Steve Conte is no stranger to New York City rock ‘n’ roll. He has been plying his trade for many years, either behind the scenes or at the forefront. Steve has had the opportunity to play with some of the greats and also join some well-regarded bands (Hanoi Rocks, New York Dolls, etc). Never one to shy away from hard work, he has also been able to navigate the musical waters consistently with an outpouring of his own music or collaborations. I had the opportunity to talk to Steve while he was in Finland, fresh off a video shoot and about to launch into a series of shows with The Michael Monroe band. This is what ensued.
Scene Point Blank:Hey, nice to connect with you again.
Steve Conte: You as well. How have you been?
Scene Point Blank: Well kids are getting older so I have a little bit more spare time. Last we spoke I had two Chinese Crested Dogs. A powder puff (one with hair ) and hairless who had nothing but a mohawk!
Steve Conte: Oh man I remember that. I always wanted one. They are very cool.
Scene Point Blank: Well you had a dog, didn’t you?
Steve Conte: Yes Ziggy. I loved that dog and miss him very much.
Scene Point Blank: Sorry to hear that. Would you consider getting another dog?
Steve Conte: It isn’t out of the question but, as you know, this is my job so I travel a lot. I have two kids and a wife so leaving the dog for my wife to be responsible for probably wouldn't go over that well. Plus, where I live, I don't have the space for a dog, unfortunately. Do you have any new dogs yourself?
Scene Point Blank: Oh yeah, I have three rescue dogs. My wife has to keep off those sites, haha. Two of mine came from the Southern States -- both abandoned. The latest one was abandoned pregnant!
Steve Conte: Assholes!
Scene Point Blank: Yeah pretty much. I have a big dog, a medium dog, and now a small dog and three budgies. I am told all the time: “Don’t worry Dad we will clean up the poop, feed them,” etc.
Steve Conte: Yeah, how is that working out for you? Haha
Scene Point Blank: Wait a minute. Who is interviewing who here? Where are you right now? Well, I know where you are but I am pretending I don't to create drama in this interview!
Steve Conte: I am actually in Finland about to do some shows with The Michael Monroe band. We just shot a video the other night for a song called “Can't Stop Falling Apart” and tomorrow I am going to see The Hellacopters with Dregen. (Note: I got sick and never went to the Hella show.)
Scene Point Blank: Was it Sami Yaffa that was instrumental in getting you the gig with Michael's band.
Steve Conte: Well sure, Sami was instrumental in that because he played in Hanoi Rocks with Michael. When we left the New York Dolls, it was around the time Michael was putting this together and the rest is history. Great band and a great bunch of guys to play with. We have a new LP coming out through Silver Lining Music on June 10 entitled I Live Too Fast Die Too Young.
Scene Point Blank: Are there plans for the Michael Monroe band to hit North American soil and tour this new LP?
Steve Conte: I don’t think Michael will do another North American tour. The States is a very vast land and traveling by bus across the country becomes very expensive (not to mention the current cost of gas). Not an easy way to make any money. We were late for a show on the last tour with traffic. Didn't get there until midnight. Half the audience had left but we still got up there and gave the audience a good rock and roll show.
Scene Point Blank: Are you doing shows while you are there, in Finland, currently.
Steve Conte: Yes, I have a bunch of shows to play here and then I fly back to the States and come back this summer to do a bunch of shows and festivals. We will be playing with a ton of bands. Alice Cooper, and possibly Guns N Roses. [It] should be a great series of shows.
Scene Point Blank: Well, it's too bad you guys won’t be hitting North American soil.
So your new release! It is a great spin. I listened to it straight for a week in my car.
Steve Conte: Oh, cool, what did you think?
Scene Point Blank: Wel,l I certainly heard stuff in there that made me think of other bands and possibly your influences?
Steve Conte: Oh yeah, like what?
Scene Point Blank: Well, let's start with this…I know you are a big Replacements fan.
Steve Conte: Oh yes, I started with later records and went backward discovering their older stuff. Like from Pleased to Meet Me to Sorry Ma. I pretty much love all their stuff. I am a big Westerberg fan I think 14 songs is a perfect LP.
Scene Point Blank: I prefer the earlier stuff myself like Sorry Ma and Stink. I just interviewed Mike Leonard from The Bleeding Hearts (a band that had Bob Stinson in it). Bookends his career, essentially. A record is coming out soon. Sounds Replacements-ish.
Steve Conte:Cool when is that out?
Scene Point Blank: Record Store Day (April 23). See how I segued into this question, haha.
So the song "Liar Like You" is a great fast-paced rocker that could almost be on Sorry Ma.
Steve Conte: I could see the comparison. It certainly is an upbeat, driving song.
Scene Point Blank: Andy Partridge from XTC gave the release a nice review: “A nuclear beer of an album” “101% New York”.
Steve Conte: Man, I was stoked about that. Andy is my rock ‘n’ roll, songwriting hero. Bronx Cheer has been getting some great reviews. It has been doing well and I enjoy the positive feedback.
Scene Point Blank: An LP is like a child; you watch it grow and mature. Hey, by the way, are your kids not on this LP?
Steve Conte: Yes, that is why I am still behind this LP. I am still promoting it, as it's my latest release. Both my sons are on this. Baz has a spoken part on the cd (“Dog Days of Summer”) and Zia sings on “Recovery Doll.”
Scene Point Blank: That is so cute. Wasn’t Zia signing copies of the “Recovery Doll” single as well?
Steve Conte: Yes, as orders were coming in we were both signing copies.
Scene Point Blank: Hey you never know maybe one day his autograph will be worth more than his dear old dad’s!
Steve Conte: Haha. I wouldn't doubt it. He had a blast being part of this. Start them off at an early age!
Scene Point Blank: You came from a very musical family, didn't you?
Steve Conte: Yes, my dear mother is/was a jazz singer in NYC and New Jersey. My father brought me to my first concert at Madison Square Garden which was Chuck Berry. Years later I played with Chuck which was a great experience.
Scene Point Blank: I wanted to touch upon whom you have played with, but I think it would be quicker to say who you haven't played with!
Steve Conte: I have had the opportunity to play with a bunch of amazing musicians.
Scene Point Blank: Do you want to name a few of them. Remember we have a time limit, haha
Steve Conte: Sure, I was the rehearsal singer for Paul Simon…I was there so that if he didn't feel like singing his part, I would do it. Wrap your head around this… Conte and Garfunkel, haha.
Eric Burdon (Animals), Peter Wolf (J. Geils), Billy Squier, Willie Nile, Maceo Parker, Yoko Kanno (Cowboy Bebop), Willy Deville, Robert Gordon.
Scene Point Blank: Sorry I digressed there. I wanted to comment that one song reminds me of Sylvain Sylvain's solo LPs and another reminds me of Willy Deville.
Steve Conte: I would be interested in knowing which ones?
Scene Point Blank: Willie Deville – “Wildwood Moon”
Sylvain – “Recovery Doll”
Steve Conte:Both are beautiful people. People think that because I played with Willy and Syl that perhaps their influence and taste in the style of music influenced me. To a certain extent that could be true, however you have to understand that influences like the blues, early rock n’ roll, and The Dolls, much-loved girl groups Shangri Las, etc. were also instilled in me at a young age. I have to thank Willy for meeting my wife! She attended Willy's shows in The Netherlands.
Scene Point Blank: So, she has good taste in music.
Steve Conte: Well, yeah, she married me, didn’t she? Haha. Joking…
