Lazlo Lee ATMC is the best band in Baltimore…if you ask, say……me. They have an appeal hard to match, the hardcore blues guys love ‘em, the hard core punk guys love ‘em, the girls love ‘em, hell I’ve even seen the rednecks jamming to ‘em. So here they are:
Lazlo Lee and The Motherless Children
An interview with Chris…leads singer, guitarist, and the Lazlo.
Interviewed by: Jon
TF: How long have Lazlo Lee & The Motherless Children been together?
LL: Damn come Halloween it'll be 3 years! We started jamming in a beat up pool house that I eventually converted into an apartment in late in 2005. Our 1st gigs were on Halloween weekend, we did a decent amount of originals from the beginning that I had / had written for a while, but filled some gaps at the gigs jammin' songs like "who's been talkin'" "can't be satisfied" and "baby please don’t go” at a break neck tempo!
TF: Do you have the same problem the Hootie guy has…ya know, with everyone calling you Lazlo all the time?
LL: Yeah it’s pretty funny a lot of folks in and around music know me as Laz or Lazlo. It was actually my cat’s name that i used for myself in a zombie flick I was filming in the summer of 05 and it kinda stuck since then.
TF: Are there any other bands that you have been involved with over the years?
LL: yeah, shit, I been in a few...I guess the 2 main ones that def. stick out are "the malt liquor conspiracy" which was a blues/rock band that I played guitar and sang a little bit in. and "The insomniacs" were a rock/reggae/punk band that i sang and played guitar for. Both bands were from around circa 97-02'. In high school we had a rad punk band called "nifty" and i played drums and sang for a rock/surf/ska band "the accidents" it was really cool growing up in Crofton there was a lot of shit musically going on everywhere and everybody I grew up with were in bands too, it was like Baltimore was close as shit and Annapolis actually had a cool scene at the time and D.C. was just a short trip away,
Every weekend you played or caught a friends band or something ya know'
TF: I know there have been some line-up changes recently, have you picked up a bassist again or do you intend to go forward as a two piece?
LL: Honestly, it’s been a little ruff, since Rebecca left we tried a few people and nothing seems to click. We started as a two piece just Dan and I and we've played a few of the last shows as a 2 piece. I knew we wouldn’t have someone right away, but I love playing out so we’ve still been booking a bunch of shows. We also have had the bassist from The Cheaters "Wolfy" fill in for us at a few, so its been fun the last 2 months but a little shaky. I know we won’t stay a 2 piece but definitely won’t be adding anybody to the band until it feels right. I have a shit ton of new stuff coming so I know the Motherless ain’t going anywhere.
TF: You draw inevitable White Stripes comparisons. What are your opinions on the quick rise to prominence of the “garage blues” scene on the national level?
LL: Yeah we def do, i don’t take that as a bad thing I mean I was really inspired by jack white and that sound he has, we have a few “Stripesy” riffs but the motherless don’t really emulate that. Our stripped down sound is the reason I think and also most people who are getting there education from the radio can’t really compare you to anything else when that’s all they've heard. Don’t get me wrong there’s def some good new bands out there on the radio but for the most part you gotta look around for yourself or you'll just get stuck eating what the serve you. As far as the garage scene recent rise, I think its great people dig good music and nowadays there is just so many new ways and vehicles to find new music and explore it
TF: There are few bands in the area (if any at all) that can blend punk and blues as seamlessly as The Motherless, what are your most direct influences?
LL: That’s the classic question no matter what i say by the next day be ill be like "you stupid fuck those aren’t even close" cause its always something different I’m hearing.
If I had to say to keep it short and sweet: The Sonics, Stooges, White Stripes, Kinks.
TF: Top five old crusty bluesmen?
LL: Damn there always changing, but you can’t beat Charlie Patton as being the crustiest his voice is so gritty and scary. I love al his asides too, ya know. In “spoonful” he sings a line like "would you kill my man" and answer in his aside talk is "well yes baby I will" that’s bad ass gangster shit!
TF: Did you like Black Snake Moan?
LL: Yeah its cool ass hell that The Black Keys rip the opening song, and the scene when Samuel Jackson pulls out his old guitar for the 1st time in years, that monolog he gives is badass.
TF: What are some of your favorite local bands in Baltimore right now?
LL: Just to shout out a few from the variety of music around town id say: The Hot Pursuit, Thee Lexington Arrows and The Fishnet Stalkers. My favorite band in town though are The Expotentials they rock *fist in air* so hard! Matt is a rad guitar player/singer and there is no nastier drummer around than Chuck!
TF: What’s been your best show memory so far?
LL: Um... probably gotta be over a year ago at the full moon saloon. i was sick as hell and my parents came out to catch a set. While someone was handing me shots and a beer in between songs i heard a loud cry "drink some tea baby!" and suddenly the crowd was laughing there asses off cause it was my mom!
TF: It seems like this time last year there were a lot more bands standing together in the garage/rock/whatever scene in Baltimore. I’ve talked to a lot of people around the scene who feel that it’s really fallen apart, a lot of bands called it quits. Do you have any opinions on why it played out this way?
LL: Dude I ain’t gotta clue its kind of a blower! I only got one thing to say about it…
BRING BACK"THE JOHN HARDY BOYS"...i know you can make it happen Johnny...lol
seriously though, check out The Hot Pursuit if garage is your thing they been around about a year and there great. Kind of sounds like Stooges meets Stones meets Kinks! Just with in the past two weeks I took over singing and playing some lead guitar for them things have been going really well and we're jamming a show on the Sunday 15th at The Ottobar.
TF: What’s up next for the The Motherless? Do you have any plans to record a full length in the future?
LL: Of course! our real goal this summer was to promote the 7'' we pressed with raped by records and also do a bunch of outa state shows to spread the e.p and some merch but with the line up change we kinda had to push the touring off for a tad longer... I’d like to record another 6-8 song e.p. and get set up to tour with in the next 6 months or so. Our next gig is the 20th at the metro art gallery we actually are rocking with your new band for the first time and also sharing the stage with Crankdaddy and The Rip Ovs should be a blast TAKE A WIFF ON US!!!
www.myspace.com/themotherlesschildren
Showing posts with label interviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interviews. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
One of New York's finest...The Teenage Prayers
Interview by: Cody
TF: Is it better or worse to be a serious band in a city like New York where there are a lot of diverse music fans, but at the same time 9,341 other bands acting seriously too? I'm sure a lot of bands fly under the radar so to speak...
TP: It's kind of a catch 22. We love being a band in New York because it is so diverse and there are so many places to see and play great shows, however, with an oversaturated environment such as this it makes things hard for a band trying to get some recognition. If we were based out of a smaller town we could easily focus the music scene around us, but in New York it's hard to stay focused on anything. Really though, it does create a much deeper bond between band members as we are the only people we have to answer to. The extra added difficulty just makes every success that much more sweet.
TF: How have your touring experiences been thus far?
TP: The tours that we've been on have been fantastic. It's kind of like being involved in an iron man contest. You have to struggle through adversity, sleep on floors, play in places that look and smell like the end of the world and drink heavily every single night. The drinking part isn't necessarily something you have to do but it helps with the whole waking up in a Howard Johnsons at six in the morning in New Orleans thing...yeah....that sucked. I will say that touring allows for you to see a ton of the country. The U.S. is truly a strange and beautiful place.
TF: Otis Redding or Aretha Franklin?
TP: Well, now, that's a tough one. Otis Redding is and always will be a personal hero to everyone in the band, but we could easily say the same thing about Aretha. I'd say that they are pretty much equal to us, although I will admit that I prefer Otis' version of 'Respect' over Aretha's, so there.
TF: When was the last time a band member got kicked out of/nearly got kicked out of a bar for slamming a cue ball down on the pool table?
TP: We were in Easton, Maryland and our bass player (mine and my brother's cousin Kyle) decided to start doing scientific tests on how much pressure a cue ball could take before it crumbles. I was personally a little disappointed that we never got a real conclusion. Obviously that bar tender wasn't interested in the advancement of technology or intelligence in our ever changing world. That being said, our bass player does make a concerted effort to try to get kicked out of most bars we enter, call it a hobby of sorts.
TF: You guys seem to bring a lot of styles to the table...I can listen to one song and hear Stax Records, The Stooges, and Gram Parsons at once...where does it all come from?
TP: We all love the same kinds of music, it's just a matter of what we love more than other stuff. Think of it as a jar filled with influences and for each of us a few things float a little higher than the others. I love everything Stax, Randy Newman and The Kinks, but I'm also huge into Pavement and Guided by Voices, which adds a different element to the way I play. Timmy is into Pavement and GBV, but Stax and Spiritualized rise to the top. Kyle drums loves Spiritualized, but really really loves Merle Haggard and Will Oldham. Kyle bass likes Will Oldham and Merle Haggard but is head over heels for The Dirtbombs and Bruce Springsteen. Overall I think that this eclectic mix makes for something really interesting and theatrical. We really just want to be loud.
TF: Where can low-life scum bags in Maryland get your music if they happened to be particularly scummy and low-lifey and missed your shows the couple times you've been through on tour?
TP: You can always go to our website, www. teenageprayers. com, and make a purchase. If you don't want to do that, both of our albums, Ten Songs and Everyone Thinks You're The Best, are available on ITunes and Amazon. com. Go buy our stuff and then check out our tour dates on our myspace page (www. myspace. com/theteenageprayers) and come see us!
TF: What does the term "Rock of Love" mean to you exactly?
TP: Isn't that a show or something? I would say that, to me, Rock of Love is not so much a term as it is a mantra. Every morning when I get up I strap on my guitar and play Rush's 'Tom Sawyer' in it's entirety in order to appease the Rock gods. I then play Joan Jett's 'I Love Rock n' Roll' 50 times in a row on piano. This is all part of my Rock of Love regiment and my Rock n' Roll fantasy, my Rock n' Roll dream.
