Interview with David Asher of The Process at Three-Mile Spiral

[We're trying out a new thing at Three-Mile Spiral: an interview conducted through G-mail Chat. It seemed to work out grandly and I was fortunate enough to catch up with Dave Asher of The Process to discuss his band's work and related issues. Enjoy.]



3-MS: Welcome to Three-Mile Spiral.

Dave: My pleasure, Marc.

3-MS: So, I've been listening to several Process CDs to get ready for this interview; at the moment, Dub Instructor. You guys have built quite a library. Is it fair to ask which is your favorite?

Dave: Well, personally, a favorite is hard to pick. However, I do love the trilogy of CDs we did with Gee Pierce: Craven Dog, Blood and Bones, and Weapons Of Mass Percussion. I guess Blood and Bones captures what we do best though.

3-MS: I know what you mean about having a favorite. My favorite poem is always "the most recent one." ... How did working with Gee come about and what do you think he adds to the projects?

Dave: Well, way back in 1992, when we were working on our 2nd album Baldhead Vex, the production team at the studio where we were working had a falling out. So we went looking for somewhere to finish the project. Gee didn't have a compatible set-up with them, but we kept him in mind for a project up the road and I'm glad we did. His genius is on all levels of production. He is a very exacting but supportive engineer. He draws the best performance out of you in a manner that accepts nothing but the best from you, while being very encouraging.


3-MS: Since you mention Blood and Bones, I have a few questions about that release. First of all, I think it's my favorite, especially "Spread the Money." ... But my question is, as three of the songs were previously released [“Run Them Down” from Baldhead Vex, “Rap Down” from Mystery Babylon and “Rasta Calling” from Live in Los Angeles], I'm wondering what made you want to revisit these pieces?

Dave: Our reason for wanting to redo a couple of those songs was that we felt they could be bettered, production-wise. Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, as well as many other reggae singers have a habit of “reversioning” songs. I was very happy with the new versions. We have some plans to re-cut some other tunes soon, as well.

3-MS: In my review of the DVD (Live at The Vassar Theatre), one thing I noted along these lines was that some of the old songs now felt like fully-realized structures and in comparison, the original versions are like blueprints. Does that make sense?

Dave: Well, the energy seems to come through live. In the studio, you try to perfect things. When you go out live you just play, you know ...

3-MS: Yes, I think with most bands (at least my favorites) it's the live show that really captures the essence of the band. ... With The Process, it seems that this is partly the energy and passion, but another important part is the aspect of theatre. How vital is the theatrical side of your performance in getting your message across?

Dave: Well, funny that you mentioned that. I've just been joined by Bill Heffelfinger [bass/keyboards/programming for The Process] and Seth Payton [of the ska band Stamp’D]! Bill is Mr. Production, you know. But I think the theatrical part of the performance was always there: before the lasers, lights and props. The passion becomes the theater. ...

3-MS: Well, give them both a big hello for me.

Dave: They say hello back.

3-MS: So would you say that the theatre serves to further the impact of your songs ... or are you just having fun?

Dave: You know it’s both, of course!

3-MS: Speaking of Seth, that brings me to Weapons of Mass Percussion, since Seth and a couple of the other culprits from Stamp'D appear on that. ...First question, though, what was the seed of the idea for this record?

Dave: Well, to look at the original concept, our releases were intended (by myself anyway) as a sort of double trilogy: Mystery Babylon and Baldhead Vex were versioned for the Dub Instructor album. It was always my intent to make Craven Dog and then another album and then a dub release, which became Weapons. But in the meanwhile, the Internet happened and then 9-11 and the so-called "War On Terror." These things gave the release a much different shape.

3-MS: Those events seemed to change everything. ... What are your thoughts on the melding of music and political activism?

Dave: Well, to me music is the real weapon of the future. Look at how reggae music helped to raise the world’s awareness of Apartheid and to overthrow it. I have a newspaper clipping I saved with the headline "Marley Music Crumbles Berlin Wall." That about says it.

3-MS: It's like Woody's guitar saying "This Machine Kills Fascists!"

Dave: True, true. ...



3-MS: On Weapons of Mass Percussion, you seem to pull out all the stops; pushing your style out of its normal range (if there ever was such a thing for The Process) and breaking new ground on many fronts. ... Is it your "White Album?"

