Arttie: First off, thanks for taking the time for this interview, Chaz. I know you’re busy!

Chaz: Ha ha no problem. It's a pleasure.



A: Just how many bands are you actually singing for now?

C: I am currently a member of three different bands. "Jacobs Dream", "Human Paradox" and "Biogenesis".



A: With Biogenesis, it seemed that things were rolling along pretty well, The Mark Bleeds Through was getting some pretty good reviews, and then, BAM!, Biogenesis was gone. Or at least that’s the perception to a lot of people. Can you share what happened from your point of view?

C: I am going to tell you the real story of what happened for the first time with the permission of James Riggs because he wants the fans to know what happened so that he can put it all behind him. Well basically there was a huge falling out between myself and long time guitarist James Riggs. He and his wife had fallen into some very difficult times and had gotten themselves into drugs. I helped him and his wife and children by allowing them to stay with me for awhile. After a period of time some of his wife's family members stole many of my belongings most likely to sell them for drugs and James didn't do anything to stop them. As soon as I became aware of this I ended the band immediately. The issue was not band related but, at the time it was something that made it impossible to work together. With him being gone I didn't think that it would be Bio without him. The way that he and I write together is what made Bio special so without him it was pointless to carry on with the band. As a result of the fans disappointment I formed a new band that was made to follow a similar path musically known as "Human Paradox". Had this unfortunate event never taken place Biogenesis would have never broken up in the first place.

A: What sparked the reunion of Biogenesis?

C: As a result of what had happened James and I were no longer speaking to each other for more than a year. During that time he had a near death experience and was revived and saved from a drug over dose. Then shortly afterwards his wife wasn't so lucky and passed away due to her own drug over dose. Then a short time later, his mother in-law also suffered the same fate. Shortly afterwards James decided that this was the ultimate wake up call. He got into drug rehab, became closer to God and chose to do everything he could to get his life back on track. He made a huge effort to reach out to me and to do what ever he could to mend our friendship. Today he is married to a great supportive wife who helps him to stay clean. We have been friends now again for the past three years and I have completely forgiven him for what happened in the past. James has completely changed his life around and is in fact eager to return with a vengeance. Bio was offered a new record deal so I decided that it was time to reunite. That is something I once thought would never happen but God had other plans. So here we are back and better than ever.

A: How much of the original line-up will be here this time around?

C: Well that is difficult to say at this time. Right now there is of course James and I. The drummer( Andy Hall ) and bassist( Steve Harker ) of Human Paradox have agreed to take part in the new Bio record. At this time we are not sure if either of them will become permanent members in the future. We may see some original names resurface in the future if either of these guys decide not to stay beyond the new album.



A: Does this Biogenesis reunion/reformation affect Jacob’s Dream in any way?

C: Not really no. I was still in Bio when I originally joined JD so it isn't anything new really. I will still give both of my other two bands 100 percent just as I always have. Bio will operate around their schedules. I think that its only fair that way since we were gone for so long.

A: Speaking of Jacob’s Dream, how did that gig come about for you?

C: Bio played allot of shows with JD during the "Theater Of War" era. Both bands got to know each other pretty well. To make a long story short after David Taylor left the band I was asked to audition for the vocal spot. I told them at the time that I would love to join JD if they were OK with me continuing on with Bio as well. The rest is history.

A: Has JD afforded you any opportunities you hadn’t previously had with Biogenesis, for example?

C: Well yes, being on Metal Blade Records at the time JD was a lot more well known than Bio. I have been able to travel to different countries like Mexico and Puerto Rico and have been able to perform to thousands of fans which is an amazing experience.

A: What does the future hold for Jacob’s Dream? There are rumors and rumblings about new music, a new record label, etc. Anything you can share at this point?

C: We are working on the band's fifth album as we speak. It will be called "Beneath The Shadows". It will be a full blown story or concept album about a character who falls deep into drug addiction and loses everything he loves as a result. This causes him to seek beyond himself for the help he needs to change and passably save his life. By the way before you ask, yes this story is somewhat inspired by the real life experiences of Bio guitarist James Riggs but not entirely based on it. As for the new label, we were in negotiation with Retroactive Records but at this time it seems that we will most likely remain independent. I am all for Retroactive Records but I am just one vote out of five but you never know they could turn around and reach an agreement. We shall see.

A: How about Biogenesis? You recently signed with Retroactive Records, correct?

C: Yes we have and we are very happy and proud to be associated with our new label.



A: What has the relationship with Matt and Retroactive been like for you as an artist?

C: I have absolutely no complaints. The label is very fair to the bands in an amazing way. The label's president Matt Hunt has just been awesome to us and we're just getting started. Retroactive Records offer was the last push I needed to resurrect Biogenesis and we are really looking forward to the future.

