Golden State Lead Singer James Grundler in conversation

The Band from the Song, 'World on Fire' at least, have a big AOR sound, FM radio and road trip feel. How would you describe your music?  

Imagine yourself looking out, standing on the edge from the top of the empire state building and breathing in all the vast landscape that looks as though it goes on for ever. That’s Golden State, or I could put it simpler, a true arena rock band!

Tell us about the band, how did you get together, when, were and with what ambitions?

I met Marc when Paloalto went on tour with Supergrass in Chicago and we really hit it off and he always told me we were going to be in a band together. Sure enough he moved to Los Angeles and the rest is history.

Marc then introduced me to the slippery long hair ( formerly of RJSA ) on bass, Elias a year later and then of course came our fearless drummer Kemble Walter of ( Julliet and the licks, Ages, fame ).

We were set. All the components where there and the planets aligned. Golden State was ready for lift- off.  It’s really a great thing when everyone has the same plan to take the music to the world.

Your album 'Division' has already been released in the U.S. Is there a UK release due and are you already working on Album No.2?

Oh yeah Division needs tot be released in the UK for sure but the next record is almost complete.

You have toured extensively in the States, any particular highlights from your last stint on the road?

For starters we have a tons of songs that are featured in TV shows and films.  I guess you could say getting your songs licensed is like radio for us. It was really exciting to see people singing along to the songs in every city.

Who controls what get played music wise on the tour bus … and what are the favourites?

I think its all first come first served and who is awake or not but the deciding factor is the music can’t suck so there is a lot of pressure for anyone that wants to put a track on and face the possible scrutiny of the other guys, ha! Loads of Zeppelin, Gene Vincent, Beatles, shoegaze, Physcedlic rock, a grab bag of greatness.

How do you prepare for a show once at the venue and is it straight back to bus after the show or do you enjoy meeting the crowd?

It’s a lot of the same routine from town to town. We play some great music in the bus and watch great rock movies like Live at Pompeii, or AC/DC Let There Be Rock. Then after we meet up with the crowd and hang for a bit. That’s always fun hanging with the audience then it’s back on the bus.

You have some UK dates to be announced shortly, what can we expect from those shows?

Yeah we cant wait to get over there. I haven't been there since Paloalto and it really felt like home. You will believe in rock n roll again!

What does the band prefer studio or concert stage and why?

I feel we love both avenues. The studio is where the creative process happens but then live you get to try out those ideas and get instant feedback!

If you could tour with any other current band, who would it be and why?

Whew that is a tough one since there is so many we would love to tour with.

U2, Coldplay, The Killers, Foo Fighters, 

Any advice for the kids, just forming their first band? 

Remember to do your homework and have a blast!

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