As I grew up loving the sound of both Fates Warning as well as Armored Saint, and was introduced to the band Redemption through myspace, so to was I introduced to DC4 in the same groove. You see had Myspace been around back in the day, well many bands would of had more coverage as well as listeners. So hats of to myspace and its innovative way of bringing music to the masses. DC4 consists of Rowen Robertson , and Shawn, Jeff and Matt Duncan. This Band Brings some Hard Fucking Rock to The People, and its amazing the tangled web we weave and who knows who in My Home town of L.A.. thats right Im an Los Angeles Native, so it's only fitting that i hooked up with this Kick ass Cool band and touched base on there latest Cd EXPLODE which incidently was produced by Joey Vera. As I introduced myself to the Duncan Clan ,. they were only too cool to respond yes to my interview inquiry. So first take a listen and then read what is what

MUEN: Who's the directional leader of the band, and could fill us in just a little , on how a song comes to be in your band?

SHAWN: Basically me and Jeff kinda run with the direction, but it is a true democracy..Rowan and Matt contribute alot. Sometimes Jeff comes in with a full song or Ideas and we go from there. We all contribute..but most of the songs on this album were written by Jeff.

MUEN: As Joey Vera's input , is on your new cd Explode, and from what I read in your profile on myspace, you were very pleased to have him. Can you tell me in your opinion , what he brings to the table?

JEFF: Joey produced our first CD "Volume One" as well. What he brought then and what he brought this time was help to bring the best of what we had to offer each time. We decided that from this point on we want to make straight up ROCK albums. Volume one was a band searching for itself. With the addition of Rowan everything fell into place.

MUEN: Who's idea was it to involve him? and how did you approach the subject with him? I assume you had strong influence both with your music and with the fact that Jeff is also a member of Armored Saint.

SHAWN: We love working with Joey. Me and my brothers have known Joey for over 20 years. We all go way back and it is always great working with him. We feel lucky to have him as a friend.

JEFF: I played Joey some demo's while we were in Europe with Armored Saint, and we agreed that he would be doing the next album. I didn't really approach him, we just kinda agreed. I really could not see doing this album with out Joey.

MUEN: Jeff can you give us a little insight as to what you may have learned musically, playing with such greats as John Bush, and Joey Vera?

JEFF: How important it is to demo songs before going into the studio. I think we have had a healthy influence on each other in terms of Armored Saint. My experience with them definitely has made me raise the bar in terms of the quality of music I wish to release.

MUEN: How was music brought into each of your lives? and what formal training if any have each of you had?

SHAWN: Our father was a singer/songwriter. We were constantly surrounded by music! Instruments were everywhere. It just seemed like that was what we were going to do. The only formal training I had was in High School with the marching band.

JEFF: yes, dad was the gift giver in the music department. I learned Guitar listening to early Black Sabbath and Van Halen Records. I learned how to sing by singing. My only training was the fuse my father lit!

MUEN: Give us some of the bands that you listened to growing up that may have influenced the band.

SHAWN: Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, AC/DC
JEFF: Van Halen, Judas Priest all the classics..

MUEN: While we feel your sound stands alone on its own feet. Its hard , its fresh and I don't recall hearing anyone with the same sound in general. I do believe in the song "God Complex" that I hear the Vera influence as well as an Anthrax sound with John. I love this song by the way, so what do you think of my assessment, and what are your personal thoughts on the song?

JEFF: I wrote this song with a friend of mine. Shawn came up with the beat which created the groove of the song. We learned it and loved the feel of the song. We weren't trying to make it sound like anybody. But I am glad you dig it.

MUEN: How hard is it getting gigs, as the music industry seems a little tentative yet towards backing your style of music? As I believe we see this in the mass exodus of concerts and tours all being done in Europe and abroad and not here in America.

JEFF: It is pretty weird here. That's why we want to go to Europe.
SHAWN: I think it is kinda difficult here in America where music is spoon-fed to people by mediocre radio stations who only play Pop and Rap. The rock world is in a growth-underground area and I think it will get better.

MUEN: Can we expect a U.S. tour?

JEFF: Probably, but definitely a European tour eventually.
SHAWN: We are shopping the CD and looking for a label in the states to step up. If one does,we will see you out there!

MUEN: Who's the oldest to youngest for those of us that don't know? and How was it that Rowan Transitioned into the band and became part of the Duncan Clan?

SHAWN: I am the oldest, then Jeff, Matt, Rowan.
JEFF: I met Rowan through a jam band, I knew who he was and it was great playing with him..the guy is sick!! I asked him if he wanted to come down and jam with me and my brothers and it totally clicked! I think we played twice and he joined the band!

MUEN: How complicated has it been getting this new Cd out, being in a band, making it work, as well as keeping things in perspective?

JEFF: All I know is hard work and perseverance are necessary. This has always been a labor of love for me and I don't tend to whine about the difficulties.
SHAWN: It is always difficult making things happen in a band..But there is a certian satisfaction that comes with it. I personally enjoy the challenge.

MUEN: Lastly who was involved with Dio from your band and when, as this has slipped by us?

JEFF: Rowan Robertson played guitar with Dio when he was 17 years old. He recorded the "lock up the wolves" album and toured with Dio.

MUEN: Now how the hell didnt i catch that one , lock up the wolves was one of our favs when it came out. Guess I was asleep at the wheel here. thanks for your time guys

SHAWN and JEFF: Thanks!

Check out DC4 new cd EXPLODE and visit: www.myspace.com/dc4duncan

Interview by Metal Mike