Faux Ferocious interview with Terry Kane, Dylan Palmer, Reid Cummings and Jonathan Phillips
Every once in a while, I need to listen to some real good
old fashioned garage rawk. Something
fun, not overly complicated, but encompassing the mid-fi punkish, manic energy
of my own life. Every once in a while I
need something fun, something like Faux Ferocious. If you’ve ever heard a good band live you can
really tell what a band’s made of that way, and Faux Ferocious’ recordings all
sound like they’re live, so I have a real sense of appreciation for their stuff
in that sense to begin with. The warts
and all approach to recording is a difficult road to hoe and often one without
accolade, but it’s an honest and intriguing one when travelled correctly. It’s extremely difficult to just slap a label
on what Faux Ferocious is doing as well, they bring together all these really
cool elements of psychedelic and classic rock, along with adding some cool
surf-ish, light-hearted brevity to their music that’s a breath of fresh air to
say the least. It’s not that Faux Ferocious
doesn’t take themselves seriously, though, that’s not what mean that at
all. What I mean is that their name is
more than apt. They have this bubbling
action and structure to their songs that seems so fluid and explosive, but they
never degrade into an all out screaming fit for any length of time or crash and
burn into an all out wall of noise of distortion, or anything. There’s a precise, intentional restraint
apparent in the songs, an almost urgent sense of deliberateness which is a real
testament to the band, as they don’t spend an inordinately long time working
out structures for songs. Faux Ferocious
has been self-recording and releasing their own music for a long while, masters
of their own fate, but they’ve recently inked a deal with Much Records which is
going to chronicle the band’s output through a series of 7-inch singles and
will certainly ensure people learn the name Faux ferocious once and for
all. Before things got to crazy for them
though, I got in touch to talk all things Ferocious with all four founding
members, and that’s just what we did. I
won’t waste any more time with trying to describe or sell the band, as they’ll
do that for themselves given your attention, so instead I’ll just urge you to
read on below and remember, keep it psychedelic baby!
old fashioned garage rawk. Something
fun, not overly complicated, but encompassing the mid-fi punkish, manic energy
of my own life. Every once in a while I
need something fun, something like Faux Ferocious. If you’ve ever heard a good band live you can
really tell what a band’s made of that way, and Faux Ferocious’ recordings all
sound like they’re live, so I have a real sense of appreciation for their stuff
in that sense to begin with. The warts
and all approach to recording is a difficult road to hoe and often one without
accolade, but it’s an honest and intriguing one when travelled correctly. It’s extremely difficult to just slap a label
on what Faux Ferocious is doing as well, they bring together all these really
cool elements of psychedelic and classic rock, along with adding some cool
surf-ish, light-hearted brevity to their music that’s a breath of fresh air to
say the least. It’s not that Faux Ferocious
doesn’t take themselves seriously, though, that’s not what mean that at
all. What I mean is that their name is
more than apt. They have this bubbling
action and structure to their songs that seems so fluid and explosive, but they
never degrade into an all out screaming fit for any length of time or crash and
burn into an all out wall of noise of distortion, or anything. There’s a precise, intentional restraint
apparent in the songs, an almost urgent sense of deliberateness which is a real
testament to the band, as they don’t spend an inordinately long time working
out structures for songs. Faux Ferocious
has been self-recording and releasing their own music for a long while, masters
of their own fate, but they’ve recently inked a deal with Much Records which is
going to chronicle the band’s output through a series of 7-inch singles and
will certainly ensure people learn the name Faux ferocious once and for
all. Before things got to crazy for them
though, I got in touch to talk all things Ferocious with all four founding
members, and that’s just what we did. I
won’t waste any more time with trying to describe or sell the band, as they’ll
do that for themselves given your attention, so instead I’ll just urge you to
read on below and remember, keep it psychedelic baby!
What’s the lineup
in Faux Ferocious at this point? Have
there been any changes since the band started or is this the original lineup?
in Faux Ferocious at this point? Have
there been any changes since the band started or is this the original lineup?
Terry: The lineup is,
and will always be, me, Dylan, Jonathan and Reid.
and will always be, me, Dylan, Jonathan and Reid.
Are any of you
involved in any other active bands or do you have any other side projects going
on at the moment? Have you released
anything with anyone else before? If you
have, can you tell us about it?
involved in any other active bands or do you have any other side projects going
on at the moment? Have you released
anything with anyone else before? If you
have, can you tell us about it?
Terry: Nothing of any
note.
note.
How old are you
and where are you originally from?
and where are you originally from?
Terry: Twenty eight,
Nashville, Tennessee.
Nashville, Tennessee.
Dylan: Twenty six
Norris, Tennessee, a small town north of Knoxville.
Norris, Tennessee, a small town north of Knoxville.
Reid: Twenty six,
Nashville, Tennessee.
Nashville, Tennessee.
Jonathan: Twenty six,
Nashville, Tennessee.
Nashville, Tennessee.
What was the local
music scene like where you grew up? Did
you see a lot of shows or anything when you were growing up? Do you feel like you were very involved in
that scene? Did that scene play a large
or important role in shaping your musical tastes or in the way that you perform
at this point?
music scene like where you grew up? Did
you see a lot of shows or anything when you were growing up? Do you feel like you were very involved in
that scene? Did that scene play a large
or important role in shaping your musical tastes or in the way that you perform
at this point?
Terry: I think my
brother and sister played the largest part in shaping my musical tastes. I guess my cousin Rachel too.
brother and sister played the largest part in shaping my musical tastes. I guess my cousin Rachel too.
Dylan: There was a
really crappy local punk pop punk something scene where I grew up. I wasn’t very involved with it. We had a band that tried to play to the
scene, but the scene hated us and we didn’t like them. I started playing music with a guy named
Chris Lambert who introduced me to a lot of my current and favorite musical
tastes, as well as gave me the bass that I still use.
really crappy local punk pop punk something scene where I grew up. I wasn’t very involved with it. We had a band that tried to play to the
scene, but the scene hated us and we didn’t like them. I started playing music with a guy named
Chris Lambert who introduced me to a lot of my current and favorite musical
tastes, as well as gave me the bass that I still use.
Reid: I was in a band
in high school. We played around town
quite a bit. But the main influences
were friends and my cousin Zack, my uncle Pete and my brother Brad.
in high school. We played around town
quite a bit. But the main influences
were friends and my cousin Zack, my uncle Pete and my brother Brad.