TF: Has there ever been a worse set of interview questions than the ones you just wasted your time answering?
TP: Well, I mean that depends. I don't usually answer interview questions as Tim, who is the lead singer and consumate front man for the band, more often than not takes the baton. I would even hesitate to say that this is my FIRST time answering interview questions, so this set is actually the best I've ever seen. It was a total waste of time though.
www.teenageprayers.com
TF: Is it better or worse to be a serious band in a city like New York where there are a lot of diverse music fans, but at the same time 9,341 other bands acting seriously too? I'm sure a lot of bands fly under the radar so to speak...
TP: It's kind of a catch 22. We love being a band in New York because it is so diverse and there are so many places to see and play great shows, however, with an oversaturated environment such as this it makes things hard for a band trying to get some recognition. If we were based out of a smaller town we could easily focus the music scene around us, but in New York it's hard to stay focused on anything. Really though, it does create a much deeper bond between band members as we are the only people we have to answer to. The extra added difficulty just makes every success that much more sweet.
TF: How have your touring experiences been thus far?
TP: The tours that we've been on have been fantastic. It's kind of like being involved in an iron man contest. You have to struggle through adversity, sleep on floors, play in places that look and smell like the end of the world and drink heavily every single night. The drinking part isn't necessarily something you have to do but it helps with the whole waking up in a Howard Johnsons at six in the morning in New Orleans thing...yeah....that sucked. I will say that touring allows for you to see a ton of the country. The U.S. is truly a strange and beautiful place.
TF: Otis Redding or Aretha Franklin?
TP: Well, now, that's a tough one. Otis Redding is and always will be a personal hero to everyone in the band, but we could easily say the same thing about Aretha. I'd say that they are pretty much equal to us, although I will admit that I prefer Otis' version of 'Respect' over Aretha's, so there.
TF: When was the last time a band member got kicked out of/nearly got kicked out of a bar for slamming a cue ball down on the pool table?
TP: We were in Easton, Maryland and our bass player (mine and my brother's cousin Kyle) decided to start doing scientific tests on how much pressure a cue ball could take before it crumbles. I was personally a little disappointed that we never got a real conclusion. Obviously that bar tender wasn't interested in the advancement of technology or intelligence in our ever changing world. That being said, our bass player does make a concerted effort to try to get kicked out of most bars we enter, call it a hobby of sorts.
TF: You guys seem to bring a lot of styles to the table...I can listen to one song and hear Stax Records, The Stooges, and Gram Parsons at once...where does it all come from?
TP: We all love the same kinds of music, it's just a matter of what we love more than other stuff. Think of it as a jar filled with influences and for each of us a few things float a little higher than the others. I love everything Stax, Randy Newman and The Kinks, but I'm also huge into Pavement and Guided by Voices, which adds a different element to the way I play. Timmy is into Pavement and GBV, but Stax and Spiritualized rise to the top. Kyle drums loves Spiritualized, but really really loves Merle Haggard and Will Oldham. Kyle bass likes Will Oldham and Merle Haggard but is head over heels for The Dirtbombs and Bruce Springsteen. Overall I think that this eclectic mix makes for something really interesting and theatrical. We really just want to be loud.
TF: Where can low-life scum bags in Maryland get your music if they happened to be particularly scummy and low-lifey and missed your shows the couple times you've been through on tour?
TP: You can always go to our website, www. teenageprayers. com, and make a purchase. If you don't want to do that, both of our albums, Ten Songs and Everyone Thinks You're The Best, are available on ITunes and Amazon. com. Go buy our stuff and then check out our tour dates on our myspace page (www. myspace. com/theteenageprayers) and come see us!
TF: What does the term "Rock of Love" mean to you exactly?
TP: Isn't that a show or something? I would say that, to me, Rock of Love is not so much a term as it is a mantra. Every morning when I get up I strap on my guitar and play Rush's 'Tom Sawyer' in it's entirety in order to appease the Rock gods. I then play Joan Jett's 'I Love Rock n' Roll' 50 times in a row on piano. This is all part of my Rock of Love regiment and my Rock n' Roll fantasy, my Rock n' Roll dream.
TF: Has there ever been a worse set of interview questions than the ones you just wasted your time answering?
TP: Well, I mean that depends. I don't usually answer interview questions as Tim, who is the lead singer and consumate front man for the band, more often than not takes the baton. I would even hesitate to say that this is my FIRST time answering interview questions, so this set is actually the best I've ever seen. It was a total waste of time though.
www.teenageprayers.com
In It To Win It
In It To Win It
By: Chris Acyd
Sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll seem to always go together. Straight-laced views about morality and purity were largely discarded in the 70s as hippies took acid and climbed the ‘stairway to heaven’, while UK teens got high on cheap speed and embraced an “anything goes” punk lifestyle. It wasn’t until the beginnings of the hardcore movement in the early 80s that bands like Minor Threat began to push a straight edge agenda, refraining from drinking, drugs, and casual sex, and bringing us the X’s that are still used to mark underage fans at shows.
Two decades later, Sussex County’s In It To Win It maintains the connection between hardcore and straight edge, playing All Ages shows at churches and youth cafes, spawning moshpits in the tamest of crowds with a set that is pure ferocity. Far beyond the simplicity of early hardcore, the band’s metal influences come through with blistering speed and energy, delivered with both righteous anger and a positive attitude that draws fans.
Acyd: How did the band start? How did the band make the decision to be straight edge? Has it been worth it?
Dustin (drums): I started this band in August of 2007 with our guitarist Spencer. We originally planned on writing a totally different style of music but soon realized it wasn't working out the way we planned. A couple weeks later we asked our good friend Woody to join and then realized "Well, we're all straight edge...so why don't we start a hardcore band based upon the lifestyle?" After jamming around a few weekends we got this kid that Woody had been in a previous band with on drums and I did vocals. Played two or three shows I think and realized we had to make a line-up change. We ended up kicking our drummer out and I moved over to drums. Immediately after making the decision I called up my friend Rich, who had been in previous bands with me before. Started practicing, got together a full set of songs and played shows in December. Ever since then we've gotten a great response and our fan base is growing. So it's definitely been worth it!
Acyd: Early hardcore bands denied drugs, alcohol, and, in some cases, sex. In embracing the straight edge lifestyle, how far do you take it?
Dustin: Everyone in the band adopts the basics. "No drugs, no alcohol and no promiscuous sex." I'm the only vegetarian in the band but I don't really relate that to the straight edge lifestyle, it's more of my personal view on animal rights.
Acyd: Like many bands in your particular scene, you play shows at church-based cafes and the like. Does In It To Win It have a religious message, or are you just taking advantage of all available venues?
Dustin: The band does not have a religious message, we are just trying to reach people of all kinds and possibly start a spark in the minds of our generation and so on.
Acyd: There are some who will come up to someone at a show and slap a beer out of their hand. Do you take this militant approach, or choose to lead by example?
Dustin: Haha, no we're not going to slap a beer out of your hand. We have no room in telling you how to live your life. We just want to let people know there is a subculture that embraces these beliefs
Acyd: What are some of your influences, musically?
Dustin: Everyone in the band has different influences. Everything from death metal to pop punk! It's pretty righteous because it's starting to show in the way we write our music.
Acyd: You're just begun an East Coast tour. What are your expectations for the tour, and what are your plans for when it's finished?
Dustin: We've all been so stoked on this tour because we're hitting up some new places and playing some awesome venues.
Everyone in this band loves to tour and personally nothing makes me more happy than being on the road playing music every night with my best friends for the right reasons.
As for when this tour is over, we will be playing shows on the weekends and possibly booking mini-tours here and there.
Other than that our focus is to write new material, work as much as possible and promote the EP we are about to release through 1981 Records!
-----------------------------------------------------------------
While the straight edge lifestyle might be sneered at by some, it's accepted if not always embraced by the uniquely tolerant Eastern Shore scene. Lead guitarist Ben Everett of Queen Anne's 'The Abolitionists' wears the label himself, saying "I wanna try to make a difference and promote change for the good of the common people. I don't think I can do that while I'm getting fucked up. It might work for other people, but it isn't for me. But I also don't care if other people do drugs or drink or whatever, I think it's a personal choice." Easton mover-and-shaker Cody, of Press Black and The International Jet Set, notes that while he's not straight edge, "I think it's great that there are young people who are trying to act responsibly and I think it's great that there are young people getting wasted and having the time of their lives. It boils down to personal liberty...because that's what it's all about right?"
By: Chris Acyd
Sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll seem to always go together. Straight-laced views about morality and purity were largely discarded in the 70s as hippies took acid and climbed the ‘stairway to heaven’, while UK teens got high on cheap speed and embraced an “anything goes” punk lifestyle. It wasn’t until the beginnings of the hardcore movement in the early 80s that bands like Minor Threat began to push a straight edge agenda, refraining from drinking, drugs, and casual sex, and bringing us the X’s that are still used to mark underage fans at shows.
Two decades later, Sussex County’s In It To Win It maintains the connection between hardcore and straight edge, playing All Ages shows at churches and youth cafes, spawning moshpits in the tamest of crowds with a set that is pure ferocity. Far beyond the simplicity of early hardcore, the band’s metal influences come through with blistering speed and energy, delivered with both righteous anger and a positive attitude that draws fans.
Acyd: How did the band start? How did the band make the decision to be straight edge? Has it been worth it?
Dustin (drums): I started this band in August of 2007 with our guitarist Spencer. We originally planned on writing a totally different style of music but soon realized it wasn't working out the way we planned. A couple weeks later we asked our good friend Woody to join and then realized "Well, we're all straight edge...so why don't we start a hardcore band based upon the lifestyle?" After jamming around a few weekends we got this kid that Woody had been in a previous band with on drums and I did vocals. Played two or three shows I think and realized we had to make a line-up change. We ended up kicking our drummer out and I moved over to drums. Immediately after making the decision I called up my friend Rich, who had been in previous bands with me before. Started practicing, got together a full set of songs and played shows in December. Ever since then we've gotten a great response and our fan base is growing. So it's definitely been worth it!
