Getting to Know… Paradise | Interview

In the 437^th Q&A in our Getting to Know… series, we get the inside scoop from Montreal volcanic rock band, Paradise.

“Aside from our mix of rock genres, what sets us apart from most bands is that we deploy pyros, smoke, and laser shows even in smaller venues where you wouldn’t expect such theatricals,” R.L. Black (vocals) responds when asked what makes his band, Paradise, distinct. Frank Kelly (lead guitar) adds, “We have legitimate fun on stage, and I think it’s infectious.” Rock on! Who doesn’t want to have fun? We get the inside scoop on the Montreal volcanic band’s genesis, goals (early on, ‘a lot of partying and dreams of getting laid’), musical influences, and current and future musical endeavors. So, without further ado, let’s jump into Getting to Know…Paradise: Interview No. 437!

For those who may not be familiar with you, what would you say makes Paradise distinct or unique? How do you rock the audience’s socks off?

R.L. Black: Wow, that’s a hell of a start! Well, aside from our mix of rock genres, what sets us apart from most bands is that we deploy pyros, smoke, and laser shows even in smaller venues where you wouldn’t expect such theatricals.

Frank: We have legitimate fun on stage, and I think it’s infectious. We’re not a one-of-a-kind thing but we’re giving it all on stage and we have an honest exchange with whoever is showing up to the gig.

Okay, let’s explore some juicy backstories. How did Paradise form, and what were some of your goals or visions early?

Long story short, a lot of partying and dreams of getting laid.

Let’s talk more about goals.  Have your goals or your perspectives changed since you first started? What do your aspirations or goals look like now?

R.L. Black: Of course, things have changed when you start out, you’ve got big dreams and expectations, but after being around for a while, you tend to settle for less… that said, for us, “less” is still conquering the world, hahaha!

Frank: I think now I just want to play and have fun … the adventure got too serious at one point,  and you lose the first idea of it all that it’s only rock and roll.

Everybody is influenced by somebody else. Whom would you consider some of your biggest musical influences and how are they influential?

R.L. Black: There are too many, but if I had only one to choose, I would have to say Queens of the Stone Age.

Frank: My guitar teacher when I was a teenager. He was a great guy.

Ah, the fun stuff.  What’s your craziest tour story or the wackiest thing that’s happened during a performance?  Feel free to be creative.

R.L. Black: We once got pulled over by the National Police in Mexico and bribed them with a couple of bottles of Jack Daniels and some t-shirts, then got a police escort to get to the gig on time! They actually stayed to party with us and had to call in another squad to get them because they were too drunk.

Frank: Can’t tell … my wife is going to read this.

To this point in your career, what would you describe as your favorite song you’ve recorded or performed live? What makes that song special?

R.L. Black: It’s like asking which of your children do you love best, you can’t really answer unless one of ‘em is a real A-hole… I’d say that I Like playing “Riverside” because it’s the show opener and you can still feel the adrenaline pumping at that point, then it fades a couple of minutes in.

Frank: I’d say most of the songs from our latest record. The old material is more than 20-something years old, so sometimes, I feel I kind of outgrew them.

Is there anything else awesome, cool, or left-of-center we should know about Paradise? Secret talents or surprising tidbits?

Frank: I can juggle and breathe fire 😉.

What is Paradise currently working on or promoting that you can share? We love secrets, but there’s no pressure. 

R.L. Black: it’s no secret that we are working on the 4^th album, hopefully, it’ll come out mid-2025.

Frank: And we will try to come out and play as much as we can …

Thank you so much for sharing and taking the time to answer these questions, and best of luck moving forward. 

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Getting to Know…Paradise: Interview No. 437 [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Paradise]