Gary James' Interview With Guitarist
David Chastain
David Chastain made quite a name for himself in the world of Heavy Metal in the mid 1980s. Since then he started his own record company, Leviathan Records. When David gave this interview it was about his group, Chastain.
Q - David, you were in Los Angeles, checking out the band scene in December, 1985, according to one article I read, and also to record an album. I just got back from L.A. and I visited The Country Club, Madame Wong's West, and The Troubadour. What I found was not much was going on until the weekends and that every unsigned group was trying to look like Motely Crue. What did you find out about the L.A. scene that maybe you didn't know before?
A - Actually, we cut our album in San Francisco. I have visited the L.A. area about a year ago and found it to be a thriving Metal scene. Image is just about the most important aspect of those groups. After all, it's Hollywood.
Q - What exactly is the New wave of Heavy Metal you refer to in The Cincinnati Enquirer?
A - Old Heavy Metal is groups like Black Sabbath,
Deep Purple and other groups from the '70s. The New Wave is
Queensryche, Dio, or groups from the '80s.
Q - When you sent a demo tape to Mike Vaeney, I assume it was your group Spike at the time, doing original material. If that's the case, why did you have to look for new band members? What was wrong with the other guys?
A - The tape was actually my group, CJSS. Varney liked the members of the group, but wanted to put together more of a super group. He had Leather (Leone, a female vocalist) and Fred, from other groups that has sent him tapes. He wanted the best possible band!
Q - Why did Fred turn Vinnie Vincent down? And why did Leather say thumbs down to a six L.P. contract with CBS Records? To say she didn't like the music arrangements of "Rude Girl" doesn't make sense. After all, she had part of a say in those arrangements. What's the real reason?
A - Fred and Vinnie have had a couple of attempts, but things didn't work out. Right now Fred is trying out for Ozzy's new group. Leather just didn't like the musicianship on "Rude Girl". She was far superior in talent!
Q - What is the difference between European and American Metal?
A - European Metal has more substance and is usually more sophisticated. Most American Metal is Party Metal, although there are a few exceptions, Queensryche and Dio.
Q - Do all of your band members still live in different parts of the country?
A - As of tonight, yes. Although Capitol Records is offering to finance putting the band together for a showcase in a few weeks.
Q - Could you have taken your music to another record label and gotten a better deal than Varney gave you?
A - I don't know. Mike and myself worked about three months, getting the group together with the proper material. I never considered another label.
Q - How much clout does Mike Varney have in the music business?
A - A lot, especially in Europe. He's sort of considered a Metal prophet over there.
Q - David, what's the near future hold for you and your band?
A - Hopefully a major (label) will pick the album up and we can hook up with a major agency for a showcase tour.
Official Website: LeviathanRecords.com
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