Acyd: Early hardcore bands denied drugs, alcohol, and, in some cases, sex. In embracing the straight edge lifestyle, how far do you take it?
Dustin: Everyone in the band adopts the basics. "No drugs, no alcohol and no promiscuous sex." I'm the only vegetarian in the band but I don't really relate that to the straight edge lifestyle, it's more of my personal view on animal rights.
Acyd: Like many bands in your particular scene, you play shows at church-based cafes and the like. Does In It To Win It have a religious message, or are you just taking advantage of all available venues?
Dustin: The band does not have a religious message, we are just trying to reach people of all kinds and possibly start a spark in the minds of our generation and so on.
Acyd: There are some who will come up to someone at a show and slap a beer out of their hand. Do you take this militant approach, or choose to lead by example?
Dustin: Haha, no we're not going to slap a beer out of your hand. We have no room in telling you how to live your life. We just want to let people know there is a subculture that embraces these beliefs
Acyd: What are some of your influences, musically?
Dustin: Everyone in the band has different influences. Everything from death metal to pop punk! It's pretty righteous because it's starting to show in the way we write our music.
Acyd: You're just begun an East Coast tour. What are your expectations for the tour, and what are your plans for when it's finished?
Dustin: We've all been so stoked on this tour because we're hitting up some new places and playing some awesome venues.
Everyone in this band loves to tour and personally nothing makes me more happy than being on the road playing music every night with my best friends for the right reasons.
As for when this tour is over, we will be playing shows on the weekends and possibly booking mini-tours here and there.
Other than that our focus is to write new material, work as much as possible and promote the EP we are about to release through 1981 Records!
-----------------------------------------------------------------
While the straight edge lifestyle might be sneered at by some, it's accepted if not always embraced by the uniquely tolerant Eastern Shore scene. Lead guitarist Ben Everett of Queen Anne's 'The Abolitionists' wears the label himself, saying "I wanna try to make a difference and promote change for the good of the common people. I don't think I can do that while I'm getting fucked up. It might work for other people, but it isn't for me. But I also don't care if other people do drugs or drink or whatever, I think it's a personal choice." Easton mover-and-shaker Cody, of Press Black and The International Jet Set, notes that while he's not straight edge, "I think it's great that there are young people who are trying to act responsibly and I think it's great that there are young people getting wasted and having the time of their lives. It boils down to personal liberty...because that's what it's all about right?"
Saturday, August 23, 2008
The Motorettes
Interview by: Jon
The Motorettes are an anomaly. They are a “cover” band that can mix, mingle, and kick the crap out of “regular” bands (i.e. “bands that write their own music and take themselves oh so seriously). The Motorettes specialize in Motown and 60’s soul music…therefore managing to appeal to everyone with a radio. I’ve seen them three times and they always kill!
We sat down with Jen, one of the front ladies for the band, to see how they gets things done…
TF: How long have The Motorettes been playing out and how did they get together?
Jen: Kathleen and I lived together for a few months and used to nerd out over old Motown songs together in the car or living room- she’d sing the high parts and I’d take the lows or vice versa, just messin’ around-we both grew up with the music so we already knew every harmony and every word to any song you can think of. My dad played sax in a soul band called Terry and the Uptights in the 50’s and they opened up for a few big names like James Brown, and Kathleen’s dad was in a very similar band playing around the same time. I strongly believe if you have musicians for parents you’re doomed to become one yourself. Anyway, we knew Aran, Jd and Pat would be into the idea (we were all probably in each other’s previous bands at one time or another) so from the first time we got together and practiced, we sounded great and everything just fell into place.
TF:What are some of the other bands your members are/were involved with?
Jen: God, there’s been too many to list but I’ll try… Pat’s has been in and or is currently involved with The Beatnik Termites and The Pro-Teens and runs the label Insubordination Records. Aran was in The Poisonaires and is currently in a totally awesome hip-hop duo called AK Slaughter. Kathleen’s main band is Thee Lexington Arrows but she’s played for countless other bands around town, Andy was in Malt Liquor, JD is currently in Entertainment system, Survivors of Camp Crystal Lake and Rare Candy and was involved in the greatest punk rock joke band to ever exist- Thee Shittens-with yours truly. And I’ve also been involved in more crappy high-school sounding bands than I’m far too embarrassed to even admit.
TF: The band is six members strong; do you find it hard to play some of the smaller sized venues in the city? Do you have to adjust your set or instrumentation to suit the venue?
Jen: Luckily, JD plays on this crazy small drum kit called a “Rhythm Traveler”. It looks like he stole it from an eight-year old- its hilarious. We thought it especially awesome because hes such a big guy and he plays drums like a beast, so the smaller sound evens him out perfectly, its small-stage-friendly, and he looks ridiculous playing it. Plus, I think we all like each other enough at this point to rub elbows a little up there if we gotta.
TF: Unlike most cover bands, The Motorettes play a lot of gigs around Baltimore generally reserved for bands that write originals, making you the Baltimore version of The Detroit Cobras which is great company, but does anyone ever give you shit for it?
Jen: Y’know, I’m kinda surprised but we really don’t get any shit at all for it. I think that people are generally so stoked to hear any of these songs live again that we rarely get any negative words at all. I think it strikes a heart chord with younger people even in the punk or rock scene because they also grew up on Motown and have the same appreciation for it.
TF: Have you found that you are based in a certain “scene” in Baltimore, or do you play wherever, whenever with whomever?
Jen: We are whores. We’ll play anything. We love being the curveball in a rock ‘n roll set and we don’t say no to playing a paying wedding gig either.
TF: Have you played a Bar Mitzvah yet?
Jen: Hah, we were supposed to. We even started learning Hava Nagila. The kid ended up going with a DJ in the end. I guess the parents were probably the ones pushing for Motown anyway.
TF: All of you are (or have been) members of other local bands over the years, and wrote tons of music I’m sure. Now that you are covering some of the greatest music ever written do you find yourselves writing anything and inserting it into your sets…just to see if anyone notices?
Jen: You never know…
TF: Do you ever indulge the “Play Freebird!” guy?
Jen: Fuck that guy. Bands that pander to that guy always end up looking like total dicks anyway because no one can play freebird like Skynyrd.
TF: Do you ever get a “Play Stop In The Name Of Love!” guy?
Jen: We play Happy Hour at the Sidebar every second Friday of the month, and if you know anything about the Sidebar you know that before it become a punk bar at 8pm, it’s a hang out for all the local state’s attorneys. Those guys are amazing- they sing every word, dance and get shit-faced by seven. They usually like to yell out a few requests but we’re happy to play ‘em if we got ‘em. Yeah, we’re a real hit with the drunk lawyers.
TF: What’s been your favorite show moment thus far?
Jen: We just played with one of Kathleen’s and my all time favorite bands, The Dirtbombs. It was a fucking great show- we got to open up for them and also play with another great local rock duo, The Expotentials. We killed it that night and Mick Collins (lead singer of the Dirtbombs and countless other amazing rock bands) personally thanked us on stage.
TF: I noticed you have a few recordings on Myspace. Have The Motorettes ever considered recording a proper record?
Jen: We have an EP out right now that we mostly use for press kits and promotion- I mean, if the demand goes up for a full album of our covers, I think we’d definitely consider it. I think that if we ever do write originals we’d be in the studio in a heartbeat.
TF: Who are some of the other local bands you would recommend?
Jen: Sooo many. I’m so proud of local music right now. Obviously all our other bands. Let’s see…The Mishaps, The Expotentials, The Hall Monitors, The Ambitions, Payola Reserve, Lazlo Lee & The Motherless Children, The Garnet Hearts, The Sick Sick Birds, Ratsize, Hollywood, The Squaaks and soo soo many more. Don’t take my word for it, go see their shows! Also, dance around a little. Enjoy yourself. I’m so sick of the kids that pay to get into a show and then act like they don’t wanna be there.
TF: You are also the owner of Patterson Perk Coffee Shop and co-founder of Catfight! Photography. Is it hard juggling all the ventures at once?
Jen: Holy shit…hard is an understatement. I should be committed for actually thinking that I could do all this and still have a social life. Although, I must admit, there’s nothing better than working for yourself and saying “fuck you!” to The Man on a daily basis. I just never though being so punk would involve this much fucking work.
TF: What’s up next for The Motorettes?
Jen: We are super busy. We’ve got weddings and private parties booked (horray for catering and open bar) and we’re booking more shows around town and on the East Coast. And we’re gonna keep doing the Happy Hour thing at the Sidebar until we wear out our welcome. So, plenty of opportunities for people to come out, have a drink and get down with the Motown Sound.
The Motorettes are an anomaly. They are a “cover” band that can mix, mingle, and kick the crap out of “regular” bands (i.e. “bands that write their own music and take themselves oh so seriously). The Motorettes specialize in Motown and 60’s soul music…therefore managing to appeal to everyone with a radio. I’ve seen them three times and they always kill!
We sat down with Jen, one of the front ladies for the band, to see how they gets things done…
TF: How long have The Motorettes been playing out and how did they get together?
Jen: Kathleen and I lived together for a few months and used to nerd out over old Motown songs together in the car or living room- she’d sing the high parts and I’d take the lows or vice versa, just messin’ around-we both grew up with the music so we already knew every harmony and every word to any song you can think of. My dad played sax in a soul band called Terry and the Uptights in the 50’s and they opened up for a few big names like James Brown, and Kathleen’s dad was in a very similar band playing around the same time. I strongly believe if you have musicians for parents you’re doomed to become one yourself. Anyway, we knew Aran, Jd and Pat would be into the idea (we were all probably in each other’s previous bands at one time or another) so from the first time we got together and practiced, we sounded great and everything just fell into place.
