PZO:
How do you think the punk and hardcore scene has changed over the last
couple of years?
Johnny: I would say that things have been getting a little more open-minded
in a way and I have seen more bands that were once hardcore bands turning
towards kind of a new-wavy sound. It just seems like theres a lot
more openness going on. But its hard for me to say because I dont
really listen to punk or hardcore music, so...
PZO:
Is there a band that youd like to see reunite and maybe play one
last show?
Johnny: Hmm, let me think. I never saw At The Drive-In and I heard they
were a great band; so maybe them.
PZO:
For the people who havent had a chance to experience one of your
shows, how would you describe them?
Johnny: I would say that were definitely very energetic and that
we all, you know, have our heads in the right place as far as like, I
dont know. I guess its kind of a hard question.
PZO:
When youre in the studio, how much control do you have over the
finished product?
Johnny: We have almost complete control. On our last record we had a producer
who helped us, but in the long run all the decisions were entirely ours.
Our producer was there, but it was basically just us doing it.
PZO:
If you bought a personalized license plate what would be on it?
Johnny: Uhh...crazy for you.
PZO:
What are the biggest differences between March On, Electric Children and
the album you just finished recording?
Johnny: Theres a lot more experimentation on our new record and
obviously, since we had more time to write the songs and to record the
songs, the songs are more in-depth and theyre a lot more thought
out. We basically had time to do a lot of the things that weve wanted
to do in previous records, as far as different instruments and other things
that we just never really had time to do on previous records just because
of lack of time and lack of studio time and all that kind of stuff. As
far as lyrics go, like our...March On, Electric Children was all tied
together as like a story and seam and the new record is deliberately not
like that.
PZO: Have you come up with a title for it yet?
Johnny: Not really. Weve bounced around a few titles, but nothings
really stuck yet.
PZO:
Whats one of the craziest things youve seen happen in the
audience while you were playing?
Johnny: Well we played one show where our friend Devon came up onstage
with a giant American flag and that was pretty crazy. The craziest thing
on this tour was somebody getting a bottle broken over their head at a
party. But I cant think of anything else, really.
PZO:
How much does the crowds response to you affect your performance?
Johnny: Um, its obviously easier to take yourself seriously when
people are into whats going on and are dancing and stuff like that.
But I try to go into a show with the mindset of just trying to have fun,
regardless of, you know, everybody at the show, even if they think were
pieces of shit or are stoked to see us.
PZO:
What fashion or fad would you like to see make a comeback?
Johnny: Hmm...fashion or fad...I dont know. I cant answer
that question.
PZO:
Is there a show or moment in your bands history that sticks out
from the rest?
Johnny: Not really. I mean, everything is just kind of one long day for
us in a way. Like a particular show, there was a period of time where
we were playing shows at this venue called The Velvet Elvis in Seattle
and it was like in our bands early insipience. And that moment kind
of sticks out as a special moment for us just because it was like, a new
thing happening and everybody was really excited and we had a really good
time.
PZO:
Whats the best prank youve pulled?
Johnny: We dont really pull pranks; were not a prank-oriented
band.
PZO:
How do you deal with negative criticism from the press and from people
in general?
Johnny: The way I think is best to go about it is just to explain your
point of view as thoroughly and honestly as you can and let them make
their decisions. I mean, a lot of the negative criticism that we get in
our band is the result of rumors and people kind of not really knowing
what the actual facts are and kind of spreading around half-truths and
so, for me I think its important to just be honest and let people
know whats going on, you know?
PZO:
Given the opportunity, who would you kidnap for a day?
Johnny: Leonard Cohen.
PZO:
Whats one of your craziest goals?
Johnny: Craziest goal? I think the goal thats my craziest is school.
<laughs>
PZO:
If you had to compare all the albums that youve put out, which is
your favorite and which do you think has made more of an impact on people?
Johnny: That weve put out?
PZO: Yeah.
Johnny: Well, my favorite album that weve done is the record that
isnt out yet that we just recorded. But I would say that Adultery
probably had the biggest impact on people just because it was the first,
you know, our bands first real album that came together with the
intent of being an album.
PZO:
What was your favorite Halloween costume that you wore as a kid?
Johnny: Garfield.
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