Brad Streeter
01/29/10, 02:45 PM
The following is a mini interview of generic questions that we posed to all bands that wanted to answer:
CHASER (all questions answered by Mike LeDonne)
[MYSPACE (http://www.myspace.com/chaser)]
1. How did you get your band name?
The band formed when we were in high school. We started out just doing cover songs and a few original songs, but of course we weren't that serious yet, so we didn't have a name to go by. After a few months, We garnered legions of fans with our Pennywise cover songs so we decided to take things serious from that point and we needed a name. We threw around a ton of ideas but none were really that good. Finally one night we were at a party with all our friends from high school (House parties being the popular thing at the time) and the discussion for our band name came up. Someone threw out the name Chaser and we all drank to that. Although it came about through drinking, it doesn't necessarily have to be associated with alcohol or drinking. Lots of people have come up with their own interpretations of the name Chaser.
2. How did this band get started?
I had just learned to play guitar my Junior year in High school (Not very good, just simple power chords), and after I learned to play some of my favorite Pennywise, Offspring, and Green Day songs, I wanted to try jamming with someone on drums. I knew that my friend Josh, who I've known since kindergarten and played T-Ball with, was in the High school marching band and had a drum set at home, so I just asked him one day if he wanted to jam sometime. We got together, jammed out some cover songs, and after a few practices, we started writing our own original songs and that's pretty much where it all started. Then we found AJ, the original Bass player, through a mutual friend. We were a 3-piece for a long time. Good thing Josh's parents and neighbor's were really cool with us making all that noise.
3. What bands are you influenced by?
It will definitely vary on who you ask. For me, I grew up listening to the 90's era Fat and Epitaph bands, so my major influences would include Bad Religion, Pennywise, No Use For a Name, Lagwagon, No Fun at All, Good Riddance, bands like that. But more recently I've been taking notes from bands like A Wilhelm Scream, Avenged Sevenfold, Thrice, and Story of the Year. More technical bands as our music has been progressing. We all bring somewhat different influences to the table, so it's a good way for us to have diversity in our music. Other bands would be Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, STP, Green Day, Offspring, etc: The initial "punk" and "grunge" revival of the 90s. And for our guitarists it's the more classic bands, such as Queen, the Beatles, Aerosmith, GnR, and Iron Maiden. Ultimately, we have countless influences that range all over the spectrum of music.
4. If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would it be and why?
All Chaser is are five huge music fans. Being on tour with the bands we look up to is like being a little kid all over again. When we went on the road with A Wilhelm Scream (my favorite band), it was one of the best experiences of my life. Getting to watch them play every night and get to hang out with the people that influenced me the most as a musician and inspired me to join a band. Also bands like Avenged Sevenfold (RIP Jimmy), Unwritten Law, Saosin, AFI, etc. Mainly for the same reasons: it would be amazing to see them play every night. Or Story of the Year because they put on a killer live show.
5. If you were a furry, what animal would you be? Why that animal?
Hmm, very compelling question. Probably a domestic animal, like a dog or cat. It would be sweet to be a cat, and just eat and sleep all day long! And can you imagine how much trouble you could get into with nine lives?
6. Why should people listen to your band?
Our music is honest, and straight from the heart. People will be able to get something out of the lyrics and relate to them in one way or another. Our music has substance and deep meaning. Also I think we did a successful job at pushing the boundaries on this album to break free from the "melodic punk" title we've had for so many years. We don't want our music to only appeal to one type of person. We aren't close-minded as music listeners, why should we be close-minded as musicians? We put so much effort into our new CD to incorporate all of our different ideas into one.
7. If you were chosen to be in Guitar Hero/Rock Band, what song would you want in the game? How hard do you think it would be to five-star on expert?
That's a tough one. I would probably pick "Point of View" because it has my favorite guitar riffs, although they are very subtle. It's one of our favorite songs to play live, so I would imagine it would be our favorite song for Guitar Hero. I don't think it is necessarily hard to play, but they manage to make even The Ramones extremely hard on that game, so I think everything is going to be impossible anyways haha.
8. If you won a Grammy, who would you thank?
Our fans, our families, and all the other bands we have ever had the pleasure of sharing the stage with.