TF:What are some of the other bands your members are/were involved with?
Jen: God, there’s been too many to list but I’ll try… Pat’s has been in and or is currently involved with The Beatnik Termites and The Pro-Teens and runs the label Insubordination Records. Aran was in The Poisonaires and is currently in a totally awesome hip-hop duo called AK Slaughter. Kathleen’s main band is Thee Lexington Arrows but she’s played for countless other bands around town, Andy was in Malt Liquor, JD is currently in Entertainment system, Survivors of Camp Crystal Lake and Rare Candy and was involved in the greatest punk rock joke band to ever exist- Thee Shittens-with yours truly. And I’ve also been involved in more crappy high-school sounding bands than I’m far too embarrassed to even admit.
TF: The band is six members strong; do you find it hard to play some of the smaller sized venues in the city? Do you have to adjust your set or instrumentation to suit the venue?
Jen: Luckily, JD plays on this crazy small drum kit called a “Rhythm Traveler”. It looks like he stole it from an eight-year old- its hilarious. We thought it especially awesome because hes such a big guy and he plays drums like a beast, so the smaller sound evens him out perfectly, its small-stage-friendly, and he looks ridiculous playing it. Plus, I think we all like each other enough at this point to rub elbows a little up there if we gotta.
TF: Unlike most cover bands, The Motorettes play a lot of gigs around Baltimore generally reserved for bands that write originals, making you the Baltimore version of The Detroit Cobras which is great company, but does anyone ever give you shit for it?
Jen: Y’know, I’m kinda surprised but we really don’t get any shit at all for it. I think that people are generally so stoked to hear any of these songs live again that we rarely get any negative words at all. I think it strikes a heart chord with younger people even in the punk or rock scene because they also grew up on Motown and have the same appreciation for it.
TF: Have you found that you are based in a certain “scene” in Baltimore, or do you play wherever, whenever with whomever?
Jen: We are whores. We’ll play anything. We love being the curveball in a rock ‘n roll set and we don’t say no to playing a paying wedding gig either.
TF: Have you played a Bar Mitzvah yet?
Jen: Hah, we were supposed to. We even started learning Hava Nagila. The kid ended up going with a DJ in the end. I guess the parents were probably the ones pushing for Motown anyway.
TF: All of you are (or have been) members of other local bands over the years, and wrote tons of music I’m sure. Now that you are covering some of the greatest music ever written do you find yourselves writing anything and inserting it into your sets…just to see if anyone notices?
Jen: You never know…
TF: Do you ever indulge the “Play Freebird!” guy?
Jen: Fuck that guy. Bands that pander to that guy always end up looking like total dicks anyway because no one can play freebird like Skynyrd.
TF: Do you ever get a “Play Stop In The Name Of Love!” guy?
Jen: We play Happy Hour at the Sidebar every second Friday of the month, and if you know anything about the Sidebar you know that before it become a punk bar at 8pm, it’s a hang out for all the local state’s attorneys. Those guys are amazing- they sing every word, dance and get shit-faced by seven. They usually like to yell out a few requests but we’re happy to play ‘em if we got ‘em. Yeah, we’re a real hit with the drunk lawyers.
TF: What’s been your favorite show moment thus far?
Jen: We just played with one of Kathleen’s and my all time favorite bands, The Dirtbombs. It was a fucking great show- we got to open up for them and also play with another great local rock duo, The Expotentials. We killed it that night and Mick Collins (lead singer of the Dirtbombs and countless other amazing rock bands) personally thanked us on stage.
TF: I noticed you have a few recordings on Myspace. Have The Motorettes ever considered recording a proper record?
Jen: We have an EP out right now that we mostly use for press kits and promotion- I mean, if the demand goes up for a full album of our covers, I think we’d definitely consider it. I think that if we ever do write originals we’d be in the studio in a heartbeat.
TF: Who are some of the other local bands you would recommend?
Jen: Sooo many. I’m so proud of local music right now. Obviously all our other bands. Let’s see…The Mishaps, The Expotentials, The Hall Monitors, The Ambitions, Payola Reserve, Lazlo Lee & The Motherless Children, The Garnet Hearts, The Sick Sick Birds, Ratsize, Hollywood, The Squaaks and soo soo many more. Don’t take my word for it, go see their shows! Also, dance around a little. Enjoy yourself. I’m so sick of the kids that pay to get into a show and then act like they don’t wanna be there.
TF: You are also the owner of Patterson Perk Coffee Shop and co-founder of Catfight! Photography. Is it hard juggling all the ventures at once?
Jen: Holy shit…hard is an understatement. I should be committed for actually thinking that I could do all this and still have a social life. Although, I must admit, there’s nothing better than working for yourself and saying “fuck you!” to The Man on a daily basis. I just never though being so punk would involve this much fucking work.
TF: What’s up next for The Motorettes?
Jen: We are super busy. We’ve got weddings and private parties booked (horray for catering and open bar) and we’re booking more shows around town and on the East Coast. And we’re gonna keep doing the Happy Hour thing at the Sidebar until we wear out our welcome. So, plenty of opportunities for people to come out, have a drink and get down with the Motown Sound.
An Interview with Baltimore’s Vincent Black Shadow
by: Cody
TF: Where does the name come from?
VBS: the Vincent Black Shadow is a mythically powerful motorcycle (1000 ccs) made in the late 40s and early 50s that, tested by Hunter S. Thompson, led him to reach the conclusion that "If you rode the Black Shadow at top speed for any length of time, you would almost certainly die".
TF: You guys recorded "More Deeper" to 2" tape it says...What were the pros and cons in comparison to recording on say, a computer?
VBS: Lord Baltimore Recordings needed a two-inch tape machine to make this record happen, so we broke into Inner Ear Studios, burned all of the Fugazi master reels, and stole their machine, then sprinkled it with ashes from Felix Pappalardi's grave. The whole experience gave the recording the fucked quality we were looking for.
TF: What's the best way to get a hold of one of your music without getting it from you guys at a show...Mailorder? Digital Download?
VBS: The record can be ordered from www. heartbreakbeatrecords. com, revolver/midheaven distribution, MVD distribution, and our Myspace page has links to the digital download site run by Thrill Jockey records. Envelopes of cash and/or hard drugs can be mailed straight to us for some sort of response.
TF: What label are you on, and what other stuff are they putting out?
VBS: The label is HEARTBREAK BEAT, out of New York, run by our dear friend Francesco. He's put out a number of Baltimore bands like Beach House (LP) and the New Flesh, as well as a few other bands. He's currently mulling over options on future releases as he recuperates from several broken bones sustained from borrowing money to fund “MORE DEEPER”, the new album, which went $75,000 over budget.
TF: Any side projects or previous bands worth checking out?
VBS: Dave makes religious noise with PASTURES and on his own. Dirck and Adam have a black metal project called CEMETERY PISS. Adam did guest vocals on the upcoming HOLLYWOOD record. Dirck is playing bass for a death metal band called MARROW. I'm replacing Scott Weiland in Velvet Revolver. There are other projects that have yet to be named.
TF: If I’m not mistaken, you guys played with Be Your Own Pet a few months back...they are a great band, how was that show?
VBS: They're friends of ours that we met through playing with Turbo Fruits, (their side project who do a vicious cover or MC5's "rambling rose"). The BYOP show was a fantastic rager, they're great folks who appreciate loud rock music as much as we do. Hopefully our paths cross again soon.
TF: Where can we see you live in the next few months?
VBS: We're playing on September 5th at a spot called the NOWAREHOUSE in pigtown with VALKYRIE from Central Virginia, and DEATHAMMER from Baltimore.
October 20, we're playing with our 10-4 good buddies MONOTONIX from Tel Aviv, Israel, and DMBQ from Tokyo, Japan at the Ottobar.
TF: Any music you guys listen to on your free time that people wouldn't expect based on what VBS sounds like?
VBS: We go all over, but probably listen to everything you would expect. Dave enjoys his KISS records, freak-folk and hippie cult rock. Adam has an extensive 80s and 90s hip-hop collection. Dirck likes satanic death metal and black metal, as well as King Sunny Ade. Rufus is forced to listen to house music through the walls of his apartment thanks to his lame cafe neighbor. Me, I spell summertime V-A-N H-A-L-E-N.
TF: Are these the most generic, boring ass interview questions that you've ever been bothered with?
VBS: Eh, at least you didn't ask about some band from Canada.
TF: Where does the name come from?
VBS: the Vincent Black Shadow is a mythically powerful motorcycle (1000 ccs) made in the late 40s and early 50s that, tested by Hunter S. Thompson, led him to reach the conclusion that "If you rode the Black Shadow at top speed for any length of time, you would almost certainly die".
TF: You guys recorded "More Deeper" to 2" tape it says...What were the pros and cons in comparison to recording on say, a computer?
VBS: Lord Baltimore Recordings needed a two-inch tape machine to make this record happen, so we broke into Inner Ear Studios, burned all of the Fugazi master reels, and stole their machine, then sprinkled it with ashes from Felix Pappalardi's grave. The whole experience gave the recording the fucked quality we were looking for.
TF: What's the best way to get a hold of one of your music without getting it from you guys at a show...Mailorder? Digital Download?
VBS: The record can be ordered from www. heartbreakbeatrecords. com, revolver/midheaven distribution, MVD distribution, and our Myspace page has links to the digital download site run by Thrill Jockey records. Envelopes of cash and/or hard drugs can be mailed straight to us for some sort of response.
TF: What label are you on, and what other stuff are they putting out?
VBS: The label is HEARTBREAK BEAT, out of New York, run by our dear friend Francesco. He's put out a number of Baltimore bands like Beach House (LP) and the New Flesh, as well as a few other bands. He's currently mulling over options on future releases as he recuperates from several broken bones sustained from borrowing money to fund “MORE DEEPER”, the new album, which went $75,000 over budget.
