The last time Pour Habit visited Atlanta they came with some amazing bands, The Flatliners and Strung Out (both are must sees with must buy albums). During their set that night I was interviewing Jake Kiley, guitarist of Strung Out, and unfortunately missed their entire performance. The guys gave me their album “Suiticide” and upon reviewing it, I became totally hooked on their energetic and catchy punk meets metal sound. Thankfully, these talented musicians returned to The Masquerade and I was able to catch their amazing live performance prior to our interview. They opened for Iration, Passafire, and The Expendables- more noteworthy, must check out bands. Pour Habit’s front man, Chuck, is unforgettable with his repetitive crowd interaction, enthusiastic stage dives, and crazy T-Rex dance moves. These guys know how to fire up a crowd and entertain. We met after their set backstage and I had the opportunity to interview the two brothers in the band, Eric and Colin, joined later by Chuck and Steve. Sweat still dripping from their brows, the brothers crammed into a single chair next to me to discuss their upcoming album, touring plans, and the taste of sweet success.

Pour Habit is signed to Fat Wreck Chords, the label owned and operated by Mike of NOFX. How did this come to be?

Eric: We got signed to Fat (Wreck Chords) from Jordan of Strung Out hooked up shows with NOFX in San Diego and Anaheim. And he made Fat Mike watch us, like he physically held him down.

Colin: No he didn’t! That’s not what happened at all.

Eric: And then Chuck beat him at thumb wrestling so we got signed.

Now see that I believe.

Colin: No, what happened is that we had bands like Strung Out, The Expendables, Authority Zero always helping us out, and they would play with NOFX and mention us. So Jordan from Strung Out got us a show with them in San Diego and Mike watched the show. And then he was like, eh.

I think he was a little more than, eh.

Colin: Mike is always like, ehhhh. (laughter) So that’s how it happened. And now he has regretted it everyday since.

I seriously doubt that after just seeing you perform. Shawn recently left the band. Can you give us some insight on what happened to make that decision?

Colin: Touring’s hard. Our very first tour, I mean we had done some small like 2 week tours, but our first tour was with NOFX in Europe. And we had some tough tours, ya know, van and trailer. The four of us that are in the band now have all been so close for so long and he was just kind of new to the band and I think he just never really grasped the dynamic. And we’re hard people to work with. We only function by being dysfunctional. If we have to do normal sh** then we’ll explode. We like lose things, break stuff, and don’t write play lists, we never care.

Typical musician stuff, right?

Colin: No, I don’t have herpes. Just find out. Got a letter.

Eric: Did you?!

Colin: Yeah, so kinda not typical.

So ladies he’s clean.

Eric: How do you know ladies? (laughter) Shawn was kind of irreplaceable. We were bummed cause he’s such a good friend. It sucks that he decided to do normal person life.

Colin: We heard Dave Mustane was interested.

Really? Like Dave Mustane from Megadeth?

Colin: Uhhmmm, but we’d have to change our name to Mega Habit, so we were like nah I don’t think it’s going to work. (laughter) No we haven’t really looked for a new person. We feel like… it’s like when you’re looking for love. You can’t look for it you just have to find it.

So you’re not actually looking for a replacement guitarist, but if you come across one that might fit then you would consider it?

Colin: I want like a… panda bear. That would be awesome. A shredding panda that drinks. Has a temper, but is clean.

You release “Suiticide” in 2007 and I heard that you’ve been working on some new material. Do you have plans to go back to the studio this year?

Eric: That’s the first thing we’re going to do when we get home. Probably have one band practice with all the new songs and then get in the studio with our boy TJ Rivera, and he’s going to make us sound way better than we should.

Colin: It’s been hard cause we’ve been playing the same… we released the CD and then we were about to do our own CD on our own and then we got signed so everything kind of got pushed back. So it’s hard for us cause no one’s ever heard of it, but we’ve heard it for so long and we’re so excited for the new album. It will be delicious.

Does everyone play a part in writing new material?

Colin: Have you ever watched old school Jerry Springer? That’s how we write music. Chair throwing. There’s always like one calm guy, like kind of instigating, and then a song comes out of it somehow.

Eric: As Charles (Chuck) says we’re a bunch of monkeys sorting out bananas. (laughter)

Pour Habit has been touring heavily for the past year. Do you plan to continue doing so or will you be taking a break?

Eric: F*** no. You are a different breed of person to be doing this. Like seriously, you live in a van… like this isn’t even weird cause I’m always this close to him (points to Colin who is squished in the same chair next to him). No we want to be on the road as much as possible, hopefully with The Expendables. Those guys rule.

