"The Greatest Story Ever Told" sounds more serious, both musically and lyrically,
a bit more cynical. You seem to have added a lot of background vocals than on your other albums, is that something you tried
to do?
A: I think the record is serious and playful and, like a lot of our stuff,
its kind of cynical. The background vocals happened pretty naturally. I think they really contribute to the wholeness of the
record. I'm very happy that there's a lot of both of us singing.
When you begin playing in a band you always dream about what is going to happen
and so on, however, when you are involved in music you usually change your point of view . What is your point of view right
now on music? Are you disappointed about anything e.g. labels, people, business, drugs.. ?
A: Well, for the most part I find the music industry to be like most: in the
business of selling products and making cash. That being said, however, I think that Fat is a great label and we couldn't
be more happy with it. I think people romanticize the idea of playing and travelling in a band. It's hard work sometimes and
it demands certain personal sacrifices. Sometimes it's not easy to do everything 'your' way. there are lots of shitty labels
run by scumbags whose main modis operandi is turning over profits. We've never really associated with these people (and for
a damn good reason).
The album reviews have been very good, are you still playing in small venues
or does the fact of being in a larger label with international distribution affect this and your ordinary life ?
A: We still play small venues, any good reviews and moderate success we've
attained hasn't changed the fact that we're a small band that can't play large venues. Our ordinary lives are still incredibly
ordinary. Trust me.
Why did you choose being a trio, instead of adding another guitar player maybe?
A: Brendan and myself (Chris) always wanted to be in a three piece. something
very raw and real and stripped down about it. I always admired the courage of a trio. that and it was really natural it just
sort of happened.
Can you make a living playing in a band?
A: Yeah, I think you probably can. Right now we're getting by, I don't know
that I'd say I make even a modest living doing this. I don't know.
Do you have time for your personal stuff playing? Is the band very important
for you right now?
A: The band is of course very important to me but it's also important to be
in tuned with your personal life, to find time for yourself.
With hardcore and punk becoming more socially accepted, do you think is still
revolutionary to be called punk?
A: No. I don't think that there's much that is revolutionary about punk rock
any more. It's a very culturally accepted and safe movement now. There's nothing revolutionary about selling records, some
people just have a knack for it.
What are the main differences between USA and Europe, many north American
bands love to play here, but the audience is smaller than in US
A: They are very different places to play. Europeans are generally more hospitable.
They go out of their way to make sure you have what you need, it doesn't feel so rigid and business like. I love playing in
different countries, when I'm old and washed out I'll think about how I got to play for a group of kids who'd heard of my
band in Germany. That's pretty cool.
How is the music scene now in Chicago? Did you grew up involved in music
stuff?
A: The scene is Chicago is great. I discovered music as an adolescent, it
was different and rebellious and loud and thoughtful, it very much changed the landscape of my life. We all grew up in the
Chicago scene, it's a town that has a very rich punk rock history- I think Chicago will always have an awesome scene.
What are you proud of?
A: I'm proud of my brother, my sister, my folks, my friends, that this band
has managed to stay alive through these years. I'm proud of the new wax too. Peace. Thanks a bunch
Yay! Laura for questions. Boo! Lawrence Arms for answers...
