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Time Spent Burning, from Las Vegas, Nevada is our latest interview...

VMU: Hey Johnny how are you doing?
JOHNNY: Pretty good

VMU: How did Time Spent Burning begin? And what is the current line up?
JOHNNY: Tony and I are the originators of the group, we began in my old apartment with and an electric drum set and whole lot of ideas. We we're originally going to try and start a band that would be along the lines of Mudvayne and Static-X , but after Tony and I auditioned Cody (vocalist), we changed plans. He can actually sing and we love em' too. The line up is Tony Aiello on the guitar, Cody Cloe the singer, Charles Garland the bassist who also plays a mean guitar and who is in the Blue Man group (gotta throw that in there), and myself the drummer.

VMU: I own both of your indie CD releases, the first recorded in California and the second in Las Vegas NV. Could you explain what studios you guys recorded in and who produced both CDs?
JOHNNY: Our first one was recorded in Riverside, California by Remy, who was referred to us by Cody’s ex-manager. Our second and our proudest product thus far was recorded by Matt (sorry forgot the last name) at Up-front Studios out here in Vegas. Don't try to look for though, they recently had their place broken into and they had to shut down. Huge bummer!

VMU: Could you explain the recording process? Were they both done digital or analog? If computers [were used] what programs did they use, Pro-tools, Cakewalk etc.?
JOHNNY: The recording process, hmm let me see. It was over and done with too quickly and I goofed off most the time so I didn't pay attention to all the gizmos and such. Although, I do believe they mentioned Pro tools. I just like to play the rockstar and let the pro's handle the rest.

VMU: I felt the second release was a lot more open and brighter in sound then the first CD. Were you guys happy with the sound? And how long did the recording time and mix down take for each CD?
JOHNNY: Me too, Matt really knew what he was doing and we are very pleased with the final product. As far as the mix down time, we had a lot of problems, because there were about a trillion computer glitches that delayed our CD for about a month and half. I think we had our pre-release out for a month before we were able to sell the final one.

VMU: Were the releases fully mastered?
JOHNNY: I believe the second one was, not too sure about the first though.

VMU: Could you explain what musical gear you use now for live performance and recording? And what do the other members use?
JOHNNY: This is a question for Tony, maybe I should call him, nah. I'll try my best. I use a Pearl Export kit with Zildjian cymbals and Gibraltar hardware. Tony uses a custom blue B.C. Rich and 2 Mesa Boogie cabs (I think), Charles uses a very sunburst bass guitar and makes it sound very good, Cody uses a cordless microphone and I believe he likes it. Sorry, answering equipment questions is not my strongest attribute.

VMU: What do you enjoy more live shows or studio recording?
JOHNNY: Now that's easy, I love live shows. I'm a nut and I love to rock with the crowd.

VMU: I, myself have played many gigs and done studio time. Could you explain what is the most frustrating feeling about doing live shows and recording?
JOHNNY: For live shows, frantically setting up my drums, only to wait for the rest of the guys to get ready. For recording, only waiting to get the master done and in my impatient hands.

VMU: What is some of the great news TIME SPENT BURNING is facing today?
JOHNNY: God has given us a lot opportunities to be able to showcase our music to many well known record companies and has blessed thru and thru. But, the greatest news is we are undivided, when it all comes down, to unrelentlessly telling people about the love of Jesus Christ and how he has changed our lives.

VMU: How do you guys feel about the secular and Christian market? Do you feel musically it has come to a stand still? And are you familiar with any European or non-USA acts?
JOHNNY: I believe the music scene as a whole is looking for the next Nirvana, to change things up a bit and give rock a whole new spin. I love what is coming out in the Rap scene though, a lot of talent, lyrically they need some help though. But you have to give props to the hardcore scene, for bringing us bands like Agony Scene and As I Lay Dying, you gotta love em'. Hmm, as far as non- US acts go, I like to listen to Extol (Sweden), Mortification (Australia),Blindside(Sweden), Bjork(Iceland), and sometimes Abba(Sweden). Swedes got it going on!

VMU: I know you and your guitar player Tony Aiello really well and I believe you guys are real in your playing and sound, but how do you feel about other bands trying to fit into the mold just to be accepted in the mainstream (Christian or secular)?
JOHNNY: Well, I guess if they can do it and feed their families in the process, go for it. But, I personally don't feel like playing music for that purpose, and that is probably why I still have to work for a living.

VMU: If you were endorsed by any company what would it be and why?
JOHNNY: Gotta be Starbucks, yeah baby! Why? Because I love em' java!!!

VMU: Could you explain lyrically what your songs are about?
JOHNNY: Mostly about personal reflection and how we can better ourselves by letting go and giving God total control.

VMU: How much time do you get to practice? And also with TIME SPENT BURNING?
JOHNNY: Wow, I mostly exercise these days. But as a band, we shoot for three times a week, but we usually hit it twice a week.

VMU: Who manages the group and books your shows?
JOHNNY: Noah Bernardo is our manager, we love em' he is amazing, God has really blessed him with leadership qualities. Booking shows is kind of a group effort.

VMU: Is a recording deal in the works?
JOHNNY: Yes, I don't wanna say just yet, but yes. Exciting times, but when we find out the details we let y’all know.

VMU: Explain your passion for music. I know your parents used to own a recording studio and your brother used to have a rap project. What was that like growing up?
JOHNNY: Very cool, my musical tastes are very wide because of that fact. I listen to everything from Doobie Brothers to Zao.

VMU: You've toured the US with a few bands and released an album back in the day with Vengeance Rising, could you explain briefly about your past?
JOHNNY: I'll tell you as briefly as possible, so I don't bore anyone with all the details. I've toured with for Vengeance Rising and recorded "Released Upon the Earth" in 92', Mortification in 93', Mortal in 93', relaxed a little and did some things here and there, toured for the blamed in 96', and there you have it.

VMU: What was it like going on tour for the first time?
JOHNNY: Nice, but I slept most the time.

VMU: What would you say to younger musicians trying to break into the scene from your experience?
JOHNNY: Rock hard, don't worry if the audience is listening, just give it all and play from the heart.

VMU: You have a really long history. Do you regret in anyway in what you've done? Or would you rather be doing something else?
JOHNNY: Not at all to both questions, to quote Stryper "I was born to rock and I'll give all I got.”

VMU: I’ve been a bass player for many years and I have to know how your player gets his sound. Could you explain where you found him and what gear he uses?
JOHNNY: Ah, spit . . . I wish I could answer that question, but I'm a little equipment illiterate.

VMU: You were recently on the "Detach System: Complete" V.1 Compilation CD. How do you feel about being on a disk with different styles of music?
JOHNNY: Variety is the spice of life, who said that?

VMU: Thanks very much for this interview, do you have any last words for the reader?
JOHNNY: If you're still reading this I commend you, and if you are still reading this and still think were cool, visit our website at www.timespentburning.com. I can't end this interview without a shameless website plug, props to Tiffaney much love! Thanks Much Vic! You are too cool!! xoxoxoxoxxo....

VM Underground
March 29, 2004