You’ve performed with bands such as Strung Out, Authority Zero, and Bad Religion. So, how cool is that?

Colin: That was amazing.

Eric: We wouldn’t be anywhere without these bands. We don’t ever get jaded or take anything. We just try and take it in. The thing is, is that they’re all nice people. That’s what’s cool. Like all these people you grew up watching are great people.

Your dad is friend’s with Strung Out right?

Colin: Yeah, he started Strung Out, but he was too crazy so they kicked him out. (laughter) Nah, but Jordan grew up close to us, and my dad is a drummer and would like go and help him tune his drums, so Jordan’s always been cool with us.

What other bands are on your “Must perform with…” list?

Eric: Slayer. That’d be cool.

Colin: That would be way cool. We get to play with a lot of those bands. We got to play with Bad Religion, NOFX, that’s always been cool, Strung Out, it’d be cool to play with some bands out of the genre. I’ve always been big into Avenged Sevenfold. We’re like into metal, me and my brother are. What other bands?

Eric: I want to tour with Wesley Willis if he was here.

Colin: Dude, I wanna tour with Lil Wayne. I do, I really want to tour with Lil Wayne. I think that’d be awesome.

Eric: We’re training.

Colin: We’re putting out to get on the next Lil Wayne tour.

Do you want him featured in one of you songs?

Colin: If Lil Wayne was in one of our albums, I don’t think we could put out another album.

Eric: I think we could afford another chair.

You guys have been together for over 5 years now. What are the best and worst parts about being a touring band?

Colin: Sitting in one chair being interviewed. We get to meet awesome people and see family that you would never get to see. We have family in Atlanta that’s good to see, that I would have never seen.

Eric: We got to stay with some family in Buffalo. Cool stuff like that.

If you had any advice for other aspiring artists what would it be?

Eric: Just keep playing no matter what. The mission is to just keep playing, seriously. No matter how shitty you are.

Colin: I’m still shitty and I get to play.

I’d hardly classify you as “shitty” after just seeing you perform. Well I loved the album you put out. When can we expect the new one?

Colin: It better be out this summer, or I’m just gonna seriously cry.

Eric: I don’t know, probably June. Let’s shoot for June. The songs are done we just have to record them.

After Eric and Colin’s chair almost broke I thanked the guys for their time, and who should walk through the door but the band’s radical front man Chuck and bassist Steve. To my delight they insisted he answer a few questions himself.

What’s your favorite part about performing?

Chuck: I get to be myself. And my nipples are getting hard!

(Laughs) How are you enjoying Atlanta so far?

Chuck: Sick. Awesome.

Steve: You guys need to check the thermostat.

Chuck: Ask some random stuff.

Okay, so have you ever ended up in a Motel 6, hammered, with some fat chick next to you?

Chuck: I have ended up in Motel 6 with Steve’s big head next me, yes.

Are you seriously going to The Clermont later tonight?

Steve: Yeah.

Chuck: If our bus call allows.

It’s a landmark in Atlanta. You have to go.

Chuck: There are some 60 year old big ass titties there.

Have you heard of Blondie? She can crush beer cans with her boobs.

Steve: Yeah I’ve seen her!

Chuck: Was that her? I have seen her!

Is that why you want to go back?

Steve & Chuck: Yes!

Big thanks to all the guys in Pour Habit for a fun interview and an unforgettable show.

Pour Habit is:
Vocals- Chuck
Drums- Colin
Guitar/ Vocals- Eric
Bass/ Vocals- Steve

Below are pictures from the Pour Habit’s performance the night of Rock Fist’s interview. Click a picture to view a larger image. All photos taken by Susie Ceruto of Shock and Awe.

 

 

 

 Pour Habit released their album “Suiticide” in July of 2007. The album is now available at stores and iTunes.

    

 

 

 

 

 

To see when Pour Habit is coming to a venue near you, check out their currently scheduled shows and visit their web pages listed below:

Apr 24 2010 12:00P
Groezrock Punk Festival
Meerhout, Belgium
Apr 25 2010 6:00P
Garage w/ Pennywise, Bouncing Souls, Strike Anywhere
Saarbruken
Apr 26 2010 6:00P
Markthalle w/ Pennywise, Bouncing Souls, Strike Anywhere
Hamburg
Apr 27 2010 6:00P
SO36 w/ Pennywise, Bouncing Souls, Strike Anywhere
Berlin
Apr 28 2010 6:00P
Mephisto
Hannover
Apr 30 2010 1:00P
Perron 55 Queensday Fest
Venlo
May 1 2010 6:00P
Underground
Cologne

 

Pour Habit’s official website: www.pourhabit.com
Pour Habit’s Myspace: www.myspace.com/pourhabit
Pour Habit’s Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Official-Pour-Habit/210396694461

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pictures from AM Conspiracy’s performance taken by Susie Ceruto of Shock & Awe (click on the picture to enlarge it).