Jonathan: Didn’t
really see a lot of shows growing up, played in a shitty covers/shittier
originals band with Reid though.
really see a lot of shows growing up, played in a shitty covers/shittier
originals band with Reid though.
© Jackson Pollock
What about your
home when you were growing up? Were
either of your parents or any of your close relatives musicians or extremely interested/involved
in music?
home when you were growing up? Were
either of your parents or any of your close relatives musicians or extremely interested/involved
in music?
Terry: My dad has
always played music. He taught me
Ventures’ songs on the guitar at a young age and has given me pretty much
everything I use today. We still play
old time music for fun when I visit.
always played music. He taught me
Ventures’ songs on the guitar at a young age and has given me pretty much
everything I use today. We still play
old time music for fun when I visit.
Dylan: My parents
both have guitars but neither of them really know how to play it. My aunt in Lancaster, Pennsylvania has
perfect pitch, though. I don’t.
both have guitars but neither of them really know how to play it. My aunt in Lancaster, Pennsylvania has
perfect pitch, though. I don’t.
Reid: My dad played a
little guitar, so there was one around the house that I picked up. My brother left me his first drum kit when I
was about fifteen, which I played until just a couple years ago.
little guitar, so there was one around the house that I picked up. My brother left me his first drum kit when I
was about fifteen, which I played until just a couple years ago.
Jonathan: I wasn’t
around a lot of music at home growing up, with the exception of Warren Zevon
and Lou Reed which my father listened to exclusively.
around a lot of music at home growing up, with the exception of Warren Zevon
and Lou Reed which my father listened to exclusively.
What do you
consider your first real exposure to music to be?
consider your first real exposure to music to be?
Terry: Having my
brother and sister take me to Lucy’s Record Shop in Nashville. That and buying every Cash Money CD I could
at the Sam Goody at the mall.
brother and sister take me to Lucy’s Record Shop in Nashville. That and buying every Cash Money CD I could
at the Sam Goody at the mall.
Dylan: My parents
would always play the Harvest Moon album by Neil Young. I remember the songs would get stuck in my
head for days.
would always play the Harvest Moon album by Neil Young. I remember the songs would get stuck in my
head for days.
Reid: My dad listened
almost exclusively to the Beatles.
almost exclusively to the Beatles.
Jonathan: Older
sister was into Outkast and Cash Money, and I was floored by it.
sister was into Outkast and Cash Money, and I was floored by it.
If you were to
pick a single moment, a moment that seemed to change everything for you and
opened your eyes to the infinite possibilities that music presents, what would
it be?
pick a single moment, a moment that seemed to change everything for you and
opened your eyes to the infinite possibilities that music presents, what would
it be?
Terry: I don’t think
it was a singular moment. I always loved
it. From playing trombone in the fifth
grade band to today.
it was a singular moment. I always loved
it. From playing trombone in the fifth
grade band to today.
Dylan: I can’t
remember the exact moment, but I remember it was around sixth or seventh grade
that I became truly intrigued by everything it had to offer me.
remember the exact moment, but I remember it was around sixth or seventh grade
that I became truly intrigued by everything it had to offer me.
Reid: Jonathan and I
started playing at his mom’s house around ninth or tenth grade, usually with
just a snare, hi-hat and guitar. That’s
the first time I remember playing and collaborating with someone else.
started playing at his mom’s house around ninth or tenth grade, usually with
just a snare, hi-hat and guitar. That’s
the first time I remember playing and collaborating with someone else.
Jonathan: Playing
shows in high school probably.
shows in high school probably.
When did you
decide to start writing and recording your own music? What brought that decision about for you?
decide to start writing and recording your own music? What brought that decision about for you?
Terry: I don’t
remember when I decided to start writing music, but we decided to start
recording our own music when we realized it was much cheaper.
remember when I decided to start writing music, but we decided to start
recording our own music when we realized it was much cheaper.
Dylan: I was always
writing little songs from the moment I learned to play. I started to record with an old amp with a
tape recorder built into it when I was seventeen. We would use Audacity at the schools computer
lab to layer recordings. I didn’t like,
or was tired of most music on the radio, and this was pre-internet for my
household, so you had to make music you liked.
writing little songs from the moment I learned to play. I started to record with an old amp with a
tape recorder built into it when I was seventeen. We would use Audacity at the schools computer
lab to layer recordings. I didn’t like,
or was tired of most music on the radio, and this was pre-internet for my
household, so you had to make music you liked.
Reid: I had a cheap
4-track that I recorded on early in high school. I’ve also spent a lot of time recording with
my cousin Zack and uncle Pete in Hendersonville and Leipers Fork over the
years.
4-track that I recorded on early in high school. I’ve also spent a lot of time recording with
my cousin Zack and uncle Pete in Hendersonville and Leipers Fork over the
years.
Jonathan: Been trying
to write since I learned to play.
Recording has been an endless thing to explore and get better at, as
much or more than playing an instrument.
It had an immediate appeal when we started doing it a few years ago.
to write since I learned to play.
Recording has been an endless thing to explore and get better at, as
much or more than playing an instrument.
It had an immediate appeal when we started doing it a few years ago.
What was your
first instrument? When and how did you
get it?
first instrument? When and how did you
get it?
Terry: Guitar from my
dad, probably around age eight.
dad, probably around age eight.
Dylan: Guitar,
seventh grade age.
seventh grade age.
Reid: Piano from my
parents when I was eight.
parents when I was eight.
Jonathan: My cousin
Jay gave me a guitar when I was fifteen.
Jay gave me a guitar when I was fifteen.
How and when did
you all originally meet?
you all originally meet?
Terry: I’ve known
Jonathan and Reid for many years. We met
Dylan in college.
Jonathan and Reid for many years. We met
Dylan in college.
Dylan: I met Jonathan
and Reid through a mutual friend in Knoxville, Tennessee.
and Reid through a mutual friend in Knoxville, Tennessee.
What led to the
formation of Faux Ferocious and when would that have been?
formation of Faux Ferocious and when would that have been?
Terry: Boredom in
2008.
2008.
Jonathan:
Excitability in 2008.
Excitability in 2008.
