Interview with Ali Nov. 25, 1999
FAST TIMES
Hmm, let me see. It's been several months since our interview, what has the band been up to?
Wow... reading that interview was like looking at something that came out of the time capsule. we really have morphed into something new over the last year. Matured? that's a matter of opinion.
I understand Matt left the band? Did you have any luck finding
another drummer?
Finally, yes! after three months of not being able to be a full time band, we finally adopted Steve as our new drummer. once again, the chain has no weak link. the best part of the story is that Steve was there from the start. He was one of the first people who supported us when he heard the demo. He had a lot to do with getting us on smorgasbord records. And to think that he was right under our noses all along!
Did you add another guitar player?
Nope. That whole concept falls under the category of things we've
changed our minds about. The four of us are happy with the status of things now.
How was the tour over in Europe?
Absolutely amazing. I don't even know where to start... perhaps these clips from other interviews I've done can give you an idea of what went on in may... "I live each day planning where I want to go next. Going on tour is the ultimate inspiration. It gives me a chance to step away from all of the bullshit that stresses me out daily, and on tour, I truly have time to reflect on myself. I realize a lot of
important things on the road, it's like I come home enlightened every time. on the plane to England, Jeff told us, "once you step on this plane, you'll never be the same again". He was right, my whole attitude, and outlook on life is changed in an indescribable way simply because we were given the opportunity to see the world.
Any memorable shows?
One day of double heading shows was amazing. we played a metal festival in Austria with DIO, Creator, Motorhead,The Misfits, Napalm Death (and about 20 other bands). I was worried that the crowd would be like "what the fuck are they doing here?". Especially because the band before us got that response, but when we started playing, a huge crowd streamed into the room and really got into us. That was a total challenge. We had so much fun --except for Matt, our old drummer, who was bitchy because he doesn't like metalheads. The rest of us had a blast, though. He was in a much better mood when hours later, we were in Hungary playing for 300 sincere, enthusiastic hardcore kids. That show in Hungary was the best of the tour. Something about the energy at that show put me in some sort of zone, and I just let it all go."
How did you get hooked up with the 7 Seconds tribute? Why did you
pick "Clenched Fists, Black Eyes"?
That was just another one of those opportunities that found its way into our path. Jeff from smorgasbord has a lot to do with promoting us in all parts of the world, so that comp is a result of that. Recording that song was really fun to do. It was hard to decide which song to do for the comp. I like clenched fists because that song is catchy as fuck, and the chorus kicks ass.
What are the current plans for Fast Times? Tour, recording, etc?
We just booked studio time for the first week in January, and let me tell you, its about time. We are way overdue for a new release, and when it comes out, you will see what I meant when I said we've changed a lot. But don't worry, we still do the
punk/early hardcore sound. we just do it tighter, and with more content now.
How was playing Woodstock 99?
Huh? We played woodstock 99? I guess I was so wasted that I don't even remember that
day... I'll have to watch MTV to get the details.
Anything else new in Fast Times land that you'd like to share or
that we should know?
Its a boy! (unless you were at the Halloween party) say hello to Steve Asbury our new addition. I'd pass out cigars, but....