I had the pleasure of interviewing all the guys in AM Conspiracy at Rock Fest held at Planet X in Marietta, GA courtesy of Local Productions. With all the madness occurring inside the venue/ arcade and the yucky weather outside, which was both cold and wet, I was grateful the band invited me on their RV for some good conversation and a staple of all musicians, pizza. Lead singer, Jason Jones, is probably best known as the singer of Drowning Pool after Dave Williams’ death, but he has found a new love with AM Conspiracy and is excited for the unknown road ahead of them. This entertainingly funny band of Floridians shared never-to-be released personal videos, their collection of tattoos (Jason brings his equipment on the road!), and their upcoming plans as seasoned musicians in a band that’s just getting started. Most of the interview is below. The rest was either off limits, too crude, or indecipherable due to immense laughter.

Kris Melton with AM Conspiracy

So you guys literally just released your self-titled debut album in the past week is that right?

Jason: It was actually this past Tuesday (1/12). It was a wonderful day for us.

Dean: It’s very exciting to have a record out.

Jason: After 5 years of beating that shit to death, it’s finally done. It’s out.

So you’ve been a band for 5 years?

Kenny: Yes, that is correct. Kenny says with a smile.

So now that the album is released, what plans do you have for 2010?

Jason: Our overall plan is world domination. That’s what we’re here for. I’ll be doing that tomorrow, you can come back around here and I’ll be sitting here doing that same shit. Nah, we’re actually going to tour as much as is humanly possible until everybody’s ole ladies tell them to f* off because they’re never home. That’s what we’re trying to do here.

Dean: Except for keep our ole ladies.

So you have definite tour plans for the year, or are they still in the works?

Jason: We’re on tour right now, so it’s kind of definite, but this tour is only about 2 weeks and then we go back home. Hopefully we’ll only be home for a couple weeks and then we’ll be back out. That’d be damn skippy.

Do you have plans to make a music video?

Jason: I think we’re supposed to make a video for “Pictures”. We’re basically just waiting on the label to give us the go ahead and hopefully it’ll be a good time.

Speaking of labels, you decided to sign with a brand new independent label, Burnhill Union Records. How did that come to be?

Jason: Well for one thing Shaun Glass formerly of Soil who is now in Dirge Within is one of my really, really good friends. And knowing that he’s behind it, that he’s going to push everything he can into the band and the label’s the same way- we are their “flagship” band.

Dean: Second that motion.

Jason: So it just seemed like a better idea for us cause we don’t want to get lost in the shuffle and have a record that’s somewhere that nobody’s hearing. So we knew they’d get it out pretty quick.

Rob: It does suck when it sits in a vault somewhere. No one ever hears it or sees it.

Jason: Rob was in a band called Still Naïve and that happened to them.

Rob: We were on Maverick.

Going back to “Pictures”, the song was mixed by Randy Staub who has done work with bands such as Metallica. How did he get introduced to your album?

Dean: He really wanted to do it.

Jason: In my previous band he did our whole record, and the placement of the instruments and everything was just really good, especially considering what he had to work with.

Kenny: We’re supposed to be positive. We will no longer be sarcastic.

Jason: Strike through that, he just did a really good job. So when it came time to mix this record I wanted him to do at least one song cause that’s pretty much all we could afford. He’s extremely expensive, but it sounds f*n great. We actually got pushed back from when he was supposed to start mixing it, it was pretty funny cause they call us up and go, “Yeah, he’s running a little behind, he’s doing the new Alice N Chains record”. So I’m like, I can’t bitch about that.

So I’m sure most people know you (Jason) used to be the singer for Drowning Pool. Do you feel people are expecting something from you that’s similar to Drowning Pool or that this new band will let you run in whatever direction you want?

Jason: That is why I am in this band because it is completely opposite from anything having to do with that period in my life. I’m much happier now and it’s a good time. They’re happier, I’m happier, everybody’s one big happy f*n family. Hooray!

I always like to ask this question, especially since Rock Fist namely focuses on local artists. Do you have any advice for other up and coming musicians?

Jason: Get a really good lawyer. Or definitely get a lawyer, and make sure they’re pretty decent. Get a lawyer.

Drew: Make sure you can play your instrument.