Is there any sort
of creed, code, ideal or mantra that the band shares or lives by?
of creed, code, ideal or mantra that the band shares or lives by?
Terry: Seatbelts save
lives.
lives.
Dylan: Smell it.
Jonathan: Smell it
first.
first.
Your name
instantly got logged in my brain the first time I heard it. What does Faux Ferocious mean or refer to in
the context of your name? Who came up
with it and how did you all go about choosing it? Are there any close seconds that you can
recall at this point you almost went with?
instantly got logged in my brain the first time I heard it. What does Faux Ferocious mean or refer to in
the context of your name? Who came up
with it and how did you all go about choosing it? Are there any close seconds that you can
recall at this point you almost went with?
Dylan: I’m not sure
who came up with it, probably Jonathan.
I think it’s a good name because people either love it or hate it. There’s no middle ground.
who came up with it, probably Jonathan.
I think it’s a good name because people either love it or hate it. There’s no middle ground.
Jonathan: As I
recall, we wanted to book a show and needed a name.
recall, we wanted to book a show and needed a name.
Terry: It has no real
meaning. Jonathan came up with it and we
all said, “Great”. It’s been a love/hate
relationship every since. Often
mispronounced or hated upon, but what are you gonna do?
meaning. Jonathan came up with it and we
all said, “Great”. It’s been a love/hate
relationship every since. Often
mispronounced or hated upon, but what are you gonna do?
Where’s the band
located at this point?
located at this point?
Terry: Nashville.
How would you
describe the local music scene where you all are at?
describe the local music scene where you all are at?
Terry: Pretty tough
to break, but healthy. Nashville has,
and will always be, a town with awesome bands.
Knoxville, where the band started, seems to have a pretty cooperative
thing going on. There’s a size/ego
difference in Knoxville that we like.
It’s a fun town to have a band in, but Nashville is cool too.
to break, but healthy. Nashville has,
and will always be, a town with awesome bands.
Knoxville, where the band started, seems to have a pretty cooperative
thing going on. There’s a size/ego
difference in Knoxville that we like.
It’s a fun town to have a band in, but Nashville is cool too.
Dylan: There’s a good
amount of things always going on in Nashville, which I feel can make it
overwhelming at times. It’s always a
tough crowd, but the music coming out of here is great.
amount of things always going on in Nashville, which I feel can make it
overwhelming at times. It’s always a
tough crowd, but the music coming out of here is great.
Reid: Like the others
said, Nashville has been a tough place to break into, but it’s a good home base
for touring and getting out of town.
said, Nashville has been a tough place to break into, but it’s a good home base
for touring and getting out of town.
Jonathan: Lots of
great stuff in Nashville, Knoxville and Tennessee in general. It’s God’s state.
great stuff in Nashville, Knoxville and Tennessee in general. It’s God’s state.
Do you feel like
you’ve very involved in the local scene or anything? Do you book or attend a lot of local shows?
you’ve very involved in the local scene or anything? Do you book or attend a lot of local shows?
Dylan: We’ve been
getting much more active booking Nashville.
getting much more active booking Nashville.
Terry: We go through
fits. I think in the past year we’ve
become much more involved in the Nashville music scene. Part of that is a product of touring and
booking shows for bands that have helped you.
fits. I think in the past year we’ve
become much more involved in the Nashville music scene. Part of that is a product of touring and
booking shows for bands that have helped you.
Has the local
scene played a large or integral role in the formation, history, sound or
evolution of Faux Ferocious or do you all think you could be doing what you’re
doing and sound like you do regardless of where the band was located or what
you were surrounded by?
scene played a large or integral role in the formation, history, sound or
evolution of Faux Ferocious or do you all think you could be doing what you’re
doing and sound like you do regardless of where the band was located or what
you were surrounded by?
Terry: I think we
could write the songs anywhere.
could write the songs anywhere.
Dylan: I agree.
Jonathan: Yeah, I
couldn’t point to anything about being in Nashville that has shaped us, but you
do get to see and hear a lot.
couldn’t point to anything about being in Nashville that has shaped us, but you
do get to see and hear a lot.
How would you
describe Faux Ferocious’ sound to our readers who might not have heard you all
before? Is this the sound you all were
looking to capture when you started the band or has that kind of changed and
evolved over time?
describe Faux Ferocious’ sound to our readers who might not have heard you all
before? Is this the sound you all were
looking to capture when you started the band or has that kind of changed and
evolved over time?
Terry: Driving? That’s not how we sounded at first, but I
think we were always heading here; we just needed to figure out how to record
ourselves to fit our songs and desires.
think we were always heading here; we just needed to figure out how to record
ourselves to fit our songs and desires.
Dylan: Chugging
music. Like a choo-choo, just chugging
on the down the tracks. Garage psych
punkish band.
music. Like a choo-choo, just chugging
on the down the tracks. Garage psych
punkish band.
You all have a
great sound going on but I’m really curious to hear who you would cite as your
major musical influences? What about
influences on the band as a whole rather than just individually?
great sound going on but I’m really curious to hear who you would cite as your
major musical influences? What about
influences on the band as a whole rather than just individually?
Terry: Master P,
B.G., Young Bleed, UGK, Rolling Stones, Triple Six, Neu, and Devo?
B.G., Young Bleed, UGK, Rolling Stones, Triple Six, Neu, and Devo?
Dylan: Punk rock and
folk music.
folk music.
Jonathan: Yungstar,
Cave, and Devo.
Cave, and Devo.
What’s the
songwriting process like for Faux Ferocious?
Is there a lot of jamming that happens where you kick ideas back and
forth where you kind of distill and polish an idea until you have a workable
song? Or, is there someone who usually
comes in to the rest of the band with a riff or more finished idea for a song
and kind of works it out with the rest of you?
songwriting process like for Faux Ferocious?
Is there a lot of jamming that happens where you kick ideas back and
forth where you kind of distill and polish an idea until you have a workable
song? Or, is there someone who usually
comes in to the rest of the band with a riff or more finished idea for a song
and kind of works it out with the rest of you?
Terry: We do
both. It’s great if we have a starting
point with a riff, but we have had some success finding songs out of just
jamming on something for a while.
both. It’s great if we have a starting
point with a riff, but we have had some success finding songs out of just
jamming on something for a while.
Dylan: Some things
come out of the ground, some things don’t.
come out of the ground, some things don’t.
