Five Minutes: Warner Drive

This Los Angeles band has been charging around the Sunset Strip for over five years now. Warner Drive recorded their first full-length album with legendary producer Mike Clink (Guns 'N' Roses, Motley Crue) and famed producer James Michael (Deftones, Alanis Morissette). The group is also launching a Central-Western American tour in September to further broaden their fan base.

West Hollywood Patch caught up with Jonny Law (short for Jonathan Lawrence) the singer for Warner Drive.  He tells us what it feels like to be on-stage, how the name of their latest album "Fully Loaded" came about, and what artist he'd like to collaborate with in the future.

West Hollywood Patch: As a singer, what does it feel like to be on-stage performing?

Jonny Law: It's surreal at times. When we're playing for Warner Drive fans it's easy. They know the music: sing along, mosh, dance, and jump. It's an amazing feeling to know that you've connected with so many people.

But when on tour opening for national acts in front of big crowd (upwards of 1,000 to 5,000) where nobody knows who you are, and they are all expecting you to suck and they want you to fail, winning over a crowd like that is an amazing feeling. Knowing that they're either going to love you or throw bottles at you (which has never happened thankfully) is a thrill for me as a singer, and for the rest of the band as well. 

Patch: So tell us about your first gig?

Law: [It started] right here on the Sunset Strip. I was 14 and played my first gig ever at the Roxy [and] went back and forth between there and the Whiskey A Go-Go. When the Viper Room gave us a chance to play there, that's when things really started taking off for Warner Drive

Patch: Compare this set to other shows you've done...how big of a deal is this to you? Are you nervous?

Law: We're not nervous because we've played every gig from dive bars in small towns for small crowds, to gigs like going on tour and opening for bands like The Killers, JET, and Clutch and many more.

This show is a big show for us because it's here at home in our backyard and we can't wait to get on stage for our hometown friends and fans. The Sunset Strip is a special place for all of us because being from L.A.; we all have unique memories growing up around the scene out here.

Patch: If you could work with any musician, artist out there, who would you pick and why?

Law: I'd like to tour with the Foo Fighters in the US or Billy Talent overseas. Foo Fighters in the U.S. because I think musically, their fans would sh*t over us, and it would be extremely productive. Billy Talent they're my favorite band and huge outside of the U.S. 

Patch: What is the meaning behind the album title Fully Loaded?

Law: Actually, the name of the band used to be Fully Loaded until we were ordered a "cease and desist" by a rap group in the bay area who had the legal rights to the name.

So naming the album "Fully Loaded" was kind of like a [slap in the face] to them for making us change the name. But it was for the best because Warner Drive is "us." I grew up on that street and that's where the band's roots are: in my father's garage, learning our instruments, and figuring out who we were as people as well as musicians.

The name change was such an inspiring thing for me personally especially after losing my father to leukemia. Warner Drive is a tribute to him and all that he stood for, all his support, all his love. 

Patch: How have your gigs and tours progressed along with your fan base?

Law: Touring has meant the world to us in regards to expanding our fan base. An underground band like ours that isn't getting heavy radio spins can only grow through word of mouth and constant touring. We have an amazing fan base all over the country and gigging and touring is responsible for all the success we've achieved. 

Patch: Where do you draw your influences, musical or other?

Law: My Dad. He passed away a few years ago but he is the main driving force behind my motivation and inspiration to succeed in music. Musically, we're all over the board. We all listen to all sorts of stuff so we're all influenced by different artists.  

Patch: What tips to you have for an aspiring musician or band?

Law: Honestly, the best advice I can give is that there is no such thing as a rock star any more. You can't just party and be artistic these days. You MUST have be business savvy and a level head.

If you don't go get it yourself in today's music industry, the chances of something falling in to your lap while you're out there drinking ("sex drugs and rock n roll) are slim to none. Like any profession, the rock star of the 21st century has to "work." If you're not prepared to work, then don't even bother.

Patch: How would you describe your sound?

Law: Up-tempo, melodic rock 'n' roll, with a punk edge and a whole lotta soul.

Patch: Does your band/music have a message, and if so, what is it?

Law: There are messages everywhere. Like most artists we write about the things that affect us in our daily lives, but we also try to get away from the typical songs about girls, or broken hearts and write songs about obscure topics.  One song called The Scarecrow, is a story about the Wizard Of Oz from The Scarecrows point of view.

It's a dark twist on a happy story. Also, we are unveiling a brand new song at The Sunset Music Festival that is pretty unconventional both in its style and its lyrics. I think people are really going catch on to this one.

Patch: Did you write a new song for the show?

Law: We sure did! It's called "OK K-GO!" It's going to blow people's minds! 

Patch: What's in the future for Warner Drive?

Law: Constant touring, constant growth, constant inspiration to give our fans new music. 

Warner Drive is performing Friday at 10:30 p.m. at the Viper Room. To purchase tickets to the Sunset Strip Music Festival, click here.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/warnerdrive

Website: http://www.warnerdrive.com/

MySpace:  www.myspace.com/warnerdrive