As a kid I used to love to sing, mostly to myself, but later when I started playing guitar I would always sing with the bands I played with.

Who were your primary influences?

I always loved pop music, everything from soul music to the Beatles. Later when the rock stuff was more in, I listened to bands like Led Zep and Jimmy Hendrix, and after that Foreigner, Journey, etc. I was more of a 'song' guy though. I liked the more melodic stuff with great singing.

How did you feel about the Transformers project?

I thought it was pretty cool. It was a good thing as it helped launch me in Europe a bit.

Did you feel it was somewhat humourous writing music to a cartoon?

We actually wrote "The Touch" for a Sylvester Stalone movie, but it wound up in "Transformers: The Movie".

What memories are stirred when you hear 'The Touch' and 'Dare'?

I once got a fan letter from a kid in the Midwest who said those songs changed his life. He said he was on the verge of suicide and the songs gave him hope and encouragement. I know it sounds corny, but that made me really happy. It's great when we can do something positive in the world. (especially these days)

What was it like working with Vince Di Cola?

Vince is great! I think he's amazingly talented! We worked together since then a few times. He's a good guy too.

I was bought the dvd version of Transformers the movie two years back, and in the 'interview with the composer' section, Vince di Cola mentions the use (or somewhat unauthorised use) of your record 'The Touch' in the movie hit 'Boogie Nights'. He mentioned that you received no royalties from the film makers. How did this make you feel?

Actually I have received writers royalties from Boogie Nights, but I think he was talking about publishing royalties. When I signed with Scotti Brothers, it was a lousy contract and they had all my publishing. I eventually got out of that deal, but the songs from the Barrage album, I only get writers on, so it's half what I should get.

Did you find it somewhat humiliating that they turned it into an almost farcical event?

In Boogie Nights, the guy trying to resurrect his recording career, sings the song (rather badly), so it is supposed to be humorous. It didn't really bother me, because it was more about the singer than the song, plus it's always a good thing to have a song you wrote used in a major motion picture.

You've had a long career in the music industry, what were your favourite moments?

Without a doubt, the coolest thing was winning an Emmy for a song I wrote and sang for television. It was amazing just to be nominated, but winning was unbelievable!

Another was stepping of the plane, my first time in Germany and getting mobbed for autographs. I was totally not expecting that!

Who did you enjoy working with the most?

I think the most talented songwriters I've worked with are Jonathan Cain (Journey), and Jim Vallance (Bryan Adams). It would be hard to chose between the two because they were both great to work with! I once auditioned for Foreigner when Lou Gramm left the band, and nearly got the gig, but just playing with those guys was really cool!

I noticed that on your last record 'Language of the Heart' you had many musical collaborations including Curt Cuomo. Which other artists would you like to work with on future releases?

Well I'm planning to write more with Curt and probably hook up with a couple of other people as well. I haven't had a lot of time to consider who yet, but there a some really good writers here in L.A.

Unlike many other musicians and artists of your genre, you seem to evolve musically, how difficult is it to progress in such a manner?

Well, thanks. As I get older (and read more), I want to try and think of more important things to say. Love is always a good subject, but there's a lot of things we all deal with these days with such a fast-moving culture. Social commentary is hard to accomplish though without sounding preachy or whiney. Actually I'm a family guy, content with where I am in my life, so my perspective has changed from the angst of youth.

It has been two years since your last release, when can we expect to hear your next project?

I'm in the process of writing for a new album now. We'll probably start tracking later this summer and wrap it up by fall. I don't know when they'll want to release it, but if not by this fall, certainly soon after that.

Any tips on how to get that great 'edge' vocal style you have? (sorry personal question from one musician to another! :)

I'm flattered that you asked. I think if I were to offer advice to a young rock singer, it might be something like this: "sing with emotion, get into what the lryics are saying, and put it through the wall!"