Formed in 1967, The band Spirit has released over a dozen albums and has had a huge, loyal following of fans. While various members of come and gone, It's founding members of Randy California, on guitar, and Ed Cassidy, on drums, continue to play on. Spirit is nearly constantly 'on the road' playing live. Among their most memorable songs are "I Got A Line On You", and "Nature's Way".

Ed has published a book titled the "Ed Cassidy Musicians Survival Resource Manual". A valuable guide to all musicians, the book gives insight on how bands get financial aid, how to get booked, college radio stations to play their music, touring, how to cut their first album, and much more.

In this interview, Ed talks about his book, and his years with Spirit.

R.H.: Why did you feel that you ahould do this book?

E.C.: Because I believe so many musicians do not what a wide opportunity the music field offers them, and the many options open to them. I believe my book will be a great help for them.

R.H.: Has it become harder that ever for bands to "break-through"?

E.C.: Well- The music field, like many other fields, is glutted with groups now, and the competition is really fierce. But- originality, dedication, and good representation with strong material usually makes a difference.

R.H.: For those wanting to make a career out of music, should it be "fun with business", or "business with fun"?

E.C.: First; make sure you are, and want to be a professional. To me, music needs to be fun, and also thought of as a business. That's why it is called the music business or the entertainment business.

R.H.: What is the biggest mistake bands trying to "make it" make?

E.C.: Tring too hard to make it! I also Do Seminars/workshops and music career counseling. Invite me to your city and we can talk about it!

R.H.: So many bands split up because members decide that what they want to do doesn't follow suit with other members. What factors have kept you and Randy California together for so many years?

E.C.: Friendship, communication, mutual admiration, and wanting to make a difference to people with our music.

R.H.: Spirit has always had more of a cult following versus national acclaim.

E.C.: Yes! But-it is a LARGE cult following I'm happy to say.

R.H.: Do you think it can hurt a band to be musically honest with their listeners, versus trying to put out a commercial product?

E.C.: That is a choice that any songwriter or band will have to make. It's honest music if you really believe in it.

R.H.: Is Variety the key for artists in selling themselves by doing various styles of music?

E.C.: For some, not all. This is a choice that I think is personal for many bands.It was our choice.

R.H.: Why is commercial radio so afraid to air new music versus college radio not being afraid?

E.C.: Because of special interest groups(listening to commercial radio)and the powers behind (commercial) stations fear change.

R.H.: What do you prefer-concerts, or working in the studio?

E.C.: Live Concerts.But the studio can be fun, if you don't get too serious.

R.H.: Does it ever get Boring doing your most famous songs, such as "Nature's Way", and "I Got a Line On You" in concert over and over?

E.C.: Not for me they are good songs.

R.H.: What are some of your favorite Spirit songs?

E.C.:'Fresh Garbage', 'Uncle Jack','Ice','Turn To The Right','Holy Man', 'Tent Of Miracles','Space Child'. They have stood the test of time .But, then again, I like almost all of our recorded songs.

R.H.: Musically, who were influences on you when you were young?

E.C.: Woody Herman, Glenn Miller, Tommey Dorsey, Stan Kenton, and many more!

R.H.: You Have a reputation as being one the oldest drummers in Rock and Roll (having been born around 1930). Your career started out with playing with such people as Cannonball Adderly and Thelonious Monk playing jazz. Spirit's 1st album and the 3rd album ('Clear') were heavily jazz dominated. Do you prefer jazz or Rock Music.

E.C.: I have more roots in jazz, but I have more fun playing rock and roll. I believe Rock and Roll is a more people kind of music.

R.H.: Charlie Watts(drummer for the Rolling Stones) has said that he never listens to Rock & Roll at home. What do you listen to at home?

E.C.: Rock n Roll, jazz, Classical, Country, Blues, Latin, etc. I have room for it all.

R.H.: Through out the years ther have been Spirit songs that heavily reflect religous beliefs(ie. Holy Man).

E.C.: I believe in God, and that we are all capable of attaining a higher conscientiousness.

R.H.: What have been some of your "highlights" in your years with Spirit?

E.C.: Seeing new places and meeting people. Growing as a person, becoming a more complete musician. And -seeing that our music has indeed made a difference to a lot of people all over the world.

R.H.: Looking Back - Is there anything you would change or do differently?

E.C.: What I have done, and what I ahve been, is why I am who I am today. And I am 'still on the path'.

R.H.: What lies ahead for Spirit?

E.C.: More new music, recording, travel, and enjoying the gift we were given - to make a difference with our music.

R.H.: Additional Comments?

E.C.: Thanks Roy, for your support.

To Order the lastest SPIRIT Cd/Cassette, video, T-shirts, etc., write to: Spirit, P.O. Box 655, Ojai, Ca. 93024, or call 1-800-766-MUSIC (Fax #(805) 640-1906, (805) 646-0762)