Dave: I would say Craven Dog is more like that, style-wise. Weapons is like no other record I know of... Maybe it has a debt to Byrne and Eno’s Bush of Ghosts or African Head Charge.

3-MS: Am I hearing some Battlestar Gallactica Cylons sampled?

Dave: Yes. It took forever to clear the samples, that’s why the record took so long to release. It was a year in pre-production, also: gathering samples and sound bytes on the web.

3-MS: Time well worth it: Something chilling happens by mixing Bush with science fiction villainy. It somehow gets to the truth of the situation.

Dave: HAHAHA! So true, it IS unreal. But sadly the truth is stranger than fiction as well. When he says, "A mushroom cloud ..." Wow!

3-MS: I remember distinctly when I heard him say that -- it was one of the most terrifying moments of my adult life. It's that moment when you realize that the pilot of the plane you're on is completely, dangerously insane. ...
Earlier you mentioned Craven Dog. Which brings me to what I'm guessing is one of your most-known songs "Jah Made the Herb." I wondering if you have any comment on Michigan passing Medical Marijuana?

Dave: Well, the people have spoken and people who are truly sick can now get the medicine from a real Doctor. It only seems fair and decent.

3-MS: Amen to that. ...
More of a general question now. Is The Process a reggae band?

Dave: Really, I would say we are a rock band that plays reggae. The reggae ethic drives us though. A do-it-yourself kind of vibe.

3-MS: I'd have to agree. ...
Do Bill or Seth have any comments they'd like to sneak in?

Dave: Ask ‘em something and we will see...

3-MS: Bill: In a nutshell, what's the difference between Bill on-stage, shredding wraith and Bill off-stage, hard-to-imagine guy?

Dave: He says he'll get back to you.

3-MS: Fair enough. ... Seth: Are you ever going to pay alimony for our love-child?

Seth: Not without a DNA test!

3-MS: Bitch. ... Anyway, back to a serious note (or not), Dave, do you have anything you'd like to add, or is there anything we haven't touched on that you want to hit?
(No pun intended)

Dave: You know that’s how I … roll. … Well, I really enjoyed this chat, Marc. It was a lot of fun.

3-MS: Definitely. Thanks for your time. ...
Last question: If you had the chance to speak directly to these three people, what is your message for Bush, Obama, and Bob Marley?

Dave: To quote Proverbs Chapter 12, Verse 2: “A good man obtains favor from The Lord but a man of wicked intentions, HE will condemn.”

3-MS: So justice will come?

Dave: In Jah's time and on HIS timetable.

[Check out The Process here.]

Visit The Three Mile Spiral Online

MARLEYFEST AT THE RITZ

02-07-2009 at The Ritz
3400 Hoover Rd.
Between 9 & 10 Mile, Warren, 48089
Cost: $5.00
Bob Marley birthday tribute with Three Peace and more!
THE PROCESS performs at 8:00 PM.
Be sure to catch Stamp'D at 7:00!

The Machine Shop 02-01-2009

These pics from THE PROCESS show at the Machine Shop in Flint were taken by Steve at Snapdragon Photography.