9. If you could change something about the music industry, what would it be?
The stigma with record labels. The notion that if you're not on a big or notable record label, then you immediately lack credibility and are of "Local Band" status. We have toured WAY more than many bands on bigger labels and can outdraw many, but most booking agents won't give us the time of day because we don't have a credible record label backing us. We've done our homework, and if you do the smart things as an independent band, you can do way more than most labels would do for you, and you'll keep 100% of the income.
10. Memorable tour experience?
Warped Tour 2008. We did the whole tour. It was an amazing experience for us and was the best thing we've ever done as a band. But it was a very grueling experience at the same time. We would be in the venue by 6:30 every morning to set up our merch tent and try to get prime real estate next to a bigger band like All that Remains, Story of the Year, or As I Lay Dying (this made every difference in the world, it was all about location). Then we spent the entire day at our merch tent meeting people, taking pictures, signing autographs, and introducing our music to them with ipods in hand, literally until the gates closed. Then around 10pm, we would go to the Warped Tour BBQ (which is a big party for all the Warped bands) for only about 30 minutes. And then, while all of our favorite bands are partying together, we would hop in our 15 passenger van and drive 8 hours through the night to the next city. One of our favorite parts was hearing the bands half way through the tour talk about how uncomfortable their bunkbeds in their buses were, which to us, would be living like a king haha! Every day was a pretty much a party. We worked our butts off on that tour, but it was all worth it and it definitely paid off. Because of Warped Tour, we now have fans in pretty much every major city in the US, and when we do our own tours, the fans that met us on Warped Tour come out to our shows.
11. What does AP.net mean to you?
AP.net is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, social music sites. We're glad to be a part of it and introduce our music to people through this site!
12. What is your favorite song to play?
My favorite song to play is "Nevermore." It has the energy to run around on stage, but the mood continues to change throughout the song.
13. What is your vacation spot of choice?
Being from Southern California, we like the beach. So Maui with the fam is always nice. Or Lake Powell is awesome too.
14. What music reminds you of your childhood?
I listened to nothing but oldies until I discovered punk rock in Jr. High. I picked up a copy of Nitro Records compilation "Deep Thoughts" and that was it from there. For some of the other guys in the band, it's the classics like Queen, the Eagles, Nirvana, Offspring, Green Day and Blink 182.
15. If you could have any super power, what would it be? Why?
Teleportation. No more long drives from City to City. But I guess everyone in the band would have to have it as well. Or the power to stop time. Freeze everything and take a super power nap. No pun intended.
16. Do you feel that your band has "made it"?
While somewhat recent success has been very rewarding for us since we legitimately work our asses off to get the band off the ground, I don't think we've quite made it yet. We still work day jobs when we're not on tour and we always strive to get to the next level. I think for us, it will always be about getting to the next level. We'll never be fully content with where we're at and will always work harder to climb the ladder. I think "Making it" means you're playing sold out arenas/large venues and don't have any financial worries (Which we have a lot of right now, haha). Also,I don't think most bands ever think they've "made it" because the best bands always continue to push themselves. By no means are we where we plan on going, we are definitely on the path we want to be, but we want to keep releasing good music and keep going on tour and keep evolving musically. Whether or not we "make it" isn't really a big concern, it's more about the fun we're having and the places we are going.
17. What is something that most fans don't know about you?
I was going to be a Firefighter. I went through an academy and worked for a department for a while, but I left it to pursue music and touring. It was a tough decision (leaving financial security and benefits for being a musician and barely getting by), but you just got to follow your heart. Music is my passion, it always will be.
18. What's your favorite holiday?
Christmas (Chanukah for our Jewish bassist) and Halloween. Both are much more fun for me now having kids.
19. What do you like to do in your spare time?
I'm a family man. I have a wife and two kids (Bella is 3 and Keagan is 1). When I'm not on tour or at work, I am all about hanging out at home with my family. Also writing new music. I'm not one to turn down a good live show either.
20. What kind of hidden talents do you have?
I am pretty damn good at snowboarding. I used to do contests and do all kinds of flips and inverted tricks. I had to ease up on that a bit once the band started touring more and I had kids. I can't afford to get hurt anymore.
