Speed X may be relatively new on the music scene and unknown to many, but several of its members are certainly well known to the general music loving public alike. Speed X is comprised of Black Label Society guitarist Nick Catanese, Queensrÿche's Mike Stone and Double Drive drummer Mike Froedge, vocalist Jason Fowler and former Double Drive bass player Josh Sattler. While Nick has affirmed his continuing involvement with Black Label Society, he states this new band will co-exist with all his other ongoing musical projects and commitments. The band has just put the finishing touches to their anticipated debut titled Flat Black which is expected in October and the band will soon after release time, tour. Joe Matera recently caught up with Nick Catanese to ask him about his new exciting outfit.
UG: Can you tell us the background to how Speed X came to fruition?
Nick Catanese: It started with my self and Mike Stone playing together at the Blacktooth Bash at NAMM. We played really well together, and so we decided to stay in touch. Then we found Mike Froedge who plays drums and who used to play with Double Drive. So then Mike, myself and Mike Stone started jamming together, and then we brought in Mike’s old bass player in Double Drive, Josh Sattler and we jammed some more and eventually did some shows. Then we got Jason Fowler on vocals to complete the whole package and Speed X was born. I am really proud of what we recorded for the new debut CD which is called “Flat Black". The CD is currently getting mastered and it should be out very soon.
How did you come to name the band Speed X?
I was watching the speed channel one day with my dad [Nick Catanese Sr.] and since I have always wanted a one named band, like Kiss or Aerosmith or Korn, I thought, ‘well, what about speed’? And though we found out that the name Speed wasn’t taken, there was a Japanese band in 1996, a cover band that was named Speed, so instead of opening ourselves up to getting sued, we got the idea to put an X after the word Speed.
"I am really proud of what we recorded for the new debut CD which is called 'Flat Black'."
In Speed X, I am writing and soloing, while when I am with Black Label Society, Zakk writes everything as it is his project. So with Speed X, I am writing a lot of the ideas I have had, plus Josh is an amazing song writer too and because everyone in the band is amazing at writing, I am truly blessed to have these guys. And because I don’t record with Black Label Society, this band is an amazing thing for me in all ways.
When does the album come out and have you got a label for it?
The album should be out in October some time, and as far as having a label goes, we are trying a new way in, and I think we have a good idea going on, but at the moment, I can’t reveal anymore until it is all confirmed.
I just want to go over your playing career a little. You started playing guitar at the age of 12, what was your first guitar you ever had?
It was a C series Les Paul. I was freaking with the first guitar, but man, I sounded like two cats in a tube sock.
Then at age 15 you started playing in bands, what was that like at the time and what did the early years of playing live teach you for your later professional life?
It was as amazing then as it is now. Honestly, I think every time you play live, it is a great ass time. But one of the main things I learned was that I just learned how to interact with the crowd. I have always watched Gene Simmons and Dime and tons of other musicians, just to watch how they work to have the crowd be part of the show and not even knock fists with them.
If it hadn’t been for Zakk you wouldn’t have been playing music?
That is correct. When I left my old band, I was disgusted with the whole scene…just a lot of stuff happened which I don’t want to really discuss at this point, but it jaded me badly. But I was always going to play guitar but I just wasn’t after "the dream". Anyway, one night I got a Metal Edge magazine and saw Zakk’s email address and thought "this is going be funny" so wrote to him and said in my email, "if you ever need a guitar player, I am here". And that was it! And Zakk emailed me back and we eventually we got together to do the Book of Shadows tour and that was in 1996. And here we are now today, 13 years later.
What are you’re currently using in the studio and live, gear wise?
I have two setups. For Black Label, I am using two JCM 800 Zakk Wylde heads, two Marshall 4 x 12 with 200 watt speakers. Guitar wise, I use Paul Reed Smith guitars. Effect pedals are a Boss Stereo Chorus, a MXR Overdrive, a Dunlop Rotovibe and a Dunlop Wah. When it comes for Speed X, I am using two Fuch Vipers, and two Electro-Voice 4 x 12”s with 200 watt speakers. Pedals are a Boss Stereo Chorus, my Fuchs Nick Catanese "Noxious Overdrive” pedal and a Morley Bad Horsie.
You recently switched from playing Washburn guitars – who made your signature model - to Paul Reed Smith guitars, why the change?
My contract had run out with Washburn and they never made a move to keep me. They made great guitars and will be part of my life, but at NAMM last year I went to Paul Reed Smith and they welcomed me with open arms. I am so fuckin’ psyched to be there too, and I hope to be there a long time.
And they’re making you a new signature model guitar I hear?
Hell yeah, and it is going to be the thickest Paul Reed Smith body to date. This will be for more tone and resonation. And it is also going to be affordable for everyone. Also there will be a custom and an import model.
Speaking of guitars, what do you look for when it comes to your guitar sound and tone?
I look for a true, thick and fat cutting tone. It has to sound like AC/DC on steroids. And if you turn my overdrive off, you will have the AC/DC tone. The overdrive just gives me more balls for the tone.
How do you think your guitar sound have evolved over the years?
I feel it is not your tone that evolves but rather your hand and technique. I believe 80 % of your tone is your right hand. So your amp is not even half of the battle. But of course when I was younger I was using rack effects, but once I started going to tube heads it was always going to be a great move.
"This band is an amazing thing for me in all ways."
It all comes down to age man. The older I get, the more I see so I just stay to myself. We all do actually, since we are all married or engaged and are family men. So that is what keeps you grounded. It is family and loved ones and friends. I know it sounds corny but it is very true.
Speaking of rock star, you appeared in Rock Star the movie – along with Zakk – playing the character of Xander Cummins, what was that experience like for you?
That was the most kick ass fun time I have ever had. It was a blast being with Mark Wahlberg, Jennifer Aniston, and just everyone else who was in the movie. Getting to record the soundtrack with Zakk, Jason Bonham, Jeff Pilson and Tom Werman who produced it, man, all I can say is, that it was sick! Tom Werman was an amazing guy and producer. He has done so much amazing stuff that seeing that dude work was such a great time.
What is next for Black Label Society, any new album in the works?
Yes after this tour with Mudvayne, we are off and I am going to work with Speed X and on October 31st, Black Label Society is doing a show in New York for Zakk’s guitar release party. Then in the spring we are going to tour Europe. But I hope in all that other time, Speed X will be doing shows.
Aside from Speed X and Black Label Society, what else can we expect from Nick Catanese in the future?
To be honest I have not thought that far ahead, so who knows. I suppose you will just have to wait and see…
Interview by Joe Matera
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