What about
recording? I think that most musicians
can obviously appreciate the end result of all the time and work that goes into
make an album when you’re holding that finished product in your hands. Getting to that point though, getting
everything recorded and sounding the way that you want it to, especially as a
band, can be extremely difficult to say the least. What’s it like recording for Faux Ferocious?
recording? I think that most musicians
can obviously appreciate the end result of all the time and work that goes into
make an album when you’re holding that finished product in your hands. Getting to that point though, getting
everything recorded and sounding the way that you want it to, especially as a
band, can be extremely difficult to say the least. What’s it like recording for Faux Ferocious?
Dylan: We’ve been
doing everything ourselves which is great.
We’ve done some stuff with other people in the past and it doesn’t sound
how we want it to.
doing everything ourselves which is great.
We’ve done some stuff with other people in the past and it doesn’t sound
how we want it to.
Reid: Once we’ve
established the basic direction for the songs we’re recording, Terry and I will
get the basic drum and guitar tracks down and build from there.
established the basic direction for the songs we’re recording, Terry and I will
get the basic drum and guitar tracks down and build from there.
Jonathan: Hard to
say. It seems like we’ve used a
different machine every time we record, and each one has a different set of
limitations and possibilities.
say. It seems like we’ve used a
different machine every time we record, and each one has a different set of
limitations and possibilities.
Terry: It’s fun. We’ve done everything ourselves for the past
few years with various Tascam cassette and open-reel machines. We kind of make it all up as we go, and doing
it ourselves removes any kind of financial constraints, so we can take our time
to get the sounds and all that we want.
It took a while, but I think we’re really starting to dial it in.
few years with various Tascam cassette and open-reel machines. We kind of make it all up as we go, and doing
it ourselves removes any kind of financial constraints, so we can take our time
to get the sounds and all that we want.
It took a while, but I think we’re really starting to dial it in.
Do you all like to
take a more DIY approach to recording where you all handle things on your own
so you don’t have to work with or compromise with anyone else on the
sound? Or, do you all head into the
studio and let someone else handle the technical aspects of things so you can
concentrate on getting the best performances possible out of yourselves?
take a more DIY approach to recording where you all handle things on your own
so you don’t have to work with or compromise with anyone else on the
sound? Or, do you all head into the
studio and let someone else handle the technical aspects of things so you can
concentrate on getting the best performances possible out of yourselves?
Terry: It’s all on
us.
us.
Dylan: We would
rather do it ourselves. Jonathan and
Terry understand the machines well enough and when outside opinions have been
given in the past, the final result wasn’t as good.
rather do it ourselves. Jonathan and
Terry understand the machines well enough and when outside opinions have been
given in the past, the final result wasn’t as good.
Jonathan: It’s a lot
easier to work slowly without someone who’s on the clock and doesn’t care as
much as us about making it an interesting recording. But, we generally overdub almost everything,
so whoever isn’t playing is the engineer.
easier to work slowly without someone who’s on the clock and doesn’t care as
much as us about making it an interesting recording. But, we generally overdub almost everything,
so whoever isn’t playing is the engineer.
Is there a lot of
time and effort that goes into working out every part of a song and getting
things worked out perfectly? Or do you
all work out a good skeletal idea of a song and allow for some room for change
and evolution during the recording process?
time and effort that goes into working out every part of a song and getting
things worked out perfectly? Or do you
all work out a good skeletal idea of a song and allow for some room for change
and evolution during the recording process?
Terry: Definitely
room for change. Things make themselves
apparent when you kind of deconstruct a song to its individual parts during the
recording process.
room for change. Things make themselves
apparent when you kind of deconstruct a song to its individual parts during the
recording process.
Dylan: Even songs
that we have been playing for almost a year will change around once we start
recording.
that we have been playing for almost a year will change around once we start
recording.
Do hallucinogenic
or psychoactive drugs play any part in the songwriting, record or performances
aspects of Faux Ferocious? I know there
are a lot of people that utilize the altered mind states that those drugs
produce and I’m always curious about it…
or psychoactive drugs play any part in the songwriting, record or performances
aspects of Faux Ferocious? I know there
are a lot of people that utilize the altered mind states that those drugs
produce and I’m always curious about it…
Terry: Absolutely.
Jonathan: Of course.
Dylan: I think they
play a big part for anyone who choices to use them that way.
play a big part for anyone who choices to use them that way.
In 2011 you all
released the 7” Brick Beater EP. I did a
little looking around, was that self-released or did someone else put that
out? I saw a couple of conflicting
reports and was curious about that. Can
you tell us about the recording of the material for Brick Beater? Who recorded that and when would that have
been? Where was the Brick Beater
material recorded at? What kind of equipment
was used? Was that a limited release and
if so, do you know how many copies Brick Beater was limited to?
released the 7” Brick Beater EP. I did a
little looking around, was that self-released or did someone else put that
out? I saw a couple of conflicting
reports and was curious about that. Can
you tell us about the recording of the material for Brick Beater? Who recorded that and when would that have
been? Where was the Brick Beater
material recorded at? What kind of equipment
was used? Was that a limited release and
if so, do you know how many copies Brick Beater was limited to?
Dylan: Brick Beater
was self-released. It was the first
recordings we’d ever really put out. I
think we recorded it at Reid’s family’s studio.
I honestly just found what I think is the last copy of Brick Beater the
other day.
was self-released. It was the first
recordings we’d ever really put out. I
think we recorded it at Reid’s family’s studio.
I honestly just found what I think is the last copy of Brick Beater the
other day.
Terry: Brick Beater
was our first actual release and we did it at Reid’s uncle’s studio. I’m not sure what the gear was. We released 250 or 300 copies of that. It was a good start. I’m still happy with it. I like the way we do things now, but that was
a fun one to make and put out.
was our first actual release and we did it at Reid’s uncle’s studio. I’m not sure what the gear was. We released 250 or 300 copies of that. It was a good start. I’m still happy with it. I like the way we do things now, but that was
a fun one to make and put out.
Reid: Brick Beater
was recorded at Pete Cummings’ studio in Leipers Fork, Tennessee, Zack Wilson
did the engineering. It was recorded on
a Mackie Alesis HD24 board.