TF: Any side projects or previous bands worth checking out?
VBS: Dave makes religious noise with PASTURES and on his own. Dirck and Adam have a black metal project called CEMETERY PISS. Adam did guest vocals on the upcoming HOLLYWOOD record. Dirck is playing bass for a death metal band called MARROW. I'm replacing Scott Weiland in Velvet Revolver. There are other projects that have yet to be named.
TF: If I’m not mistaken, you guys played with Be Your Own Pet a few months back...they are a great band, how was that show?
VBS: They're friends of ours that we met through playing with Turbo Fruits, (their side project who do a vicious cover or MC5's "rambling rose"). The BYOP show was a fantastic rager, they're great folks who appreciate loud rock music as much as we do. Hopefully our paths cross again soon.
TF: Where can we see you live in the next few months?
VBS: We're playing on September 5th at a spot called the NOWAREHOUSE in pigtown with VALKYRIE from Central Virginia, and DEATHAMMER from Baltimore.
October 20, we're playing with our 10-4 good buddies MONOTONIX from Tel Aviv, Israel, and DMBQ from Tokyo, Japan at the Ottobar.
TF: Any music you guys listen to on your free time that people wouldn't expect based on what VBS sounds like?
VBS: We go all over, but probably listen to everything you would expect. Dave enjoys his KISS records, freak-folk and hippie cult rock. Adam has an extensive 80s and 90s hip-hop collection. Dirck likes satanic death metal and black metal, as well as King Sunny Ade. Rufus is forced to listen to house music through the walls of his apartment thanks to his lame cafe neighbor. Me, I spell summertime V-A-N H-A-L-E-N.
TF: Are these the most generic, boring ass interview questions that you've ever been bothered with?
VBS: Eh, at least you didn't ask about some band from Canada.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
"Hard Hitting Heavy Baltimore Crust Punks: Betty Sue Aside"
(Interview by: Cody)
1. Where the hell did you find Manny, that dude is one of the fastest drummers I’ve ever seen...
BSA – ha-hah fuckin’ Manny... I met Manny in 9th grade (2001). He happened to be in my gym class and he had disgusting nappy greasy hair so I went up and talked to him. he later found out I played guitar and one day he was walkin’ through a neighborhood (while he was on 16 corticedin pills) that I was also walkin’ through he stopped me and asked if I wanted to jam sometime. Now 7 years later we’re still sidekicks.
2. Running the risk of being generic, what are a few of your main influences...
BSA – I’d say our common influences as a band are Black Flag, Aus Rotten, Slayer, EARLY Metallica, ya know everything with good ol' Cliff...
3. Is there anything that you listen to that people might not expect when they hear Betty Sue Aside?
BSA – I’d say if you listen to Betty Sue Aside, expect nothing less. Expect a little bit of everything, from metal to punk, and expect it to be loud and pissed.
4. Favorite Venue?
BSA - WITHOUT A DOUBT, The Barclay House.
5. What has your touring experience been like and do you have any advice for bands attempting to hit the road?
BSA - HA. Tour... tour was good and bad. But life is good and bad and there’s no way around it. It was fun being with my best friends and going to different cities throughout the nation and spreading our fucking plague. The best high in the world is going outta state and seeing kids go crazy to the music that you wrote. Advice? Ease yer way into it. Don’t go out for a month yer first time on tour. And make sure you can all get along before hand ha-ha...
6. Wu-Tang or NWA?
Don’t do this to me.....
7. The lyrics are pretty heavy in your songs...I mean you guys aren't really singing about girls and cars and shit, what are the main points you try to get across in your songs?
BSA - The topics of our lyrics vary. I write pretty much all of them until every once in a while someone else comes up with something. I try to cover a little bit of everything, from politics to skateboarding. From thoughts inside a killers head to being paranoid because of world surveillance... so I guess there’s not really just one certain point.
8. Is Matty Boh a man, a myth, or a legend?
BSA - Matty Boh is THE man, THE myth, and THE legend.
9. Who are the best bands going in Baltimore right now?
BSA - I really can’t answer that cuz I think all the bands in Baltimore are great in there own ways. But I would say keep yer eyes on two bands that are up and coming, Sacri Fidelis and Marrow.
10. Are these the most boring interview questions you've ever heard?
BSA - nah dude people ask me much more stupid shit. ha-ha thanks man.
1. Where the hell did you find Manny, that dude is one of the fastest drummers I’ve ever seen...
BSA – ha-hah fuckin’ Manny... I met Manny in 9th grade (2001). He happened to be in my gym class and he had disgusting nappy greasy hair so I went up and talked to him. he later found out I played guitar and one day he was walkin’ through a neighborhood (while he was on 16 corticedin pills) that I was also walkin’ through he stopped me and asked if I wanted to jam sometime. Now 7 years later we’re still sidekicks.
2. Running the risk of being generic, what are a few of your main influences...
BSA – I’d say our common influences as a band are Black Flag, Aus Rotten, Slayer, EARLY Metallica, ya know everything with good ol' Cliff...
3. Is there anything that you listen to that people might not expect when they hear Betty Sue Aside?
BSA – I’d say if you listen to Betty Sue Aside, expect nothing less. Expect a little bit of everything, from metal to punk, and expect it to be loud and pissed.
4. Favorite Venue?
BSA - WITHOUT A DOUBT, The Barclay House.
5. What has your touring experience been like and do you have any advice for bands attempting to hit the road?
BSA - HA. Tour... tour was good and bad. But life is good and bad and there’s no way around it. It was fun being with my best friends and going to different cities throughout the nation and spreading our fucking plague. The best high in the world is going outta state and seeing kids go crazy to the music that you wrote. Advice? Ease yer way into it. Don’t go out for a month yer first time on tour. And make sure you can all get along before hand ha-ha...
6. Wu-Tang or NWA?
Don’t do this to me.....
7. The lyrics are pretty heavy in your songs...I mean you guys aren't really singing about girls and cars and shit, what are the main points you try to get across in your songs?
BSA - The topics of our lyrics vary. I write pretty much all of them until every once in a while someone else comes up with something. I try to cover a little bit of everything, from politics to skateboarding. From thoughts inside a killers head to being paranoid because of world surveillance... so I guess there’s not really just one certain point.
8. Is Matty Boh a man, a myth, or a legend?
BSA - Matty Boh is THE man, THE myth, and THE legend.
9. Who are the best bands going in Baltimore right now?
BSA - I really can’t answer that cuz I think all the bands in Baltimore are great in there own ways. But I would say keep yer eyes on two bands that are up and coming, Sacri Fidelis and Marrow.
10. Are these the most boring interview questions you've ever heard?
BSA - nah dude people ask me much more stupid shit. ha-ha thanks man.
Infamy is Bliss… Shane Wreck Interviewed by: Cody
Flop-Top international New Wave superstar lead singer of the Living Wrecks and guitar player for The Cheap Shots, Shane Wreck...or Shane Scum...I dunno it's hard to keep up, Anyway he's got two cool punk rock names where as most people don't even have one...here we go...
Think Forward: Give us a brief run-down of what to expect out of the new Living Wrecks album "Cheap Heat" for those cheap-skate high strung jerks who haven't picked it up yet...
Shane Wreck: its a pretty straight forward punk rock n roll record. We’ve been told that it reminds people of D Generation meets the Dead Boys so I take that as a good thing. A lot of sing alongs and great hooks in it.
TF: What are the chances that, in the future, you could be referred to as "Shane the Gravy Train"?
SW: As the shame spiral continues chances are good. I’ll keep you posted on that one.
TF: You play in two bands and book a healthy amount of shows in Baltimore, don't you ever wear thin? What is your blood pressure on average?
SW: Not sure about the blood pressure but I’m sure it isn’t worth a damn, but yeah it can be a bit trying at times but hell, your only alive once, so go fuck shit up while you can.
TF: Who are some of your favorite bands in or around the Baltimore area?
SW: The Reticents; Betty Sue Aside and Press Black. But there are a lot of good bands playing out man; the Cheapshots, Ratsize, National Razor, Nervous Habits, Ripovs; this list could go on forever. Just get off the computer or couch and go to some shows.
TF: What music do you listen to that people wouldn't expect based on the type of music your bands play?
SW: …huge Replacements fan, everything they ever did is great!. Let’s see what else...Billy Bragg, Rolling Stones, Johnny cash I like bits and pieces of everything
TF: Best live band you've ever seen...
SW: This a tough one....Anti Nowhere League in London two years ago. That was great show the Damned and Sham 69 played that night also. In the states, it’s tie between The Meatmen and GBH.
TF: How much of your biological make-up is Natty Boh (Percentage please...)?
SW: I’m pretty sure I’m at 25%natty boh, 60% whiskey and 15% bullshit and misc.
TF: Favorite Venue to play at?
SW: Gotta be sidebar its the cheers of Baltimore. The nerve center is great as well.
TF: I see you've got a couple out of state shows booked; does this mean the Wrecks are going to hit the road soon?
SW: We're just doing some road trips here and there. Hopefully we'll tour in the near future. Our label was talking about doing a label tour but we'll have to wait and see.
TF: Tiggle Bitties or Crumb Cakes?
SW: I guess crumb cakes..?..
TF: Are these the worst interview questions you've ever read?
SW: …question 10.
Think Forward: Give us a brief run-down of what to expect out of the new Living Wrecks album "Cheap Heat" for those cheap-skate high strung jerks who haven't picked it up yet...
Shane Wreck: its a pretty straight forward punk rock n roll record. We’ve been told that it reminds people of D Generation meets the Dead Boys so I take that as a good thing. A lot of sing alongs and great hooks in it.
TF: What are the chances that, in the future, you could be referred to as "Shane the Gravy Train"?
SW: As the shame spiral continues chances are good. I’ll keep you posted on that one.
TF: You play in two bands and book a healthy amount of shows in Baltimore, don't you ever wear thin? What is your blood pressure on average?
