Roast This Way- An Interview With Joey Kramer Of Aerosmith
Inspiration.
It’s the first word you think when you think Aerosmith. It’s the perfect word to describe a band that has inspired thousands of musicians since its beginning in 1970. The members of Aerosmith wrote emotional ballads and fast paced, raw, rockers that attached themselves to the hearts and souls of generations and made them what they are today, legends.
The band that has changed our music forever, shaped a decade and introduced edgy, heart- pounding, blues based rock to America would never be the same without its driving force and backbone of the band, drummer, Joey Kramer.
Kramer, who has spent his time immersing himself in music since he was fourteen, has yet another “Sweet Emotion” in life, coffee. During his many decades touring around the world with Aerosmith, Joey realized everyone back in the States was missing out on one thing, GOOD coffee and was inspired to find a solution.
When Joey says good coffee, he means coffee made from organic, flavorful, safely harvested, perfectly roasted (NOT BURNT!) coffee beans.
His solution to our problem was to create his own line of coffee, which he appropriately titled Rockin’ and Roastin’ which features three varieties.
Ethiopian Roast
Guatemalan Roast
Sumatran Roast
Each has a unique character and flavor, with hints of everything from walnut to cinnamon, cocoa to citrus. BitoJava.com has sampled them all and all are excellent. Best of all these great coffees are very much in reach for every coffee lover, they are priced less than some mass produced, over roasted coffees you see at the grocery store.
Being a Barista, Aerosmith fan and Musician, I was thrilled when Joey took the time for a phone call to answer my questions about music and his newest venture, Rockin’ and Roastin’.
*(Editors note: We recorded the interview but unfortunately background noise issues rendered the bulk of it unacceptable for publication, we did clean up a clip at the end of the interview which is clickable below.)
June 20th, 2013 Bit O Java Transcript:
You guys recently did some shows in Australia and New Zealand. How were the new songs off the record from November received?
They’re being received okay. I think that when we go to places like Australia, which we haven’t been in many, many years they want to hear all the old stuff.
Which of the songs were requested out of the older albums?
“Sweet Emotion”, “Walk This Way”, “Dream On”
And which song is your favorite to play live?
“Lord of the Thighs”, because it’s a lot of fun to play.
If you had to choose one album from all of the Aerosmith records, which one means the most to you?
I don’t know. That’s a really hard question. They all mean a lot to me. I don’t know if I have a favorite one at this point because you kind of live through them and they just all become your favorites. It’s really hard to kind of nail it down.
So on to your other passion, Coffee. Does drinking more coffee help you play better?
Yes.
When did you start drinking coffee?
Yesterday, No! Since I was a kid, I’ve been drinking coffee all my life.
What motivated you to start your own line of coffee?
I just think that people drink crummy coffee and I drank crummy coffee for a long time too. I’ve found some good stuff all around the world and I’m just trying to turn everybody else onto it. So, that’s what kind of gave me the desire to start my own coffee company and let everybody drink good coffee, because my coffee is high bred gourmet coffee. Most people think that Starbucks is the greatest thing in the world and I think it sucks. It’s like they burn the beans and it tastes bitter to me and people buy that just to get the buzz. They’re not buying it for the flavor of the coffee and Starbucks I think used to be more quality based. They used to be more quality, but now I think it’s more about quantity.
What defines a good cup of coffee for you?
A really nice round, full, robust flavor, little hint of chocolate and, you know a little bit of edge to it. That’s why I only put out three kinds, the Guatemalan, the Sumatran and the Ethiopian. Those are my three favorites; of those I think the Guatemalan is probably my favorite.
What aspects make the Guatemalan blend your favorite?
It’s got the richest flavor and it’s the strongest.
Tell us how involved you are in the research and production for Rockin’ and Roastin’?
I’m completely hands on. I go to the factory. I go to the warehouse and I came up with a lot of the artwork. It’s not just something that I’m putting my name on and sticking it out there. It’s not a novelty item. It’s a real, high class gourmet coffee.
What’s developing now for Rockin’ and Roastin’?
We plan on being in supermarkets across the country in the next six months, eight months. Were in the midst of negotiating some retail deals and that’s what happens next.
Joey Has a Message for our readers on why they should try Rockin’ and Roastin’:
Don’t forget to visit BitoJava.com often as we review all the Rockin’ and Roastin’ coffees and of course great Coffee Shops and Coffee related items. Now crank up “Walk This Way” till the speakers shake and grab a hot cup of Joey’s coffee to Rock and Roast the day and night away.
For more info on Rockin’ and Roastin’ check out:
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