7th Standard

04/10/03

by Rebecca Clark

What made you want to become a musician?  Was there a defining moment?

Listening to music when I was a teenager really. I knew how to sing and I was writing songs in my head and lyrics down on paper when I was 13. I learned guitar after being obsessed with Nirvana at the age of 14. Their songs were so easy to learn and I went from there learning everything I could and starting to write songs on the guitar. Learning was a bit awkward since I’m left handed and I learned on a "righty" but I was jammin after 6 months.

How did you learn to play your instrument(s)?  Did you take lessons or did you teach yourselves?
I taught myself...took a few pointers from Mike and then later on, took lessons in High School...

What do you think you would be doing right now if your music career didn't take off?

I most likely would be a truck driver for Dr. Pepper since that is the job I quit to take 7s more seriously...

Did you have any interesting jobs before doing music full time?
The most interesting was unloading coffins off of a semi and preparing them for the dead. Ironically everyone was having a great time...

How did your family react when you told them what you wanted to be in a band?

Well, I think they thought it was just a hobby I was interested. They really didn't seem to mind.

What are you goals as a band?  Have they changed since you first started out?

Well, at first being famous seemed so exciting and being rich seemed so easy when I was 14...so in that way my views have changed. Im know being famous has its perks, but actually it just turns into a big responsibility-everybody wants something from you, its harder to make honest friends, people don't see you as a person but as an icon...even the people closest to you look at you different and treat you different. But those are the bad things...The good thing is that you get hooked the FUCK up! ;) Well I dunno Im not famous..... As far as our goals...we would like to make a good living at doing what we want -our way..

From your experience so far in your music career, what has been your biggest achievement and why?
Being given the oppertunity to make our first record because we really got to see what we were capable of. I think we are capable of a lot more...

What was the hardest track to lay down on your EP Fire From The Sky? (or from your earlier indie releases)

Hmmmm...I would say Pretty Pictures from In Orbit Around us was the hardest for me...On fire from the sky...it would be "Embarrassing"

Do you have a certain process of songwriting?  Do you have to write the lyrics then the music or the other way around?

Usually the guitar comes first...then the melody, then the lyrics...

What influences your writing?

I really try not to let anything influence it...I know that sounds weird but for it too sound original I try not to listen to music when Im writing a song. It makes it a lot harder but I am more satisfied.... Oh yeah...a good mood and a relaxing atmosphere do wonders for guitar licks...

How will you choose what songs will be on the forthcoming album?

After mixing we will just all choose together which ones we all believe came out the best.

What do you hope your fans will take away from your music?

That its real, that I mean every word I say and I hope they get every goddamn song stuck in there head!

What do you think is the weirdest or most strange band you have been compared too?

Hmmmm Fugazi...they're not weird but if you have heard them and then listened to us...I dunno- I don't hear it haha

Do you have any rituals you follow before you go on stage?
Usually a quick pep talk and for me- a lot of stretching and 2 beers

What goes through your head while you're on stage?

Jeez for me a lot of stuff...I have to concentrate really hard but Im getting better at not looking like I am...and im always hoping Mike and Dan are going crazy because I feed off that...

Are there any bands you would like to tour with if you had the chance?

YES! Revolution Smile, No Knife, Jimmy Eat World, Queens of the Stone Age, Placebo, Foo Fighters...are who I can think of right now...

How do you choose your set list for shows?

I think about it a little and I try to keep the lower key songs together- same with the high ones...I like to mix things up a little from show to show

What do you think is the hardest thing to cope with while on tour?

For me its not getting enough sleep....that really fucks me up big time....

Have you had any really embarrassing moments on stage?

No not really...I've said some stupid shit, and onetime I had a really bad haircut. Once I was really drunk and tripped and feel all over the drum kit and then bounced back to the mic right in time for my line....that was embarrassing because it didn't look cool (I saw the video)

What do you think is the most annoying question you get asked?  

"So when is your next show?" Most of the time the people who ask really don't give give a flying fuck and they are just trying to make pleasant conversation for the sake of not knowing what else to say. But for those who do care, I can usually tell and I'll be nice...

What kind of music are you personally listening to right now?

Right now...I've been listening to Local H.. "Here comes the Zoo" great rock record!
"Clarity" by Jimmy Eat World is always in my player....I like the new Woven disc but I admit that its a burnt disc and I don't know the title...Its really good though and I am going to buy it! Also the new Flaming Lips I fuckin love!!!

Are there any bands out there right now that you think deserves more recognition?
YES...LOCAL H

What do you think sets you apart from other up and coming bands? And why?

I thinks its the emotional lyrics along with the type of rock we play...it seems to be fairly original from what critical listeners usually tell me. Its radio friendly but I feel its a lot better that most of the CRAP that is actually on the radio....

Where do you hope to be in five years?

Hmmm...well that should be around 2nd record time..so I guess we will be touring like crazy dawgs!!

If you were to walk away from the band right now and call it quits what is the one thing you would take away from your experiences?
Can you explain this question further because it is a good one....

What is your view or thoughts on the whole MP3/burning cds situation? Are you for it or against it and why?

I wish people would just go out and buy music. Help us musicians survive! But I can't be mad...I know I've heard of a lot of bands through MP3's that I might not have otherwise...so honestly I’m torn...

Do you have any advice for bands trying to get their name out?
Yeah....make your band mates your soul mates...it'll last a lot longer and that's what you want....

Do you have anything else to add that I did not ask about?
Hmm i think you stumped me on that one...J's