SW: Not sure about the blood pressure but I’m sure it isn’t worth a damn, but yeah it can be a bit trying at times but hell, your only alive once, so go fuck shit up while you can.
TF: Who are some of your favorite bands in or around the Baltimore area?
SW: The Reticents; Betty Sue Aside and Press Black. But there are a lot of good bands playing out man; the Cheapshots, Ratsize, National Razor, Nervous Habits, Ripovs; this list could go on forever. Just get off the computer or couch and go to some shows.
TF: What music do you listen to that people wouldn't expect based on the type of music your bands play?
SW: …huge Replacements fan, everything they ever did is great!. Let’s see what else...Billy Bragg, Rolling Stones, Johnny cash I like bits and pieces of everything
TF: Best live band you've ever seen...
SW: This a tough one....Anti Nowhere League in London two years ago. That was great show the Damned and Sham 69 played that night also. In the states, it’s tie between The Meatmen and GBH.
TF: How much of your biological make-up is Natty Boh (Percentage please...)?
SW: I’m pretty sure I’m at 25%natty boh, 60% whiskey and 15% bullshit and misc.
TF: Favorite Venue to play at?
SW: Gotta be sidebar its the cheers of Baltimore. The nerve center is great as well.
TF: I see you've got a couple out of state shows booked; does this mean the Wrecks are going to hit the road soon?
SW: We're just doing some road trips here and there. Hopefully we'll tour in the near future. Our label was talking about doing a label tour but we'll have to wait and see.
TF: Tiggle Bitties or Crumb Cakes?
SW: I guess crumb cakes..?..
TF: Are these the worst interview questions you've ever read?
SW: …question 10.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Interview w/ The World Class Defects
Think Forward: So you guys are from Greensboro right? What exactly is a Greensboro for those of us keeping score at home?
World Class Defects: The scoreboard should read something like Greensboro equals garbage. Just walking around on a nice day I close my eyes and hope everything is on fire when I open them again. So a Greensboro would be something that should be set a blaze. I'm sure there are a lot of towns like it, 20 years in the past.
TF: If there was a list of main exports from Greensboro where do you think a punk rock band would fall on that chart?
WCD: The main exports would be shit and the smell of shit. There's a 'BJ distributing company'. I'm not kidding, but I don't really know what their product is. I guess if the said punk band was ground up and used for fertilizer that would be the main export or the smell would be actually.
TF: What's going on with this new album? Is this going to be stylistically similar to the first one, or should we be expecting any changes?
WCD: The new album is talking a bit longer than we thought. We're doing everything our selves this time and we procrastinate, a lot. We thought we'd try something different and records track by track doing individual parts instead of a one take deal which was the case with the last CD. There are a few new songs and the old ones have been altered a bit. Some of the songs are slower because of the new process but hey, the live set is where the speed is. So far we've gotten really positive feedback from those who have given it a listen.
TF: When I listen to the WCD there are certain bands that come to mind, but are there any influences that maybe people wouldn't expect you guys to take into account when you write songs?
WCD: All of us have different influences that we draw on. Most of them are probably expected, old school punk, alternative, etc. It's like a mash and clash of genres between us. Chris really digs electronic and Goth tunes. Bauhaus, Sisters of Mercy, stuff like that. For me I started off playing old surf songs like pipeline and walk don't run. The Ventures and, completely unrelated, the Cramps have a permanent impact on the writing process. Queens of the Stone Age, the Bled, and the Blood Brothers float Jesse's boat. Cameron enjoys industrial I think.
TF: What's the most fun you've had at a WCD show?
WCD: Anytime we go some place new it's great. Meeting cool people and hanging out. Those are always the best shows and the most fun.
TF: To what degree do you think people are a product of their environment?
WCD: When people start making pants out of curtains and sofa cushions that could be a good indication of interior camouflage and a great example of conditioning towards becoming a product of their environment.
TF: What is a Jimmy Haha?
WCD: A broken condom
TF: What would your ideal date with Brett Michaels be like?
WCD: Starting with handsies and ultimately ending with him apologizing for everything he's ever done. Poison sucks.
TF: If you could see any band do a reunion tour who would it be and why?
WCD: Jello Biafra with DK. I saw Agent Orange do a cover of police truck and ever since then I’ve been subjugated to the idea that it'll never happen. They're not getting any younger.
TF: Are these the most boring interview questions of all time?
WCD: Don't you want to hear about the time we almost got beat up by skin heads?
World Class Defects: The scoreboard should read something like Greensboro equals garbage. Just walking around on a nice day I close my eyes and hope everything is on fire when I open them again. So a Greensboro would be something that should be set a blaze. I'm sure there are a lot of towns like it, 20 years in the past.
TF: If there was a list of main exports from Greensboro where do you think a punk rock band would fall on that chart?
WCD: The main exports would be shit and the smell of shit. There's a 'BJ distributing company'. I'm not kidding, but I don't really know what their product is. I guess if the said punk band was ground up and used for fertilizer that would be the main export or the smell would be actually.
TF: What's going on with this new album? Is this going to be stylistically similar to the first one, or should we be expecting any changes?
WCD: The new album is talking a bit longer than we thought. We're doing everything our selves this time and we procrastinate, a lot. We thought we'd try something different and records track by track doing individual parts instead of a one take deal which was the case with the last CD. There are a few new songs and the old ones have been altered a bit. Some of the songs are slower because of the new process but hey, the live set is where the speed is. So far we've gotten really positive feedback from those who have given it a listen.
TF: When I listen to the WCD there are certain bands that come to mind, but are there any influences that maybe people wouldn't expect you guys to take into account when you write songs?
WCD: All of us have different influences that we draw on. Most of them are probably expected, old school punk, alternative, etc. It's like a mash and clash of genres between us. Chris really digs electronic and Goth tunes. Bauhaus, Sisters of Mercy, stuff like that. For me I started off playing old surf songs like pipeline and walk don't run. The Ventures and, completely unrelated, the Cramps have a permanent impact on the writing process. Queens of the Stone Age, the Bled, and the Blood Brothers float Jesse's boat. Cameron enjoys industrial I think.
TF: What's the most fun you've had at a WCD show?
WCD: Anytime we go some place new it's great. Meeting cool people and hanging out. Those are always the best shows and the most fun.
TF: To what degree do you think people are a product of their environment?
WCD: When people start making pants out of curtains and sofa cushions that could be a good indication of interior camouflage and a great example of conditioning towards becoming a product of their environment.
TF: What is a Jimmy Haha?
WCD: A broken condom
TF: What would your ideal date with Brett Michaels be like?
WCD: Starting with handsies and ultimately ending with him apologizing for everything he's ever done. Poison sucks.
TF: If you could see any band do a reunion tour who would it be and why?
WCD: Jello Biafra with DK. I saw Agent Orange do a cover of police truck and ever since then I’ve been subjugated to the idea that it'll never happen. They're not getting any younger.
TF: Are these the most boring interview questions of all time?
WCD: Don't you want to hear about the time we almost got beat up by skin heads?
interview w/ Press Black
“Press Black doesn't care how you'd like it........"
TF: Band members / instruments?
Willis: There is me, Willis, and I play drums. Then there’s Cody and Ben and they plays guitars and sings...sometimes together, sometimes separately..
TF: History of the band?
W: After my last band broke up I tooled around for awhile, ya know playing with me. Ben and Cody had already gotten this shit started with some other people but they got rid of them and went on in a sort of local h or white stripes fashion. They recorded a two song CD splitting drum duties and I really dug it. So I was like you guys need a DRUMMER and they made me audition and after one practice they were like...."oh my god you’re so awesome, please come play drums for us" and I was like "I guess that would be...fine" ha-ha
TF: Your influences?
W: I’m not the kind of musician that likes a band and knows the name of the drummer or their birthday or where they live and so on. I don’t go to great lengths to be a fucking music nerd like Cody ha-ha. I mean no offense to anyone; I just simply like what I like. Two favorite bands, Choking Victim and the Dillinger Escape Plan...hands down
TF: Other bands / scenes you’ve been involved with?
W: Scenes? One time we played at a redneck bar...needless to say it was pretty uh strange. I’ve been in a few bands though. It started with Knife Your Neighbor which became Postictal. That was fun but we all just came to a fork in the road and took different paths. I was in red eyed five for like a week but aside from Shea (butter) they were all douche queefs so I split on them. And then, yeah....Press Black (for life)
TF: Best show experience (in a band & viewing)?
W: The first show Press Black played at the Sidebar was the best! At least to me it was. even though I had been in bands playing shows for awhile, I still got nervous before shows and had stage fright and shit. We kicked into our first song, “Back to the Rathole”, and within the first ten seconds, i just let loose and ever since then shits been different. best show I’ve ever seen? GWAR twice. hands down the best show ever
TF: Worst show experience (in a band & viewing)?
W: oh god that fucking show at the shitty tap in pap smear Delaware. That fucking place is the asshole of America. Fuck Delaware, and especially fuck the fucking odd squad. They were the worst show experience I had in viewing. they were fucking trash, musically and socially, and i hope they all have heart attacks....cause they’re old.
TF: Top 5 records (any style)?
W:
calculating infinity - The Dillinger Escape Plan
no gods, no managers - Choking Victim
the decline - NOFX
Milo goes to college - The Descendents
and uhhh…”the very good years” - Frank Sinatra
TF: Favorite local bands you’d recommend?
W: uhh…The World Class Defects are cool ...nice guys too. uhh The Living Wrecks are good too. Cool guys, except for Shane… just kidding. uhh Betty Sue Aside are fucking fast crust punk death metal.. The Ripovs are cool...really really LOUD!! and uhh the International Jet Set Conspiracy ha-ha they’re cool but there guitarist...Cody I think is his name....he’s a fucking rock star! Don’t try talking to that mother fucker cause he'll remind you of what your place is ha-ha
In two years we’ll be…?
