Mike Tramp was the lead singer for 'White Lion' which sold millions of albums. He followed that with the band 'Freak of Nature', and as a solo artist. In 2005, he has formed 'Tramps White Lion', bringing back the music for another generation. A native of Denmark who has made a lasting impression in hard rock. Thank you Mike, for taking some time to answer a few questions about you; past, present and future.
Do you remember the first time you heard yourself on the radio? (Where were
you? Do you remember what station? What song? What was your reaction?)
MT: It was in 1976, I was 15, the song was "Hey I love you" and it was a
great feeling! Denmark only had one national radio station back then, so it
was big.
Looking back, what do you think killed the 80's music scene?
MT: Overkill, too much of the same, too many copy cats, at the end it was so
diluted and it was time for a change.
What is your opinion of today's music scene, and where do you think its headed next?
MT: I don't know where it's headed. Music and business is one today, business
decided where music is going. You can't look at today, like you looked at
the 60's, 70's and 80's.
What will it take, in your opinion, for melodic hard rock to be popular again
with new bands, or is it even possible?
MT: There's a lot of melodic rock out there, it's just not the way it was in
the 80's and the 80's isn't coming back. Evolution is what it is all about,
and it will just go the way it goes.
How did the shift to grunge affect your songwriting? Do you try to keep up
with trends in music, or stick to what you personally like?
MT: I didn't shift to Grunge, I couldn't have, it wouldn't have been legit.
You are not grunge because you wear cut off military shorts. Freak Of Nature
played a form of hard rock that might have had traces of Soundgarden etc.
But that doesn't make us Grunge. Cobain was Grunge.
Are there differences between touring in Europe as opposed to the United
States? If so, what are they?
MT: Europe is fueled by rock magazines, the USA is fueled by radio. But the
European hard rock fans are more like diehard collectors, they own
everything and it seems it's a total lifestyle for them. The US will always
be the greatest rock country in the world, but the times they have changed for
good. Today it's damn hard!
I interviewed Brian Young a while back and he mentioned that there was a
possibility of him doing some shows with you. Is that still in the works?
MT: NO.
I know you've stated that Vito's not coming back, but do you still talk to
him? What is preventing the two of you from getting back together?
MT: I have given up on him, and I don't care if I ever see his face or talk
to him again in my life. James and Greg will always be friends and we will
talk from time to time.
Who owns the name White Lion and who has the say over how it's used when you
tour?
MT: No matter what the contract says, the club owner will announce it as
White Lion, be it Tramp's White Lion or Mike Tramp solo! Welcome to showbiz!
What's in the future for Mike Tramp?
MT: I don't know. Next year I will have played Rock'n'Roll professionally for 30
years. It's' what I do, so I will do it big or small, high or low. I am in the
middle of finishing my new solo album, it's going to be great, but I don't
know if it will be a people success.
Anything else you'd like to mention that I haven't asked about?
MT: It's a nice day here in Melbourne and fans can stay current with Tramp
info on www.miketramp.com The new Tramp's White Lion cd "Rockin' In The USA is now available in the Trampshop!
Mike!
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