Self-released.
was recorded at Pete Cummings’ studio in Leipers Fork, Tennessee, Zack Wilson
did the engineering. It was recorded on
a Mackie Alesis HD24 board.
Self-released.
In 2013 you
released the Self-Titled Faux Ferocious cassette EP for Maximum Pelt
Productions as part of Cassette Store Day 2013.
Do you know how many copies that release was limited? Was the recording of the material for the
Faux Ferocious EP very different than your earlier work? When and where was that recorded? Who recorded it? What kind of equipment was used?
released the Self-Titled Faux Ferocious cassette EP for Maximum Pelt
Productions as part of Cassette Store Day 2013.
Do you know how many copies that release was limited? Was the recording of the material for the
Faux Ferocious EP very different than your earlier work? When and where was that recorded? Who recorded it? What kind of equipment was used?
Dylan: I have no idea
how many copies were released. I see
them in record stores in Chicago, so hopefully a bunch were released instead of
just a few that hang on the wall. A guy
named Magic Ian who runs Maximum Pelt hooked us up with the cassettes. I believe that all the songs were recorded in
multiple places over different periods of time.
how many copies were released. I see
them in record stores in Chicago, so hopefully a bunch were released instead of
just a few that hang on the wall. A guy
named Magic Ian who runs Maximum Pelt hooked us up with the cassettes. I believe that all the songs were recorded in
multiple places over different periods of time.
Terry: We did all of
that stuff at different houses we lived in, on our various Tascam cassette
machines. We made that cassette
basically to bring on tour, to have some shit to sell and Ian from Maximum Pelt
kept like 15 copies to put out on cassette store day for us. All of those songs are being re-released on a
7” series with Mush Records.
that stuff at different houses we lived in, on our various Tascam cassette
machines. We made that cassette
basically to bring on tour, to have some shit to sell and Ian from Maximum Pelt
kept like 15 copies to put out on cassette store day for us. All of those songs are being re-released on a
7” series with Mush Records.
2014 has already
been a busy year for you all. You’ve
digitally released two things that I know of, the first of which is the “Right
On Track” b/w “Vicious Grin” single.
Were those songs written or recorded specifically for that, or were the
left over from one of your earlier sessions and looking for a place to call
home? If they were recorded for this
release, can you tell us a little bit about that?
been a busy year for you all. You’ve
digitally released two things that I know of, the first of which is the “Right
On Track” b/w “Vicious Grin” single.
Were those songs written or recorded specifically for that, or were the
left over from one of your earlier sessions and looking for a place to call
home? If they were recorded for this
release, can you tell us a little bit about that?
Terry: We put that up
just to kind of send around. I think
it’s been taken down now, but those songs have found homes on the 7”
series. “Vicious Grin” is on the Listen
Hard 7” that we pressed earlier this year and it will be repressed for Mush.
just to kind of send around. I think
it’s been taken down now, but those songs have found homes on the 7”
series. “Vicious Grin” is on the Listen
Hard 7” that we pressed earlier this year and it will be repressed for Mush.
Dylan: We were
working on a self-released 7” series and those songs we felt meshed together
well enough and decided to release that as the first in the series. Now that we’re on Mush it will be re-released
and I believe our Striking Distance 7” will be considered the first.
working on a self-released 7” series and those songs we felt meshed together
well enough and decided to release that as the first in the series. Now that we’re on Mush it will be re-released
and I believe our Striking Distance 7” will be considered the first.
Mush Records
also released the Striking Distance EP from you all digitally this year as well. Can you tell us about the recording of the
Striking Distance material? When was
that recorded and where would that have been at? Who recorded Striking Distance? What kid of equipment was used this time
around? Did you all try anything
radically new or different when it came to the songwriting or recording of the
material for Striking Distance?
also released the Striking Distance EP from you all digitally this year as well. Can you tell us about the recording of the
Striking Distance material? When was
that recorded and where would that have been at? Who recorded Striking Distance? What kid of equipment was used this time
around? Did you all try anything
radically new or different when it came to the songwriting or recording of the
material for Striking Distance?
Terry: That was in
the first batch of stuff we did ourselves.
It’s finally being released digitally and physically, although we don’t
have the physical copies yet.
the first batch of stuff we did ourselves.
It’s finally being released digitally and physically, although we don’t
have the physical copies yet.
Dylan: Terry sure hit
the nail on the head.
the nail on the head.
Are there any
plans to physically release either the single or the Striking Distance EP
anytime in the future?
plans to physically release either the single or the Striking Distance EP
anytime in the future?
Terry: Being pressed
as we speak.
as we speak.
Dylan: All kinds of
interesting things soon.
interesting things soon.
Does Faux
Ferocious have any music that we haven’t talked about, maybe a song on a single
or a demo that I might not be aware of?
Ferocious have any music that we haven’t talked about, maybe a song on a single
or a demo that I might not be aware of?
Terry: We’ve recorded
eight or nine songs in the past few months that are all coming out on Mush as
part of our 7” series that will lead up to a full-length LP. It’s some of our
best stuff so far.
eight or nine songs in the past few months that are all coming out on Mush as
part of our 7” series that will lead up to a full-length LP. It’s some of our
best stuff so far.
Dylan: We have a 7”
series that’s going to lead into a full-length LP. The LP will have songs off the 7” series, as
well as new songs that no one’s pretty ears have heard yet.
series that’s going to lead into a full-length LP. The LP will have songs off the 7” series, as
well as new songs that no one’s pretty ears have heard yet.
With the recent
release of Striking Distance EP, are there any other releases in the works or
on the horizon at this point from Faux Ferocious?
release of Striking Distance EP, are there any other releases in the works or
on the horizon at this point from Faux Ferocious?
Reid: The 7” series
with Mush Records that will lead to a full-length release later.
with Mush Records that will lead to a full-length release later.
Where’s the best
place for our US readers to pick up copies of your stuff? I did a little looking around and about all I
could find was a cassette and some digital downloads…
place for our US readers to pick up copies of your stuff? I did a little looking around and about all I
could find was a cassette and some digital downloads…
Terry: Email us and
we will get it in your hands. I think
you can order Listen Hard from Permanent Records in Chicago, too.
we will get it in your hands. I think
you can order Listen Hard from Permanent Records in Chicago, too.
