WCWZ: Tell
us the most current and saddest news with band members in the
John Brown Battery "jinxed" plague?
Paul: The newest
news is that Brett is leaving the band to go and finish school.
He's moving to Iowa. I'm really sad about the whole thing, but
he has to do what is best for him. I wish him luck.
Brett: It's probably
the most difficult decision I've ever made and it's always on
my mind. I can't stop thinking about it. Sometimes you just have
to do what's good for you...and I'm trying to convince myself
that this is good for me but it's not easy. We also have a 7"
coming out in a few weeks.
WCWZ: Has
the band decided to keep playing even though Brett will be gone?
If so, what made you decide to keep going?
Paul: This band
is the most important thing in my life. These guys and all the
friends we've made are now family to me. I love it. Everyone involved
with this band one way or another, be it friends, people doing
shows, putting out records, or just coming to the shows makes
this band what it is. And I don't want to give that up.
WCWZ: John
Brown Battery is one of the few bands that actual all live together,
what benefits, beside the obvious, does this have on the band?
Paul: You'd think
we'd practice a lot more than we do. We all hang out all the time.
We fight like brothers do, nothing serious of course. It's cool.
Brett: We all
get along really well. I think most people think we're crazy for
living, playing, and touring together but I think it makes all
of these things easier. We're kinda like brothers.
WCWZ: Name
some of the past bands that you were in that led to the creation
of the battery.
Paul: I was in
the Dynamites with Nick and Matt. That band broke up and we got
Brett to start playing bass. And from there you get to where we
are now. I also was in the most rocking powerhouse of a band called
Safety Keg. Man, those were the days. We had it all.
Brett: The Neumans.
WCWZ: What
keeps you playing in a band? Do you ever feel any pressure with
maturity and still being in a band?
Brett: I think
maturity can only make a band better.
Paul: Making
music is what I love doing and making music with these guys is
just the best.
WCWZ: How
does John Brown Battery judge success when viewing the band?
Paul: Just having
people call us and wanting us to play makes me feel good or getting
really nice letters from people. Cool people that put out our
records rock.
WCWZ: Being
on over 3 US tours JBB has been around the US many of times, what
were some of your favorite cities?
Paul: There were
so many nice places. Grand Rapids, MI is always a blast with our
friends in Hunter Rose and With Arms Still Empty who are some
of the coolest and nicest people in the world. Milwaukee is great
too, kinda like a second home with Seven Days of Samsara and Since
By Man living up there. I also really like Maple Shade, NJ. Up
Up Down Down always are so nice to us out there.
Brett: Grand
Rapids, MI is a great town and the kids are awesome. Greenville,
NC is a lot of fun. Mil-rock-me.
WCWZ: What
records do you have out know and what releases are on the way?
Paul: We have
a full length CD on He Who Corrupts and a seven-inch coming out
on The World Won't Listen Records. We have a song on the Sinister
comp. Hopefully some more stuff soon when we get a new bass player.
WCWZ: What
does the band hope to accomplish in the future?
Paul: I
just want to keep playing and getting to tour and see all of the
friends we've made all over. I have been having such a blast in
this band. We've made so many cool friends along the way. I'd
also like to put out some more records. I'd like to get a big
dog. And I'd like to have a big party with all my friends. With
a pool and some fun stuff.
Brett: I hope
Paul, Nick, and Matt will take over the world with or without
me. They're my best friends and I'm going to miss the shit out
of them. I know they'll continue to write to great music.
for more info on John Brown Battery please visit:
http: www.johnbrownbattery.com
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