ION INDIE MAGAZINE March 2015, Volume 10 | Page 117

John: When we were in our twenties we were in a band called SWIRL. It was me, Steve and a guy named Sam. We
used to get pissed off that we weren’t playing at this place or here or there. We just decided here that we have no
expectations. More is happening now than what did in the previous eleven years of being in a band.
JP: So, what do you think is different in the scene now versus twenty years ago?
John: One word--actually two words--social media. It’s easy.
Rob: Easy.
JP: Easier to reach people now?
John: 100 percent. Ten thousand percent.
Rob: A couple clicks of a mouse and you’re reaching how many people? A lot!
JP: Do you find that venues don’t promote or push like they once did?
Steven: You are right about what you said. They give us tickets and then we have to roll with it.
John: Yeah, they say, “Here’s tickets. Sell enough of them and we’ll have you back.” Which, I get it. 98 ROCK and
MATT DAVIS promote NOISE IN THE BASEMENT 5 times a day on the radio. The Noise in the Basement shows are
on Monday nights. It’s hard to get friends out on a Monday night. It’s a great time though.
Steven: 20 years ago we were in the other shoes, “Yeah, yeah we’ll be there,” but then it was like…”Ahhh, it’s Monday
night.”
JP: Music is life. What does that mean to you?
John: Music is a big part of my life. I think I’d feel naked without it.
Steve: I think it would be foolish for any of us to say we wouldn’t want to do this for a living.
Rob: There is no doubt…no doubt. This is my release. Thursday night is practice night.
John: Yeah. It’s our bowling night, except we don’t bowl.
JP: Who is the best front man ever?
John: Best front man ever? That’s easy for me. PERRY FARRELL (JANE’S ADDICTION). If I had to say on showmanship,
DAVID LEE ROTH.
Steven: Wow, that’s hard. There are a lot of guys that can walk the stage and entertain. I guess like he (John) said-David Lee Roth all over the stage.
John: Rob, you probably have a different view. He’s a punker.
JP: NEW YORK DOLLS or RAMONES type of punk?
Rob: Definitely RAMONES. Thing is, musically, best front man…FREDDIE MERCURY. The guy’s voice is ridiculous (in
a good way) and the showmanship as well. Vocally, Freddie Mercury was amazing.
JP: Do you like BLACK SABBATH? OZZY or DIO?
John: Yeah. Ozzy.
Steve: I liked Dio.