Diamond Eye’s debut release was a live CD/DVD titled ‘Alive and Kicking’. That proves that they are not one to follow and that they have the audacity a rock band requires. We caught up with front man Will Kelly who has been rocking out shirtless in front of crowds since he was just a kid, and he may even be the love child of Paul Stanley.

Diamond Eye play stadium rock that is highly influenced from the 80s scene. What are your views on rock music today?

First of all to Mitch and everyone at Black Munk thanks for your review of ‘Sound Of The Guns’ and for taking an interest in Diamond Eye.

Rock music today is extremely diverse and has something for everybody. There are so many sub headings and genres that whatever your taste in rock you can find something suitable for your palate.

This of course, makes for a proverbial melting pot of creativity. Rock music is alive and well in the 21^st century and we offer our ingredient to the stew!

Paul Stanley has obviously a huge influence on you, have you ever thought of starting a Kiss cover band?

No. There are enough Kiss tribute bands around I prefer to remain focused on Diamond Eye as my vehicle for creative expression. Paul Stanley is a big influence as is many other singers from David Bowie to Ronnie James Dio. I have never tried to copy any of them deliberately, however when you listen to certain musicians for years their style and delivery does rub off on you.

Incidentally, I was adopted at birth and have never met my real father so who knows… Ha!

Seeing as Diamond Eye is not a group of 18year olds one would assume this is not your first band. What fulfilled your musical ambitions before Diamond Eye?

I have always been attracted and involved in music and performing all my life. When other kids were bringing in their pets for show and tell I took my shirt off and lip-synced to The Beatles ‘I Dig A Pony’ the girls in the front row loved it!! That was enough for me. I guess it’s in the blood, I formed my first band at 10 and went from there. I don’t know whether I found music I think it found me. My ambition is to take it as far as it can go and Diamond Eye is the best vehicle I have found for it yet.

How did the opportunity arise to perform on live television as part of Channel 7’s charity telethon with the likes of Def Leppard?

It was offered to us if we would like to be involved and of course we jumped at it. Telethon is such a worthy cause and reminds you just how fortunate you are to be able to do whatever you want in life.

An opportunity to be on television and perform was a big thrill for us and we wanted to give it everything, packing a whole Diamond Eye show into 5 ½ min, playing the song ‘Sound Of The Guns’ seemed appropriate as it is all about getting what you want out of life and living it to the full.

We hope we can be involved next year as well.

What are some of your favourite current Australian artists?

Electric Mary rock! I saw them when they opened for Judas Priest, they are a great band. There are many others, basically anyone who combines melody and punch with great delivery and showmanship gets my vote.

Diamond Eye’s first release was a live CD/DVD titled ‘Alive and Kicking’, that sends out a strong statement that your live show is amazing. What led to the decision of a live CD/DVD being the bands first release?

You’ve answered your own question…Ha! We DID want to make that statement and we do like to do things a little differently from other bands. We wanted to release a live CD/DVD to show people that there is a band out there that’s committed to delivering their songs through a great performance. People come to SEE a band not just listen. Our fans have come to expect nothing less from us, they demand it! And we are always willing to go to any lengths to provide it.

When can fans expect to hear new music, possibly a full length?

We are beginning our pre-production for a full length release in the new year we have plenty of songs to choose from. It is very important to us that we work with the right people to be able to capture the Diamond Eye sound in all its glorious energy. We have been showcasing some new songs recently, and they have been well received by the fans.

We are ready to explode into 2012 there is a lot we want to accomplish.

I just want to add my best wishes to you and your readers for the festive season approaching us, stay safe, I look forward to talking with you next year. Don’t forget to check out our web site www.diamondeyeofficial.com

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Straight up rock ‘n’ roll is what Babyjane deliver. Their debut album ‘Are You Listening’ has received glowing reviews worldwide. We caught up with front man Andy Smith and asked the hard-rocker a few questions.

How long have Babyjane been rocking out together?

Since 2008.

‘Are You Listening’ is a very impressive debut album. How long did it take to write and record?

It was done over a period of time due to the fact we all have day jobs. Probably from start to finish about a year.

The album is mixed by Michael Wagner (Metallica, Motley Crue, Ozzy Osbourne etc.), and mastered by George Marino (Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Aerosmith etc.). Eric Conn, and Don Cobb. How overwhelming was it to have people with that experience to be working on your music?

It was an awesome experience. We were determined to not do things half arsed with our debut release so when the chance came to work with the big names we jumped at it and got the results we hoped for.

The East Coast of Australia is where a huge amount of Australian artists originate. So who is currently destroying the Perth scene right now that the rest of the country needs to keep an eye on?

Babyjane…plus our favourite band on the local scene are a band originally from Bunbury called Shots Fired. They are based in Melbourne these days but they have the same type of ‘Fuck You’ attitude as us. Honest rock n roll.

What band would you love to do a National tour alongside?

To be honest, anybody that gave us the opportunity. Of course we all have our favourite bands but I’d play with anyone who gave us the chance to get our music across to a wider audience. I think that a major national support is the logical next step for us.

With the overseas success of Melbourne’s Airbourne, does it give you a strong belief that Babyjane could be just as successful?

Why not? We have a world-class album that has received critical acclaim from all over the world. The songs are there-we just have to get them heard.

What has been the bands greatest accomplishment so far?

For me I would say the album. It took a lot of hard work and sacrifice but I have something I am truly proud of that’s out there forever.

What is the next step for Babyjane?

As I said I think a national tour with a popular headline band would be great for our exposure. We are just about finished writing the second album and the songs are killer. As a band I think we understand each other as players better this time and we write to suit each other’s strengths. ‘Are You Listening’ will be a tough act to follow but we are all confident our new album will be as good, if not better.

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