MUEN: WOW WHAT A SURPRISE, LOOKS LIKE THE CULT ARE BACK, AND DOING QUITE WELL! WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING SINCE THE LAST ALBUM AND TOUR, "BEYOND GOOD AND EVIL" IN 2001?

CHRIS WYSE: Ive been very blessed to have played and recorded with some of my favorite artists....Ozzy Osbourne( Prince of Darkness, Under Cover), Jerry Cantrell, Mick Jagger,Camp Freddy(All-Star party band), Cardboard Vampyres, Bob Rock, Mike Clink, Marti Frederiksen, Auditioned for Metallica, countless sessions and shows, and of course writing songs and developing OWL.

MUEN: IS IT ALL THE ORIGINAL MEMBERS IN THE CULT STILL, AND WHAT CAN YOU SAY THE CULT WILL DO FOR THIS NEW GENERATION THAT MAY NOT HAVE HEARD OF THE BAND BEFORE?

CHRIS WYSE: Ian and Billy are the original members.....The Cult brings young people a genuine rock n roll band that is not contrived like much of todays corporate cheese. Ian is a very passionate singer and has much to say. Billy has created his own guitar style which should inspire others to do the same. Tempesta and I really lock in and bring much experience to the table. Dimkich is an amazing rythm guitar player live. So there is no weak link. We are proud of that.

MUEN: OK LET'S TALK ABOUT YOUR NEW BAND, "OWL"... WE'RE GETTING READY TO ADD "DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'VE GOT" TO OUR TOP SONG LIST.. YOU HAVE SOME GREAT MATERIAL HERE, AND LOOKS LIKE YOU ARE DOING THE LEAD VOCALS AS WELL, IS THIS THE FIRST TIME YOU'VE ATTEMPTED THIS SORT OF THING (FRONTING YOUR OWN BAND)?

CHRIS WYSE: Im very pleased you like my music. Ive always been a singer long before being a bassist. I sang in choir as a kid. I did some lead vocals when I was with Jerry Cantrell and other various projects but this is the first time Ive been the only lead singer in a band.

MUEN: WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO CALL THE BAND OWL?

CHRIS WYSE: My last name being ''WYSE'' which is old english for wise, lead the kids in school to say hey ''Wyse Owl"! There was also ''Wise potato chips'' in NY and the kids picked that up as a nick-name for me. The name sort of picked me. People are always giving me Owl gifts etc so it just seemed obvious.

MUEN: SO WHAT IS THIS CAMP FREDDY SHOW? WHAT WAS THAT ALL ABOUT, WITH CHESTER BENNINGTON (LINKIN PARK) AND DAVE NAVARRO (CHILI PEPPERS/JANE'S ADDICTION) AND WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO COVER COOPER'S "I'M EIGHTEEN?"

CHRIS WYSE: Camp Freddy is a sort of party band with a different array of rockstars. There is a core of guys-Dave Navarro , Matt Sorum, Slash, Billy Morisson and many others that rotate like Steve Jones, Linda Perry.....you get the idea. "18 "was done for a benefit to promote voting. Mike Clink mixed it and its on Norman Lears web site. He sponsored the event. I had a nice chat with him about the evolution of amplified upright bass. He also owns a copy of the Declaration of Independence, which he had on display.

MUEN: WHEN IS THE OWL RECORD DUE OUT, AND HOW MANY SONGS?

CHRIS WYSE: The owl record should be done this spring, this will be a full length release probably 11-13 songs. Its a real thrill to produce and get the vision recorded. It will be heavy and beautiful.

MUEN: WHAT IF BOTH THE OWL AND THE CULT START REALLY GAINING MOMENTUM, WHICH BAND IS GOING TO HAVE YOUR ALL?

CHRIS WYSE: The Cult is now supporting our new release "Born into This" and Im very happy to be in this legendary band. I feel very much at home with The Cult and proud of it. As soon as the Cult has down time Im back in the studio with OWL. I give a hundred percent to what i do and its alot of fun to have another artistic outlet. So I will continue both.

MUEN: WHAT OTHER MEMBERS ARE IN "OWL" AND WHERE DID YOU FIND THEM?

CHRIS WYSE: Ive had a few different trial and error line-ups but this one is it. Dan Dinsmore(drums), The mysterious"Peanut Farmer"(guitar) and myself. Dan and I are childhood friends and he is very passionate about our music and really understands me as an artist and person.Oh, and what an incredible drummer. He owns a media company as well in NY( Overit.com) and has played in many a NY hard core band. Most recently "The Clay People". Peanut Farmer is shy but slays on the guitar and is an amazing performer. He just prefers to be more private.

MUEN: IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE THE MAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE CULT, AND OWL, BESIDES THE VOCALS OF AStBURY?

CHRIS WYSE: The Cult is so established as a real rock staple and have so many hit songs and have always maintained credibility. That is very respected in my book aside from the fact its just a great group. I like to add my sound and style but maintain the integrity of what was already there before i came along. It is a new fresh Cult.

Owl is an expression of my life experiences and just a slightly off center song writing approach. I also play about 50 percent upright bass and take the bass to a more experimental zone. I love to sing and play and work up the intensity as the front man. So you cant really compare the two. Its like apples and oranges. Nobody can sound like the Cult and Id like to think Ive developed my own style......so they are very different.

MUEN: OK, YOUR ON TOUR WITH THE CULT, ..ARE YOU PLANNING A TOUR FOR OWL AFTERWARDS?

CHRIS WYSE: The Cult is going to be touring and supporting the new release and when The Cult is on some down time I will be working and playing with Owl as much as I can. I dont like to take long breaks so ill rest for a couple days and on to whats next. Im fortunate to love my bands. All these guys are my freinds and I love them very much. Owl will finish the album before we tour. For sure a US run.

www.thecult.us
www.myspace.com/cultmusic
www.myspace.com/owltheband

Interview by G. Cataline