Dean: Just do your work. You gotta put your nose to the grind everyday. You can’t slack. You gotta be out there and play to 5 people or play to 500 people. We did it just the other day and now we’re here playing in front of…

Jason: 3 or 4 people

Dean: 10 people hopefully tonight as opposed to the 5 that we did 2 nights ago.

Jason: But those 5 people loved it. Those 5 people bought us more Jager than last night in front of triple the crowd.

Dean: And that’s 15 so…

Kenny: There was one drunk guy there that just fed us a bunch a jager and he probably woke up the next day and went, “Shit, how much did I spend? Why did I buy those guys that?”

So is Jager the liquor of choice for AM Conspiracy?

All: Yes.

Jason: Unfortunately, yes.

Like straight Jager or…

Jason: F* that shit; I don’t put Red Bull in my Jager.

Kenny: I prefer it with Red Bull, but ya know I’ll do it straight.

(Guys debating over to add Red Bull, or not add Red Bull…)

Kenny: I got a box of tampons for whenever you want to borrow one.

I’m a red-headed slut kind of girl myself.

Jason: You know what, we’ve talked about fisting, red headed slut girl… ya know what, I’m gonna marry you. It’s gonna happen.

And then you can give me tattoos and we’ll just live happily ever after.

Jason: I’m down; let’s go right now to Vegas. How do we get there?

Dean: We’ll swing by tomorrow.

Since you’ve made it know that you like to partake of the beverage, I’m assuming there’s got to be a funny story where someone lost clothing or ended up in a weird location, there’s got to be a good one.

Jason: You have no idea, there’s so many of them.

Drew: You do not have enough tape in that machine.

Jason: We’ll actually show you a quick video snippet of when there’s too much Jager going on. So sometimes we drink a lot of Jager, like a lot too much. If that even makes any sense.

Drew: Nope.

Dean: My Deanism’s are rubbing off on them.

Jason: Yeah he’s been trying to rub off on everybody in the band, but none of us are really into it. He even offered cross arming but everybody’s like… nah…

Rob: Don’t rub me off. No, don’t rub me off.

You’re a very close-knit band. I’ve heard about spooning (this was prior to recording unfortunately), rubbing it out…

Jason: Oh yeah, we’re like this

You take care of each other, whatever the need is.

Drew: Just to be clear, I’m not gay.

Jason: We call him “In the Rye”, cause he’s kind of like the Catcher, ya know, in the Rye. But yes, we tend to get drunk and stupid sometimes and I know that’s hard to believe since we’re coming across so intelligent right now.

I’m really finding hard to believe looking at all of you.

Kenny: I bet she’s actually finding it hard to believe we can drive the tour bus anywhere. so how do you drive this thing again? (Whispers) Very carefully.

Drew: We don’t drive this thing carefully, what are you talking about?

Whoever is the least drunk drives, right?

Dean: It’s like drawing straws. Can you grab the straw? No. Can you grab it? Maybe. Then you’re driving. Whoever can grab and actually focus on the straw gets the keys and everyone else braces. We all pray for a safe drive.

Jason: See this is what kills me when we headline, cause I can’t drink until after we get at least 3 or 4 songs in, because I will literally will end up naked on the stage, and it’s not really pretty.

That might be a good promotional tool for the band though; videos would pop up on You Tube everywhere.

Dean: That’s not the kind of promo we’re looking for with this mother f*er.

(The guys shared some hilarious videos from on the road with me at this point, but asked if I could leave the footage and what was shown out of the interview. Sorry Rock Fisters! Take your chances searching the web. Since Planet X is both a venue and a Whirlyball/ Lasertag spot we jumped back into the interview discussing the games.)

Dean: Do they have dodgeball in there?

No, but they have Lasertag.

Jason: I’m not a Lasertag kind of guy. I’ll play dodgeball. Hell yeah.

Dean: You know what they gotta get next door is croquet.

Croquet?

Dean: Kenny and I are avid, avid croquet players.

Jason: When was the last time you played croquet mother f*?!

Dean: Doesn’t matter, its croquet.

Jason: “We’re avid croquet players”, like he does everyday!

Dean: Used to do it all over the place, it’s a good time. You gotta play with the crazy rules, that’s when it gets to be a good time.

How do crazy rules apply to croquet?

Jason: It’s just like prison when he plays it guys just come over and f* him in the ass. I’m sorry, in about 3 hours you’ll probably have about 4 ½ minutes of footage you can actually use. We did this thing for NBC and the only footage we have is of us retarded, like hammered drunk.

Dean: NBC loves us, I just want to say.

So you guys are going to be on NBC sometime soon?

Dean: Did you really just see those videos? No, no we’re not. I doubt they’ll use any of it.

