Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Tribune
August 30, 2022
Musician Michael Lockwood has done it all. He’s collaborated with Fiona Apple, Carly Simon and Susanna Hoffs. And with his band Lions & Ghosts, he toured with an eclectic array of groups, including Love and Rockets, the Alarm and Guns N’ Roses. Most importantly, he is a father to 14-year-old twins Harper and Finley. (Their mother is Lisa Marie Presley.) Today, the Los Angeles-based guitarist, songwriter and producer is promoting a digital re-release of Lions & Ghosts’ 1987 debut album “Velvet Kiss, Lick of The Lime.” The album will be available on all digital streaming platforms on Sept. 9, followed by their new single “Girl I Luv You” on Sept. 16.
Q: Why did you choose to re-release an album versus making a record of all new songs?
A: There are a few reasons for wanting to re-release it. I believe it is a good album and, sadly, you cannot open up any streaming apps and find it. We were an odd band for that period. It would be big-headed to say we were the Big Star of the eighties, but maybe that’s a way to describe what we went through. Because that first record did not do as well as we hoped, we stupidly headed in every direction instead of sticking to our guns. You live, you learn. In some odd way, I also wanted to do this for my children and the other members of Lions & Ghosts. I have the energy, I have the record label (Sparkle Plenty) and I wanted to share this with everyone.
Q: Do you remember writing any of these songs on the road?
A: All these songs were brewed and simmered in a bedroom or rehearsal hall. We spent countless hours jigsawing this first record together. I have spent time writing and recording on the road and I love it. A hotel room is a great place to work.
Q: Where did you perform your first concert?
A: My first concert was in Bakersfield, California. I was 16 and I performed at the local college. My first tour was with Lions & Ghosts. We toured the Pacific Northwest, Arizona, Nevada and Texas. It’s something I will never forget. A cargo van with five people. It had two seats. I slept on an Ampeg SVT bass cabinet for a few weeks. My back still remembers it.
Q: What was the first trip you took as a child?
A: Picture a 1968 fastback Mustang with a stack of phone books in the back seat so I could see out the window. We drove to Tijuana, Mexico – my parents and I. It was so fascinating. I didn’t know any Spanish. All the bright colors and music filled the streets. There were as many donkey carts as there were cars. To this day, I have never lost my love for Mexican food.
Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A: Just how small America can be. I have spent years on the road. I am so fortunate. I have seen a good deal of our planet. When you leave America, you realize that other countries speak of world news and events daily. I noticed this right away. It feels like when you are not at home, you see the bigger picture. It goes without saying that traveling is one of the best ways to broaden your horizons.
Q: You share twins with Lisa Marie Presley. Did the four of you travel much during the twins’ baby years?
A: We traveled quite a bit. Not only for vacation, but the girls came on the road with us. That took a village. Now that they are teenagers, things have changed so much. My fiancée and I recently took a road trip to Northern California with them. It was so much fun and easy. At their age, it’s all about their phone, playlists and their friends. A houseboat and lake did make the trip easy as well.
Q: Where have you visited for work that you went back to later for a vacation?
A: I went to and worked in the United Kingdom many times and went back to live there. So that says something about the impact it had on me. The first time I traveled to London was probably around 1985 or 86. I went there to record an album with Lions & Ghosts for EMI. On day one, it seemed like home to me. I would get off the Tube and without thinking, I would turn left and head down the street and always knew which way I was going. Every time I return, it feels like home. I know it in my bones.
Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A: Palm Springs and Santa Barbara. Always and forever. There is something about both of those places. They are haunting to me and oh-so romantic. I recently went to Palm Springs with my fiancée. It never disappoints.
Q: If you’ve ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?
A: I think that I have rarely gone away for the traditional holidays. There will always be something special about returning to my parents’ house for Christmas. The sounds, the smells. They never seemed to change. Familiar. It kept me young.
Q: What are your five favorite cities?
A: London, New York, San Francisco, Tokyo and Santa Monica
Q: Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A: I have always wanted to go to Egypt. I find it so fascinating. I would love to see the pyramids. Majestic – not of this world. Incredible.
Q: What would be your dream trip?
A: Around the world in 80 days! Minus the balloon.
© 2022 JAE-HA KIM
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