THE FLINT JOURNAL: RETURN OF THE PIGMAN

The Process bring their brand of theatrics back to Flint
THE FLINT JOURNAL


Jan 1st 2009
By Timothy Flynn

It's been a while since reggae rockers The Process regularly graced the stages in the Flint area. But guitarist Garrick Owen said the band has fond memories of the time it once spent gigging around town.
"We consider it our base and starting point," said Owen. "We cut our teeth at the Capitol Theater".
While the group was once a regular musical fixture around here, Garrick and his bandmates in The Process- vocalist David Asher, bassist Bill Heffelfinger and Drummer Gabe Gonzalez- have spent the past 10 years building a statewide and national following, developing their mix of reggae and straight forward rock along the way.
Owen said local fans who haven't caught the band in a while can expect to see a much more refined show.
"We're still in the same vein, but the quaility of the songwriting has gotten better over the years," he said.
For his groups return to Flint, Owen said he's happy to hit the Machine Shop on a rare night- one not devoted to hard rock or metal. Instead the venue will present the "Marley Rock & Reggae Jam" a celebration of influential Rastaman Bob Marley.
The Show also includes Detroit's Lake Effect and East Lansing's Red Herring.
The Process, which plans to perform a few Marley covers Friday, has always combined a solid work ethic with a keen sense of promotion since forming in the early '90s.
"We put everything out ourselves," Owen said. "We work on a smaller budget, but everything comes out well."
They group has matched its long line of self produced CDs with plenty of national press, string endorsments and Detroit Music Award Nominations.
"Something like that, you just get involved with the community," Garrick said of the music awards.
"We got the nod and actually won. We've been nominated eight years in a row, Winning "Best Reggae Band" in '07. So we've been on the ballet and going to awards shows for almost the last decade."
Also likely to return to the area Friday is Pigman, one of the many mascots The Process has incorporated over the years, thanks to a fondness for costumes and props.
When naming the bands theatrical influences, Garrick listed a few of the usual suspects.
"I grew up liking people like Kiss and Alice Cooper." Garrick said. "We like using costumes and giving people a show".
The Process will play the Machine Shop on Friday.

Marleyfest At The Machine Shop!

Friday 01-02-2009 9:00 at The Machine Shop
3539 S Dort Hwy, Flint, Michigan 48507
Cost: $5.00
Bob Marley birthday tribute with Three Peace and more!

Pics from the DVD release

These fan pics are from the DVD release November 29 at Indian Barry's in Bay City. They were taken by longtime friend of the band Roxual Barger.
The night kicked off with a David Asher DJ set. Thanks go out to Born who also performed and club owner/sound mixer Barry Kane.

Andre Smith Crosses Over

THE PROCESS family sends our heartfelt sympathy out to the family of Andre Smith. Andre was a gifted man of God and a dear friend to THE PROCESS.
He performed with the band live and played guitar, keyboards and backing vocals on our releases CRAVEN DOG and WEAPONS OF MASS PERCUSSION.
As a member of the UBEU Production team, Andre was a talented studio engineer and arranger. Most of all he was a great friend with a beautiful spirit and a smile that could make your day. We will miss him being in this world. Thank you Andre, your work here is over, fly away home.

Film captures Process of stage extravaganza

Thursday, November 20, 2008
SUE WHITE
THE SAGINAW NEWS

If there was a retro feel to The Process' standing-room-only show last March at the historic Vassar Theatre, it was totally by design.
The Pigman -- guitarist Garrick Owen in an oversized pig head -- returned to the stage, as did the Skullman, the embodiment of a 1,000-year-old Ethiopian holy man.

The music, lead singer David Asher and drummer Gabe Gonzalez locked a powerful fit of ''Rasta madness'' and bass player Bill Heffelfinger and Owen flying high, embracing the scope of the rock-reggae band's existence.

And the journey continues in a DVD that captures the experience in its multi-media entirety. Catch it Saturday, Nov. 29, at the official DVD release party at Indian Barry's in Bay City. Also performing are the band KMJ and Born.

''It is a very theatrical production,'' Asher said of the homecoming concert on the stage the band first played in the early 1990s. ''We wanted to bring back the feel of, say, Alice Cooper or Peter Gabriel.''

That comes across in full fury, falling just short of aroma-vision in its riveting blast of lasers, vintage film and rolling banks of smoke. Gary Bredow, Lavel Jackson and Art Bissonette worked behind the scenes, he added, to pull it all together.

''We had to bring our own stage in, so we were there at 9 in the morning, and we were working until 2 in the morning tearing it down,'' Asher said. ''But to see how it looked from the audience, that's always a kick. A little weird the first time, watching yourself on a big screen, but then I was more relaxed about it.

''It captured us chronologically; it documented the event.''

And that's the one criticism. While the live segments are professional in every sense of the word -- this is the crew behind the documentary ''High Tech Soul'' -- there's an awkward transition between songs.

''Some wanted to baby-sit the filmmakers through the process but I say to let them do what they know how to do best,'' Asher said. ''We could have tinkered with it, but I don't know if that would have made it better.

''The word is getting out on the DVD -- it's available on CD Baby or on our Web site www.myspace.com/theprocessmusic -- and everything we're hearing is very positive. It's good.''

REVIEW OF THE PROCESS LIVE DVD AT THREE MILE SPIRAL

New on DVD: The Synesthetic Madness of The Process

“We’ve been possessed by this otherworldly soul that this band has.
It pulls us along. It’s got a spirit of its own; beyond us.”

