HOTEL DIABLO, the new band featuring vocalist Rick Stitch (LADYJACK, ex-ADLER'S APPETITE), guitarist Alex Grossi (QUIET RIOT), bassist Mike Duda and drummer Mike Dupke (both of W.A.S.P.) have officially released their new EP, Psycho California. BraveWords.com correspondent Deb Rao caught up with Rick Stitch and discussed the unveiling of the band's debut.

BraveWords.com: Tell us about the release and the meaning behind the title Psycho California

Rick: "Psycho California is a collection of stories, true stories, experienced during a time when our lives were filled with mind-altering shots of wretched adrenaline. Strings got bent, knobs were turned and an uncontrolled visceral energy screamed life into what has become Hotel Diablo's, Psycho California."

BraveWords.com: Tell us about the writing process for the album? Did everyone collaborate collectively?

Rick: "Whether an entire song was brought in by one of us or it began with a riff at a rehearsal, by the time we finished recording it, all of us had our way with it."

BraveWords.com: What was it like working with producer Gilby Clarke (ex-GUNS N' ROSES)?

Rick: "It's great working with Gilby. Always a relaxed environment and he's very patient when it comes to trying new ideas and sounds out in the studio. Did I mention he has like every guitar known to man? There's a few I've never even heard of. One came from a Prince in Abu Dhabi or something. Needless to say, guitars and guitar tones were never an issue."

BraveWords.com: Hotel Diablo are gearing up for their Las Vegas debut Friday, January 13th at Vampd. Tell us about your upcoming performance and what the fans can expect to hear at the Las Vegas debut.

Rick: "It will be an interesting one to say the least. Every time we're out in Vegas, friends and 'characters' show up and it makes for an unpredictable evening. We'll slam out the new EP for sure and do our versions of some our favorite rock tunes."

BraveWords.com: As a new band on the scene, what do you hope to accomplish in today's musical market?

Rick: "As every new band starts out they have visions of grander and hope to dominate the world. Of course that would be great. With Hotel Diablo, we keep it pretty real. We put on a kick ass live show and do our best to keep it interesting with hooks and solid melodies. I'd love to give you some crazy name of a new genre we've created and tell you thats it's a mix between MARILYN MANSON and JAY Z. But what you really get with HD when buy the Psycho, California EP is a heavy hard rock album. We're not a band that waters down it's sound to appease a certain market and that is something we'll continue to do and hope other bands will do the same. The musical market belongs to the bands. It's up to them what they do with it. Of course there will be a few of the Major Label acts that still have the machine behind them but the exciting part is a small band can really set it's own fire."

BraveWords.com: Would you say that Hotel Diablo reflects all of the member’s influences?

Rick: "We wear our influences on our sleeves and I feel thats what makes it special."

BraveWords.com: I noticed you have two versions of 'What You Do To Me.' One song is electric and one acoustic. Tell us the meaning behind this?

Rick: "I've always heard this song in my head as an acoustic version. The first time Duda played the opening riff for us, he played it on an acoustic. When Alex and I worked out the rest of the song it we did it acoustically. So, in my mind this was one of those tunes that could stand alone with one vocal and one guitar. When we were wrapping up the recording process, a producer friend of mine, Mark Pelli, was in town doing a session. We went to a studio he was working out of and he laid down the piano and strings on this version and produced it. It was one of those moments that just "happened". If he wasn't here maybe there wouldn't be this version. But he was, and for that matter timing definitely was everything."

BraveWords.com: In closing, the metal world has received more bad news BLACK SABBATH guitarist Tony Iommi has been diagnosed with early stages of Lymphoma. What was your reaction when you heard the news?

Rick: "It's always tough when news like this breaks, especially for the families involved. Everybody is ultimately effected by it including the fans since they are also very supportive throughout the years of the person's career. All you can do is be supportive and send your prayers out and hope for the best. Tony's music continues to influence generations to come and we hope he will stay strong and continue to do so himself."

Upcoming Hotel Diablo shows:

January

28 - Key Club - Hollywood, CA (EP Release Party)

March

1 - Whisky A Go-Go - Hollywood, CA