"My inspiration comes from my band mates."

The Panic Channel released their debut album, "(ONe)", in August 2006 via Capitol Records. We're talking about a US rock quartet here, featuring singing guitarist Steve Isaacs (ex-Skycycle), bass player Chris Chaney (ex-Jane's Addiction, Alanis Morissette), drummer Stephen Perkins (ex-Jane's Addiction, Porno for Pyros), and our interviewee - lead guitarist Dave Michael Navarro (Camp Freddy, ex-Jane's Addiction, Red Hot Chili Peppers)...

Vassil Varbanov: Hello, senor Navarro! How are you doing?

Dave Navarro: I'm doing fantastically well!

V. V.: Good to hear it! Where are you at the moment?

D. N.: I'm at home, in Hollywood.

V. V.: The reason to put you on the radio now is The Panic Channel's debut album, "(ONe)". What's its story? As far as I know, you stared the band some two years ago...

D. N.: Yeah, as with anything, you've gotta take your time to write your songs. You've gotta get together with your band mates and to know each other. Most bands get together and go out on tour for a while, create a fan base and then do a record. We didn't do much of the touring, juts a couple of shows, but we spent most of our time in getting to know each other, writing and recording. When we were done, I started working on the Rock Star TV show in America, so when the record came out I think we had a real strong foundation for being a band and operating with each other.

V. V.: We know you, bass player Chris Chaney and drummer Stephen Perkins pretty well, as you were members of Jane's Addiction before forming The Panic Channel, but we don't know much about your vocalist,В  Steve Isaacs. Could you please introduce him?

D. N.: Well, Steve's a great singer and songwriter, and he's been a friend of mine for ten years. I just knew he's got a great talent - I saw him perform in The Who's rock opera "Tommy". I've always wanted to work with him, that's why he was the first person I called when we started the band.

V. V.: What about Jane's Addiction? There's a new CD coming out soon...

D. N.: It's a greatest hits album compiled of our favourite tracks.

V. V.: You'll start touring with The Panic Channel soon. How shall you travel - packed in a van or like big rock stars, on planes and limos?

D. N.: No, we share everything. We don't have that kind of money, as this isn't a well-funded project. We share all our expenses, we play small venues and we love it - we're just having the time of our lives.

V. V.: Which is your favourite track off your debut album? Maybe the first single, "Why Cry"?

D. N.: Ah, I don't have a favourite one. I certainly stand behind all of them, but at the moment I like "Bloody Mary" the most... or "Teahouse of the Spirits"... or "Listen".

V. V.: We know you've bought your first guitar when you were 12 years old, and your biggest inspiration back then was Jimi Hendrix. Are there any guitar players who inspire you nowadays?

D. N.: To be honest, my inspiration comes from my band members. Right now it's the singer, the bass player and the drummer of The Panic Channel, and also the guys from my other band, Camp Freddy - Matt Sorum (drums; Velvet Revolver, ex-Guns N' Roses and The Cult), Donovan Leitch (vocals; ex-Nancy Boy), Billy Morrison (guitar; Circus Diablo, ex-The Cult), Chris Chaney of The Panic Channel plus Slash and Scott Weiland of Velvet Revolver. All these guys inspire me just because I play with them.

Copyright: Tangra Mega Rock