By: Rob Cavuoto
“We want fans to enjoy what we do!”
Maddam Ink
Big catchy hooks and hard driving riffs only begin to describe this new release from the Pennsylvania based outfit Maddam Ink. A totally unique combination of modern rock, alternative rock, and just plain old ass-kicking rock is on display in Inklination, the band’s sophomore release.
While Adam Burke is the band’s undisputed leader, he’s accompanied on the journey by three other rock steady musicians, lead guitarist and backing vocalist Matt Scott, Bassist and backing vocalist Steve Benecke and Kyle Young on drums. The three provide the killer rhythm section, and melodic guitar riffs, to Burkes’ red hot vocals.
Inklination showcases this energetic band like never before, with greater maturity in the songwriting, more diversity, and a broader selection of instrumentation. One might be hesitant to categorize this act and their new CD in any particular genre. The wide range of song styles, from hard driving rock to melodic ballads, only further displays the band’s unique and diversified mainstream sound.
Guitar International had a chance to catch up with Adam to talk about the new CD, the band, and next steps for touring.
******
Rob Cavuoto: Tell me a little about the bands origins?
Adam Burke: The band started at an acoustic show I was playing every Wednesday at a small local pub. Matt Scott, our bands lead guitarist said “Damn you’re pretty good, let’s jam”. Word started to spread like wildfire through the small town, and soon after we grabbed Kyle and Steve to complete the outfit.
Rob: How do you define your music and how do you want it to be classified?
Adam: Defining Maddam Ink has always been difficult. Many people say Modern Rock, some say Rock, and still some more say Pop Rock. Essentially, we have a sound of our own that we believe is very unique. It’s kind of like Hinder, where they have heavy songs with some ballad style offerings. I believe it’s the music and everyone can have their own opinion, that’s what makes it unique.
Rob: Where do you get your inspiration from when writing songs?
Adam: When I write songs it just happens, it’s the weirdest thing. Sometimes I’ll be at work humming a melody, or getting ready for bed. When that happens, I’ll be up until I get the song down. Most of the songs are about events that have happened or a scenario of something I could see happening to someone else.
Rob: What has the highlight been for you in launching your band?
Adam: Going to a gig outside of your area and seeing the audience’s lips move while there singing a song you wrote. It still gets me every time. When Maddam Ink started out I never thought we would make it this far and we haven’t even scratched the surface of what’s to come.
Click to Download Inklination from Amazon.com
Rob: Tell us about the songwriting process for the band? Did each member contribute to the writing of the release?
Adam: The songs I write and bring to band practice contain almost a full and complete idea ready for the band to put their parts in. It makes it easy if you have a full idea where you don’t have to mess with it too much. Matt and Steve write riffs and then we’ll jam on them until we figure it out piece by piece. Both ways have their advantages and disadvantages.
Rob: What do you want fans to take away from your music?
Adam: I want everyone to relate or respect the time and effort that we put into each show and this recent record Inklination we released. Musically I want our fans to be able to say that they know we are a real band and not some flash in the pan with gimmicks and corny stuff.
Rob: Who do you hope this CD speaks to and what do you want them to take away from it?
Adam: With the economy the way it is these days I just hope that people get what they pay for. It’s something that, as a group, we put out for people to enjoy and that’s what I want them to do. There are so many different ways to look at the songs and if you really listen each person will probably relate or see the song in a way they can relate to.
Rob: Any favorite song on the CD?
Adam: The three stand-out tracks so far seem to be “Falling”, “Carry Me Home”, and “Innocence”. These are my favorite songs as well.
Rob: How did you come up with your name?
Adam: The band name Maddam Ink came about when I wanted to make a palindrome type idea with my own name only leaving out the middle A. It has been an interesting name to say the least. So many fans ask why we named it that and the reasons they come up with are way different then mine. If it keeps our fans thinking, that’s a good thing I believe.
Rob: When can we expect to see you guys on tour?
Adam: Maddam Ink plays a lot in Pennsylvania and the surrounding regions and we are trying to branch out and expand our market gradually. We hope to set up a wide-spread regional and Mid-Atlantic tour in late fall and expand it nationally early next year.
Rob: What’s next for the band?
Adam: Just play, play, play, that’s all we’re trying to do right now. We want everyone to know about Maddam Ink. It’s a big world and with all of the bands that are out there now you have to play as many shows as possible to make a difference.
Rob: What does success look like to you?
Adam: Point blank, no day job!
Do you love the guitar and all things guitar related? 
