Page 31 - Rocknation Issue 28_Neat

ROCKNATION ISSUE 28 PAGE 31

Interview with Archie Cruz

Hello Archie and welcome to Rocknation. Let’s start off with your
latest “The Return of the Kings” CD. Please tell us about some of
the tracks.
Archie: Hey man, thanks. Well, the album was done at Sonic Pump
studios in Helsinki. I played all the instruments myself and we recorded
it in a span of few months. I wrote everything myself so the process was very interesting, being the sole
writer working on the material. The songs span from old school rockers like “Under The Gun”, to heavier
Pantera grooves like “Here Comes The Revolution”. From softer stadium ballads like “Disarm Me”, to
actual soft rock like “Would You Believe It” And straight forward rock n roll of “Gunshot” to dent grooves of
“Standing My Ground.The Process was really interesting to me, and I enjoyed working this way quite a lot.

Your fifth album was co-produced by Otto Halonen (Apocalyptica, Hevisaurus, Wheel) what was
that like working with him compared to your previous albums?
Archie: Working with Otto was a total blast, as a matter of fact I’m currently working with him again on
new material. We totally got along and understood each other which made the whole process effortless.

You have toured with some of the biggest bands out there like Bon Jovi, Whitesnake, AC/DC &
Skid Row. Which shows to you think were the most exciting?
Archie: I’d say the most memorable ones for me personally were AC/DC in Finland and Bon Jovi in
Tallinn. Those two shows defined eras and bring back a lot of fond memories. Also closing last year
opening for Kiss in Mexico was one for the books. Seeing Paul Stanley’s guitars at the soundcheck was
something else.

What future shows do you have lined up this summer?
Archie: Well, we’re doing Rockfest in Finland with Mötley, Def Leppard and Pantera, which crosses off a
huge mark off the bucket list having never played with Mötley Crue before. Super excited about that one.

If you had to tell someone what your SANTA CRUZ music sounded like, what bands would you
mention?
Archie: It depends on the album but overall I´d say Mötley, GnR and Bon Jovi.

You appeared on a recent season of “Survivor: Finland” . How crazy was that experience?
Archie: That’s what it was, crazy haha. I wouldn’t change the experience for anything tho. Made so many
new memories and new amazing experiences there. Doing Lapland wilderness with minimal nutrition was
something else.

Your band is from Finland. What is the scene like there for music?
Archie: Well there’s a few bands but I don’t really consider myself a part
of the scene, especially now that even Wikipedia says my band is
Finnish/American. When I was a teenager the scene was great. I’m glad
I grew out of it though haha

Thank you for taking time
for this interview, any last
words to the fans?
Archie: Thank you! See
you at the shows. Archie