Thelegendoflauren's Journals

Band Interview: Mark Morales (from ASTRA HEIGHTS)

Do you think that Drugs and Rock'n'Roll mix?
Well, drugs apparently can mix with just about everything; how well and should they? I don't know, I would guess not very well. For the most part being in a band is a lot of work behind the scenes and being smashed, to me, would hinder some of the work that needs to be done. In the past, drugs were more about experimenting new boundaries and pushing the limits of modern music, but now... not sure, they've probably overstayed their welcome. The world has lost a lot of good rocknrollers to drugs... right?

Should people look up to rock bands?
In a perfect world, people shouldn't look up to rockstars but society and culture being the way it is people do look up to them. Should they imitate their behavior? For the most part, I would say no. Rocknrollers can be immature, egocentric, and irresponsible but then again so is the average joe walking down the street. It's hard to find anyone to look up to nowadays...

Do you think rock bands are sterotyped?
Well, I think bands are more stereotyped by image than behavior. As in if you dress even somewhat remotely like The Strokes people will compare you to The Strokes, if you dress like Marilyn Manson then no matter what you're really worth people will drop you into a mental category with him. So in that way, it's hard for new bands to break out of current molds and find their own voice, look. Unfortunately, there are some bands that will gladly fit into a stereotype making it even harder for true original bands to break thru.

Why do you think that bands get themsleves into sex and drugs?
Well, this is a tough question. There might be a million answers to this one. I could give you a couple I think make sense. First, most bands are young when they start becoming popular, and I would say most of them are still developing as people and are easily influenced. So finding yourself in tough situations when you're young, alot of the time you conform and do what's deemed 'cool' or whatever, hence the drug usage or if there's a lot of pressure on the band to perform then drugs offer people an escape from their reality. That could answer the drug thing, Ii think. The sex thing is alot tougher to answer. There are a lot of people who have casual sex and it's no big deal to them, it's a different philosophy of life, it's one that I'm not used to because I didn't grow up around it. But to those people, there is nothing wrong with it. However, on the flip side of the coin, i would say 99% of the population is insecure and most people just want acceptance. So people giving it up is a way to get acceptance and the band is the same way just trying to get as much 'acceptance' with girls as they can whenever they can. We're all messed up people and deal with it in different ways, some less responsible than others. What was the question again? *laughs*

Do you think there's is/was alot more pressure on famous bands?
Yes, indeed there is. We aren't popular in any sense and there is pressure for us to perform and to write and to just be our best all the time. It can be tough but it's part of the job, it comes with the territory.

Mark gave a honest and decent insight to his thoughts on rock'n'roll.
Cheers Mark.

http://www.myspace.com/astraheights

Band Interview: Nicholas Jonsson (from END OF FASHION)

How did you guys start End Of Fashion?
Justin started End of Fashion. He was playing in a band with Rod and was writing his own songs at the time, one gig led to another and End Of Fashion was born.

What advice would you give to people interested in starting a band?
Passion and dedication. Passion to drive you and dedication to get you there.

Who are your musical and non-musical influences?
Well, my influences musically would be my uncle, The Police, Sepultura, The Beatles, The Bronx and Nirvana. Non musically would be my mum and dad. They've influenced me to be good at what I do, whatever that was. My friends and Bam Magera are also big influences.

Do you think that bands should be role models?
No and yes. If you saw the real side of any band, you'd see that there all different than what the media portrays them as and on the other hand some people and bands are just dirty party animals.

Where do you see End Of Fashion in the future?
I hope to see us being more creative, not conforming to trends, writing good music, touring and after all of that still comming home and hanging out with friends and maybe some more all ages shows.

What's the best and worst thing about playing clubs?
The best thing is that everyone there has come for the show. So we're not playing to crossed arms or bogans and families that don't like our music. I don't know if there's any down sides to it yet, clubs are fine.

Thanks Nick.
Top bloke.

:)

Band Interview: Joel Vanderuit (from KISSCHASY)

How did you guys start Kisschasy?
It was basically a couple of different bands meeting up and enjoying each others stuff, so we hooked up and started Kisschasy.

What advice would you give to people interested in starting a band?
Rehearse as much as you can, don't start doing shows until you're really ready, and once you do start doing shows... do every and any one you can!

Who are your musical and non-musical influences?
Musical - The Cure, Saves The Day and The Postal Service.
Non-Musical - My friends and family, my band mates and George Clooney.

Do you think that bands should be role models?
To a point, yes; but not too much. People should be able to control how much they copy someone. We have a responcibilty, but we shouldn't have to overly change who we are.

Where do you see Kisschasy in the future?
Hopefully doing the same thing on a larger scale.

What's the best and worst thing about playing clubs?
Best - Meeting new people.
Worst - Not being able to get away from loud music.

Thanks
Joel.
:)