This is an excerpt from an exclusive interview with Dave Hammlin, a.k.a “Big Dave”, from the band Majycc, conducted by People’s Choice Rock Icons magazine. The interviewer is Steve Wetcomb. Circa 1990
“Big Dave”: Thanks. Me too.
Steve: Now Dave, you are one of the founders of Majycc. What inspired you to form this band?
“Big Dave”: Well Steve, inspiration can come from many places. Sometimes it just falls out of the sky and hits you. I can’t tell you how, or when, or even why Majycc formed. It just happened. It was written in the stars.
Steve: I see. Now, what would you say your early influences were as a band?
“Big Dave”: well you know…Sorcery. Plants. Nature. The Universe. All kinds of Voodoo magic really. We came together and did some crazy stuff. Sometimes we would shoot of rockets and recite spells before going on stage.
Steve: What about musical influences?
“Big Dave”: One time we managed to bring back our old bassist from the dead.
Steve: I’m sorry?
“Big Dave”: He was literally dead.
Steve: Ok.
You’re the main songwriter for the band. Is this right?
“Big Dave”: Yes
Steve: What is the songwriting process like for you?
“Big Dave”: It’s filled with ups and downs. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve started writing a song, and then stopped midway through and trashed the whole thing. Sometimes I even break my piano.
Steve: Do most of your songs start out as ideas on the piano?
“Big Dave”: I don’t play piano.
Steve: What about the Majycc song “Caretaker for the Doomsday Crypt.” Where did that one come from?
“Big Dave”: That one’s about love, Steve.
Steve: I see. Now, Majycc has been around for 20 plus years, and you guys have put out over 30 albums. That must take a lot of time and dedication to your music.
“Big Dave”: Yes it does, Steve. It’s taken a toll on me personally, having been on the road for so long. Most people don’t understand the lifestyle.
Steve: Your new album “American Haymaker” hits the stores in two weeks. What would you say is your favorite part of the album?
“Big Dave”: The Drum solos. Most definitely. They’re really spicy. Our drummer is a God.
Steve: Do you enjoy being in the studio?
“Big Dave”: I do for the most part. But I’m not in there just for fun. It’s strictly business. I’m in the studio more than anyone else in the band, I can tell you that for sure. I slept in there for two weeks once.
Steve: That long huh? (Laughs)
“Big Dave”: Yeah (Laughs) Most of my time there is spent finding a guitar tone. I’m also the drummer for the band.
Steve: Wow. I didn’t know that. That must be very difficult on stage no doubt. How do you manage that?
“Big Dave”: Majycc.
