Q + A: Down-to-earth alt-rock duo Mojave Heat Bomb

MOJAVE HEAT BOMB has roots in Virginia Beach. Now, though, vocalist/guitarist Mark Holt lives in Norfolk, and his band mate, drummer Tony Littles, lives in Hampton.

The guys got together in spring 2005 and practiced in Virginia Beach as a three-piece. "I met Tony via the Internet, and we've been together ever since," Holt said. (Guitarist/bassist Mike Turner stayed two years before leaving to pursue other interests.)

In April 2007 the alt-rock duo released a self-titled CD and is now working on it next, "Zwei" - German for two - out of their home studios.

"We've recorded five songs that we're happy with," Holt said. "We want to make the CD hard enough for the guys and soft enough for the girls. We just want to rock."

Holt, a stay-at-home dad, and Littles, a roofing contractor, plan to hit the road next year for an East Coast tour. They're also hoping to play in Memphis, where Littles' father owns a few clubs.

Holt answered our questions:

Where does the band get its inspiration?

We get a lot of inspiration from older desert (California) rock bands, such as Kyuss and Fu Manchu. Also, bands like Nirvana and the Foo Fighters and, not to leave out the obvious, but Queens of the Stone Age.

Has the band ever been stiffed by a venue?

We've been stiffed by a local venue once because there was not a good turnout. I always say work is work. We work hard to write our music, to put it out there, haul our gear in and play the best we can. That is hard work, and deserves compensation no matter what.

What's the band's worst performance memory?

I would have to say Club Relevant. Our former bassist broke a string on the intro song, the soundman left after two minutes of us playing and my equipment shorted out. We played to an empty room. Literally, there was no one there.

What's one thing people should know about the band?

We are down-to-earth people with down-to-earth music.... We are about the business of music - not just the music, but the crowd. When the lights go out before we get onstage, that is the feeling we live for.

Patty Jenkins, (757) 446-2298, patty.jenkins@pilotonline.com