Kenny: I don’t think she wants to hang with us anymore.

Well I’m going to try and wrap up the interview, but this was fun, you guys are great.

Drew: But we have so much more to talk about.

Kenny: I don’t let my kids hang out with us, but we are a wholesome family band.

AM Conspiracy is:
Vocals – Jason “Gong” Jones
Drums – Dean Andrews
Bass – Kenny Harrelson
Guitar – Drew Burke
Guitar – Rob DeHaven

Below are pictures from the AM Conspiracy’s performance the night of Rock Fist’s interview. Click a picture to view a larger image. All photos taken by Susie Ceruto of Shock and Awe.

 

 

AM Conspiracy released their debut self-titled album on January 12, 2010. The album is now available at stores.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To see when AM Conspiracy is coming to a venue near you, check out their currently scheduled shows and visit their web pages listed below:

Upcoming Shows

Feb 19 2010 8:00P
Lyrica
Orlando, Florida

Feb 27 2010 8:00P
DJ & Gina’s
Summerfield

AM Conspiracy’s official website: www.amconspiracy.com
AM Conspiracy’s Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/amconspiracy
AM Conspiracy’s Facebook: www.facebook.com/amconspiracy

Pictures from Pour Habit’s performance taken by Susie Ceruto of Shock & Awe (click on the picture to enlarge it).

Pictures from The Flatliners’ performance taken by Susie Ceruto of Shock & Awe (click on the picture to enlarge it).

Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun is about the collaborative. It’s about the connections between sound and people. It’s about the heart and the head. It’s for mistakes and triumphs, and against arrogance and underconfidence. Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun is about sharing the ideas that are created by four friends in Atlanta, Georgia. It’s all for sharing much further than there, penniless or plentiful.
(Band Bio taken from the band’s myspace page, see show dates and times below)

Upcoming Shows:
Oct 23 2009 9:00P
New French Bar Asheville, North Carolina

Oct 30 2009 8:30P
The Speakeasy Pre-Halloween Party! Knoxville, Tennessee

Nov 7 2009 9:00P
Alabama Music Box Mobile, Alabama

Nov 14 2009 9:00P
Jack Rabbits Jacksonville, Florida

Nov 19 2009 7:45P
The Sentient Bean Savannah, Georgia

Nov 20 2009 8:30P
The Atlantic Gainesville, Florida

Nov 21 2009 8:00P
Mercy Lounge (w/ Brenn) Nashville, Tennessee

Nov 25 2009 8:00P
The Earl Atlanta, Georgia

Dec 10 2009 8:00P
Tir Na Nog (w/ Hammer No More the Fingers & Gift Horse) Raliegh, North Carolina

Dec 11 2009 8:00P
Star Bar (w/ Hammer No More the Fingers & Gift Horse) Atlanta, Georgia

Dec 12 2009 8:00P
Caledonia (w/ Hammer No More the Fingers & Gift Horse) Athens, Georgia

Dec 16 2009 9:00P
Snug Harbor Charlotte

Jan 15 2010 9:30P
The Independent Auburn, Alabama

Links:
http://www.myspace.com/todaythemoontomorrowthesun

http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=today+the+moon&init=quick#/pages/today-the-moon-tomorrow-the-sun/22900550566?v=wall&ref=search

I had the pleasure to interview Jake Kiley at The Masquerade prior to Strung Out’s performance. We had been playing a near constant game of phone tag and back and forth emails for nearly a month and half, and finally the moment I’d been waiting for. Despite the success that Jake has earned over the past two decades, he is still down to earth, easy going, and a truly positive, inspiring talent. As a true fan of his band, the butterflies were flying as I walked into the venue that night. The fact that my nearly new camcorder decided to break the night of our meeting did not help matters. Sure, I had met him before and knew what an awesome guy he was, but sitting down for an interview is slightly different. However once I was right in front of him, it felt more like catching up with an old friend. We discussed the bands rise to fame, life as a touring musician, and what it’s like to live the dream.

Strung Out was one of the first bands to be signed to Fat Wreck Chords, the record label owned and operated by Fat Mike of the band NOFX. How did this come to be and how did it impact the band?

JK: Well we had been playing a bunch of shows in southern California and I had been in the band for about 6 months when we got a show with NOFX, and this was right when Mike had just started up the label. I think they had put out The Longest Line and that was like the only thing. So he was like look you guys have something that really works, keep going at it, keep in touch, send me some demos. So we would just kind of send him some stuff every couple months. Once we had a few songs together, record it, send it off to him, and we kept in contact with him a lot. That was our old bass player because he did a lot of the business stuff back then. So we kept in touch and as soon as we got like 15 songs together, Mike came down and we went to the studio with him, and it was real informal, just a word of mouth kind of thing, no contracts, just lets do this. It worked out really cool, he was super easy to work around.

