Vocalist Phil Conaline gives the lowdown on their excellent new album and hat their drummer gets up when he’s asleep on tour…
What are you currently up to?
Doing press for the album, planning tours, gigging in Ireland, the usual stuff bands get up to.
Brief history of Million $ Reload and how you all met…
We were all in other bands in the scene in N.Ireland but we were generally dissatisfied with what we were doing, so effectively I approached Kie (bass) and played him a couple of songs I wrote and we worked on them together to the point where we were happy with them and proceeded to play them to BAM & Andy . They were excited, so we decided to write a few more tunes and play a gig or two . It snowballed from there, the next thing we know we are practically on tour! We hit the studio for the first album and a few years later, here we are with our second album released.
Could you take us through your new album ‘A Sinner’s Saint’?
The recording process is really quite simple, we record all the drum, bass & rhythm guitar parts live and then record vocals and lead solos. As far as meanings for songs etc. I kinda like to leave it up to the listener to interpret the song and lyrics for themselves and put whatever meaning they want it to have. For example, Bullets in the Sky’ for me is about the senselessness of war. Not everyone is going to agree with me on those sentiments but that’s what it means for me everyone else can self-interpret it ….and that’s cool with me.
How did you hook-up with Frontiers and why did you choose them over other label offers?
They have experience and a lot of good people at the label, so it was a no-brainer when they approached us, simple.
What was it like appearing at Download and do you see more interest in the band and your music after a festival appearance?
It was actually our 3rd time appearing at Download festival! There is always interest in the bands that are appearing at Download before and after the festival, we are no different. Each time we have appeared at Download it has been special, the atmosphere, the significance of the mecca of rock. Personally for me, it’s my favourite place to gig.
What have been the live highlights so far for the band and who ideally would you like to tour with & why?
Touring in America was great,Download festival , Bloodstock festival , Playing the legendary Ulster Hall in Belfast N.Ireland. There have been so many highlights.
Our dream tour would probably be with AC/DC, or Aerosmith because we are massive fans of those bands.
How do you view the current live scene in the UK? Is it hard to get a decent run of gigs together and what venues are the best to play at?
There are plenty of great bands around, but some of the venues have closed due to the recession. Rock fans are a little more selective these days on bands they are prepared to pay good money to go and see. So when you’re trying to put a run of shows together there are a lot of factors to consider. Ticket price, location other bands on the bill etc. We love playing in London pretty much any venue , but The Underworld is a cool dirty little club, love it!
Given the band’s good time rock ‘n’ roll sound are there any plans to you’re the US and/or Australia where your music I am sure would go down a storm?
Yes hopefully we will get an opportunity to go tour in those countries, it would be great!
Who have been influences on the band musically?
AC/DC, Bad Company, Areosmith, early GNR, The Rolling stones.
Any good rock ‘n’ roll tales to tell?
Haven’t you ever heard of the code of the road? Ha ha. Seriously though, our drummer Sean has a habit of falling asleep naked in hotel corridors when we are on tour….it has happen several times.
Where would the band like to be in a year’s time?
Touring all over the world!!!
Message for your fans…
Million Dollar Reload are coming to a town near you in the near future, come out and have a party with us!!!!!! Enjoy the new album!!!!
Million $ Reload – A Sinners Saint is out now on Frontiers
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
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In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
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Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024
THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)
Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)