A: Is any of the old material going to be reissued, or are we simply going to have to wait for new Biogenesis music?

C: Our new label will re-release "The Mark Bleeds Through" totally re-mastered with bonus tracks. Shortly afterwards they will unleash a brand new Bio record eight years in the making called "Point Of Origin".

A: What happened with the Spinning Leaf project? That was a solo deal, correct? You sent me a demo several years ago, which I still have, and I loved a lot of that music. Is this still on a back-burner somewhere, or has that stove been turned off? LOL!

C: Well yeah to be honest I have pretty much placed any idea of a solo record to rest for now. Maybe some day in the future when I have my own studio I might eventually pull that off but for now I think that three bands will suffice.

A: Regardless of the band, what does playing live mean to you? What kind of rush is that?

C: Its what I love to do. There is nothing better for me. The rush that you get back from the fans when they are singing the lyrics that you wrote it is an amazing feeling that is a true blessing to me. It makes all the difficult times worth while.

A: Can you give us an idea of a favorite show you’ve played?

C: Mexico was amazing. I cannot forget my first show in Puerto Rico though. One of the fans that night eventually relocated to Ohio and became my wife. Now we have a beautiful daughter named Zariah. So yeah that is one show that completely impacted my life.

A: Any festivals or tours of any type coming up for either project?

C: Jacobs Dream is headed back to Europe for some huge festivals. Human Paradox is now booking shows for the first time. Bio will do some live shows after the release of the new album.

1A: The music market has changed so much in even the past 5 years, and a lot of people say most of the changes have been negative. Can you take anything positive away from the music industry now?

C: It is definitely difficult nowadays for sure. There are a lot of things that I do not like about it but I just choose to focus on my vision and purpose for why I do what I do.

A: Is it even possible to make a living solely as a musician now?

C: It is nearly imposable now with everyone downloading and burning all your music for free. Just imagine what would happen to Taco Bell if suddenly everyone could download tacos and burritos. That's the Industry today.

A: What should people know about Chaz Bond, the man?

C: That I am just a man like the rest of you. I am far from perfect. I put on one shoe at a time and I try to be the best father and husband that I can be. I love my wife and daughter more than anything in this world and no amount of music comes before them. I am humble before God and man as just another man who happened to be blessed with this opportunity to be able to perform for thousands of people. Its not a right. Its a blessing and a privilege.

A: How about we play a couple lines of “When was the last time…”?

C: OK.

A: When was the last time you sang a Biogenesis song live?

C: 2004

A: When was the last time you ate an Oreo cookie?

C: Hmmmm....been awhile which is a good thing ha ha.

A: When was the last time you rode a horse?

C: Forever and a day ago.

A: Wore a cowboy hat?

C: I was probably wearing diapers....at least I hope ha ha.

A: Okay, last one…when was the last time you said to yourself, “Okay, you know, this is what God wants me to do, and I am truly happy doing it”?

C: Today....and tomorrow and beyond.

A: Any final thoughts, Chaz?

C: Yeah. Life is short so be careful when it comes to how you treat other people around you. Cherish every moment you have on this earth. Love your family more than yourself and your life will become more fulfilling. Learn to forgive people especially when they ask you for it. We all need forgiveness at some point in our own lives so don't be afraid to give it. Make sure that you search your soul before you say that there is no God or that life is meaningless. With an open mind and a selfless heart you just might find your true destiny.

A: Again, thanks for being a part of the CMR and for taking the time to do this interview.

C: No problem man and thank you.





Conducted 4/19/09

Arttie

Very nice, thanks for the interview Arttie.

Yay go Chaz! It's Bond...........CHAZ...Bond.



Tell Raquel I said hi and hug that bee-bee for me! (and pinch her cheeks too - I haven't gotten to do that yet!)

Awesome interview! Can't wait to hear the new Bio!

Great stuff Chaz. Thanks for inside word on Biogenesis. The Mark Bleeds Through is one of my all time favourite albums.

Thanx VaughanGF. This will be the ONLY interview where I tell the whole story of what happened with James. From this point forward we put it all behind us.

Rock. And/or roll.



Hey Chaz.

"They didn't even let me control..........the BAND!"

LOL

Awsome I think u willl like the new one.

Biogenesis roadie, chiming in!

Chaz offered to take me along to Anvil Fest on Oct. 31 as a roadie, since I'm currently not working.

I'm grateful for the interview, since I was unaware of the details of the breakup, but I'm awesomely happy about the reunion, and the deal with Retroactive! As of the last I'd heard from Chaz, the original lineup is back together, and will play Anvil Fest!

Looking forward to more cool things from, well, all 3 bands!

Peace,

Jeff