–Dave Asher, discussing his band, The Process,
during a 2001 radio interview by Marc Beaudin
(CAGE Sessions – On the Air, WUCX 90.1 FM)

It’s been a lot of years, a lot of shows, a lot of recordings, since I first saw The Process perform in a mid-Michigan bar back in the late-late 80’s. But what immediately hooked me at that initial show is just as evident today: These guys mean what they play. They mean every note, every word, every drumbeat and guitar riff. They mean every ounce of muscle and soul that they freely spend each moment that they are on stage.

To be in the audience at one of The Process’ shows, is to have your mind, heart, and body taken apart and put back together in a slightly better way. Your senses merge and you see the music; hear the lights bouncing off the walls; taste the moment.

The next best thing to being there in the flesh (and soul) has recently been released on DVD: The Process: Live at the Vassar Theater.

First of all, I want to commend the seldom-thanked in the music business – the folks behind the scenes of this production. The technical aspects of this release are extraordinary. From the direction of Gary Bredow, to the live mix by Art Bissonette, the live recording by Lavel Jackson, the camera work by Bredow and Per Franchell, the lighting and sound by Bissonette Sound, the filming and editing by Big Bang Films, the cover art by Steven Gotts, the photography by Rick Morrow, and the production assistance by Tim O’Brian, Chuck Harrington and Seth Payton; every part builds perfectly to a Whole, which provides the optimum showcase for the talents of the band.

And what a band. This recording offers a seamless sound and energy created by four people who, by all indication, share a common soul. With David Asher on vocals and guitar, Garrick Owen on lead guitar, Bill Heffelfinger on bass, keyboards, programming and backing vocals, and Gabe Gonzalez on drums; they are, individually and as a group, at the top of their form. Mature and consummate musicians who’ve lost none of the edge and passion of their younger days.

The DVD consists of a concert of 10 songs, old favorites and new gems both, and it kicks off in signature Process style: a blaze of lighting and fog effects through which bleeds their hopped-up rendition of Wendy Carlos’ haunting and exhilarating “Title Music to A Clockwork Orange.” Glimpses of the musicians are seen in ultraviolent flashes of light. The relentless drumming; like a jet engine preparing for take-off. The tension builds.

And just when you are about to either rush the stage or run like hell, the music breaks into “Blood Runnings” from Craven Dog. A man appears with a skull for a head and covered in a brilliant Rasta robe, like an ancient, long-dead Ethiopian King. He stares into the audience – into and through each person – and now it’s clear: there’s no turning back. The concert has begun.

Song after song, culled from the vast library of Process material, is expertly and whole-heartedly presented. The evolution of each is remarkable, and it seems that their original studio versions were blueprints, and these are the fully-realized structures: architectural masterpieces; holy temples and towers of defiance against all negative forces – all evildoers, downpressers, and craven dogs. The songs are history lessons, incantations, and calls to revolution – danceable social justice and rockin’ revelations. The musicians push their instruments beyond the boundaries defined by standard rock or reggae. They’ve fused these along with funk, rap, and jazz, and raised up a new entity – something that can only be described as “Processian.”

My only issue with this DVD is that the transitions from song to song could be smoother. I would prefer if the camera were kept rolling to capture the incidental material between numbers – to give us more of a live concert feel, and more of a glimpse into the personalities of the band. But this is a small complaint that is quickly forgotten once each song kicks in.

The recording closes also in signature Process style: the resurrection of “Pigman.” Part myth. Part nightmare. Part parable. … He possesses Garrick. The guitar becomes a weapon. … Twenty-seven dogs run wild in the woods. … Death, mayhem, and badass rock’n’roll. … Oink. Oink. … Pigman’s in heaven.

And so are you.


Buy The Process: Live at the Vassar Theater on CD Baby
Visit The Process online
By Marc Beaudin
(Novelist, poet, playwright, scenic designer, theatre director, actor, activist, anarchist, mountebank, pirate on sabbatical, part-time rabblerouser, full-time cloud-watcher.)

