1. How and when did Stigma get started?
I started working on material for stigma when my previous band, Conspiracy Theory, broke up in November 1999. Once i finished enough material i sought members, completed the lineup, and we played our first show in November 2000. 1 year and 2 days after Conspiracy Theory's last show actually.
2. Who are your biggest musical influences?
There's been so many, it's hard to pinpoint just one. Here's my top 5 in no particular order: Jimi Hendrix, Ministry, Sex Pistols, Trent Reznor and Kevin Pepin (drummer of Conspiracy Theory).
3. What inspires you when writing lyrics?
Whatever is happening in my life at the time.
4. How would you describe Stigma's sound?
A blend of all the influences from each member of the band. We don't play any of the original material i wrote for the band. Everything we play live has been written since the circle was completed, so we just call it "Sex Rock."
5. How would you describe Stigma's live show?
Energetic, tight and most importantly LOUD!
6. In your opinion, how does Minneapolis compare to the rest of the country for music?
It was really good, and i mean REALLY GOOD, about 3 or 4 years ago, but now it seems to have dwindled out. Everybody is having trouble drawing a crowd. And now, with First Ave. officially closing their doors, the scene is going to die even more. We used to have alot of venues to play, but it's down to only a few that will accept heavy bands. The band's are still here, there's just nowhere to play.
7. Can you tell me a bit about each of Stigma's releases?
The first one was a four song sampler that i had written and recorded entirely myself, released in 2000. Our first release as a band was our "Gates" single/video. It was an enhanced cd with 2 songs and a live video, released in 2001. Next was our first full-length album "The Black Is Wearing Thin," which was released in 2002. We released a video of the song "Grind," on a CD - Rom in 2003. And our latest release is "Thinner," which is remixes of some songs off "The Black Is Wearing Thin," some electronic tracks and a couple live tracks. Currently we are starting pre-production on our next full-length which, is due out in spring of 2005.
8. What has been your most memorable moment with Stigma?
Opening for American Headcharge and walking on stage in front of 1685 people. The crowd noise was deafening.
9. What are your favorite bands to play shows with?
Nobody particular, as long as the bands don't have an attitude or act like rockstar fucks. I don't care how long you've been playing or how many people you draw or how good you think you are or who you know or think you know. We're all doing the same thing here, so there's no reason to have an ego. If you display attitude with me or my band members when we play a show together, we will never play a show with you again. Simple as that.
10. Where do you see Stigma in 5 years?
Famous.
11. Any final comments for the readers?
Support your local bands. It all starts with the fans. Without the support of fans, and other bands, there would be no local music scene and you'd have to pay ridiculous Ticketmaster charges, to see only Clearchannel shows. Is that what you really want?
www.stigmaband.com