Dylan: We sell ourstuff off Bandcamp. If you email us we
can get you something. Chicago’s Permanent Records and Bric-A-Brac have a good deal of our stuff. Nashville record shops might surprise you as
well.
can get you something. Chicago’s Permanent Records and Bric-A-Brac have a good deal of our stuff. Nashville record shops might surprise you as
well.
Jonathan: You can buy
the Listen Hard 7” on our Bandcamp and we’ll mail it to you.
the Listen Hard 7” on our Bandcamp and we’ll mail it to you.
With the
completely insane international postage rates, where’s the best place for our
international and overseas readers to cop your tunes?
completely insane international postage rates, where’s the best place for our
international and overseas readers to cop your tunes?
Terry: We ship
overseas.
overseas.
Dylan: If you want,
it we will get it to you. I think we’ve
sold some stuff to Norway and Argentina this year.
it we will get it to you. I think we’ve
sold some stuff to Norway and Argentina this year.
And where would
the best place for our interested readers to keep up with the latest news like
upcoming shows and album releases from Faux Ferocious at?
the best place for our interested readers to keep up with the latest news like
upcoming shows and album releases from Faux Ferocious at?
Terry: Mush Records’ site or our Facebook.
Dylan: Like us on
Facebook, we’re active on there. Mush Record’s website also puts up news about us.
Facebook, we’re active on there. Mush Record’s website also puts up news about us.
Are there any
major goals or plans that Faux Ferocious is looking to accomplish in the rest
of 2014 or 2015?
major goals or plans that Faux Ferocious is looking to accomplish in the rest
of 2014 or 2015?
Terry: Keep touring,
keep recording, keep smokin’, and keep drankin’.
keep recording, keep smokin’, and keep drankin’.
Dylan: Tour, record,
expand. We’d like to play the west coast
again in 2015, too.
expand. We’d like to play the west coast
again in 2015, too.
Do you all spend a
lot of time out on the road touring? Do
you enjoy being out on the road? What’s
life like touring for Faux Ferocious?
lot of time out on the road touring? Do
you enjoy being out on the road? What’s
life like touring for Faux Ferocious?
Terry: It’s fun. We’ve done a bunch of touring over the past
year. We have a good time together.
year. We have a good time together.
Dylan: We’ve been out
pretty constantly this year. We’ve been
doing a Midwest, a northeast, and a southeast circuit pretty regularly. We love being on the road, meeting new people
and discovering what each city offers socially and musically. For the most part, it’s a stinky van with
four guys during the day and rock ‘n’ roll during the night.
pretty constantly this year. We’ve been
doing a Midwest, a northeast, and a southeast circuit pretty regularly. We love being on the road, meeting new people
and discovering what each city offers socially and musically. For the most part, it’s a stinky van with
four guys during the day and rock ‘n’ roll during the night.
What, if anything,
do you have planned as far as touring goes for the rest of 2014?
do you have planned as far as touring goes for the rest of 2014?
Terry: October, east
coast/Midwest again for CMJ.
coast/Midwest again for CMJ.
Dylan: We’re going to
tour up to, and back from CMJ this year.
That’ll be about a three week tour.
We’ll hit Raleigh, Chapel Hill, RVA, Charlottesville, DC, Philly, NYC,
Cleveland, Pitt, Chicago, and on and on.
Get ready.
tour up to, and back from CMJ this year.
That’ll be about a three week tour.
We’ll hit Raleigh, Chapel Hill, RVA, Charlottesville, DC, Philly, NYC,
Cleveland, Pitt, Chicago, and on and on.
Get ready.
Who are some of
your personal favorite bands that you’ve had a chance to play with over the
past few years?
your personal favorite bands that you’ve had a chance to play with over the
past few years?
Terry: Nest Egg from
Asheville, Ebony Eyes, Big Bad Oven, and The Mutations, all from Knoxville. Natural Child, Ego from Chicago, Slushy
(Interview here), Jerome and the Psychics, The the Ha-RAng!# from
Charlottesville, Cave, Hot Lunch (Interview here), Concord America, Chrome
Pony, and Jerusalem and the Starbaskets.
Asheville, Ebony Eyes, Big Bad Oven, and The Mutations, all from Knoxville. Natural Child, Ego from Chicago, Slushy
(Interview here), Jerome and the Psychics, The the Ha-RAng!# from
Charlottesville, Cave, Hot Lunch (Interview here), Concord America, Chrome
Pony, and Jerusalem and the Starbaskets.
Dylan: EGO from
Chicago, Ebony Eyes from Knoxville, Tennessee, Chrome Pony from Nashville,
Tennessee, the Ha-RAng!# from
Charlottesville, Virginia, and Mad Doctors from New York City.
Chicago, Ebony Eyes from Knoxville, Tennessee, Chrome Pony from Nashville,
Tennessee, the Ha-RAng!# from
Charlottesville, Virginia, and Mad Doctors from New York City.
In your dreams,
who are you on tour with?
who are you on tour with?
Terry: Package show
with Gucci Mane and Hawkwind.
with Gucci Mane and Hawkwind.
Dylan: David Bowie in
Shanghai, China.
Shanghai, China.
Reid: Tim McGraw and
Faith Hill.
Faith Hill.
Jonathan: Package
show with Yungstar and Jerry Jeff Walker.
show with Yungstar and Jerry Jeff Walker.
Do you have any
funny or interesting stories from live shows or performances that you’d like to
share here with our readers?
funny or interesting stories from live shows or performances that you’d like to
share here with our readers?
Terry: We got punked
out by a bunch of drugged up bikers at a bar in Louisville. They quite literally stole a record from our
hands and dared us to do something about it.
We’re pacifists and they didn’t quite understand that, and I guess I’m glad
they have the record. Although, I
imagine it was just used to break drugs up on.
out by a bunch of drugged up bikers at a bar in Louisville. They quite literally stole a record from our
hands and dared us to do something about it.
We’re pacifists and they didn’t quite understand that, and I guess I’m glad
they have the record. Although, I
imagine it was just used to break drugs up on.
Dylan: I’ve had
straps and strings break within a few seconds of each other, that’s always
fun. We’ve stayed in some pretty weird
places. We stayed in a house in Alabama
once that had rats running around the floor, six foot ceilings and a guy that
was furious we had taken one of his beers.
