Interrogation: Barry Billings of Steelhead
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Published on Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Big Lake band Steelhead has been in action since 1999. With an average of 50 shows per year, says band member Barry Billings, “we stay pretty busy.” The band started out as a trio, but picked up members along the way. “I picked up bass 10 years ago because we couldn’t find a decent bass [player],” says Billings. Now, Billings also plays guitar and keyboard in the band, and is joined by members Dan Hamacher (guitar), Alan McCarroll (guitar, bass and vocals), and Doug Herschbach (drums and percussion). All the members have been in Alaska for decades, and live in the Valley.
Steelhead released a CD in 2007, Which Way Now, “a kind of blues-oriented CD,” says Billings. The band is now starting to record again (with the use of Billings’ home studio). Though they play a mix of blues, rock, and country, the band’s main focus is “anything you can get up and dance to,” says Billings. “There are a lot of good songs out there—if nobody dances to it, we say, ok, go to the next one.” The band mixes in originals and covers. “We just learned—we haven’t played it in public yet—‘Pour Some Sugar On Me’ by Def Leppard,” says Billings.
Though they play frequently in the Valley, the members of Steelhead especially love doing road trips. “Alaska’s so damn big,” says Billings. “There’s lots more to it than just Anchorage; you just gotta go out and find it.”
What's the first song your band learned to play together?
Back when the band first formed, it was probably a classic like “Mustang Sally” or something like that. With the current lineup, it was “Too High For The Supermarket” by The Uninvited.
What are you listening to lately?
Lately we've been listening to more obscure groups, like The Uninvited, Tribe, Primus, and others. You can pick up some cool things to apply to your playing styles from some of the tribal/groove bands. But generally, we're all straight up four-on-the-floor rockers at heart.
Musically speaking, what is your favorite guilty pleasure?
Just straight hard-driving rock and roll that wants you to get up and dance. AC/DC, Kid Rock, Aerosmith… all the stuff everyone loves to hear that gives them a boost.
What musical act (current or extinct) would you most like to see perform live?
Dave Matthews Band and Phish are two that come to mind. They've taken over the Grateful Dead's touring festival where people just follow them around the country. And they're two of the best jam bands in the world and are just tremendous musicians when they cut loose.
What song would you want played at your funeral?
That new song "September,” by Daughtry, is a good one. It's about how time flies by and remembering all the good times in our lives and how the little things mattered.
Gut response: what is your favorite album of all time?
AC/DC, Back In Black. Who doesn't like that album? They nailed it. Every song on that one is a classic.
What band or artist changed your life, and how?
Van Halen was an influence on all of us. Everyone would love to be Eddie. He's the most amazing guitarist of all time, and that band has more hits than we can count. I think our guitarists learned how to shred by listening to Eddie Van Halen.
What instrument do you not play, but wish you did?
Synthesizer. Technology is coming along so fast, especially with music, and a synthesizer can add so much texture to a song, but it takes a lot of time and patience to master playing it. I have a lot of respect for anyone that takes it on as a main instrument.
Does the band have any traditions when getting ready for a show?
A round of Jäger bombs or Jack Daniel’s…
What's your favorite show that you ever played in the state?
We love playing around the Mat-Su Valley, since we're all based there, and like to see our family and friends in the audience. But Steelhead has always been known as a traveling band, and we do love the road trips. A few of our most memorable gigs are the Linwood Bar in Seldovia, the Howling Dog in Fairbanks, and the Sunrise Inn in Cooper Landing.
Laura Chartier - Anchorage Press
(Jan 5, 2011)