The voice of Sons of Apollo- Jeff Scott Soto
Interview conducted on Jan. 31, 2020
by Dan Locke
SONS OF APOLLO–former Dream Theater members Mike Portnoy and Derek Sherinian, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal (ex-Guns N’ Roses), Billy Sheehan (The Winery Dogs, Mr. Big, David Lee Roth) and Jeff Scott Soto (ex-Journey, ex-Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force)–are ringing in the new decade with a sonic boom with their second studio album, appropriately titled,MMXX (pronounced: 20/20) – out now!
We had the chance to chat with Jeff Scott Soto at the beginning of the tour.
Dan Locke: How is the tour coming along?
JEFF SCOTT SOTO: Better than imagined. I keep mentioning the first tour, we had no experience with each other as a band, we were trying to make sure we entertained the crowd, did what was expected of us and remember the songs. Now we have our ark built, we know how to steer it, how to avoid a collision, and how to have fun with it!
What were your musical influences while you were growing up?
The same as they still are: Motown first, soul/R&B music, then the rock bands who injected Soul into their brand like Queen, Journey, Foreigner, then to the party legends as well as great entertainers from David Lee Roth to Bruce Dickinson.
Tell me about the first band that you performed in?
I was 12, playing trumpet, keyboards and backing vocals. The lead singer was 14 and in high school. Our first gig was at my middle school. We were setting up just before the lunch bell was about to ring and he never showed up. I guess he got caught trying to leave school to come to us. By default, I became the singer for our show after I impressed the band by filling in. Then I just became the permanent singer.
You are of Puerto Rican descent. Who are your favorite Puerto Rican musicians?
I don’t really have any. I grew up listening to the greats like Tito Puente and Willie Colon, but I didn’t truly start appreciating this music until I got older.
One of your influences were Steve Perry. How was it to perform with Journey?
It was a dream that turned into a nightmare, not negative in terms of the band or anything, more the stress that came from 1: singing in a band where their beloved former singer was still alive and well, and 2: being in my 40s and having to sing this catalog as perfectly as possible because those fans are very unforgiving! I think I would have personally left after 3-4 years had I continued with them, mainly because I would be worried about being able to consistently deliver. Then add how I was let go, it wasn’t the best scenario, but I treasure the fact that I can say I was Journey’s lead singer for 11 months.
Over the years you played with a couple of supergroups. Would you call the fictional band Steel Dragon a supergroup?
Not really, it’s a movie group, haha. For sure the players in and on it would be considered a supergroup, but as it was fictitious, it was simply Steel Dragon!
In 2017 you joined Sons of Apollo. How did this happen?
This was Mike’s doing. I toured with Winery Dogs in South America with my band SOTO, and Mike was great friends with our now deceased bassist, David Z. So he would be watching our shows a lot on that tour, but I didn’t realize he had a plan. He was confirming that I should be the singer for Sons, without auditioning, without a single song written. In November 2016 it was confirmed, and in 2017 we started the process.
Any rituals you have before going on stage?
Just making sure I am warmed up vocally. I have my Moscow Mules as my drink of choice, I chew sugarless gum religiously for the glycerin, and that’s it. Just make sure I am ready to have fun and kick ass.
What is your microphone of choice?
I grew up always using Shures, but currently on a Sennheiser kick. Those are the Mercedes Benz of microphones!
What is your favorite song to perform with Sons of Apollo?
Ha, tough one…probably “Comin’ Home,” because it’s more simple, straight-ahead Rock. It’s easy to sing, fun to sing, and always goes over well.
Since you know the piano. Would you like to perform on stage more often?
Not really. I enjoy more putting on a show rather than trying to concentrate on playing an instrument live. I have done it a lot through the years, and for some shows, it’s better suited for me to just be a frontman.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Um…5 years older J
Anything in closing?
Not really, I never have a closing, because that to me says there is an end. I don’t want an end, I want to keep going and doing and living my best life.
