How would you compare
the ska scene in Houston now to the ska scene when you first started getting
into it?
*** Now, the scene is just bleak. It tends to fluctuate. Sometimes, we will
have a performance draws 150 people, and, at others, barely 30. There are
many fans still in the scene since we first came around. Plus, since the ska
fad faded away, the fans in Houston have grown to expect more out of ska groups.
The bands were no longer cool because they played ska, but they had to play
it very well, with original interpretations. Now, the ones still playing regularly
are very dedicated to the scene, and the sound, of ska. In other words, though
more inconsistent than ever, it is still a great scene.
One thing I've noticed
that disturbs me is the way I never see members of bands at other ska shows.
When the people with the biggest stake in the scene don't support live shows
much, what hope is there for other people to go out to shows? Obviously there's
time and money constraints on everyone, but the huge number of shows where
nobody from another local ska band is in the audience still gives me pause.
Is this what you've observed? Do people from other bands come to your shows?
*** Perhaps the only good answer I can give is for myself, because I have
no idea of their lives and routines, and how effective those things can be
on a person. I feel that it would be best if the scene were that tightly knitted,
that all the bands knew one another well enough to be like a family. That
is sort of our relationship to Sound Patrol, that sort of brotherhood thing.
We respect one another's bands greatly, but the most important things are
the friendships between members of both bands. Zack and I used to drive 45
minutes to Fitz every week to see them. They are great guys by the way.
Do you have
a favorite or a few favorite songs to play live?
*** Right now, my favorite is "So Cold," because it encompasses
the experimental nature of our writing right now, though some of our more
mellow stuff is really great. We have this new one going on the album called
"Fool (for now)," which is old-school Motown as hell.
Who writes most of
your songs? What's the band's song-writing procedure?
*** There is pretty much a fair amount being written by Zack, Kenny, and me.
Typically, Kenny will show up with a cool progression or melody, Zack will
write other parts, changes, etc., and I will write the lyrics. There is a
song Kenny wrote years ago that is going on the new one with a modified sound
called "Home." Sometimes, we will just jam on a progression for
half an hour and find a few potential songs in there.
What groups has SA8
been listening to lately?
*** That is tough to say, because there are so many influences within the
group. Kenny listens to just about all that is rock. He is enamored with Pink
Floyd (which, thanks to him, so am I), and digs a lot of psychedelic and progressive
rock. Zack listens to NOTHING but reggae and ska. He is all about the Dub
sessions and such, like from groups like the Abysinians and King Tubby. Justin
is in love with drummers, not really bands. He likes Tool and Radiohead and
Billy Martin. Aaron is into jazz and just about anything that has a strange
time signature. He loves Mr. Bungle. Mark is into new school ska, like the
Bosstones and the Slackers (ok, it's new old school). Me, I am really into
Radiohead, Bjork, Sigur Ros, and Spiritualized. I love jazz, particularly
the straight ahead sound and the blue era stuff. I am a sucker for strings,
and am really beginning to love electronic music. Aphex Twin is great, along
with a lot of the spacey rock I am getting into (Spacemen 3, etc.). I find
new bands way too often, and love way too much. I am a freak about music.
The entire group loves Sound Patrol.
You've opened for
several of the biggest names in ska and play a lot of shows with other Texas
bands-any favorite groups to play with or open up for?
*** The Skatalites were the most inspiring musicians to be near. That was
a surreal experience. Hepcat were some of the nicest guys in the world. I
remember hanging out with Alex Desert all day, watching bands and talking
from backstage. He even mentioned to me his part in a new series called "Becker,"
with Ted Danson. He seemed (rightfully) very excited about it. Greg Lee and
a couple of the guys from our band were playing Nerf football backstage. Best
of all, Dicky Barrett said that he liked what we did, and to keep it up. Great
encouragement for a fledgling group to hear. We love playing with Sound Patrol,
of course.
How are the recently
added keyboard, sax, and, and theremin working out? Are you writing any songs
with them in mind, or substantially altering any old songs? "Home"
sounded great when I heard it with the new keyboard part.
*** These additions are working out nicely. The theremin gives it a sort of
spacey feel, along with giving me something to do, and the Hammond really
"fattens" the sound a lot. Clay on sax is a talented guy, and adds
much to the horns. He writes well, and can improvise with the best of them.
As far as alterations and changes to old stuff, we give the new members freedom
to choose their parts. It adds to the influence each member has in playing.
As far as writing, we definitely keep them in mind.
Any bands you haven't
had the opportunity to play with that you wish you could?
*** I would love to play with the Slackers (I got to meet them when I played
as a guest with Sound Patrol when they opened). I would not mind playing with
311, because their crowd is more open to our sound than, say a normal rocker.
I really wish we could have played with Sublime.
What's up with
the number of people attending shows? What do you think can be done to get
more people out there?
*** The bands should increase their standards in music, like what we play,
etc. We should also do our best to support one another, as bands, like through
promotion or even help with the show. There should be more ska showcases than
there are. Those shows used to do a lot for the scene. The bands should work
their best to unite their audiences, not separate them.
You've performed
at a Ralph Nader speaking event, and "High Rise Flats" has a nice
social-political edge. Can we expect any more politically oriented songs from
SA8? Any thoughts on Houston/TX City/Galveston politics and activism?
*** Well, I am to blame for any politically based lyrics and content in the
group. Ralph stands for the common person, for all of us, and I support his
endeavors for as long as he can do them. He has a lot to say concerning our
future and the future of the type of society we have. "Hi-rise Flats"
is about feeling discontented with the society in which we live, trying not
to be sucked in but being pulled ever so closer until there will only be two
choices, living like a zombie in this consumer culture or deserting and living
a life. As long as I am politically charged mentally, there will arise other
songs with this in mind. Unfortunately, not everyone in the group shares my
outlook. The Megaport is bullshit, and will spell disaster for the environment,
and will further cast us to the bottom of the "Most Polluted" pit,
until we are as bad as Mexico City. This area is too conservative and business-minded
to really make a difference without "rocking the boat" a little.
There are actually good politically-minded discussions going on over at our
internet message board right now. http://www.secretagent8.com and click on
"Forums." I am acting politically as much as possible and demonstrating
my message any way I can.
Are there any
specific plans or goals for the band's future?
*** We would love to be able to make a decent living doing this, what we really
love, but will settle for a bit of success musically, even if it doesn't go
platinum. We hope to follow every eclectic, creative urge we have. We want
to help the scene rebuild itself. We have seen it rise and fall, and have
done nothing to help save it.
Anything else
to add? Closing thoughts? Parting words?
*** Read more, of everything. Most people do not realize how much reading
can do for them. Open your minds and hearts to all types of art. There is
a world out there waiting to be untapped. It is time that the artists do what
they can to change things. There is a lot of good music being released right
now. Research, and take advice…people only talk about bands they like.
There has to be something special there in order for them to bring their names
into daily conversation. Support local music! There is a lot of talent that
remains unheard because of "cliques" and such. Break the barriers.
This applies to your government. Be heard. Vote. There is my public service
announcement: "stay in school!, it's the coolest (thumbs up, big grin
on face)."