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                                                               Interview with Jasun Tiptun of Zero Hour

 

THE METAL PIT:        How did you go about selecting Chris Salinas as the new vocalist?

                JASUN:        We knew Chris from his former band Power Of Omens. I actually met him at the first Progpower in Chicago where Zero Hour and PoO were both on the bill. Right away hearing him sing live I knew he was the real deal. We ended up talking for about 45 minutes and it was a great conversation and really liked how he took his voice and music very seriously. I approached him about doing some live shows 4 years later and he said I'm a fan of Zero Hour and if you're looking for a vocalist I would like to do it. I talked with the guy's and it was no brainer.



THE METAL PIT:      What are you personal highlights from your latest album?                        

                JASUN:     Just hearing that fans are really enjoying the disc and that many feel it's one of our best to date. We played some amazing shows already being part of ProgPower USA, PowerProg (LA) with Nevermore headlining and now the upcoming Headway festival in Holland www.headwayfestival.com and BARfest featuring Jon Oliva's Pain, Crimson Glory to name a few. www.bayarearockfest.com We had a great time playing shows in the East Coast and we'll be going to Iceland for the first time.




THE METAL PIT:      Any future plans for a Zero Hour DVD?

                JASUN:       Yes we do want to do a DVD when the next release is out. We feel it's best to have one more CD put together with Chris and compile a bunch of ZH live footage for the fans. Look to have something cool in 2008.



THE METAL PIT:       What is in store for Zero Hour for the rest of 2007?

                JASUN:        We'll be playing a BARfest preview show March 24th with Enchant, Redemption and Timeline. April 6th Headway Festival in Amstelveen The Netherlands which we always look forward to...HOLLAND RULES!! We'll follow up with a couple of shows in Iceland, doing a cable broadcast in late April with Zero Hour playing live material in the studio. May 4th and 5th BARfest which has a bunch of amazing acts www.bayarearockfest.com. We might be heading back to the East Coast in June for a festival and couple gigs. Just trying to stay busy and write all the material for our next release which we'll have out for the listeners in 2008.




THE METAL PIT:        After all these years of playing in ZH with brother Troy how has your relationship changed if it has? 

                JASUN:         You have many ups and downs in the business and I think we've just continue to become a stronger unit through all of it. Troy and I have always been close and playing music is our world. We'll be doing this for a long time and we'll always be best of friends.
 



THE METAL PIT:       Is there any bands out there you wish you could tour with?

                JASUN:         I wish we could tour with Queensryche, Dream Theater, Tool, Opeth and so many acts. We're a Progressive Metal act but we're a little heavier than most the acts in the genre. We just did a show with All that Remains who are just an awesome band. The show went amazing and love to have more opportunities like that.  
 




THE METAL PIT:          Have you started doing any writing for the next ZH album or just concentrating on the touring thing right now?

                JASUN:           We have started on the new material and we hope to finish the 2nd to the last song next Friday. We've been trying to balance playing a live set and writing new material. It's not easy but we have to keep creating. The next disc is just pushing everything we have and I'm excited to say it keeps getting better and better.
 
 



THE METAL PIT:           What are some of your favorite guitarist and or bands to listen to when your not doing your own thing?

                 JASUN:          Wow there's so many to name and here's a few. Paul Gilbert, Jason Becker, Marty Friedman, Shawn Lane, Buckethead, Dillinger Escape Plan, Killswtich Engage, Rainbow, Pat Metheny Group, Tool, Black Sabbath, Meshuggah, Lamb of God to name just a few. So many great bands and I always forget so many to mention.




THE METAL PIT:           You relased a solo cd "Seduction". Any plans for another solo cd in the future?

                 JASUN:           I will do one only if Zero Hour has down-time. I really enjoying writing Zero Hour material and if we can keep that going for awhile that would be great.






THE METAL PIT:            How was your experience at NAMM?

                JASUN:            NAMM was amazing for me in 2007. My Zero Hour lethal Weapon Model is now being distributed by PPC from Germany. I'm very, very excited about this news and it's a dream come true for me. I'm actually on the cover of the new catalog and I'm just floored by all this. http://www.ppc-music.de/?frame=/katalog_download/guitarpages_0307/download.php I'm very fortunate with the amazing companies I'm endorsed by. www.mesaboogie.com www.manne.com and www.kerlymusic.com All great companies and I would be playing their products regardless.
 



THE METAL PIT:            What is the best part for you when touring and doing live shows?

                JASUN:             I just love performing in front of friends and fans and it's the best feeling ever. Music has always balanced me and I wouldn't have met so many amazing people and friends if it wasn't for playing music. It's all about the METAL!!
 


THE METAL PIT:            Anything thing else you'd like to add in closing?

                JASUN:            Just thank you so much for spreading the word about Zero Hour and METAL music to your readers. YOU RULE!!  Please check out our myspace and website for the latest happening with Zero Hour.  My brother Troy and I put out Guitar and Bass Instructional's off www.chopsfromhell.com and we're very proud of the end result. You can check out sample clips at http://www.chopsfromhell.com/guest_tipton_JT1sampler.html & http://www.chopsfromhell.com/guest_tipton_TT1sampler.html

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Interviewed by Blake.............March, 2007.