PP: When did Flat Earth Society form?
SCOTT: The actual forming of the band was in January of ‘98. We've been thru a handful of members since the beginning. The current lineup has been solid for 6 months now. Current members include, Walter (guitar) formerly of Inhuman, Shawn (bass) formerly of Against The Grain, Jacek (drums) pronounced Yah-sick, and filling in, Mark (guitar) who also plays in Implode.
PP: Has the band's sound changed much since its inception?
SCOTT: When the band first formed we were looking to break away from the typical mold of NJ punk. 3 of us split from another band to form F.E.S. The early writing and sound was very erratic. We were mixing goofy punk songs with drop dead serious songs about life. But soon after we had some division in the band and the few of us that remained became more focused. So we started on the path that we're on now. I do however think that we're always evolving as writers and musicians. Getting better, I hope.
PP: I saw you guys at One Scene Fest. You played after a bunch of really aggressive bands, yet got the crowd skankin’ and singing Teenager In Love. Is this a normal occurrence for the band?
SCOTT: Normal? Well, if I had my way it would be. It's tough sometimes. You never really know how the crowd is going to react when you play. We play a lot of 21 and over shows and those people stare at you like you’re killing puppies on stage. Yet, you get in front of an all ages crowd and you can almost bet they're gonna have fun. I was really surprised at the crowd in CT. Most of the bands were pretty heavy, some even death metal like. But the people who were there were totally open minded. They gave us a chance to show them what we got, they responded great, and we all had fun. The most amazing thing to me is, how do people of all ages, all different backgrounds, all different parts of the country, know the words to "Teenager In Love"? Were we all forced to listen to the oldies station in dad's car growing up?
PP: What's the biggest inspiration on your lyric writing?
SCOTT: Spreading knowledge! A lot of people go through life believing what they're told and they never question it. I personally am a vegetarian. I can't tell you how many times I've heard, "I don't want to know where the food comes from, it tastes good." I might bring up the horrible conditions that their "food" lived in before being slaughtered and the response usually is "I don't want to think about it." I try to plant the seed that might intrigue someone enough to maybe read a book or simply skim through a pamphlet. I think educating ourselves about everything we feel and believe could do us all good. I find religion acting like big business, insulting and sickening. Yet millions of people shovel out their hard earned money every day. Or they treat a marble statue in front of a church better than they would their neighbor, or most of the time, their own family. I feel that if you don't take advantage of the power you have being a singer, or even writing lyrics, you’re making a mistake. Look how many kids out there wear that stupid red Limp Bizkit hat. Now imagine when they read your words how you might affect their perception. The potential power of what you write is pretty scary. But then again, it's also a great way to convey a message, if that's what you’re aiming to do. I am.
PP: What's your favorite venue to play in Connecticut?
SCOTT: We haven't played too many places yet. The skate park in Bristol and Hanover House were both great.
PP: Is anyone in the band straightedge?
SCOTT: The only guy would be our guitarist Mark. But he's only filling in until we find a permanent guitarist. So I guess without him we're the typical drunken rowdy bunch of punk rockers!! OK, maybe not. The band is a bunch of guys who think independently but act as one when it comes to music. We're not opposed to straightedge. But none of us really follow it either.
PP: Being a fellow dread-head, I gotta ask, how long you been growing those beauties?
SCOTT: Let me first say thank you for the compliment! I think it's been about 2 years now. Boy, had I known it was gonna be this much work… I guess when we all start growing dreads we have this vision of us becoming the next Bob Marley. Well, I'm a shrimpy ass white boy, and damn it's a lot of work! But, I guess that's the price you pay to look like a rock star huh?
PP: Finally, anything you'd like to plug?
SCOTT: Yes! Go to WWW.FLATEARTHSOCIETY.COM. Sign the guest book, read the lyrics, and for God sakes Please buy a CD. We, like every struggling band needs your support. You can also get it mail order for $6 post paid. Cash, check, MO, whatever! Flat Earth Society, 43 east Clinton Ave, Tenafly, NJ 07670 And if I might leave you all with a few words of wisdom. Think for yourselves! Be open mined! There's too much division in the scene today. Showing up just to see your friend’s band and spending the rest of the time outside will do nothing but hurt the scene. Just because a band isn't on a label doesn't mean they suck and aren't worth your time. And please, stop going to places like Hot Topic and buying the same over priced Op Ivy hoody that your friend has, and proclaiming yourself an individual. Buy a CD from a band at a show, go to shows even if you don't know any of the bands. You might be surprised!
