RxBandits

C.R.: So, its great to talk to you again. How long have you been in RxB now?

James: I've been in the band.....well, I started in January and went until June and then quit to get a job and then I rejoined in August. So I've been in the band a little over a year and a half now. The band's been around for about five years though.

C.R.: How would you describe your sound for anyone who hasn't heard you?

James: On the last two albums, I'd say like ska/rock, maybe a mix of, like, Sublime and possibly Less Than Jake. Our new stuff has a lot of influences, everything from the Clash to Bob Marley to Fugazi, At the Drive-In....definitely a more aggressive sound for us. I would say more mature but that's kinda played out. We're older so we're obviously more mature so I would just say our new sound is better songwriting and much more aggressive.

C.R.: What are some of your musical influences?

James: Well some of my personal influences are 311, No Doubt, Fugazi, Jimmy Eat World, No Knife, Clash, Radiohead, and Tool among others.

C.R.: What are the top five CDs in your CD player right now?

James: Tool-Lateralus, Radiohead-Kid A, Fugazi-End Hits, The Living End-Roll On.....and the Siren Six-Young and Professional. Its hard to pick a top five. It changes everyday, but those are the ones I listen to a lot lately.

C.R.: How do you think the band has evolved just in the time that you have been in it?

James: Well I think.....Matt is our main songwriter and he is a lot older than when he was writing the songs on Halfway Between Here and There. He's not in high school anymore and he has traveled the country so he definitely has a broader outlook on life and it comes through with more mature songwriting. I don't think that me being in the band has really defined anything but I sense that we are definitely, on this album, letting our influences come across more now than just being a ska band. There is definitely a big variety of music now.

C.R.: How did you get involved with RxB?

James: Well, I was in a band called My Superhero and we went on tour with RxB. I think one night I was selling merch and Rich, the trombone player, was sitting next to me and we started talking about music and we were both really into Jimmy Eat World and No Knife so we just talked. Their bass player about the same time Drive Thru became affiliated with MCA so they were looking for a bass player. They asked me if I wanted to fill in on the NFG/Midtown tour and I was looking for something more permanent and asked if I could just be a member and they said yes. So the last day of the tour I played with both MSH and RxB the same show.

C.R.: What are some things you do outside of music?

James: I like to exercise, I go to the gym everyday...I'm definitely not buff. I go to the beach, play video games, hang out with my girlfriend, hang out with my friends....pretty normal, basic stuff. I go to a lot of concerts.

C.R.: Where did the band name come from?

James: I don't know. They've never really given me a straight answer on that.

C.R.: When I talked to you a while ago, you were about to do a short tour. How was that and with who?

James: The Homegrown tour. Homegrown is awesome and so are the Benjamins. We drank a lot, raised hell and it was really fun, definitely the best tour I have been on. I wish it was longer. Homegrown rules.

C.R.: When's the last time you played in Ohio?

James: On the NFG tour in the middle of March and with NFG and Midtown at the Grog. It was a big show.

C.R.: Last time we talked, you were working on a new CD. How is that coming and when does it come out?

James: We're actually done with it. It comes out July 17th. Its called Progress. We spent about a year writing it and about seven weeks recording it with a guy named Chris Futerich, who is awesome.

C.R.: Right on. What should your fans expect it to sound like?

James: Umm....a drastic change from our last album, but you'll still be able to tell its us. It will definitely have the trademark RxB sound, but its definitely worlds away from our last release. I think they will be shocked but very pleased. The response to the new songs released on the internet have been very good.

C.R.: When will you be touring again?

James: In July with Reel Big Fish and Goldfinger.

C.R.: Awesome. That tour is coming here August 3rd.

James: Yup, we should be on that show.

C.R.: How do you guys get along while on the road?

James: Well we all have different personalities and interests, but we're all pretty low key so we all get along like a family. We disagree about a lot of stuff but we also agree about a lot of stuff. Its like every other relationship. Its hard when you are together 24 hours a day and you can't get away from them, but we are fortunate that we get along.

C.R.: Well I can't think of anything else. Do you have anything to add? Any bands you want to plug?

James: Sure, I'd like to compel everyone to read zines and other alternative publications because there is a lot going on out there that you'd never know about by watching the news or reading your daily newspaper. Knowledge is power is beyond cliche but its still true, arm yourself. I would highly recommend seeing these bands when you have the opportunity: Fugazi, The (International) Noise Conspiracy, Propagandhi, and No Knife. You won't be disappointed. Thank you very much for the interview, I think you did an awesome job, especially for your first time.

Links:

RxBandits
Drive Thru Records
NCA
DIYRevolution