Does Mike ever work with you on any of your music?

JK: On our first one he did. He came in, and he didn’t change any songs but he would help the vocals a bit. He’d be like why don’t you try singing it like this, try moving this there. And just a little bit but it was the first time we ever had him trying to produce us, you know direct us. And I think he did a good job, and then after that we just did it all on our own. And we worked with different producers, but that was really the only record he was involved in.

Throughout the band’s history, Strung Out has had members come and go. Why do you think as one of the original members that you’ve managed to stay with the band while others were more seasoned?

JK: Well, we’ve only had one change where we changed bass players, so we’ve actually been pretty fortunate that we were able to keep the line-up together.

Didn’t your drummer change too?

JK: No we’ve had the same drummer. Jordan has broken some bones and stuff, and we’ve had some drummer’s fill in for him. But he’s been the guy on all the records and stuff like that. And I just love it to death and I think we all need it in our lives in some way or another. So its cool that we can just come together, it’s like a form of therapy for us. And I love to travel and tour so I would make it work no matter what it takes. And if this band couldn’t continue then I’d find another group because this is why I’m here. Absolutely, I love it.

Strung Out just released your 7th studio album titled “Agents of the Underground”. What plans do you have for touring and promoting the new album?

JK: Well we’re going to Japan next month, and then we’re going to Costa Rica, and we’re going to do a lot more U.S. and Europe shows. We’re going to go down to Austrailia and New Zealand next year, and then probably come back here again. We go everywhere basically twice. We just keep pushing it, because we don’t really get like radio play or video play or anything like that.

Which is just wrong.

JK: We don’t care it’s life.

You guys have a good fan base regardless.

JK: Yeah exactly, were stoked with the fans we have, we’re stoked to go out and play shows the way we always have, the way we’ve always done it. That’s pretty much the plan for right now.

Is there any place in particular that you prefer playing or any place that you were really excited that you got to play at?

JK: It’s cool to go to new places. Like I’d like to go to Russia, I haven’t been there yet. We went to Athens, Greece, which was incredible, I’d like to get back there. And just anywhere new that we can. And as far as the other places we love going- like London is great, Amsterdam’s cool, places all over the states, lot of good shows, a lot of good cities.

I read somewhere that when you’re not touring and making music, you give occasional music lessons. How do you choose your cliental and is this something you could see yourself doing more and more in the future?

JK: I just kind of do it for fun when I’m at home and I have some time off. I have kids who email me, and I’m down with whoever can make it out. I just tell them yeah come on out to my place and we’ll kick it for a couple of hours and go over some stuff. It’s a real cool thing. I’m not like a formal teacher, I’m just trying to show people the things I’ve learned to get to where I’m at. Little things I’ve picked up along the way and how to build speed, to be a clean good player live, and just to show people that you can have a good time with it. It doesn’t have to be a serious thing. You want to give 100% to it, but you want it to be fun. So yeah, I’m down with whoever can make it over to my place.

That’s very cool for the lucky kids who figure that out.

JK: It’s on my myspace, so just write me on myspace.

Strung Out has been a band for 20 years now. What are the best and worst things about being in a band with such longevity?

JK: Well, the best thing is that we still get to do it, and it’s not like a flashy band kind of thing where you put out a couple records and then the band breaks up. That would be really frustrating. You’re trying to develop your band and keep it going and then sometimes people don’t see eye to eye and it just can’t continue. So for us it’s just been really cool that everyone’s been able to grow with each other and we’ve evolved into what we are now. And you know there’s nothing really negative about it. I think some people may only want to get into a touring career for maybe a few years because they don’t want to do it forever. But for me I love every aspect of it.

I’m imagining you don’t have a pet.

JK: I have a dog that I share with my mom, it’s like a family dog. And I’ll have him over at my place sometimes. But yeah it’s impossible to have really a lot of commitments back home when you’re gone half the year. Having something like a pet or a relationship, a family, all of that stuff is really a challenge when you’re out on the road and travelling. But for me, I promised myself music, that’s what I dedicate my life to. So I don’t mind, I’m not missing anything.

Do you feel you’ve accomplished your musical goals, or is there still something on the horizon that you’re hoping to achieve?

