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Circle of Fate

Interviewed by Gary Hill
Interview with Circle of Fate from 2010
MSJ: Can you give our readers a look at the history of your group and your involvement in music?
Danny Charatin: We originally were called “CoDM” which stood for “Company of Danny and Michele.”  We had a solid lineup with our original drummer being John Ashe who is a madman at the drums and Mike Kramer who tears it up on the bass!  Like most bands things happened and we went through some changes. 
MSJ: Where does the name "Circle of Fate" come from? Is there some significance to it?
Danny Charatin: When Michele and I had gone through some changes we decided it was fate that will ultimately bring our final product together.  We decided on Circle of Fate because we are a tight circle and a circle never ends. 
MSJ: The Midwest doesn't seem to be a hot bed of heavy metal - at least not beyond the local/regional level. Would you agree with that? If so, do you think the lack of a real local metal "scene" is an advantage or a disadvantage?
Danny Charatin: Everything is always an advantage.  That's what makes us stand out.  There is less clutter.
MSJ: At one time the idea of a female fronted metal band was rare. Now it's become almost a cliche. You guys were there before the glut. How does the overabundance of such bands make you feel?
Danny Charatin: That they have a lot to learn.  We have the benefit of experience.
MSJ: Do you intentionally try to steer clear of the now generic epic metal sound (I hear some of that on your album, but not much) or is it just the way your sound emerges organically?
Danny Charatin: It's just the way our music emerges organically.  Since the beginning of the band, we have always just sat down and starting writing not with any particular theme in mind.
MSJ: If you weren't involved in music, what do you think you'd be doing?
Michele Caruso: Writing songs for other musicians.

Danny Charatin: Writing songs and teaching Ed Parker's Kenpo Karate.

Ken Kreis: Looking for a way to get involved in music.

Jeff Barker: Cooking.
MSJ: How would you describe the sound of Circle of Fate?
Danny Charatin: In your face rock with flowing melodies.  The music can be basic and catchy but also has moments where it is intricate and has a progressive feel to it with a dash of commercialism.
MSJ: What's ahead for you?
Danny Charatin: We have just recorded two songs with Eric Greedy in LA and are getting them mastered by Big Bass Brian Gardner.  We are going to be also preparing for a new CD and hopefully an international tour.
MSJ: Are there musicians you'd like to play with in the future?
Danny Charatin: Dream Theater, Foo Fighters, Joan Jett, Annihilator, etc.  We love to play and are looking to expand our music as much as possible.
MSJ: Do you think that downloading of music is a help or hindrance to the careers of musicians? It's been said by the major labels that it's essentially the heart of all the problems they are having in terms of lower sales - would you agree?
Danny Charatin: We don't feel that it's right to pirate music.  With that being said we also feel that a purchased download is easily accessible to the common fan.  Our job is to make things easy for our fans and a download is the quickest way to get to the music.  On the other hand, you don't get liner notes, pictures and lyrics out of an mp3.
MSJ: In a related question how do you feel about fans recording shows and trading them?
Danny Charatin: If fans like us enough to want to bring a video camera then we're all for it!
MSJ: If you were a superhero, what music person would be your arch-nemesis and why?
Danny Charatin: The guy that created all of the boy bands.  
MSJ: If you were to put together your ultimate band, who would be in it?
Danny Charatin: Lead Vocals: Pat Benatar
Lead Guitar: Steve Vai
Bass Guitar: Geddy Lee
Drums: Gavin Harrison
MSJ: If you were in charge of assembling a music festival and wanted it to be the ultimate one from your point of view, who would be playing?
Danny Charatin: Scorpions
Dream Theater
Heart
Foo Fighters
Tool
Rush
ACDC
Circle of Fate

How much are tickets?  We want to go!
MSJ: What was the last CD you bought, or what have you been listening to lately?
Danny Charatin: Halestorm.
MSJ: What about the last concert you attended for your enjoyment?
Danny Charatin: We played at Summerfest in Milwaukee, WI last year and after our show we watched Halestorm and Staind.
MSJ: What has been your biggest Spinal Tap moment?
Danny Charatin: We showed up at a show we were headlining and when we arrived for sound check they told us that there was no sound guy that night and we had to run our own sound.  It actually turned out alright but what a nightmare!
MSJ: Finally, are there any closing thoughts you'd like to get out there?
Danny Charatin: Keep an eye out for Circle of Fate.  We have a lot of great things in the works and are very excited about things to come.  Step into the Circle, you'll be glad you did!  Thank you for your time and we really enjoyed doing this interview.
MSJ: This interview is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2010  Volume 2 at lulu.com/strangesound.
 
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