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Pretty Vacant : See? That's why more bands need to do all ages shows. Least they don't do a lot here. Do you see yourselves doing a national tour anytime soon? Simon Young : Probably not, wish we could though. We're doing a West Coast tour this fall. Maybe next year. Maybe if enough people buy our records so we didnt have to work, then you could get us out there. Pretty Vacant: Kool. Where all are you guys going to this fall? Simon Young : Doing 10 shows in 5 states over 9 days, and maybe doing a Mexico show on Day of the Dead. We pretty much own I-5, we drive up and down it so much. Most of our shows will be in southern CA though. Pretty Vacant : That's awesome, that would give some great exposure. Does anyone else besides the lead singer write the lyrics? Have you yourself written any songs? Simon Young : We pretty much ripp off our lyrics from other bands; We're awesome so we get away with it. Cliffy (guitar) and I put in a fair share too I suppose. Pretty Vacant : Really? That's kool. I read you had one member of your band leave (am I right?) ? Who was it exactly and why did he leave? Simon Young : The line up has changed a couple of times over the years, but most recently, our drummer Micah left. Pretty Vacant : Ah, why did he leave? Simon Young : He's moving to Pheonix to get a better job, so he's pretty much dead to us. Haha, actually, he's a good friend. Mickey Widmer (from Inked in Blood) replaced him. Pretty Vacant : Hehe, that's kool. So most of you guys have been playing in bands for over 10 years. How would you say shows have changed since then? Simon Young : No shows on the planet have been the same since The Stivs started playing. Most of us were a lot younger-except Cliffy and Mick, they're pretty old-so we didn't have the experience quite yet. Once you've toured a couple of times and have gotten a few shows under your belt, you definitely gain a lot more confidence. It helps that most of this lineup has been together for a few years too, you really get used to the way others perform. We're always trying to surpirse each other too: at our last show, Rockwell climbed up the rafters on the celing, I threw my bass across the stage, Davey was writhing on the floor. Pretty Vacant : Kick ass! We've needed a band like The Stivs!..Yeah, thats true. What's your opinion on bands that sign to major labels versus underground bands? Simon Young : I think most bands that sign to major labels sound the same. To me, it doesnt really matter what label they're on as long as they're good. I think we should be on a major label. We've gotten a couple of offers, but I think we were a little too crazy for most mainstream taste. Pretty Vacant : Yeah, they need that kind of fury and unpredicatability that comes with your shows and your music. Simon Young : It's pretty flattering to have some of the biggest labels take an interest though. Pretty Vacant : One last question..What's your stand on free music downloading? Simon Young : I'm all for it, as long as we're getting paid. Haha, most of our music is free online. It's cool when people take an interest and want some of your music, but its better when they put their money where their mouths too-we've got families to feed. When you're on a huge label like Island records and the signing bonus is about a 1/d million, I think you can afford to let a few kids have some free songs. Pretty much, don't care either way though. Pretty Vacant : Yeah I agree. Is there anything else you want to add? Simon Young : Other than we're the most freakin awesome band in the world? Nah. Pretty Vacant : Hehe yeah, kick ass. Well, thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview! I had a great time and I think your band is destined to take over the world, you guys have that power and everything it takes to do it. Don't pass up on those labels, the world needs a band like yours :) Simon Young : Thank you, it's always a pleasure. |