Bloody Hollies set on fire the pure rock n' roll scene with their "Fire At Will". The album that every Exploder should have in his personal discography! Wesley Doley (vocals, guitar, harmonica) answers to the questions of Dr. Roberto Barisone! Have fun!

Hi guys can you introduce yourself to Italian readers and tell us the story of Bloody Hollies? Which previous experiences did you have? When and how did you form the band?
Well, basically, I started the band in the summer '99 with a guy I went to school with. We pretty much played out in Buffalo for a couple of years before we finally started getting attention outside of Buffalo. Last year, we hooked up with Sympathy For The Record Industry, and they put out "Fire At Will.

"Fire At Will" is a very good work and to prove that you have all the approvals of the fans. Your voice reminds me about Rose Tattoo and AC/DC, Bon Scott era, but I would say your proposals are wider. How did you get your sound and which are the bands which influenced you?
I could probably name over a hundred different bands and artists that I hold near and dear, but my main influences are probably Devo, AC/DC, The Oblivians, The Blues Explosion, and I'm sure there are more, but I guess our sound came over a gradual period of time of figuring out what we were best at and most importantly what we liked. I've always thought that it should be simple. Rock'n' roll isn't rocket science. Anyone who tries too hard usually sucks.

How do you explain the fact that rock'n'roll goes on and is still so appreciated in 2004, even if it's closer to past styles?
I think that in the end, people will be drawn to simplicity of rock n roll. It's primitive, just like us.

Is possible to add innovation to rock without any risk to make it loose its real soul?
I guess that's what separates bands from others, their distinctive sound. That's why so many cookie cutter garage bands fall by the wayside, because they pretty much blend in after awhile I suppose.

What do you think are the main reasons why the market is gonna exclude the vinyl and accepting CDs when all the real music listeners know the vinyl gives a more lively approach to the record?
Record players and records just aren't as practical as cd's are. Most people listen to most of their music in the car or at work…personally, I love listening to records. There's something about listening to a great record on vinyl that adds to your appreciation of it.

"Fire At Will" front cover is curious: nobody is gonna think that these 3 innocent guys with their ties are gonna give such a sound attack! Why this choice?
Honestly, there wasn't any deep meaning behind the cover. We basically just went outside and had a friend snap the picture. I sent it to Sympathy, and there it is, for everyone to see. (laughs)

On the back cover, instead, there is the burning and wild atmosphere of your live shows! What does really happen during your gigs? The stage is the place where all the real rock band give space to their damnation and emotions, so which are your feeling when you are on it?
Playing live should be the only reason why anyone with a guitar or a microphone should even think about being in a band. I can't wait to get on a stage and do what I do. I hate going long periods of time without playing live. I've always felt that the real Bloody Hollies music is what you hear live. We never stick to the script. We kind of have a whatever happens, happens attitude about out live shows.

How do your songs get alive? Where do you find your inspiration to write lyrics? Is there a main song writer among you or do you work as a team?
I suppose I would be the main song writer. Song ideas just kind of come. I could be driving in my car and an idea for a guitar riff, or lyric can just come out of the blue. I like it when it happens that way. I've never been able to just sit down and say "ok, I'm gonna write a song now." I was actually in my car when I wrote "Swing." I was kind of laughing to myself about writing a song about "hanging around." I think I pretty much thought of the guitar riff at the same time.

There's a song of "Fire At Will" to which you feel closer to? If there is one can you explain us your choice?
I like the first track, "Downtown Revolver" basically because it's pretty much to the point. It's just a straight ahead rock 'n' roll song with no attempt to trick anyone. I like hard bitten, and blood pressure as well. But my favourite on the album is definitely the last track "Dog Fight." The song was basically Mike and myself rocking out in his basement one day. We happened to be recording it, and low and behold it ended up on the album. It's also one of my favourite to play live. Maybe that's because it gives my sore vocal chords a rest.

Is there any of your concert you remember better? Why does this event gave you this satisfaction?
I think our Sxsw show in Austin this year was a really great show. It was good to see a crowd of Bloody Hollies' "fans" walking away feeling like they've just seen a great show.

Which is your relation with S.F.T.R.L. Records? How did they contribute on "Fire At Will"?
Long Gone John is really cool. He's really into the music, which is a quality that I think a lot of record labels these days lack. The album was pretty much done by time we approached him with it. So he wasn't really involved in the recording process. If I had my way, I'd like to put our next album "Satanica Automatica," out on sympathy.

What can you tell me about your life on the road? Which are the strangest, funniest things ever happened to you on tour?
I had a remarkable string of bad luck on the last tour with my health. I had fevers, weird skin diseases, strep throte, the flu…you name it. But I never missed one show. Although I'd apologize to the people in Fayetteville, Arkansas who had to watch me struggle to stand up straight for the duration of our set.

Your favorite porn star, fav drink, biggest fear and 5 top albums of ever…
Porn star... I don't ever like to see the same one twice, fav drink... Bloody Mary (I can get drunk and healthy at the same time), biggest fear... office job for the rest of my life, top five 5 albums, in order: "Are We Not Men, We Are Devo" by DEVO, "Johnny Cash Live At San Quentin", "High Voltage" by AC/DC, "Soul Food" by Oblivians, "Fear Of A Black Planet" by Public Enemy.

Do you have any particular interest beside music? What do you like to do in your spare time? Sex excluded….
I like watching bizarre films, art, graphic design…in my free time I usually bitch about the weather considering that I live in Buffalo.

I know you and another band called Moscoba as well. I imagine you have a good rock scene in your City and some talented guys too. Can you tell something about this?
I really don't know too much about the Buffalo music scene honestly. We play pretty much as far away from it as we can. Although, I like Moscoba. They're pretty cool. I hooked them up with Nicotine Records out of Italy. I think they're putting out their next album. I hope it goes well.

Now add beside each word an adjective or a comment:
Sweat: Olivia Newton John...
Sex: I prefer the term "doing it"...
Southern Confort: Oxymoron...
Bon Scott: Would have been a better replacement than Sammy Hagar...
Devil: I hope he's not the one telling me what to do all the time.
Tattoo: Only cool if your covering up an exgirlfriends name.
Truth: The reason why I never get the job...

Allright Wesley that was the last question. Now I'll give you space for final greetings and whatever to our readers…
I just wanted to thank everyone who has supported the band and we can't wait to come out to Italy. thanks again!

Intervista realizzata da Roberto Barisone
Traduzione di Kendy K. from Snakebite
Supervisione di Margherita Realmonte