The Rhythm Authority
Karl Krafton Of Artificial Agent
This band is fun and reminds me alot of Bands i used to love Back in my teens. A little Motley crue, with a twist. I really dig this band! Karl a very talented and creative guy. Check out the interview lots of great info learned on the man. Check out the band with the links below. You can also follow them on twitter and facebook. Now lets see what karl has to share with us.
TRA: When Did you start playing?
KK: I started playing at 10 years old in the school band. I also had private snare drum lessons until the 10th grade.
TRA: Why the Drums?
KK: It's fun, and it feels great. The actual movements of drumming make me feel good--and it's not just the "hitting things" haha! I even liked playing on the practice pad. I actually still have my 2 original pads.
TRA: Do you play any other instruments?
KK: No, I don't.
TRA: Do you have a style of playing? Tell us about it?
KK: I just play what I feel is appropriate for the music, and style of the band.
I'm not a basher at all, but I do play with authority.
I play with dynamics--depending on the style, sometimes it needs to be loud,
like with Artificial Agent. I'm supportive of the song, and I don't "go off" and blow over the other instruments, or vocals just to do some cool drum lick.
TRA: What do you think you bring to the band? Could be Musicaly or personaly?
KK: Musically, I use my ears, I know what to do, what to play and what NOT to play.
Personally, there's no drama with me. I'm easy to get along with, we're all there to do something good.
TRA: Was there a moment when you just knew that drums were your passion?
KK: The first time I saw a band in grade school at an assembly. I remember thinking it was REALLY cool. After I had already been playing on a kit for a while, I saw Cheap Trick (w/KISS). Seeing Bun E. Carlos live made me say "I want to do THAT!". I've been friends with Bun E. for over 15 years now, and being able to tell him what that show did for me as a kid was a real treat. He thought it was pretty cool.
TRA: What do you feel makes a good drummer?
KK: Someone who can use their ears, is supportive, and makes the other band members feel good by giving them a solid foundation to do what they do in the band.
TRA: What does your kit Consist of?
KK: Ludwig drums and snares. Paiste cymbals. 26" bass drum (various depths)
9x13 tom, 13x16 (left side), 14x16 & 16x18 floor toms (right side).
99% of the time, the snare is a 6.5 Black Beauty. 15" 2002 Sound Edge, or, 15"
Giant Beat hi hats. 20-22-24" crash/rides. I use all my cymbals as a crash, and a ride.
The series I use are 2002, and Giant Beat. I also use sticks made by Jeff Rich at Custom Drum Sticks.
TRA: What are you Passionate about?
KK: Creating something of quality that will stand up over time. Brining a cool vibe to what the band is doing. I'm also a Graphic Designer, and art is a big part of my life.I dig anything creative.
TRA: What are you influences?
KK: Pretty much anything that is going on that gives me a good feeling.
It could be anything, because I try not to close myself off from anything.
Drummer-wise, I dig Steve Jordan, Bun E. Carlos, Cindy Blackman, Patrick Keeler,
Jack White, Pete Thomas... so many... Joe Morello, Papa Jo Jones, Ian Paice.... I really dig the drumming on all the old 70's radio hits too.
TRA: What about being a musician are you most passionate about?
KK: Creating music, playing with others and having it feel great.
The whole creative process! Live shows, rehearsing,
recording, I like it all.
TRA: What DO you listen to?
KK: My listening is all over the place! A to Z. Good music is good music.
I like anything that isn't "formulated". I'm not big on things that just sound the same as everything else.
The "powers that be" in the industry today are, IMO, doing a disservice to listeners by not letting musicians be musicians, and putting their own stamp on the sound and feel of their music.
In earlier days, you could ALWAYS tell the difference between groups-no matter what the type
of music by the sound. Now, it's pretty hard for an "average" listener to tell the difference between artists with the stuff that is on the radio.
TRA: What do you think is the best thing a fan ever gave you?
KK: Having someone say that they really enjoyed what I did, and how good the band sounded is the best.
TRA: Tell us about your band:
KK: We are fun, and energetic on stage, and I think we have really cool songs.
I've heard people say they don't
listen to their own music, but, I LIKE what we do, so I listen to our cd's.
We also have a vinyl coming out, which
will have songs from both of our cd's. I'm really excited to hear it because I love records.
TRA: What are you future plans musically?
KK: To play until I drop.
