www.facebook.com/ghostofthemill
Sounds like: Rock
From: Pennsylvania
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound? Who thought of the name "Ghost of the Mill" and is there any meaning behind it?
GOTM was officially formed in 2018. The drummer, Joe Tecce, and bass player/singer, Rodger Felten, grew up together and began jamming a few years earlier. In 2018, JP Camo answered a Craig’s List ad, auditioned, and got the spot alongside guitarist, Scott Ulbin. Joe, Rodge and Scott had several songs written and the four of us immediately began writing more and gigging. In the spring of 2021, Scott moved on from the band and we brought in Greg Kinter who is an experienced guitarist, and who also happened to grow up with Joe and Rodge!
Joe and Rodge came up with the name. It’s a reference to our rehearsal space which is a former uniform mill built in the 1800’s. There are about 15 bands that rehearse out of the Mill. It’s a cool spot and we’ve seen the ghost…
2. What do you want people to take away from your music?
We want to move people. You know that feeling you get when you hear a song from a new artist that speaks to you. It’s that feeling of passion, discovery and ownership. You immediately want to turn your friends on to this new band.
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
We characterize it as guitar rock. Pure, straight ahead ass-kicking rock. Our musical roots are with those great bands from the ‘70’s, 80’s and 90’s. We don’t deny those roots and it’s part of our DNA.
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
Dreaming here…Alice Cooper, AIC, The Dead Daisey’s. Being more realistic – our goal is to open for national and regional acts who fit our genre. People like Ace Frehley, Derek St Holmes, etc.
5. How has Covid affected what you do?
Well we didn’t gig as much, but we did find a way to find outdoor shows. We used the time wisely to write and record which helped immensely.
6. What’s your take on the current state of Rock?
There are a ton of really good, new original acts out there. We know, because we share the stage with them; and that’s awesome! In some ways it’s never been easier to get your music out there, but it’s so damn hard to cut through. You’ve got to be consistent, persistent and you’ve got to be smart in your promotion. It can be done, but you have to work your ass off.
7. What’s the current music scene like locally there in Pennsylvania?
The original scene is alive and well. There are at least a dozen original bands that we have played with in Philly that are so talented. Some of these bands are young too, which is encouraging. While there aren’t a ton of clubs that support original music, they are out there and the scene is getting stronger.
8. What’s your take on the royalties that streaming services pay out to artists?
Haven’t seen a dime from them yet…probably never will. It’s a joke. But someone will come along and will create a new system – it happens every ten years. The idea of a sub-stack for musicians is a good one and a great way for bands to own their content and charge a fair price. Another move is coming, we can feel it.
9. What's next for Ghost of the Mill?
We are releasing four new tracks on all of the streaming channels beginning on Friday, August 5th. All of our time now is devoted to making sure we take advantage of this and promote ourselves the right way. Simultaneously, we are booking shows for the fall – looking to play small theaters as well as those clubs that have been our home base for the past four years.
10. Any shoutouts?
Big shout out to the Ghost Tribe who have supported since day 1. They are loud and proud and it is awesome to have their support. Wayne Becker of Westwires Recording USA. Wanye recorded, produced and mastered our tracks. He’s so talented and has great ideas. Juniper Street Consulting – Matt Dietrich, Michael Doyle, Gordon Kender and Vic Taborelli, who handle our social media. Mike Volz – Mike shot and produced our videos – great dude. He was with us in the very beginning.