CHASER (all questions answered by Mike LeDonne)
[MYSPACE (http://www.myspace.com/chaser)]
1. How did you get your band name?
The band formed when we were in high school. We started out just doing cover songs and a few original songs, but of course we weren't that serious yet, so we didn't have a name to go by. After a few months, We garnered legions of fans with our Pennywise cover songs so we decided to take things serious from that point and we needed a name. We threw around a ton of ideas but none were really that good. Finally one night we were at a party with all our friends from high school (House parties being the popular thing at the time) and the discussion for our band name came up. Someone threw out the name Chaser and we all drank to that. Although it came about through drinking, it doesn't necessarily have to be associated with alcohol or drinking. Lots of people have come up with their own interpretations of the name Chaser.
2. How did this band get started?
I had just learned to play guitar my Junior year in High school (Not very good, just simple power chords), and after I learned to play some of my favorite Pennywise, Offspring, and Green Day songs, I wanted to try jamming with someone on drums. I knew that my friend Josh, who I've known since kindergarten and played T-Ball with, was in the High school marching band and had a drum set at home, so I just asked him one day if he wanted to jam sometime. We got together, jammed out some cover songs, and after a few practices, we started writing our own original songs and that's pretty much where it all started. Then we found AJ, the original Bass player, through a mutual friend. We were a 3-piece for a long time. Good thing Josh's parents and neighbor's were really cool with us making all that noise.
3. What bands are you influenced by?
It will definitely vary on who you ask. For me, I grew up listening to the 90's era Fat and Epitaph bands, so my major influences would include Bad Religion, Pennywise, No Use For a Name, Lagwagon, No Fun at All, Good Riddance, bands like that. But more recently I've been taking notes from bands like A Wilhelm Scream, Avenged Sevenfold, Thrice, and Story of the Year. More technical bands as our music has been progressing. We all bring somewhat different influences to the table, so it's a good way for us to have diversity in our music. Other bands would be Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, STP, Green Day, Offspring, etc: The initial "punk" and "grunge" revival of the 90s. And for our guitarists it's the more classic bands, such as Queen, the Beatles, Aerosmith, GnR, and Iron Maiden. Ultimately, we have countless influences that range all over the spectrum of music.
4. If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would it be and why?
All Chaser is are five huge music fans. Being on tour with the bands we look up to is like being a little kid all over again. When we went on the road with A Wilhelm Scream (my favorite band), it was one of the best experiences of my life. Getting to watch them play every night and get to hang out with the people that influenced me the most as a musician and inspired me to join a band. Also bands like Avenged Sevenfold (RIP Jimmy), Unwritten Law, Saosin, AFI, etc. Mainly for the same reasons: it would be amazing to see them play every night. Or Story of the Year because they put on a killer live show.
5. If you were a furry, what animal would you be? Why that animal?
Hmm, very compelling question. Probably a domestic animal, like a dog or cat. It would be sweet to be a cat, and just eat and sleep all day long! And can you imagine how much trouble you could get into with nine lives?
6. Why should people listen to your band?
Our music is honest, and straight from the heart. People will be able to get something out of the lyrics and relate to them in one way or another. Our music has substance and deep meaning. Also I think we did a successful job at pushing the boundaries on this album to break free from the "melodic punk" title we've had for so many years. We don't want our music to only appeal to one type of person. We aren't close-minded as music listeners, why should we be close-minded as musicians? We put so much effort into our new CD to incorporate all of our different ideas into one.
7. If you were chosen to be in Guitar Hero/Rock Band, what song would you want in the game? How hard do you think it would be to five-star on expert?
That's a tough one. I would probably pick "Point of View" because it has my favorite guitar riffs, although they are very subtle. It's one of our favorite songs to play live, so I would imagine it would be our favorite song for Guitar Hero. I don't think it is necessarily hard to play, but they manage to make even The Ramones extremely hard on that game, so I think everything is going to be impossible anyways haha.
8. If you won a Grammy, who would you thank?
Our fans, our families, and all the other bands we have ever had the pleasure of sharing the stage with.
