We had a chat with Chris Ousey, singer for Virginia Wolf, and more recently Heartland. Released his first solo cd 'Rhyme & Reason' last year.

Hey Chris, how are you doing?
I'm doing ok thanks. Busy promoting the new record, and enjoying spreading the word.

Tell us a little about 'Rhyme & Reason'. I'm really loving it :)
I'd been thinking of releasing a solo album for some time. The tenth 'heartland' cd was released earlier this year, and it just felt like the right time to take a risk. Started writing with tommy denander around the summer of 2009. Had intended to co-write with several different musicians, but tommy and i just got on a roll from the start, and before i knew it, i had the twelve songs i needed.

What is different about this album from all the rest you have made?
I think the album is heavier and more direct than other projects i've worked on in the past. I wanted something that sounded fresh and modern. but was also grounded in a classic rock style. Working with Tommy and Mike slamer gave me a chance to really 'let rip' vocaly. their virtuoso guitar playing gave me a really solid musical foundation onto which to lay the vocals tracks.

What is the story behind the song 'Motivation'? I'm really liking that one, it's got a cool '80's vibe.
'Motivation' was one of the first tracks to be written. I knew the first time i heard the musical idea that it was going to be a strong track when finished. I wanted the lyrics to reflect a certain trend in the music business, for valuing image over anything else. the struggle, with acts that rely on shock value, to constantly come up with something to grab the publics attention. The song has a lot dynamically going for it.

Who is your biggest musical influance?
When i was still at school, my elder brother would bring home records that otherwise i might not have been introduced to. Bands like deep purple' free and bad company, cream, and many others. i couldn't get enough of it. still can't i guess. I still go back to those records time and time again for inspiration.

How do you get ready for a show? Any strange rituals?
Don't really have any rituals that i continuously follow. Other than making sure i've warmed up my voice at some time during the day. oh and maybe taking the top off a cold beer just before i go on. Well you have to stay hydrated!

What would be a perfect 'day off' for you? Spent alone or with family & close friends?
If i'm away playing shows and i have a day off, i like to see something of the town or city that i'm in. If i'm at home, maybe a thai lunch, followed by a drink or two with friends in my local pub

How old were you when you first knew you wanted to be a 'rockstar'?
Have always enjoyed singing from an early age. Rarely had my mouth shut at school! Would be singing along to some song or oher that i'd heard on the radio, without being aware that i was doing it. Joined my first real band at fifteen years of age, and was hooked immediately. didn't want to get involved with writing at the time (too much like hard work) just wanted the immediate gratification of wailing at an audience! Knew straight off that i'd found what i wanted to do for the rest of my days.

Is there a tour planned to go with the album yet?
Got nothing written in stone regarding a tour to support the record yet. Still early days though. Will take a fair amount of work to arrange, as we all live on different land masses.I'm determined to get out and play the songs live some way or other. Think the tunes will work really well in a live context. Writing and recording can take a lot of effort, and a lot of that time is spent sitting on your own with a blank sheet of paper in front of you, waiting for inspiration to strike. There's nothing to replace facing a crowd of expectant faces, all waiting to see if you're going to make their night a memorable one.

I must say, I love the whole album. Great job, keep it rockin :)
Thanks for your support, and i hope to be standing before you with a set of live songs soon.