We as in me and you, you and me? or we as in press black? Us
? Or the human race as a whole? ha-ha I don’t know man that’s a tough one. we as a race will be two years closer to death and press black will still be making awesome music...hopefully cause this is the most awesome musical uhhhh syndicate that I’ve ever been involved with.
TF: Band members / instruments?
Willis: There is me, Willis, and I play drums. Then there’s Cody and Ben and they plays guitars and sings...sometimes together, sometimes separately..
TF: History of the band?
W: After my last band broke up I tooled around for awhile, ya know playing with me. Ben and Cody had already gotten this shit started with some other people but they got rid of them and went on in a sort of local h or white stripes fashion. They recorded a two song CD splitting drum duties and I really dug it. So I was like you guys need a DRUMMER and they made me audition and after one practice they were like...."oh my god you’re so awesome, please come play drums for us" and I was like "I guess that would be...fine" ha-ha
TF: Your influences?
W: I’m not the kind of musician that likes a band and knows the name of the drummer or their birthday or where they live and so on. I don’t go to great lengths to be a fucking music nerd like Cody ha-ha. I mean no offense to anyone; I just simply like what I like. Two favorite bands, Choking Victim and the Dillinger Escape Plan...hands down
TF: Other bands / scenes you’ve been involved with?
W: Scenes? One time we played at a redneck bar...needless to say it was pretty uh strange. I’ve been in a few bands though. It started with Knife Your Neighbor which became Postictal. That was fun but we all just came to a fork in the road and took different paths. I was in red eyed five for like a week but aside from Shea (butter) they were all douche queefs so I split on them. And then, yeah....Press Black (for life)
TF: Best show experience (in a band & viewing)?
W: The first show Press Black played at the Sidebar was the best! At least to me it was. even though I had been in bands playing shows for awhile, I still got nervous before shows and had stage fright and shit. We kicked into our first song, “Back to the Rathole”, and within the first ten seconds, i just let loose and ever since then shits been different. best show I’ve ever seen? GWAR twice. hands down the best show ever
TF: Worst show experience (in a band & viewing)?
W: oh god that fucking show at the shitty tap in pap smear Delaware. That fucking place is the asshole of America. Fuck Delaware, and especially fuck the fucking odd squad. They were the worst show experience I had in viewing. they were fucking trash, musically and socially, and i hope they all have heart attacks....cause they’re old.
TF: Top 5 records (any style)?
W:
calculating infinity - The Dillinger Escape Plan
no gods, no managers - Choking Victim
the decline - NOFX
Milo goes to college - The Descendents
and uhhh…”the very good years” - Frank Sinatra
TF: Favorite local bands you’d recommend?
W: uhh…The World Class Defects are cool ...nice guys too. uhh The Living Wrecks are good too. Cool guys, except for Shane… just kidding. uhh Betty Sue Aside are fucking fast crust punk death metal.. The Ripovs are cool...really really LOUD!! and uhh the International Jet Set Conspiracy ha-ha they’re cool but there guitarist...Cody I think is his name....he’s a fucking rock star! Don’t try talking to that mother fucker cause he'll remind you of what your place is ha-ha
In two years we’ll be…?
We as in me and you, you and me? or we as in press black? Us
? Or the human race as a whole? ha-ha I don’t know man that’s a tough one. we as a race will be two years closer to death and press black will still be making awesome music...hopefully cause this is the most awesome musical uhhhh syndicate that I’ve ever been involved with.
interview w/ The International Jet Set
Formed in the Spring of 2008, Ska super group former members of The John Hardy Boys, The Smizokes, and Downbound Train, as well as a present member of Press Black. International Jet Set is a ska band based out of Easton, MD.
TF: Band members / instruments?
Chris: Cody – Guitar; Dan – Bass, Jon – Sax, Mike – Trumpet, Amanda – Trombone, Nick – sax, myself (Chris) – Drums. Jon, Cody and Dan share vocals.
TF: History of the band?
C: The International Jet Set includes former members of Blood, Sweat, & Tears, Spandau Ballet, Deep Blue Something and The Chi-Lites
Your influences?
C: Well, let's see.....ummm........whatcha got? Mostly,…Bell Biv Devoe. (ed. Note: it’s Fishbone…EVERYONE knows this.)
TF: How you were turned on to this style of music?
C: By hearing it and enjoying what we heard.
TF: Other bands / scenes you’ve been involved with?
C: Press Black, The John Hardy Boys, Downbound Train, The Venkmans, The Smizokes. That's the big 5 anyway.
TF: Best show experience (in a band & viewing)?
C: Personally. My best show:- The Smizokes opening for the Bosstones at the 9:30 was quite cool.
Worst show: The Smizokes, Laurel, DE, talent show… kids singing Celine Dion songs, strep throat, drunk frontman, beer can in face, hick cops. Do the math.
TF: How is Baltimore compared to other cities you’ve played?
C: I heart Baltimore and Baltimore hearts us.
TF: Best local venue?
C: The best- The Ottobar, My favorite has to be The Sidebar though.
TF: How do you feel about pirating (downloading) music?
C: Currenty indifferant. After playing music for almost 12 years and having only made about $43 so far. I couldn't care less if people want to steal my music. Honestly I'd be kinda into it. At least I'd know people are interested in what we have to say.
TF: Top 5 records (any style)?
C: With this particular band you'd need a top 35.
TF: Upcoming Shows to promote?
C: We gotta a website AND a myspace. All you'll ever need to know is right at your fingertips, so don't just sit there, go get it. Thrive for omnipotence! The interweb is the key to unlocking your true potential. Dammit it's magical!
TF: Band members / instruments?
Chris: Cody – Guitar; Dan – Bass, Jon – Sax, Mike – Trumpet, Amanda – Trombone, Nick – sax, myself (Chris) – Drums. Jon, Cody and Dan share vocals.
TF: History of the band?
C: The International Jet Set includes former members of Blood, Sweat, & Tears, Spandau Ballet, Deep Blue Something and The Chi-Lites
Your influences?
C: Well, let's see.....ummm........whatcha got? Mostly,…Bell Biv Devoe. (ed. Note: it’s Fishbone…EVERYONE knows this.)
TF: How you were turned on to this style of music?
C: By hearing it and enjoying what we heard.
TF: Other bands / scenes you’ve been involved with?
C: Press Black, The John Hardy Boys, Downbound Train, The Venkmans, The Smizokes. That's the big 5 anyway.
TF: Best show experience (in a band & viewing)?
C: Personally. My best show:- The Smizokes opening for the Bosstones at the 9:30 was quite cool.
Worst show: The Smizokes, Laurel, DE, talent show… kids singing Celine Dion songs, strep throat, drunk frontman, beer can in face, hick cops. Do the math.
TF: How is Baltimore compared to other cities you’ve played?
C: I heart Baltimore and Baltimore hearts us.
TF: Best local venue?
C: The best- The Ottobar, My favorite has to be The Sidebar though.
TF: How do you feel about pirating (downloading) music?
C: Currenty indifferant. After playing music for almost 12 years and having only made about $43 so far. I couldn't care less if people want to steal my music. Honestly I'd be kinda into it. At least I'd know people are interested in what we have to say.
TF: Top 5 records (any style)?
C: With this particular band you'd need a top 35.
TF: Upcoming Shows to promote?
C: We gotta a website AND a myspace. All you'll ever need to know is right at your fingertips, so don't just sit there, go get it. Thrive for omnipotence! The interweb is the key to unlocking your true potential. Dammit it's magical!
interview w/ Somediva
"Like Joe Montana throwing a baby in a wood chipper"
TF: Band members / instruments?
S: “Jared Davis: Drums, Edward Eason : Bass, John Perry: Guitar, Allan Blessing: Vocal”
TF: History of the band?
S: “You could go back to High School with the history, 3 out of the 4 members have been playing together since then on and off and under numerous different names. It’s a long one but having that history has its benefits.”
TF: What age(s) did you start playing (creating)?
S: “We all played some wicked pots and pans when we were like 2”
TF: Best show experience (in a band & viewing)?
S: “Stink bombs, Fireworks”
TF: Worst show experience (in a band & viewing)?
S: “Stink bombs, Fireworks”
TF: How is Baltimore compared to other cities you’ve played?
S: “Baltimore… last time we played in Baltimore (venue to remain nameless) we were banded. A time before that people showed up to see a band called Skin Deep only to find out that we weren’t the band that they had came to see and bounced, so we figured its time for a name change. We haven’t had much luck in Baltimore; I’m guessing they don’t like the redneck’ish kind, so I’ll quote DMX “you don't know you slow like Baltimore, If you ain't tryin' ta go ya blow”
TF: Best local venue?
S: “First Stab would be The Monkey Barrel in Salisbury, we frequent there and it’s sort of like a small family reunion each time we play. Always a good time.”
TF: How do you feel about recording nowadays? (Home vs. Studio)?
S: “I’m going to say still vote for studio, even after the fact that you have to pay it’s always nice to have an outside ear. After writing songs and playing and playing them you begin to hear things differently, and it’s almost like you begin to hear them the way that you want to hear them, even if it’s not how it really sounds. That’s why that outside ear and voice is important. Given we haven’t any home recordings”
TF: Top 5 records (any style)?
S:
DMX “Its Dark and Hell is Hot”
Beck “Mellow Gold”
Hank Williams III “Straight to Hell”
Mindless Self Indulgence “Frankenstein Girls will Seem Strangely Sexy”
Iron Horse “Fade To Bluegrass”
TF: Favorite local bands you’d recommend?
S: “Falling From Failure, Goatbag, HardSell, Saint Theory (FL)”
TF: Band members / instruments?
S: “Jared Davis: Drums, Edward Eason : Bass, John Perry: Guitar, Allan Blessing: Vocal”
TF: History of the band?
