Hardrock Haven: You’re also the behind-the-scenes mastermind of the new project featuring Lenna Kuurmaa of Vanilla Ninja. How it was to collaborate with Lenna? What do you think about the results of your collaboration?
Alessandro Del Vecchio: I love this album. It’s poppy, it’s got great songs and Lenna has been a pleasure to work with. Super prepared, professional and funny. Love working with her and she seems to love working with me.
Hardrock Haven: Do you think Moonland will help Lenna in her metamorphosis from the face of a girl band Vanilla Ninja to more ambitious and rock-oriented artist?
Alessandro Del Vecchio: We’re all hoping for that. I mean, a talent like that deserve the international scene. She is still a star in her own country but we are working for a worldwide presence for her.
Hardrock Haven: Also recently you’ve worked with Three Lions and now are working with Nigel Bailey on his solo project. How similar (or different) Nigel’s album will be in comparison to Three Lions’ stunning debut?
Alessandro Del Vecchio: Bailey’s album is more straight hard rock. It’s got melodic moments but it’s more of a rocking driven album than Three Lions. Even if they are similar, Bailey’s got no keyboards and Three Lions have got a lot of keys. Three Lions is a band work and Bailey’s was Nigel’s vision and I produced and arranged it. What a great singer he is!
Hardrock Haven: Have to agree about it! Another eye-catching project you collaborated on was Rated X, with its star-studded line-up. How did Rated X come to life and how so distinctive, independent personas managed to blend into one musical unit?
Alessandro Del Vecchio: It’s been a nice, rough, long ride. Rated X started because Serafino of Frontiers wanted to create a band for Joe to put him into a real band and not into a project again. He agreed and my name came out and right after my friend Carmine Appice was on board with Tony Franklin. After that we went through few guitarists. I wrote most of the songs (9 out of 12) and Joe wrote 3 songs. We then arranged them all together to give it a band vibe. It came out very cohesive if you think everybody recorded in different studios.
Hardrock Haven: Rated X, with Joe Lynn Turner, Carmine Appice, Tony Franklin and Karl Cochran on board, is a true super-group. What do you think about super-group in generals? Is there any chance for them to last longer than an album or two?
Alessandro Del Vecchio: Well, first of all, I hope Rated X will go a long way. We’re planning gigs and tours and already taking about a second album. So I believe it’s always in the hands of who is a part of these super groups. Black Country Communion has been a good demonstration of how it can work out good. In the end everything is also in the hands of the market. If people like it and buy records, these super-groups will keep on doing their thing.
Hardrock Haven: Talking about the super-groups you’re somehow involved in, there’s another project formed by Jack Blades, Deen Castronovo and Doug Aldrich that’s called Revolution Saints. Having collaborated with them as well, what is your experience of working with Revolution Saints?
Alessandro Del Vecchio: My absolute top, honestly. The level of professionalism, care, involvement and delivery make this super-group something different. Again I wrote most of the songs and Deen also asked to sing the song I wrote that features Neal Schon on guitar. You should never stop dreaming, huh…? The reaction on this album has been incredible, but honestly, I think I topped myself. The songs are very cool, melodic but powerful. Once you get to work with these three gentlemen, Neal Schon and Arnel Pineda… you can get spoiled I guess.
Hardrock Haven: When I interviewed you for the first time, we’ve been discussing the third album of your band Edge Of Forever that came out around that time. Is the band on hiatus right now and do you plan to come back to this?
Alessandro Del Vecchio: I’m very active, probably even too much, but when it comes to my band I’m slow and I take things more seriously and with even more care than normally. I’m never satisfied so it’s always a long process. I guess next year is gonna be the right one for this.
Hardrock Haven: Are there any other projects you’re currently engaged in? Anything you’d like to reveal, or comment on?
Alessandro Del Vecchio: I’m actually producing one of the finest singer in metal worldwide and my Voodoo Circle buddies join me in this ride. Can’t say the name ‘tho! (laughs) I’m also currently producing Ted Poley’s new album and a band called Livin Out Loud with Craig Goldy and some cool friends… In the spring I will be producing the new Hardline too, which is what I’m gonna focus on more as we are on to something very cool!
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