10 Questions with ... All Star United

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

LABEL:

• E1 Entertainment

DISCOGRAPHY:

• The Good Album (2009)
• Love and Radiation (2007)
• Revolution (2002)
• Let's Get Crazy (2000)
• Smash Hits (2000)
• International Anthems for the Human Race (1998)
• All Star United (1997)

1) The band took some time away. Can you briefly re-introduce the band members featured on "The Good Album"?

Ian: ASU has always been a collection of my friends that are crazy enough to hang out with me and interpret my ridiculous ideas. This time the one's that answered their phones: Mike Payne, Adrian Walther, Christian Crowe, Brian Whitman and Aaron Mortenson. But for the ongoing scoop: twitter.com/ianeskelin.

2) Tell us real quick about the story behind the first single "Beautiful Way."

It's great to see people who have the Holy Spirit shining through, over and above life's challenges. I love surrounding myself with people who have a "Beautiful Way" about them no matter what's going on.

3) What message do you hope to convey through the new album "The Good Album"?

God is good. Devil is bad. Eh, ASU is not bad.

4) Tell us your funniest radio experience thus far.

One time in Texas after pulling us over for speeding, a police officer gave us a 100-mile per hour sirened escort so we could make our drive-time radio interview. Oh, and on occasion, we've been know to do whole radio interviews with British accents.

5) Is there any song in the All Star United repertoire that you enjoying performing more than another? Is there a favorite song to perform live?

It's always fun to perform the ASU classics off the first couple records ("Smash Hit," "La La Land," etc.), but I have a feeling "Dude...That's Freaking Awesome!" is gonna be a monster.

6) What does 2010 look like? Where will fans be able to find All Star United?

Look for us at the World Cup in South Africa. Go USA! And of course there are tour dates in the works.

7) Why "The Good Album"? Why come back and record it?

Making All Star United records is just something we have to do. I love the fact that there are no rules. Whenever I have some songs and we get that ASU itch, you can bet we'll be right back in the studio. Maybe next time we'll call it "The Better Album" potentially leading up to a "Best Of."

8) Who inspires personally, spiritually and/or professionally, either individually or as a band?

My wife Peggy is amazing. I don't know how she puts up with me and my random bizzare furries of creativity. She's the stable one. [Smile] Grace Chapel in Leipers Fork, TN is rockin' too.

9) Do you have time to listen to much music? What other artists are you listening to right now?

I'm always around music so I welcome the silence (well, not really 'cause my ears ring) and I like talk radio. But I'm a sucker for Oasis.

10) On the producer/songwriter side of life, Ian, what are some things you're working on?

I try and mix it up. A little bit of Francesca Battistelli with a twist of Stellar Kart does me good. But my son Aiden (6) is only excited about VeggieTales. Look out for my new song "Pants!" [Smile]