S: “You could go back to High School with the history, 3 out of the 4 members have been playing together since then on and off and under numerous different names. It’s a long one but having that history has its benefits.”
TF: What age(s) did you start playing (creating)?
S: “We all played some wicked pots and pans when we were like 2”
TF: Best show experience (in a band & viewing)?
S: “Stink bombs, Fireworks”
TF: Worst show experience (in a band & viewing)?
S: “Stink bombs, Fireworks”
TF: How is Baltimore compared to other cities you’ve played?
S: “Baltimore… last time we played in Baltimore (venue to remain nameless) we were banded. A time before that people showed up to see a band called Skin Deep only to find out that we weren’t the band that they had came to see and bounced, so we figured its time for a name change. We haven’t had much luck in Baltimore; I’m guessing they don’t like the redneck’ish kind, so I’ll quote DMX “you don't know you slow like Baltimore, If you ain't tryin' ta go ya blow”
TF: Best local venue?
S: “First Stab would be The Monkey Barrel in Salisbury, we frequent there and it’s sort of like a small family reunion each time we play. Always a good time.”
TF: How do you feel about recording nowadays? (Home vs. Studio)?
S: “I’m going to say still vote for studio, even after the fact that you have to pay it’s always nice to have an outside ear. After writing songs and playing and playing them you begin to hear things differently, and it’s almost like you begin to hear them the way that you want to hear them, even if it’s not how it really sounds. That’s why that outside ear and voice is important. Given we haven’t any home recordings”
TF: Top 5 records (any style)?
S:
DMX “Its Dark and Hell is Hot”
Beck “Mellow Gold”
Hank Williams III “Straight to Hell”
Mindless Self Indulgence “Frankenstein Girls will Seem Strangely Sexy”
Iron Horse “Fade To Bluegrass”
TF: Favorite local bands you’d recommend?
S: “Falling From Failure, Goatbag, HardSell, Saint Theory (FL)”
Interview w/ Perfekt Khaos
“Perfekt Khaos is the result of 10 years of writing and collaborations, finally mixed together and premiering for everyone to know and love/hate.”
TF: Band members / instruments?
PK: “Well, we've had band members come and go, but in the end, it's always been me and my keyboards/computer programs”
TF: History of the band?
PK: “Perfekt Khaos is a project I've been working on for years. It was originally started by me and Rob McDonald back in 2002 (i think). I kept writing things on and off for several years, people came and went, and finally, this past year, I decided to get real serious about releasing my work, with or without other people.”
TF: What age(s) did you start playing (creating)?
PK: “11 years old, on the Casio keyboard my parents bought for me for Christmas.”
TF: Your influences?
PK: “Depeche Mode, Linkin Park, Rammstein, My Chemical Romance, Disturbed, Freezepop”
TF: Best show experience (in a band & viewing)?
PK: “This is my first show, and I think it's gonna be great. The best concert I've ever been to was when I went to see Johnny Maths live at the Meyerhoff a long time ago. Awesome concert.”
TF: Worst show experience (in a band & viewing)?
PK: “Watching Hinder live at Merriweather. Never again.”
TF: How do you feel about pirating (downloading) music?
PK: “Now that I'm a recording artist, I understand what pirating takes away from us as artists. So now I just buy from iTunes.”
TF: Top 5 records (any style)?
PK:
Black Parade - My Chemical Romance
10,000 Fists - Disturbed
Violator - Depeche Mode
The Rising Tied - Fort Minor
Black Celebration - Depeche Mode
TF: Favorite local bands you’d recommend?
PK: “Used to know a really good band called The Mayo, but I don't know if they're still around.”
TF: Upcoming Shows to promote?
PK: “We want to do a benefit concert in Idewild Park (Easton, MD) for Cancer Research soon, but we don't have a concrete date yet.”
TF: Band members / instruments?
PK: “Well, we've had band members come and go, but in the end, it's always been me and my keyboards/computer programs”
TF: History of the band?
PK: “Perfekt Khaos is a project I've been working on for years. It was originally started by me and Rob McDonald back in 2002 (i think). I kept writing things on and off for several years, people came and went, and finally, this past year, I decided to get real serious about releasing my work, with or without other people.”
TF: What age(s) did you start playing (creating)?
PK: “11 years old, on the Casio keyboard my parents bought for me for Christmas.”
TF: Your influences?
PK: “Depeche Mode, Linkin Park, Rammstein, My Chemical Romance, Disturbed, Freezepop”
TF: Best show experience (in a band & viewing)?
PK: “This is my first show, and I think it's gonna be great. The best concert I've ever been to was when I went to see Johnny Maths live at the Meyerhoff a long time ago. Awesome concert.”
TF: Worst show experience (in a band & viewing)?
PK: “Watching Hinder live at Merriweather. Never again.”
TF: How do you feel about pirating (downloading) music?
PK: “Now that I'm a recording artist, I understand what pirating takes away from us as artists. So now I just buy from iTunes.”
TF: Top 5 records (any style)?
PK:
Black Parade - My Chemical Romance
10,000 Fists - Disturbed
Violator - Depeche Mode
The Rising Tied - Fort Minor
Black Celebration - Depeche Mode
TF: Favorite local bands you’d recommend?
PK: “Used to know a really good band called The Mayo, but I don't know if they're still around.”
TF: Upcoming Shows to promote?
PK: “We want to do a benefit concert in Idewild Park (Easton, MD) for Cancer Research soon, but we don't have a concrete date yet.”
Interview w/ The Traumas
The Traumas
“In the beginning there was light and it came from a note,
a power so strong earth moves on its axis…”
TF: Band members / instruments?
TT: “Don /guitar; Richard /drums; Vinnie /vocals-guitars; Joey /bass”
TF: History of the band?
TT: “In 2007, Remaslum (ed: their old band) and Wasted City played a show together, that’s where they all met. Months later wasted city broke up and Don joined up and The Traumas were formed”
TF: Your influences?
TT: “The Velvet Underground, The Libertines, The Ramones, Throbbing Gristle, Sonic Youth, Jaco Pastorious, Bad Brains”
TF: How you were turned on to this style of music?
TT: “We're number 300 of 300 of the bands that started because they heard The V.U.'s (ed: Velvet Underground)”
TF: Best show experience (in a band & viewing)?
TT: “In a band: Our Ottobar show with The Points, Kid Tiger and Harlot had everything... great music, lots of drunks, some drugs, and a fight.”
Viewing: “Probably Sonic Youth live in New York”
TF: Worst show experience (in a band & viewing)?
TT: “In a band: so far we've had enough fun playing every time, or at least gotten drunk enough to where it didn’t matter.”
Viewing: Richard and Vinnie went to see Wasted City play @ the Victory Lounge in pasadena, Wasted City got cut to a 15 minute set. Plus Richard got jumped by the bouncers, and Don got heat stroke and vomited for 45minutes.
TF: Indies vs. Majors, etc. Are majors obsolete?
TT: “All labels are Obsolete... DIY MF'ers!”
TF: Top 5 records (any style)?
TT:
The Doors - L.A. Woman
Sonic Youth - Daydream Nation
The Velvet Underground & Nico
White Light White Heat -The Velvet Undergound
Dr. Alimantado - The Best dressed chicken in town
TF: Favorite local bands you’d recommend?
TT:
The Points
Dorsal Fink
The Revelevens
Blinding Eye Dog
Thee Lexington Arrows
The Octopus Machine
Lungfish / Dan Higgs
TF: In two years we’ll be…?
TT: “In a cult in Rural California... Joey's goin’ to check it out next month... if it's cool we're all gonna go over there.”
TF: Upcoming Shows to promote?
TT:
6/29 Harrison Street Benefit
8/23 Southern Maryland Punk Fest
“In the beginning there was light and it came from a note,
a power so strong earth moves on its axis…”
TF: Band members / instruments?
TT: “Don /guitar; Richard /drums; Vinnie /vocals-guitars; Joey /bass”
TF: History of the band?
TT: “In 2007, Remaslum (ed: their old band) and Wasted City played a show together, that’s where they all met. Months later wasted city broke up and Don joined up and The Traumas were formed”
TF: Your influences?
TT: “The Velvet Underground, The Libertines, The Ramones, Throbbing Gristle, Sonic Youth, Jaco Pastorious, Bad Brains”
TF: How you were turned on to this style of music?
TT: “We're number 300 of 300 of the bands that started because they heard The V.U.'s (ed: Velvet Underground)”
TF: Best show experience (in a band & viewing)?
TT: “In a band: Our Ottobar show with The Points, Kid Tiger and Harlot had everything... great music, lots of drunks, some drugs, and a fight.”
Viewing: “Probably Sonic Youth live in New York”
TF: Worst show experience (in a band & viewing)?
TT: “In a band: so far we've had enough fun playing every time, or at least gotten drunk enough to where it didn’t matter.”
Viewing: Richard and Vinnie went to see Wasted City play @ the Victory Lounge in pasadena, Wasted City got cut to a 15 minute set. Plus Richard got jumped by the bouncers, and Don got heat stroke and vomited for 45minutes.
TF: Indies vs. Majors, etc. Are majors obsolete?
TT: “All labels are Obsolete... DIY MF'ers!”
TF: Top 5 records (any style)?
TT:
The Doors - L.A. Woman
Sonic Youth - Daydream Nation
The Velvet Underground & Nico
White Light White Heat -The Velvet Undergound
Dr. Alimantado - The Best dressed chicken in town
TF: Favorite local bands you’d recommend?
TT:
The Points
Dorsal Fink
The Revelevens
Blinding Eye Dog
Thee Lexington Arrows
The Octopus Machine
Lungfish / Dan Higgs
TF: In two years we’ll be…?
TT: “In a cult in Rural California... Joey's goin’ to check it out next month... if it's cool we're all gonna go over there.”
TF: Upcoming Shows to promote?
TT:
6/29 Harrison Street Benefit
8/23 Southern Maryland Punk Fest
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