They called it the Relapse House and it had a bathroom that I didn’t
even want to take a piss in. I’m not the
cleanliest guy either.
straps and strings break within a few seconds of each other, that’s always
fun. We’ve stayed in some pretty weird
places. We stayed in a house in Alabama
once that had rats running around the floor, six foot ceilings and a guy that
was furious we had taken one of his beers.
They called it the Relapse House and it had a bathroom that I didn’t
even want to take a piss in. I’m not the
cleanliest guy either.
Reid: I shit my pants
at a show in Tucson, Arizona.
at a show in Tucson, Arizona.
Jonathan: Open mic
comedians and a French jam band opening for us in Huntsville, or rolling into
Richmond to find that the venue had closed three days before.
comedians and a French jam band opening for us in Huntsville, or rolling into
Richmond to find that the venue had closed three days before.
Do you give a lot
of thought to the visual aspects that represent the band to a large
extent? Stuff like fliers, posters,
shirt designs, covers, logos and that kind of stuff. Is there any kind of meaning or message that
you’re attempting to convey with your artwork?
Do you have anyone that you usually turn to in your times of need when
it comes to that kind of thing? If so,
who is that and how did you originally get hooked up with them?
of thought to the visual aspects that represent the band to a large
extent? Stuff like fliers, posters,
shirt designs, covers, logos and that kind of stuff. Is there any kind of meaning or message that
you’re attempting to convey with your artwork?
Do you have anyone that you usually turn to in your times of need when
it comes to that kind of thing? If so,
who is that and how did you originally get hooked up with them?
Terry: Jonathan and
his girlfriend Emma have done some awesome visual stuff for us. She did the kick drum head and some
fliers. He supplied all the photos for
our upcoming 7” covers and I think they look awesome.
his girlfriend Emma have done some awesome visual stuff for us. She did the kick drum head and some
fliers. He supplied all the photos for
our upcoming 7” covers and I think they look awesome.
Dylan: As far as
conveying a deeper meaning, I don’t know.
We use art work we like and feel it represents the band well. Emma Schwartz has been a real doll and has
been helping us out, and we all enjoy her style.
conveying a deeper meaning, I don’t know.
We use art work we like and feel it represents the band well. Emma Schwartz has been a real doll and has
been helping us out, and we all enjoy her style.
Jonathan: Emma
Schwartz has come correct with all the fonts and painted our kick drum,
etcetera. emmarschwartz.tumblr.com
Schwartz has come correct with all the fonts and painted our kick drum,
etcetera. emmarschwartz.tumblr.com
With all of the
various methods of release that are available to musicians today I’m always
curious why they choose and prefer the various mediums that they do. Do you have a preferred medium of release for
your own music? What about when you’re
listening to or purchasing music? If you
do have a preference, can you tell us a little bit about what and why that is?
various methods of release that are available to musicians today I’m always
curious why they choose and prefer the various mediums that they do. Do you have a preferred medium of release for
your own music? What about when you’re
listening to or purchasing music? If you
do have a preference, can you tell us a little bit about what and why that is?
Terry: I like 7”
singles the best. They’re fun to collect
and I like the idea of a kind of micro-representation of the band that’s able
to be combined into kind of a macro-picture of everything we’ve done.
singles the best. They’re fun to collect
and I like the idea of a kind of micro-representation of the band that’s able
to be combined into kind of a macro-picture of everything we’ve done.
Dylan: Anyway that
someone wants to listen to it is the best way.
I feel 7-inches work well for us because it gives someone something to
hold onto and gives us a little money in the pocket, as well as an interaction
with someone who enjoys your music. I
don’t purchase music unless I can’t find it on the internet.
someone wants to listen to it is the best way.
I feel 7-inches work well for us because it gives someone something to
hold onto and gives us a little money in the pocket, as well as an interaction
with someone who enjoys your music. I
don’t purchase music unless I can’t find it on the internet.
Jonathan: 7-inches
are awesome, and I like tapes.
are awesome, and I like tapes.
Do you have a
music collection at all? If you do, can
you tell us a little bit about it?
music collection at all? If you do, can
you tell us a little bit about it?
Terry: I like to buy
records and tapes. I collect them and
listen to them frequently.
records and tapes. I collect them and
listen to them frequently.
Dylan: I used to
IStream most stuff that I want to hear now.
I lost my collection, and regained it, and lost it so I just stopped.
IStream most stuff that I want to hear now.
I lost my collection, and regained it, and lost it so I just stopped.
Reid: I’ve got a
collection of old country records that makes me happy.
collection of old country records that makes me happy.
Jonathan: I’ve got
some records and tapes, tapes are cheap and records look cool and they both
sound cool.
some records and tapes, tapes are cheap and records look cool and they both
sound cool.
I grew up around
my dad’s awesome collection of music and I was invited from a young age to
partake of as much of that sweet psych and stuff that I wanted. More importantly though I think, my dad would
take me around and pick up random stuff that I was interested in from the local
shops and I quickly developed an obsession with coming home, kicking back with
an album, a set of headphones, reading the liner notes, staring and the cover
art and letting the universe just let the whole thing take me off on this wild
trip! Having something to hold and
physically experience along with the music always made for a much more complete
listening experience for me. Do you have
any such connection with physically released music?
my dad’s awesome collection of music and I was invited from a young age to
partake of as much of that sweet psych and stuff that I wanted. More importantly though I think, my dad would
take me around and pick up random stuff that I was interested in from the local
shops and I quickly developed an obsession with coming home, kicking back with
an album, a set of headphones, reading the liner notes, staring and the cover
art and letting the universe just let the whole thing take me off on this wild
trip! Having something to hold and
physically experience along with the music always made for a much more complete
listening experience for me. Do you have
any such connection with physically released music?
Terry:
Absolutely. I wish there were
more liner notes these days. Numero
Group does awesome liner notes on their reissues. They do a great job, really interesting total
package releases.
Absolutely. I wish there were
more liner notes these days. Numero
Group does awesome liner notes on their reissues. They do a great job, really interesting total
package releases.
Dylan: Yes. I never had the record collection but I had
CDs. I’ve kept CDs for years just
because of the emotional connection that I had with them. The CDs are scratched and surely don’t work,
but I still keep moving them from house to house.
CDs. I’ve kept CDs for years just
because of the emotional connection that I had with them. The CDs are scratched and surely don’t work,
but I still keep moving them from house to house.
