PP: When did A Better Tomorrow start?
JOHN: A.B.T. got together in mid-April, '99. A band called Drop Method got together in the mid-90’s and started to achieve some good local success. After attempting to record their 1st full-length release in early 99, the singer, James Lancaster, departed the band. The rest of the band, José and Brian (guitars), and Walt (bass) tried to keep the band going and auditioned many people. Walt eventually left the band. On April 2nd, James Lancaster was killed in a car wreck. About a week later, after much begging and pleading, Brian and José tried me out. James was always telling me we would do a side project together. When I went to play with these guys, I was really just trying to reconnect with a lost friend. To round out the lineup was a little wet-behind-the-ears straightedge 19 year old named Kevin attempting bass and a tattooed freak I went to school with named Jake Punzalon singing. Music started to flow.
PP: What was the reason for the change in the original lineup?
JOHN: The lineup change was because of Jake. He didn't like to front cash for the band and wanted to get all his money back if he did. If you’re in a band, you know there are some things you have to throw away your money on. He also wasn't a very good front man, singing with his hands in his pockets and afraid to talk to the crowd. When we started to talk about getting rid of him, he quit. He had dreams of being a great tattoo artist and we had dreams of playing music and know there's a lot of work to it, so we parted ways. Jake, by the way, is one of the best tattoo artists I've ever seen and he will be as huge as he wants. A little plug, go see Jake at the Eagle’s Nest in Norwich, CT for the best custom tattoo work! For a new singer, we went with Kevin for obvious reasons, that and he was already in the band. Finding a bass player was a little tougher, but in the end we got back with Walt because of his dynamic presence and proven ability to create a solid back line with the core of our band.
PP: What is your favorite venue to play instate?
JOHN: As I'm sure you've heard, a lot of people think the scene is going downhill, sometimes it's real tough to have good shows, even with huge lineups in this area. The El 'n' Gee used to be one of the best places, but the ownership has really run it into the ground and doesn't promote anything anymore. But thanks to Jamie (of Hatebreed), that club is starting to turn around. The Hanover House is pretty cool. Rick is a real cool guy; he tries to get us money and always buys us beers. And there's a dedicated group of kids that go to shows there [Aw, thanks John – Snap]. But I'd have to say that my favorite is the Mystic German Club in Mystic. Cause when we play there, we're the ones running the show. No promoters, managers, or club owners trying to take extra money or connections. Just us hooking up bands with shows that have hooked us up, and bands that we just wanted to play with cause they’re really good. And that, I think, is what the hardcore scene is about; doing something that means something to you and helping someone else while you do it.
PP: What is your favorite venue to play overall?
JOHN: Sometimes a venue is good cause it has an easy-to-play set- up. We played Keene State College in Keene, NH. Great venue cause the stage was huge, the sound was top notch, we had a backstage green-room, free towels, free food, free drinks, and free hotel rooms AND we got paid! Sometimes the club is kinda small and dumpy, but the show kicks ass cause of the people. Luna's Underground, Glens Falls, NY is a tiny place, you play in a tinier back room, and on Sundays (when they do shows there) they don't sell beer, which really sucks for some of us. But, there was a line of kids at the door almost an hour before the show, the place packed up to the gills, and from the moment we hit the first note (these kids never heard us before) they did not stop dancing for the whole set. Then they tell us "Welcome to your new home!" That shit makes you feel a strong unity with other people. Which brings me to my favorite so far; the PNA Club in Adams, Mass. It's a big polish club and the guy that runs the shows, Ed Baker from Slug Records, is the most professional cat we've dealt with. He pays, takes care of the bands, promotes, and brings in a huge crowd. They got a good stage, good sound, and awesome kids that really dance hard and don't stop. The best time and the best show we've ever had was there.
PP: Favorite song to play live?
JOHN: We have some new tunes that we really like to play, but I think the unanimous band favorite is Pledge Your Allegiance. One of the first songs we wrote, we still feel that it's one of our strongest and most energetic to play. If you've seen us, you know Walt sure loves to play it.
PP: Any advice you can give to bands who are just starting out?
JOHN: Energy, focus, drive, respect, and E-MAIL E-MAIL E-MAIL. For me, watching a band, energy sets a band apart from everyone else. I've seen bands that while I wouldn't listen to there CD, I was really impressed with their set and wanted to do shows with them. Ya got to be able to go into practice 2 or 3 times a week and focus on what needs to be done. Ya got to have drive! Play anywhere, even the smallest shows. Play anytime, first or last, don't complain. If you want shows, you need e-mail. Everything we've done and every contact we have for shows is from José sitting down in front of the computer and e-mailing dozens of people everyday. Most importantly, respect the bands you play with and the people that are watching you.
PP: What are your thoughts on the present-day Connecticut hardcore scene?
JOHN: I think the scene in CT is as strong as the people and bands in it. When I look around, I see a lot of pretenders and people just trying to get some "scene points", but there are also a lot of dedicated individuals and bands out there. You can tell them when you go to shows. The kids you see at every show dancing no matter who's playing, guys like (I wish I knew their names) the crew you see at Voice of Reason and Death Threat shows that go to all the other shows handing out flyers for all of Jamie's shows, Jamie booking tons of quality shows and giving the local acts shots with the big boys, Pedro (Lopes, One-Scene Productions) who does a whole lot to book for the local guys and find other places where kids want to see shows, the guys that run the local labels like John at Strikeforce, and the cats that put out comps of the local guys. Of course all the kick-ass bands: Death Threat, Groundzero, 100 Demons, Hamartia, Biartz, Scars Will Heal, Disowned, of course Hatebreed and so many more. I see the scene getting bigger and stronger. All we have to do is work together and work hard. Go to shows, book shows, help get bands on shows, buy the merch, and most importantly, SPREAD THE WORD!!
