Interview with LEE KAGAN founder of C.O.R.E. (Consortium Of Rock Evolution)

XM: Let’s start off by getting our readers up to date on who Lee Kagan is as a musician and as a business person.
Lee: I think it’s that simple I’m a musician, songwriter, performer, headbanger, fan first and foremost, who became a business man in the music world. Point is all those things come first and affect how I treat the business and ultimately my fellow fans.

XM: For those who are unaware of what C.O.R.E. is just yet can you briefly give an idea of what it is and what it stands for?
Lee: C.o.R.E. is the Consortium of Rock Evolution.

XM: How did the whole idea for C.O.R.E. come about?
Lee: It came from a rant I had about an idea to go into the music business but really design the system we use from the viewpoint of the fan and artist.

XM: In what ways can C.O.R.E. benefit bands from joining?
Lee: We help promote across the web and through the street. Nevermind bands having street teams, so does C.o.R.E.. We operate in Cherry Beach studios so we have phenomenal access to the studios and rehearsal spaces here. I’m a big concert and event guy so hosting them and giving our bands a forum to slay from is a biggy.. Tons of areas we help even if they seem insignificant to some like aiding your copyright process to protect songs so that they stay yours, I don’t want it unlike “some” out there.

XM: So far what has been the biggest challenge of putting together this type of organization?
Lee: I’d say the belief in what we are trying to do. I mean basically build a little “planet” on this planet that has its own music industry in it apart from the current one and saying “ No, we’re doing just fine over here thanks.” That was difficult. Not now though, all I hear these days is “How do I help or what can I do”.

XM: The C.O.R.E. Launch party/showcase will be taking place on September 23rd at The Opera House. Can you tell our readers what the lineup is and they should be expecting at the show?
Lee: This is our hard launch. It’s basically a show that I would want to see if I had control over it ( which I do now muahaha). So it’s free, yes FREE.. Film crew coming out to doc the whole thing, Suicide Girls keep us entertained between acts, we will have some our club merch ready for the show. As for acts, yours truly will play with Devil Between Us. We have Rise For Order, the Nightmares, AetherBorn and Caym. All bands I’m honored to share the stage with and that I think are just killer at what they do.

XM: There is a contest going on right now with C.O.R.E. where you can win a Mahogany ESP Explorer FX. How did the idea for this come about and what do you have to do to win?
Lee: The idea was just thrown out there by a staff member and I liked it. I think because I never personally believe those giveaway ads, but since I have the guitar in our office, I know that it will be won by someone and that I’m going to personally ship it.

XM: What is C.O.R.E.’s ultimate goal?
Lee: Become the architecture and framework that makes a dramatic shift in how bands and the fans are treated. As a fan and musician at the helm here at C.o.R.E., that’s what I have in mind all the time.

XM; Now, as for Lee “the musician” what instruments do you play and have you had any formal training?
Lee: I have I play guitar mainly, piano background, studied musical theory and classical music for many years at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Was taught guitar by the brilliant David Hayes and really been picking things up over the years like audio production and so on. Anything with a string I’ll play it basically.

XM: What was your motivation in getting into metal ?
Lee: It was clear as day the first time I heard metal. It was fight fire with fire, I was probably 10 or something, and from that day forward, a little demon was created.

XM: What are your opinions on the current metal scene? Do you think it’s healthy?
Lee: I think it’s healthy, just not here at home. Don’t think that’s a risky statement as everyone I speak to agrees that there is just something about Toronto and it’s metal scene just not being that grand close-knit entity that is elsewhere. We’re working on that though.

XM: How do you think metal has changed from when you were a kid and are you happy with the change?
Lee: I think it has changed some for the good some for the bad, but that’s anything. I just take comfort in believing that it ain’t going anywhere.

XM: If you could have been involved in the writing, recording or production of any album which would it be and why?
Lee: Just off the top of my head, I’d say Ashes of the Wake by Lamb of God.. I just love every millisecond of that album. I wouldn’t have changed anything, just would have like to have been there for that process.

XM: Working with C.O.R.E., singing and performing with your band doesn’t leave a lot of free time, what other hobbies or activities do you do in your spare time?
Lee: Sleep, if I’m lucky.

XM: On behalf of xplosivemetal.com I would like to thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions with us. Any last words?
Lee: Just that it only strengthens how I feel about metal and our community and the industry knowing things like Xplosive Metal exists and that people will bust their ass to help and get involved. That’s who I like having in the family. So from C.o.R.E. we thank you and everyone of your readers.

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