AIRTIME

Simultaneous with releases in Japan [on Marquee] and Europe [with Escape Music], Rockit Sounds Inc. is independently releasing a new rock band project, Airtime, in North America. Featuring the legendary hall of fame multi-talented musician Rik Emmett (ex Triumph / solo artist) on lead vocals and all guitars and basses; and Michael Shotton (Von Groove) on drums, keys and background vocals.
This music is vibrant and exciting Classic Melodic Hard Rock in the style of Led Zeppelin, Rush, and of course some elements of Triumph and Von Groove, with vocal melodies and harmonies that are sometimes reminiscent of Journey or Queen - but Airtime definitely has its own original and unique character, with strong hook lines, virtuoso rock guitar playing and big classic rock choruses.
In 2003, Rik Emmett met Michael Shotton backstage at an orchestra rehearsal for a show at the Grand Theatre in London Ontario, where the two vocalists were performing separately, fronting the symphonic arrangements of a mutual friend, Peter Brennan. They knew of each other from their respective background stints in Triumph and Von Groove. One thing led to another, and the two began a studio writing project, working towards a hard, melodic rock album that would have some progressive leanings, featuring mature lyric themes, polished songwriting and arranging, and challenging ensemble instrumentation. This gave Emmett a chance to revisit a recording style from which he had departed in 1993, despite nine independent album releases in a myriad of styles. As the concept took shape, Shotton kept kicking Emmett’s butt, convincing him to play all the bass tracks on a Nathan East 5 string, then to take over all the lead vocal duties as well. With Shotton in the production/engineering chair [after cutting his drum tracks set up in the control room of his basement studio in Burlington Ontario], and working in between their separate personal touring & recording schedules, the album took over two years to complete.
Word leaked out on the internet about the project, with inquiries and even a few unsolicited offers coming from Europe and Japan. But the duo took their time to build a cohesive “band” kind of sound. The material is unapologetically classic rock: it owes as much to Led Zep and Rush as it does to STP or G & R, or more melodic, vocal bands like Journey or Queen, but it definitely has its own original and unique character. The lead vocals and the harmonies are unmistakable, with some songs featuring layering of up to 60 odd vocal tracks, as Shotton takes full advantage of digital technology. The mixes sparkle, with Rick Andersen at the helm, and the mastering expertise of Nick Blagona [Deep Purple, Tea Party, April Wine: engineer for The Police, Rush, David Bowie].
“It was a labor of love, and a tremendously soul-satisfying experience. I can honestly say that I have never, in my whole life, had as enjoyable an adventure on a recording project as I had working with Michael. My only regret is that I didn’t hook up with him a few decades ago, when I would have had more juice to keep pace with the maniac,” Emmett offers with a grin. “He has this inexhaustible supply of creative energy, and a wide skill-set to work from. I was always shaking my head in disbelief and laughing in amazement, at the process we developed between us.”
Shotton adds: “Airtime is definitely a blood brotherhood, no question. In all my years of being in this business, I’ve never experienced a project like this one, without any friction whatsoever, and with so much pleasure from the process. I think Rik is rockin’ more than ever, which is going to make a lot of people happy. Well – it makes me happy, that’s for sure.”
Airtime [the duo liked the simplicity of the compound word with its multiple connotations] will become a public, working band with the addition of sidemen Dave Dunlop on guitar and Steve Skingley on bass.
The concepts behind “Liberty Manifesto” revealed themselves gradually through the long process of making the record. The labor of love is rewarding, life-affirming and liberating. This kind of effort comes at a price, with sacrifice. It will be for others to judge the market values of their Manifesto, but for Emmett and Shotton, this project called Airtime has been a defining and deeply satisfying experience that they take a fierce pride in.