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GR: Usually the drummer and bass player in a band are pretty tight. Are there different dynamics with two drums and two bass players? DM: Well, in this band we actually have two bass players and two drummers a lot of the time, which introduces yet another challenge. If by "tight" you mean, do we have secret handshakes and call each other "dawg?" Then not really. But if by "tight" you mean musically together, then yes there are definitely different dynamics with a bigger rhythm section. When we first started, things sounded a little chaotic. It has taken a few years for Schuyler and Joe to perfect the double-drumming so that they are playing together and not competing with each other. I would say the same for Jon and me. When there are two basses, you have to know when to play something simple or something intricate. You can't just shred all the time--not that any of us are capable. I think that our arrangement works only because there are no musical egos in our band. There are no virtuoso soloists or control freaks. GR: With two drummers, do you need an extra-large van for touring? JF: Yes, we do. Let me tell you what our van is packin' right here. Alright, we got 411 Positrac outback, 750 double pumper Edelbrock intakes, bored over 30, 11-to-1 pop-up pistons, turbo-jet 390 horsepower. We're talkin' some fuckin' muscle. Not to mention itıs big as hell and itıs a smooth ride. It used to be a Canadian Power Company service vehicle. GR: Are drum circles not for hippies? Explain. JF: Well, what would a hippie say? They would say, "Drum circles are for everyone, man." Just let the rhythm take you to another planet man. During our live show weıve been known to do this thing called the "indie-rock-drum-circle" and it has a very strange effect on the crowd. For some reason, it seems to unite the audience and make them want to scream and howl. Iıve personally witnessed the indies, hardcores, emos, stoners, metal heads, and punkers unite in harmony during one of our drum circles and go completely crazy. After the drums stop they all go back to their corners with their crossed arms, but for a short period of time while we are playing our drums everyone seams to come together and leave their mohawks, black rimmed glasses, piercings, white belts, long hair, leather jackets, tattoos, and Diesel jeans behind. I guess drum circles are not for hippies. Theyıre for everyone, man |