Action-Action: Mark

10/09/04

by Renee Clark

How did everyone meet and come together to form Action-Action?
I wrote the album with the intentions of a new reunion show album. It was certain, this album was not even close to sounding like the reunion show.  Since our bands (count the stars, diffuser, the reunion show) broke up, it seemed fit to continue for bigger and better things.

Where did the name Action-Action come from? Does it have any special meaning?
Action action is a bipolar explosion - the basic concept:  actions speak louder than words vs. action is the enemy of thought...life is one giant contradiction.

Is it harder for you to perform and hear criticisms of your song writing since the songs were more personal on this album than your previous work?
For years I would slur lyrics while I sang.  These were to the songs that had my secrets, I didn't want people to hear my secrets.  I would clean up my diction in the songs that weren't personal.  I’ve since gotten better at that.  As far as criticism, you can't really pay much mind to it.  I do like to read what people think, but most people have no idea what anything is about.  Besides, many reviewers are playing the "I’m more witty than thou" game, instead of focusing on the actually music.

Who was the person who most influenced you in becoming a musician and how?
I’ve always loved Elvis Costello.  He wrote such perfect pop songs that were interesting and ground breaking.  Everything that he has done is just pure musical genius.

How did the colors and designs of the album art come together? Was the vividness intentional? Does the faceless girl have any special meaning?
To be quite honest, this was the only part of the album that I wasn't 100% about.  I don't hate the layout, it is just that I had my heart set on these paintings that my friend Loretta created...

What was the hardest track to lay down on the record?
Probably four piece jigsaw puzzle.  The basic tracks were all done live, and for some reason, it was party time at the studio.  Again I had this ridiculous amount of stage freight.

How did the recording process differ from previous experiences?
Every session I’ve done was striving for perfection, William Wittman shed some light on the reality of rock.  Every album I absolutely adore is sloppy and sounds like a real performance.  True rock has always been
sloppy, that’s the appeal I suppose.  The approach was to make a complete album, not just a bunch of songs that were slopped together.

What have been some of the reactions of fans of the member’s former bands? Have they been supportive and open to your new sound?
Many fans were a bit apprehensive at first.  That is what I expected completely, since this band is even close to our previous acts.  They eventually are coming back our way.

What is it like to do an acoustic tour verses doing a regular tour?
One show, pretty fun.  It’s a change of pace, adds a bit of variety. But an entire tour was a few too many.  Don’t get me wrong, it was really fun, and I do enjoy playing acoustic, but we just wanted to rock.


Can fans expect to see any huge differences at a regular show if they have only seen the band at an acoustic show?
Oh, it's night and day.  First off, the obvious, we have a drummer, that was the first instrument that I missed.  We also have quite a bit more keyboards and guitars.  

What is the best or worst thing that has happened to you so far while you have been on tour?
Well, I’ll be very short sided about this answer since my memory is being junk.  I would say the best and worst in a combined answer: Dan Leo’s 21st birthday.  Okay, it was like three weeks of a non-stop drinking festival.  If you weren't drinking Dan would pull the "it's my birthday" card.

What has been the best memory so far in being in a band?
Any night that has a lot of free booze...no, I don't know...my brain is seriously junky.

What do you know now about the music industry that you wish you would have known when you first started out?
Not that didn't know that the business was slimy, but when I was younger I had the attitude that I don't need to get involved in it. Now I know you really should always keep your eye on it.  The business side shouldn't fuel your desire to release albums, but you can't ever ignore it.

What are your long-term goals as a band? Where do you see yourselves in 5 years?
I have a lot of plans for this band.  First off we will be releasing a bunch of remixes soon.  I’ve already started writing another album, we are doing a bunch of videos...in five years I want to be comfortably releasing albums.

Are there any plans to make a video for the single?Why yes there are. We have been going over a bunch of treatments, just looking for the perfect one.  We will be shooting before the new year. It is for the song "drug like".

Is there anything you would like to add about the new record or upcoming tour?
Thank you to everyone that has been supporting action action. Please go out and register to vote!!

Thanks Mark!!!

~Renee