9. If you could change something about the music industry, what would it be?
The stigma with record labels. The notion that if you're not on a big or notable record label, then you immediately lack credibility and are of "Local Band" status. We have toured WAY more than many bands on bigger labels and can outdraw many, but most booking agents won't give us the time of day because we don't have a credible record label backing us. We've done our homework, and if you do the smart things as an independent band, you can do way more than most labels would do for you, and you'll keep 100% of the income.
10. Memorable tour experience?
Warped Tour 2008. We did the whole tour. It was an amazing experience for us and was the best thing we've ever done as a band. But it was a very grueling experience at the same time. We would be in the venue by 6:30 every morning to set up our merch tent and try to get prime real estate next to a bigger band like All that Remains, Story of the Year, or As I Lay Dying (this made every difference in the world, it was all about location). Then we spent the entire day at our merch tent meeting people, taking pictures, signing autographs, and introducing our music to them with ipods in hand, literally until the gates closed. Then around 10pm, we would go to the Warped Tour BBQ (which is a big party for all the Warped bands) for only about 30 minutes. And then, while all of our favorite bands are partying together, we would hop in our 15 passenger van and drive 8 hours through the night to the next city. One of our favorite parts was hearing the bands half way through the tour talk about how uncomfortable their bunkbeds in their buses were, which to us, would be living like a king haha! Every day was a pretty much a party. We worked our butts off on that tour, but it was all worth it and it definitely paid off. Because of Warped Tour, we now have fans in pretty much every major city in the US, and when we do our own tours, the fans that met us on Warped Tour come out to our shows.
11. What does AP.net mean to you?
AP.net is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, social music sites. We're glad to be a part of it and introduce our music to people through this site!
12. What is your favorite song to play?
My favorite song to play is "Nevermore." It has the energy to run around on stage, but the mood continues to change throughout the song.
13. What is your vacation spot of choice?
Being from Southern California, we like the beach. So Maui with the fam is always nice. Or Lake Powell is awesome too.
14. What music reminds you of your childhood?
I listened to nothing but oldies until I discovered punk rock in Jr. High. I picked up a copy of Nitro Records compilation "Deep Thoughts" and that was it from there. For some of the other guys in the band, it's the classics like Queen, the Eagles, Nirvana, Offspring, Green Day and Blink 182.
15. If you could have any super power, what would it be? Why?
Teleportation. No more long drives from City to City. But I guess everyone in the band would have to have it as well. Or the power to stop time. Freeze everything and take a super power nap. No pun intended.
16. Do you feel that your band has "made it"?
While somewhat recent success has been very rewarding for us since we legitimately work our asses off to get the band off the ground, I don't think we've quite made it yet. We still work day jobs when we're not on tour and we always strive to get to the next level. I think for us, it will always be about getting to the next level. We'll never be fully content with where we're at and will always work harder to climb the ladder. I think "Making it" means you're playing sold out arenas/large venues and don't have any financial worries (Which we have a lot of right now, haha). Also,I don't think most bands ever think they've "made it" because the best bands always continue to push themselves. By no means are we where we plan on going, we are definitely on the path we want to be, but we want to keep releasing good music and keep going on tour and keep evolving musically. Whether or not we "make it" isn't really a big concern, it's more about the fun we're having and the places we are going.
17. What is something that most fans don't know about you?
I was going to be a Firefighter. I went through an academy and worked for a department for a while, but I left it to pursue music and touring. It was a tough decision (leaving financial security and benefits for being a musician and barely getting by), but you just got to follow your heart. Music is my passion, it always will be.
18. What's your favorite holiday?
Christmas (Chanukah for our Jewish bassist) and Halloween. Both are much more fun for me now having kids.
19. What do you like to do in your spare time?
I'm a family man. I have a wife and two kids (Bella is 3 and Keagan is 1). When I'm not on tour or at work, I am all about hanging out at home with my family. Also writing new music. I'm not one to turn down a good live show either.
20. What kind of hidden talents do you have?
I am pretty damn good at snowboarding. I used to do contests and do all kinds of flips and inverted tricks. I had to ease up on that a bit once the band started touring more and I had kids. I can't afford to get hurt anymore.