Their chosen venue at that time was and is called The Cave at Jim and Dans. A basement man-cave that is also the official practice place for Quantum Force. It is a tad bit dark in this space complete with a wall-sized television, a bevy of guitars in all shapes and colors, an affectionately beat-up drum set and a working draft bar surrounded by bar stools.
There is also a color-black banner from a favorite band whose members Pagey, Percy, Jonesy and Bonzo grace with four white symbols below a logo depicting a Rock Gawd based on the Greek god Apollo with wings hung on a deep purple wall.
I thought I would take this time to get to know the guys better and to implement some questions that I had already asked them to write the answers to.
In the same manner, of which I asked guitarists Dixon and Milliard, I also asked bassist Neal Miller and drummer Eddie Rifle the same questions in two sessions in October 2013. By this time, there were five original songs being played with precision. The band was cohesive and sounding better than ever.
1. When and how did you become a member of Quantum Force?
Sean Dixon: I hadn't seen Dan since 79-80 maybe, a mutual friend kinda got us to run into each other......
Neal Miller: Together with Daniel Milliard and Eddie Rifle for over 25 years.
Daniel Milliard: The band started June 2011.
Eddie Rifle: Together with Neal Miller and Daniel Milliard for over 25 years.
2. At what age did you pick up your first instrument?
Sean Dixon: 4 or 5.
Neal Miller: 1969 at age 9.
Daniel Milliard: I was around 8.
Eddie Rifle: Playing drums at 8 in 1962.
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| QUANTUM FORCE practicing down in the cave, October 2013. |
3. What was the first instrument you learned how to play and if it isn't the same instrument you play today in the band, why did you switch?
Sean Dixon: Trumpet, and I injured my lower lip, so guitar seemed like a good move.
Neal Miller: I've always played bass.
Daniel Milliard: My first Instrument is and was the Guitar. (I tried to learn) the Trumpet. Didn't do so well with that. Liked guitar better.
Eddie Rifle: Always the drums.
4. What was the very first piece of music that you learned how to play?
Sean Dixon: Lara Lee (which sounds like Elvis singing Love Me Tender.)
Neal Miller: Deep Purple. Everyone has to have Smoke on the Water.
Daniel Milliard: 25 or 6 to 4 my first song on guitar and Smoke on the Water.
Eddie Rifle: Gloria and In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
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| Daniel Milliard and Sean Dixon of Quantum Force collaborating on some songs. |
5. When you write music, are there any certain methods you use? Example: Do the words come to you first and then you write the music?
Sean Dixon: For me its always been the music, then the words maybe!!! Maybe.
Neal Miller: It's nice to have the lyrics first, but the music is what you need.
Daniel Milliard: Music first then the words.
Eddie Rifle: Start on the piano, then the guitar and then sometimes even the drums.
6. At what age did you feel like you could play in front of a crowd professionally?
Sean Dixon: Fifth grade I was playing in a guitar mass band at or local church!
Neal Miller: 10 or 11 with the piano and then 14 on a stage with the bass.
Daniel Milliard: 16 is when I started playing for real.
Eddie Rifle: I was 10 years old.
7. Did you take music lessons or study to become a better musician?
Sean Dixon: Yes I did.
Neal Miller: I took private lessons on the bass for a year and a half.
Daniel Milliard: I studied guitar. Music in school and my father payed for professional lessons.
Eddie Rifle: I just started playing by ear.
8. Name three musical influences.
Sean Dixon: Country, rock, jazz.
Neal Miller: Led Zeppelin, Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Chicago, Deep Purple. The list goes on and on.
Daniel Milliard: My Three Influences are Jimmy Page, Tommy Bolin, And Joe Walsh.
Eddie Rifle: Sandy Nelson, Neil Peart and Led Zeppelin.
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| Singin', jammin', playin'. |
9. Have you been a musical influence on anyone?
Sean Dixon: Not sure.
Neal Miller: The fans.
Daniel Milliard: Question #9 Answer? I hope.
Eddie Rifle: The neighbor boy started playing drums on a cruise ship.
10. Which song brings you the most satisfaction when you play it?
Sean Dixon: Lots too many to list!!!!
Neal Miller: The ones we get through without messing up.
Daniel Milliard: My own music gives me the most satisfaction. I hope this helps.
Eddie Rifle: Several songs. I just enjoy playing.
Thank you, gentlemen. This helps.
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