Heavy Frequency: What are you, and what is your band Federation of Horsepower currently up to?

Gregg Todt: Currently, we’re doing shows to support our CD “Stay Down” that came out last year. We’re also writing some new stuff and gearing up for some road trips in the spring.

HF: What goes on with the writing process for Federation of Horsepower?

Todt: I usually come up with ideas just sitting around playing guitar. Then, when they take on the form of an actual song, I bring it to the band and we knock it around until it comes out a finished tune.

HF: What is the biggest sacrifice you have made to play with Federation of Horsepower?

Todt: My hearing! Excessive volume for the sake of art takes its toll, maaaaaaaan!

HF: What are your goals for yourself as a musician and your band as a whole?

Todt: Eh... We’re not a “goal oriented” band, per se. We just want to play as much as we can to as many fine folks as we can. Could be here. Could be in any city. We just enjoy doing what we do.

HF: How has the music community in Kansas City, Lawrence and the surrounding area treated you and the band?

Todt: Well, we have a fine group of friends in KC in bands, both like-minded and radically different from us. Lawrence has, and always will be, a tough nut for a KC band to crack. Guess they don’t like the rock music as much. I don’t know why. We bathe regularly. Maybe that’s it.

HF: Your “day job” is working as a producer for the very popular “Johnny Dare Morning Show” for 98.9 The Rock here in KC. What advantages and disadvantages, if any, has your job at such a high profile area FM radio station given your band?

Todt: Oh, it’s helped us get some gigs, I won’t lie. But it’s not because I work there. It’s because my boss likes the band and believes in us. There are always haters who think we get the big gigs just because I work there. Sorry. I’ve been doing this way longer than I’ve been working at The Rock. I’ve been playing in this town in various bands since 1981. I’ve managed to make a few friends along the way. When the haters show half the tenacity I’ve developed over the years, then they can hate all they want. Until then, f***ing put up or shut up.

HF: What national and local acts has your band played with? What was it like to open for the bigger national acts? Who would you like to play with that you haven’t? Why?

Todt: Damn, the list is a mile long. We’ve played with Motorhead last year. That ruled more than you can imagine! More radio friendly stuff like Saliva and Shinedown. We’ve played with both of those bands several times. Powerman 5000, Puddle of Mudd, Buckcherry and Jackyl also. The more underground stuff would be Zeke, The Supersuckers, Valient Thor, Honky and The Burden Brothers. Locally, there are way too many to list. All kinds of different stuff. Opening for national acts is always a mixed bag. Some people treat you great and some just ignore you. Either way, I’m fine with it. I don’t need them to be my new BFF.

HF: Who are the bands, both local and national, that you’ve played with that you would just assume forget about?

Todt: Country legend David Allan Coe. We played after him at a biker rally in Texas. He’s a monumental prick.

HF: Do you have any pre-show rituals or routines to prepare for the gig?

Todt: Medicinal Bourbon! It’s good for the throat and the soul. Other than that, just some stretching. I’m getting old and it hurts the next day if I don’t!

HF: Despite a number of lineup changes since the band’s formation, you’ve been able to keep FOHP going for along time now. How have you managed to hold the band together for so long? What is the secret?

Todt: I pick people who I can ride in a van with for hours on end and not want to stab. Plain and simple. These guys are my family. All members past and present. That, and I’m wildly stubborn. I refuse to give up. As long as this band is still kicking ass, me and my boys will continue to ruin lives and hearing.