GAMEFACE
... the interview
This interview was done through the mail due to inherent distance problems. Now again we know the story from the first page, but something was missing... the news update! Yes, we wrote again and were responded to in an amazingly short period of time. The inter-view was answered by Jeff, so understand that "I" means him. I want to say thanks personally to him for taking the time to do this: so, THANKS! Now to all you reading; GAMEFACE has two CD’s out and a 7". The first CD is "good"; it and the 7" are both on Network Sound. The new CD, "three to get ready," is on Dr. Strange Records; so check them out (they should be available in the smaller punk/"alternative" stores). Now on with the interview, enjoy!
1. First off, who is in the band and what does each do (instrument, in general, etc.)?
JEFF: vocals - works a day care center, is a graphic design major, likes to paint, tries to surf.
TODD: guitar - has had over 20 jobs, plays basketball very well, favorite movie is "The Paper".
PAUL: bass - vegetarian/herbal genius, works for an auto parts distributor, can not eat or drive with a hooded sweatshirt on.
PHIL: drums - new member, has a mowhawk, is a hockey referee, likes to party in peoples farts.
2. Many bands are just the bands and the members, and don’t have any significant attachments to each other; how would you consider the relationships within GAMEFACE?
I can honestly say that Paul and Todd and myself have been through a lot together. We’ve done a lot of growing since we met back in 1990. We’re the best of friends we’ve got. There’s a lot invested in this band. I’m talking emotionally in addition to the 5+ years that we’ve been doing this. I wouldn’t be the same without them; not to leave Phil out. He’s definitely fit in great. It’s like he’s been there since the beginning. He understands our purpose.
3. How did GAMEFACE get together?
Todd and I met Paul and Bob at a show in Hollywood. We were all in crappy bands at the time. Todd and I wanted to do something new. Paul and Bob had the same idea. We got together and jammed. Our first practice was awesome. We came up with a couple songs and everything felt really good.
4. If you could describe your music and the feeling held within it, how would it be done from your own point of view?
For me, our music is really emotionally driven as far as writing lyrics. Musically, we all have different influences that work together well. I have a hard time defining GAMEFACE as a punk band but that what it seems to be in the surface. We try to write music that makes us feel good. I write songs about things only I know about but the best thing is that people usually see themselves in our songs. It seems that we paint a picture for ourselves, and people paint it for themselves. That’s the greatest thing about music. A lot of people have called us nostalgic. They’re right, things like movies and old songs give me goosebumps. That’s what I want to do for people.
5. How is it that GAMEFACE ended up on Dr. Strange Records from Network Sound? Was there any friction that caused the change?
We just felt like we deserved better. Dr. Strange has much better distribution. That’s what it all comes down to. We want as many people as possible to hear our music. I think it’s become a search for some people to find our first record. Network Sound wasn’t happy about it, but I know they understood that they couldn’t do what Dr. Strange could and already has done for us.
6. Individually, who and what would be your inspirations, both musically and emotionally? Are there any specifics and why?
That’s a broad question. For the band, the music inspires the music: or the fact that we’re capable of doing this thing called GAMEFACE inspires us to create the best GAMEFACE we can so it can inspire us to deep doing it. For us individually, it’s hard to speak for everyone, actually it’s hard to speak for myself... life, love, and change. Maybe I didn’t understand the question; if you’re looking for inspirational musicians, for me it’s Michael Stipe, Billy Corgan, Sting, Dave Grohl, Jawbreaker - the list goes on.
7. Do you have any personal feelings about so-called "selling out" and going to a major label? Do you ever see yourselves on a major label either with GAMEFACE or any other bands?
I’ve been asked this so many times. I really don’t have anything against manor labels although every situation is different. I think that there comes a time in a band’s career when it’s time to be on a major label. I don’t think GAMEFACE is in that position now, I don’t know if we ever will. I don’t think it’s out of the question. This is something that I’d like to talk about in person, as a conver-sation because there are so many sides to it. I don’t want to give any examples of bands because I don’t want to make any enemies. I respect anyone’s decision to do most anything. As far as "selling out," that term gets thrown around way too much. To me, "selling out" has to involve compromising your musical vision for money. Some of the many bands that are commonly accused of "selling out" don’t fall into that category as far as I’m concerned.
8. Individually are there any moral or personal issues that you feel strongly about and try to incorporate into your lives?
Not necessarily; I’m not really "preachy". We’re not about that. We don’t like mean people, though.
9. When writing songs and lyrics, does each person have a specific job, like one person only writes the lyrics, or does each member of the band contribute?
I usually take care of the lyric department. We all write music. It’s not really one guy; and even if one of us comes to practice with a new song, the others usually add new ideas as we go. So in the end the product has a little of each of us in it.
10. Is there any message you want to pass on that you feel you cannot portray in your music?
If anyone gets anything out of our music, I think we’ve done our job. I don’t wont to tell anyone what it is that they should get out of it.
11. Over the past few years GAMEFACE has gathered a big following here on the east coast; do you plan on touring out here sometime in the future; if so, when?
Glad you asked; we’ll be out there soon, I’ve enclosed our tour dates for March and April. We’ve waited a long time to play on the east coast. The song "A day in June" was written while in Richmond, VA, and knowing that all of our east coast dates were canceled back in 1993.
12. As a band does GAMEFACE have any specific future plans?
Individually?
GAMEFACE.
13. I suppose we’ll finish this off at number thirteen with asking if you have any closing comments or thanks that you want to write?
I want to say thanks for caring enough about our band enough to want to listen to me babble. Thanks for helping us know that we’re doing the right thing...