Visit Marcs' Blog: THE THREE MILE SPIRAL

REVIEW MAGAZINE: The PROCESS LIVE: Vassar Theater

The PROCESS LIVE: Vassar Theater
Exceptionally Recorded DVD Chronicles Musical Warriors in Their Prime.
DVD Release Party Slated for Indian Barry's November 29th

By Robert E. Martin
REVIEW MAGAZINE

With the possible exception of the wedding band Ceyx, no other musical outfit in the tri-cities have remained as intact as the Vassar-based reggae/rock warriors known as The Process. And being essentially an all-original group, writing and performing their own material while pursuing a very defined musical & cultural vision, this is a band of brothers that truly is in a league of their own.

On a cold and grey March evening earlier this year, The Process booked the beautiful Vassar Theater to perform a sold-out concert showcasing the broad yet precise expansiveness of their music, which served as the perfect setting for a live concert video recording of the 70-minute set.

Entitled The Process – Live @ Vassar Theater and produced by Big Bang Films & the Process, from the opening musical swell of Blood Running to the re-focused delivery of what has become their 'signature' song, Pigman, this is undoubtedly one of the best recorded and professionally edited video releases to hit the market in recent memory.

Directed by Gary Bredow for Big Bang Films with sound & lighting and a live mix courtesy of Art Bissonette from Bissonette Sound, the live recording techniques employed by Lavel Jackson for Mobile Studios set a landmark for the way videos should be filmed, with plenty of tight shots and a focus upon the stage (as opposed to the audience, which often detracts from most concert films).

David Asher's vocal strength has solidified over the years and the flow of his writing grown deeper with age, while guitarist Garrick Owen achieves new levels of sonic accuracy. With the estimable skills of bassist/keyboardist and programming genius Bill Heffelfinger and all group energy focused through drummer Gabe Gonzalez' relentless attack, this DVD does what a concert video is supposed to – frame the accomplishments of the group into a context is not only memorable, but chronicled for posterity.

The Process will be holding a special DVD Release Party with a performance at Indian Barry's on Saturday, November 29th. Copies of The Process LIVE: The Vassar Theater can also be obtained by going to their website at www.myspace.com/theprocessmusic

THE PROCESS LIVE DVD FOR SALE NOW ONLINE!

...The ultimate Process Live Concert Experience!
THE PROCESS® Live In Concert at the historic Vassar Theater. The DVD features blazing performances of some of the groups best known songs, as well as a spectacular film and laser light show. If you love the band, or even if you have never seen them live, this DVD documents what the buzz is all about.
A must have!...

First Review of the Live DVD!

DVD Review: The Process Live @ The Vassar Theater
Mitch Phillips Michiganbands.com

One of the best things about The Process Live: The Vassar Theatre, I think, is the fact that I didn't have to drive all the way to Vassar, MI to see it. That's right. Thanks to the wisdom of The Process and the fine production work of Big Bang Films the entire show was captured and released on DVD for you - and lazy local music dorks like me who rarely leave the cave anymore. But why spend the gas money when I can watch it from my couch?

Click "read more" below for a short review and all the relevant links.

1st Annual HALLOWPALOOZA Russell Industrial Center

1st Annual HALLOWPALOOZA Russell Industrial Center
With: THE PROCESS

10-29-2008 18:00 at 1st Annual HALLOWPALOOZA Russell Industrial Center
DETROIT, 48239
Cost: $20.

10-31-2008 12:00 at 1st Annual HALLOWPALOOZA Russell Industrial Center I-75 to 94 take Clay Exit BUILDING ONE 5TH FLOOR, DETROIT, 48239 Cost: 20.00 4 Free Beer FUNK ROCK TECHNO HOUSE ELECTRO HIP HOP MUSIC!!!! 1ST 200 FREE WITH COSTUMES-HOST 4 COSTUMES ZIAM BETWEEN 6-9 FULL SERVICE BAR & FOOD 10 D.J.
’S PLUS= 7 BANDS-EMILY RODGERS & FRIENDS,UNITED SOULS, GIANT SLYDE, BLACKMAIL,THE PROCESS,ENEMY SQUAD, BENNY STOOFY, & DAVID WINANS PI ALSO LIVE HIP HOP= DJ DEZ,NICK SPEED,DANNY BROWN,& FAT RAY COSTUME CONTEST, PRIZES, 1O KEGS ALL U CAN DRINK,ADULT ENTERTAINMENT EMPLOYEES FREE ENTRY