JK: I think I’ve accomplished the important ones. Everything I really wanted to do with it, I’ve been able to do. Some people would look at it like ‘you need a gold record or something’ and that would be kind of cool but to me that’s not as important as a lot of the other things. The things that really affect people’s lives, and played some of the shows that we’ve played, and to see some of the places in the world that I’ve been. It’s hard to really top that. I’m definitely content with it.

I ask this question to everyone I interview, especially since Rock Fist namely focuses on local bands. If you could give any advice to other aspiring artists, what would it be?

JK: Just always love what you do. Do it on your own terms and write the music and play the music that your stoked to play. Don’t just try to fit into something. Don’t try to say this is what’s big right now so we’re going to be this type of band because if you’re not really into it, it’s not going to last. It’s too hard to do if you’re not loving what you’re doing. Always keep it fun, and keep control of your music. And don’t listen to what people say, just as long as you enjoy it.

Go after the dream.

JK: Totally, do it for yourself. You have to make yourself happy, you have to live with it at the end of the day, you have to be responsible for the music you’re creating. If you put out something that you don’t believe in and it bombs you’ll always think maybe I could’ve had a shot if I had just done what I loved. And even if you have success with something you don’t believe in then you’re just known for that, and its almost like a curse. Your famous for something that you’re not even that into. So just do it on your own terms and then whatever comes from it will be something to be proud of.

Pictures from our interview taken by Susie Ceruto of Shock & Awe below (click on the picture to enlarge it).

To see when Strung Out is coming to a venue near you, check out their scheduled shows below:

Oct 12 2009 8:00P
The Masquerade w/ Flatliners, Pour Habit
Atlanta, Georgia

Oct 14 2009 8:00P
Jesters w/ Flatliners, Pour Habit
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Oct 15 2009 8:00P
Volume 11 Tavern w/ Flatliners, Pour Habit
Raleigh, North Carolina

Oct 16 2009 8:00P
Peabody’s w/ Flatliners, Pour Habit
Virginia Beach, Virginia

Oct 17 2009 8:00P
Eleanor Rigbys w/ Flatliners, Pour Habit
Jermyn, Pennsylvania

Oct 18 2009 8:00P
The Basement w/ Flatliners, Pour Habit
Columbus, Ohio

Oct 19 2009 8:00P
Frankies w/ Flatliners, Pour Habit
Toledo, Ohio

Oct 20 2009 8:00P
Turner Hall w/ Flatliners, Pour Habit
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Oct 22 2009 8:00P
Pops w/ Flatliners, Pour Habit
Sauget, Illinois

Oct 23 2009 8:00P
The Marquee w/ Flatliners, Pour Habit
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Oct 24 2009 8:00P
Launchpad w/ Flatliners, Pour Habit
Albuquerque, New Mexico

Oct 25 2009 8:00P
Black Sheep w/ Flatliners, Pour Habit
Colorado Springs, Colorado

Oct 27 2009 8:00P
The Aggie Theatre w/ Flatliners, Pour Habit
Fort Collins, Colorado

Oct 28 2009 8:00P
Downtown Grill w/ Pour Habit
Casper, Wyoming

Oct 30 2009 8:00P
V2 w/Pour Habit, Nations Afire
Salt Lake City, Utah

Oct 31 2009 8:00P
The Clubhouse w/Calabrese, Pour Habit, Nations Afire
Tempe, Arizona

Nov 1 2009 8:00P
Karma w/Pour Habit, Nations Afire
Victorville, California

Nov 22 2009 8:00P
Club Vertigo
San Jose

Nov 27 2009 8:00P
Shimokitazawa GARDEN w/ Authority Zero
Tokyo

Nov 29 2009 8:00P
F.A.D. Yokohama w/ Authority Zero
Yokohama

Nov 30 2009 8:00P
Daikanyama UNIT w/ Authority Zero
Tokyo

Dec 1 2009 8:00P
Club Quattro w/ Authority Zero
Nagoya

Dec 2 2009 8:00P
Club Quattro w/ Authority Zero
Osaka

Strung Out’s official website: www.strungout.com
Strung Out’s Myspace: www.myspace.com/strungout
Strung Out’s Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/STRUNG-OUT/49909229975

THE FLATLINERS have been playing punk rock/reggae/grime that makes you want to dance and punch for 7 years now. That’s rad. It’s been fun too. Fun is rad.

THE FLATLINERS were making music together before they were old enough to drive a car. Before they were old enough to buy alcohol they had already released two albums: 2005′s Destroy to Create (Stomp Records) and their 2007 Fat Wreck debut The Great Awake. Since then this Toronto-based four piece have toured the world enough to make even the most road-savvy bands homesick.

