Al Perez Talks New EP, Single And More

 Hugely respected Los Angeles born musician Al Perez returns with a brand new EP titled ‘Steps’ which is out now on Pezzbro Records And Tapes. We caught up with him to find out more about his new music:

 

You have your new EP ‘Steps’ out now. How did you want to approach the making of the EP?

I was wrote this one from the heart and wanted a nice band recording with not a lot of layers just a great message and Steller musicianship.

 

Where did you record the EP and who produced it?

 

The recording was done a fabulous boutique studio Nettleingham Audio (Vancouver WA.USA ) Producers Kevin Nettleingham.

 

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

Well, we always have a great time together in the studio ..the only thing memorable was the drum tracks were rerecorded with and alternate drummer as my primary drummer was not available but I was not satisfied with them so we came back to the studio and rerecorded with Derk Boone on two tracks.

 

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

Well this a fantastic recording studio.  For the vocals we used a Manley Gold Reference tube microphone to a McAllister MP2 mic pre through an In ward Connections Brute 500 series optical compressor.

Matt Salinas – Electric Guitars Collings & Suhr Guitars Fender/Bogner amps
Derek Boone -Drums Pearl Master Custom maple kit Zildjian cymbals
Al Perez -Acoustic Guitars -Breedlove Various models
Jean -Pierre Garua -Nord Stage 4 Piano Ventilator II Leslie simulator
Randy Gerhart – Fodera bass Aguilar amp accugroove cabs

 

Which of your new EP tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

A, happiest song “Brother of mine “ is wonderful reflection of my life with brother who I have been partners in crime our whole life as we are only one year apart he was played music with most of my music career
B. Don’t think I really have any angry songs on this recording (not to say I have not in the past )
C. Most reflective is STEPS as it really describes my feeling and gratitude to getting Do over with my sobriety

 

Who were the musicians who were on the EP with you?

Jean -Pierre Garau – piano /Organ
Matt Salinas- electric guitar
Derek Boone – drums
Randy Gerhart /Arcellus sykes-bass
Al Perez- Acoustic guitar

 

Does the EP’s title have a specific meaning/significance?

This album is a called The Collection “Then and Now” -3 new song track, song selected from prior albums and two live recording offerings it has full 11 tracks.

 

Was it a difficult EP to write?

Not really, I love to write & I write quickly and frequently I always have lots of songs to choose from it more budget and label decisions deciding what gets released.

 

Who designed the EP artwork?

Caleb Olsen at Nettleingham Audio Cover design photo by graceful lens photography Chloe Owens

 

 

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Hometown to me these days is Vancouver WA USA Beautiful ,friendly , Musical, growing, home , green

 

 

How do you look after your voice?

No smoking or drinking alcohol – warm ups, sing in a more natural style and never sleep with and air conditioner.

 

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025/2026?

Non dates in the UK for 2025 but we are very close to booking dates in the UK early 2026.

 

Do you have any favored stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

Yes I play Breedlove Acoustic Guitars (various American made models ) they beautiful instrument built here in the NW were I live , my preferred live microphone is a Sennheiser e 965 and my wireless microphone is a Sennheiser ew 500 g4 kk205 and my amp is a Fishman artist bt

 

You have also released the title track single. What was the story/inspiration behind the song?

Steps – is my song speaking on my journey of sobriety of 4 years

 

Is it accompanied by a visualiser?

If you mean video no, we have not recorded one yet but hope too very soon

 

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

Any love story I suppose like NOTE BOOK or even Romeo and Juliet I am love to write about love lol.  I am a big old softy. but I do have some new edgy song that could be used in more gangster type moves But I believe I could write a score for nay movie if given the opportunity (I also have a musical in the works).

Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Nightfly Management

Al Perez’s  brand new EP titled ‘Steps’ is out now on Pezzbro Records And Tapes.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alperezband/