Reid: Same answer as
the previous question.
the previous question.
Jonathan: YES, YES,
YES!!!
YES!!!
Like it or not,
digital music is here in a big way. I
think that’s really just the tip of the iceberg though. When you combine digital music with the
internet, that’s when you really have something crazy! Together, they’ve exposed people to the world
of music that they’re surrounded by, allowed an unparalleled level of
communication between bands and their fan bases and eradicated boundaries that
would have crippled bands even a few years ago geographically. Nothing is ever all peachy keen though, and
with the good you’ve always got some downsides.
Illegal downloading is a pretty accepted activity at this point and for
a lot of people music is becoming a disposable commodity to be enjoyed and then
forgotten about and disposed of when you’re done with it. As an artist during the reigns of the digital
era, what’s your opinion on digital music and distribution?
digital music is here in a big way. I
think that’s really just the tip of the iceberg though. When you combine digital music with the
internet, that’s when you really have something crazy! Together, they’ve exposed people to the world
of music that they’re surrounded by, allowed an unparalleled level of
communication between bands and their fan bases and eradicated boundaries that
would have crippled bands even a few years ago geographically. Nothing is ever all peachy keen though, and
with the good you’ve always got some downsides.
Illegal downloading is a pretty accepted activity at this point and for
a lot of people music is becoming a disposable commodity to be enjoyed and then
forgotten about and disposed of when you’re done with it. As an artist during the reigns of the digital
era, what’s your opinion on digital music and distribution?
Terry: I’m happy if people
are listening to our music. I suppose, I
would prefer you steal it digitally than from our hands, but as long as you’re
listening and we can keep doing what we do, I’m cool wit it. Obviously, the best way to buy music is full
price, directly from the artist.
are listening to our music. I suppose, I
would prefer you steal it digitally than from our hands, but as long as you’re
listening and we can keep doing what we do, I’m cool wit it. Obviously, the best way to buy music is full
price, directly from the artist.
Dylan: I’ve never
been one to oppose illegal downloading.
I’ve done a great amount of it and it has exposed me to so much music
over my life. Not everyone has ten
dollars to drop on an iTunes album that they might not even like. I feel the accessibility of the internet will
just have to make artists better if they want to stand out and they should use
whatever tools they have. I don’t think
anyone has ever downloaded our music illegally, but if people were doing that,
it would be a good problem to have at this point.
been one to oppose illegal downloading.
I’ve done a great amount of it and it has exposed me to so much music
over my life. Not everyone has ten
dollars to drop on an iTunes album that they might not even like. I feel the accessibility of the internet will
just have to make artists better if they want to stand out and they should use
whatever tools they have. I don’t think
anyone has ever downloaded our music illegally, but if people were doing that,
it would be a good problem to have at this point.
Jonathan: I think
people should buy from the artist, I think streaming is a joke in terms of
paying artists, but what are you going to do?
people should buy from the artist, I think streaming is a joke in terms of
paying artists, but what are you going to do?
I try to keep up
with as much good music as I possibly can but there’s just not enough time in
the day to keep up with one percent of the amazing stuff that’s happening right
now! Is there anyone from your local
scene or area that I should be listening to that I haven’t heard about yet?
with as much good music as I possibly can but there’s just not enough time in
the day to keep up with one percent of the amazing stuff that’s happening right
now! Is there anyone from your local
scene or area that I should be listening to that I haven’t heard about yet?
Terry: Ebony Eyes,
Pyschic Baos and Big Bad Oven all from Knoxville, Tennessee.
Pyschic Baos and Big Bad Oven all from Knoxville, Tennessee.
Dylan: Chrome Pony
from Nashville.
from Nashville.
What about
nationally and internationally?
nationally and internationally?
Dylan: EGO from
Chicago, and Timmy and the Tumblers from Athens, Georgia.
Chicago, and Timmy and the Tumblers from Athens, Georgia.
Thank you so much
for doing this interview! I know it
wasn’t easy to finish but it was awesome learning so much about Faux Ferocious
and hopefully you all had fun, or at least a good laugh, looking back on the
past few years. Before we call it a day
though, I’d like to open the floor to you for a second. Is there anything that I could have possibly
missed or that you’d maybe just like to take this opportunity to talk to me or
the readers about at this point?
for doing this interview! I know it
wasn’t easy to finish but it was awesome learning so much about Faux Ferocious
and hopefully you all had fun, or at least a good laugh, looking back on the
past few years. Before we call it a day
though, I’d like to open the floor to you for a second. Is there anything that I could have possibly
missed or that you’d maybe just like to take this opportunity to talk to me or
the readers about at this point?
Terry: Keep your eyes
peeled for a lot of awesome 7” records we made coming out soon on Mush Records.
xoxoxoxoxo
peeled for a lot of awesome 7” records we made coming out soon on Mush Records.
xoxoxoxoxo
Dylan: Come see us in
October and we’ve got a lot of cool things coming out the next few months, so
stay posted.
October and we’ve got a lot of cool things coming out the next few months, so
stay posted.
Reid: I think you did
one heck of a job Roman. Thanks a bunch
hoss cat.
one heck of a job Roman. Thanks a bunch
hoss cat.
Jonathan: Lovin’ it.
DISCOGRAPHY
(2011) Faux Ferocious
– Brick Beater EP – Digital, 7” – Self-Released (7” limited to ? copies)
– Brick Beater EP – Digital, 7” – Self-Released (7” limited to ? copies)
(2013) Faux Ferocious
– Faux Ferocious EP – Cassette Tape, 7” – Self-Released/Maximum Pelt
Productions (Cassette limited to ? copies for Cassette Store Day 2013, 7”
limited to ? copies)
– Faux Ferocious EP – Cassette Tape, 7” – Self-Released/Maximum Pelt
Productions (Cassette limited to ? copies for Cassette Store Day 2013, 7”
limited to ? copies)
(2014) Faux Ferocious
– “Right On Track” b/w “Vicious Grin” – Digital – Self-Released
– “Right On Track” b/w “Vicious Grin” – Digital – Self-Released
(2014) Faux Ferocious
– Striking Distance EP – Digital – Mush Records
– Striking Distance EP – Digital – Mush Records
Interview made by Roman Rathert/2014
© Copyright http://psychedelicbaby.blogspot.com/2014