With an impressive road resume that boasts tours along side punk icons like NOFX and Bad Religion, The FLATLINERS continue to mature and progress, an evolution obvious on their new Fat 7″ Cynics. “We usually catch ourselves writing parts that may be a bit more challenging to play at first, but we’re up to it. We’re constantly trying to be better at our respective instruments and keep things interesting for ourselves. That’s the fun part of writing your own songs. You can do whatever the hell you want.” said singer Chris Cresswell. Recorded again by Steve Rizun at Drive Studios, who has worked with the band on all previous releases, the three song on Cynics are sure to impress and intrigue old fans and new listeners alike. And with cover art by Richard Minino (Horesbites) you can be sure it will look just as good as it sounds.

It seems all the hard work has paid off as The FLATLINERS will head out on tour again this November in support of Cynics with genre heavyweights The Dropkick Murphys and Youth Brigade for a run of dates on the U.S. west coast and Canada. “It’s funny to think that this has become our lives.” says Cresswell, but that seems to be exactly what’s happened and with a new full length slated for 2010 The FLATLINERS show no signs of slowing down.

(Band Bio taken from the band’s myspace page, see show dates and times below)

Upcoming shows:
Oct 12 2009 7:00P
MASQUERADE w/STRUNG OUT
Atlanta, Georgia

Oct 14 2009 7:00P
JESTERS w/STRUNG OUT
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Oct 15 2009 7:00P
VOLUME 11 TAVERN w/STRUNG OUT
Raleigh, North Carolina

Oct 16 2009 6:00P
PEABODY’S w/STRUNG OUT
Virginia Beach, Virginia

Oct 17 2009 6:00P
ELEANOR RIGBY’S w/STRUNG OUT
Jermyn, Pennsylvania

Oct 18 2009 6:00P
THE BASEMENT w/STRUNG OUT
Columbus, Ohio

Oct 19 2009 7:00P
FRANKIES w/STRUNG OUT
Toledo, Ohio

Oct 20 2009 6:30P
TURNER HALL w/STRUNG OUT
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Oct 22 2009 7:00P
POPS w/STRUNG OUT
Suget, Illinois

Oct 23 2009 6:00P
THE MARQUEE w/STRUNG OUT
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Oct 24 2009 7:00P
LAUNCHPAD w/STRUNG OUT
Albuquerque, New Mexico

Oct 25 2009 7:00P
BLACK SHEEP w/STRUNG OUT
Colorado Springs, Colorado

Oct 27 2009 8:00P
AGGIE THEATRE w/STRUNG OUT
Ft Collins, Colorado

Oct 31 2009 12:00P
THE FEST VIII @ MARKET STREET PUB
Gainesville, Florida

Nov 4 2009 6:00P
THE GROVE w/DROPKICK MURPHYS & YOUTH BRIGADE
Anaheim, California

Nov 5 2009 6:00P
SOMA w/DROPKICK MURPHYS & YOUTH BRIGADE
San Diego, California

Nov 6 2009 6:00P
FOX THEATER w/DROPKICK MURPHYS & YOUTH BRIGADE
Oakland, California

Nov 7 2009 6:00P
THE CATALYST w/DROPKICK MURPHYS
Santa Cruz, California

Nov 8 2009 6:00P
MIDTOWN BALLROOM w/DROPKICK MURPHYS
Bend, Oregon

Nov 9 2009 6:00P
ROSELAND THEATER w/DROPKICK MURPHYS
Portland, Oregon

Nov 10 2009 6:00P
KNITTING FACTORY w/DROPKICK MURPHYS
Spokane, Washington

Nov 11 2009 6:00P
COMMODORE BALLROOM w/DROPKICK MURPHYS
Vancouver, British Columbia

Nov 13 2009 6:00P
MacEWAN HALL w/DROPKICK MURPHYS
Calgary, Alberta

Nov 14 2009 6:00P
EDMONTON EVENTS CENTER w/DROPKICK MURPHYS
Edmonton, Alberta

Nov 15 2009 6:00P
ODEON EVENT CENTER w/DROPKICK MURPHYS
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Nov 16 2009 6:00P
BURTON CUMMINGS THEATER w/DROPKICK MURPHYS
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Nov 19 2009 6:00P
SOUND ACADEMY w/DROPKICK MURPHYS
Toronto, Ontario

Nov 20 2009 6:00P
METROPOLIS w/DROPKICK MURPHYS
Montreal, Quebec

Links:
www.myspace.com/theflatlinerstoronto
www.theflatliners.com

The cover is $10 but you can get tickets in advance for $8 through ticket master or by contacting the band directly on their myspace: www.myspace.com/thebastardsuns

Dates, cities, and showtimes are listed below: