Interview By Ellie Timms for "International Longhairs United"

Ellie: What is the bands origin? (A synopsis of the beginning)

Travis: The drummer of Black Earth (Brian) and myself (Travis) used to play in an extremely have Death Metal Band a few years back. Our bass player at the time was here (in Indiana) going to school at Indiana University. He Graduated and moved back home, thus leaving us without a Bass Player. We wanted to put a band together that was heavy, but one that could also get Radio play and be accepted by a much broader group of music fans. I played in another band around 1991 with Duane (Bass), we told Duane what we wanted to put together and he liked the idea, and we just went for it. Dale (Vocals) & Craig (Guitar) were added to the band later, but both DO play a very important role in the band.

Ellie: The band has had a diverse array of opportunities, tribute CD, sports and movie sound tracks, how did all of this come about?

Travis: The Death Metal band that Brian and Myself (Travis) played in was asked to submit a track for a Metallica Tribute CD. The track was accepted. After that band had split up, I got a call from the record company asking if we would like to do a track for a Ronnie James Dio Tribute. At this time Black Earth had been together for a few months, so we submitted a track and they liked it a lot. The other Tributes just seemed to follow each other from then on. The Movie Soundtracks, Endorsements, Etc. came to be because I kept seeing all these bands that I thought were no better than us or sometimes even worse bands than we are getting Endorsements and so on. I thought well if they can do it, so can we. It was a result of submitting our music to whoever would listen to it. The worst thing that can happen is that they could say no, so what do we have to lose?

Ellie: How many original CD has the band recorded, how have they done so far?

Travis: Black Earth currently only has a 4 - song E.P. released, and it has done very well. About 95% of the shows we play we sell out of the CD. Since we make the CD ourselves CD, Packaging, Etc. we have an endless supply of them.
Right now we are taking some time off (June-July 2003) to do some recording. We have a ton of original music; we just need to get it on tape. We have had some interest from some high profile people in the industry that want to hear more of our stuff. So we are getting it done now so we can submit it to them A.S.A.P.

Ellie: Does the band have any tour plans outside of your home state? If so when & where?

Travis: Yes we do. As far as where, we want to work our way out of the area by going to places like Kentucky, Chicago, Michigan, Etc. at first then progress to places like New York, L.A., Etc. If something came up in New York, L.A., Etc. we would more than likely do it. But we want to work our way out, instead of just going from Indiana to Las Vegas for 1 show.
And as far as when?? Now would be good.

Ellie: On your website there are several references to Kiss, what influence have they had on the band as a whole?

Travis: Well if it wasn't for KISS, there could have never been a Black Earth. 4 out of 5 members of Black Earth would have never decided to play in a band if we had never seen KISS. KISS is a bigger than life band, and I think every band wants that, but no band will ever do or has ever done since what they have. KISS was also 1 of the first bands to be honest and say thanks to the fans, which is important. If it weren't for the fans bands would be nothing.

Ellie: As you know Gene Simmons is a merchandising manic, is that a direction that the band will explore?

Travis: Yes and No. Gene has taken KISS where no band has gone before, but I think at some point it gets to be overkill. I think its incredible what Gene and KISS have been able to do, I mean lets be honest, THEY ARE A BAND FOR GODS SAKE, THEY PLAY MUSIC, WOW.

Ellie: What does the band envision for the future?

Travis: We want to get signed to a major deal, and be put on a major tour. The band knows it's just a matter of time before if happens. We have gone through too much and have accomplished too much for Black Earth not to make it. Very few unsigned bands have done what we have (Movie Soundtracks, Appeared on 8 International Tribute Albums, Sponsorship's/Endorsement's). The next level/step is the big time as far as I'm concerned.

Ellie: Any final thoughts you wish to share, Travis?

Travis: Yes I want to thank you Ellie, Robin, and everyone at Namaste' Promotions Inc. for hooking up Black Earth. I also want to thank the people that have and continue to support us, our Friends, Families, Sponsors, and mostly the Fans. And for everyone that has never heard of Black Earth, check out the website, join the mailing list, Sign the guest book, E-mail us, download the music, Etc. and I hope you like the band.