all types of music. I’m always available for hire. As far as the new project / band. Chris has had operation on his hand and we are waiting for his speedy recovery to get back to writing songs. Not to confuse anyone, but this project with Rusty is totally separate from the project with Chris Poland and James LoMenzo, I’m collaborating and record with as many musicians as can at this point, having fun and making heavy music i enjoy playing. I love every aspect of music, It’s my life. Rusty and I are talking with Phil Sgrosso from As I Lay Dying, Wovenwar as second guitar player and frontman Jon Howard of Threat Signal.
How did your collaboration with Rusty Cooley begin? Does the fact that he rejected a proposal to play in Megadeth had any meaning?
My manager Robert Bolger contacted Rusty to see if he was interested in jamming with me and he was, We have been talking and sending riffs to each other. He lives in Texas and I am in L. A. We’ll see what happens.
Will someone else join the band?
Yes my project with Poland and LoMenzo we will be looking for a second guitar player and singer witch I have a strong feeling who they will be, but it’s very premature to say who they are, Project with Cooley we will be seeking a bass player real soon.
You have not played in Europe since 1998. Will you go on tour with new music?
I’m sure we will tour. At the moment we focus on getting other members in place and writing songs.
You are Don Menza’s son, so music accompanied you since childhood. What are your musical influences? Are you listening to something that could surprise a typical metalhead?
I grew up listening to all types of music (classical, jazz, rock, pop, you name it). Heavy music is my favorite . Generally if music is good, I like it. It has to be real, with people actually playing together in same room . Not computer generated music that is lifeless. Right now I am listening to Opeth, Porcupine tree, Plini, Wydek, Sithu Aye, and the list goes on an on.. . .
Are your children playing on some instruments? Do you want them to continue „family tradition”?
My Boys are both into playing everything. I will support them in whatever they decide to do in their lives.
Would you agree with the statement that „Rock is Dead”? What bands do you think are the future of metal?
Rock will never die. Without it people would go insane and die. The future of metal is wide open for the taking. In my opinion Meshuggah is the heaviest of all metal. See them live and you will be crushed by oscillations of bass , drums, and ripping guitars and screams of terror.
Do you know maybe some Polish bands? Vader and Behemoth are very popular in the U.S.A. Marty Friedman once said that he loved Decapitated.
Wydek is from Poland [Ed.Note: Maciej „Widek” Dawidek]
So if we touched the topic of Marty, I would like to know whether you keep in contact with him? Did you visited him once in Japan?
Yes, I spoke with Marty just this year . We meet for reunion with Megadeth. But it didn’t happen for either of us.
Let’s talk a little bit about drums.You are a old-school drummer. What do you think about musician who plays blast-beat and uses triggers?
I am a feel player. I think triggers are a must live. You want to sound great you must have great equipment. Triggers don’t make you play better. They enhance the sound of the drums. You want to have the best sound possible live.
Dave Lombardo talked that his favourite drummer is Eloy Casagrande from Sepultura. Who is your favourite percussion artist of the younger generation?
There are so many awesome drummers. It wouldn’t be fair to name just one. Buddy Rich is still the greatest drummer of all time. That’s my opinion!
Many fans believe that you are the best drummer of Megadeth. What do you think about your predecessors and successors?
I am grateful to all the fans for the support and kind words. Megadeth has had many great drummers. I was the 3rd out of 8 drummers who played in 'Deth.
Back in 2002, your solo album „Life After Deth” was released, which I liked very much by the way. How would you rate it now? Are you planning to re-release it and record some new albums in the future? Could you tell us about the circumstances of its creation?
This was my first solo album I did myself, Played all instruments and vocals on it.There are things I love about it, and things I hate about it. I plan to re-release it. It was never released . I just had it up for sale on my Website. It sold like 10,000 copies. I love creating music. It’s my hobby . I do it everyday non-stop. I have so many songs that I just don’t know what to do with all of them. Maybe I will release a HardDrive full of songs 1000 gigs of music? (laugh)
After „Life After Deth” was released you disappeared from the music scene. What have you been doing during this time?
Raising 2 boys and enjoying life. Needed a break from touring and playing drums. Metal drumming takes its toll on your body. It’s like playing pro football. There is a window of opportunity when you are in your best shape to be one of top players in the world.
Do you often listen to music that you recorded? I mean, do you like to go back to the past?
Not usually by choice. But yes I do.
At the end I would like to ask you about the most unsual thing that ever happened
to you on stage.
It was my 27th b-day and Mega were playing in Salt Lake. My tech Rob Corrsie had this stripper underneath my drum riser naked during the show. When I looked down she was inserting a drumstick into her vagina causing me to loose my way during the first song. Thanx Rob.
I must thank you very much for your precious time. Have a nice day, Nick. What else could you tell to your Polish fans?
Thank you to all the fans on this planet. Without you I would not be here today. Its all about the fans. Stay tuned there is more drumming coming. I love you all.
This interview was conducted by Jakub Czpioła.
