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Hometown : Pittsburgh, PA
Hometown is best known for : Ketchup
Best thing about the music scene in your hometown : The Mr. Roboto Project
Most influential band to yourself that’s come out of your home town : Aus Rotten
Best up and coming band from your home town would be : Orgone (myspace.com/orgoneus)

THE BAND
What’s the story behind the band name?
The scene in Pittsburgh during the creation of the band was interesting to say the least. Many bands using their music as a vehicle to promote their nationalism. We were looking for punk rock to challenge these beliefs, challenge the status quo, our band name is a direct result of these times.

When did the band begin and how did it come about?
1996, 3 friends who didn't fit in with anybody except each other.

How would you describe your sound to the average Joe on the street?
Punk rock music with socially conscience lyrics.

What’s your current release? Tell us a little about it…
It comes out in (hopefully) the end of march early april, its called "The Bright Lights of America" its 12 songs and we believe it to be great.

What image do you think / hope your music conveys?
Hopefully it allows people to believe in themselves, and have hope for a world void of ignorance.

In five years time the band will be…
Singing songs with friends.

OFF THE STAGE
What was your first introduction to music that made you think seriously about playing it?
My uncle John playing classic rock songs. He is a great guitar player.

What was your first band name and what style did you play?
O.B.S (our band sucks) we played punk rock.

Tell us three albums you couldn’t live without in your collection
London Calling, Give Me Convenience or Give Me Death, Abbey Road.

Best piece of musical advice you’ve been given
Don't bore us. Get to the chorus.

Two groups/artists you’d love to take out on the road
Fake Problems, Gallows.

Favorite song of your group?
Shadow Of The Dead (its off the new record)

The thing you most look forward to just before a tour is
Practice and good times.

The thing you least look forward to before a tour is
Being away from home.

When your not doing band related stuff, what are you usually found doing?
Playing ice hockey, riding my bike.

ON THE STAGE / ROAD
What gear do you use?
A black bass, and a heavy amp

Favorite place (city/town/country) you’ve toured… and why?
Montreal Quebec, every time we play there its bigger and crazier than the last, that's all one could hope for.

The best show you’ve ever played was… and why?
Montreal Warped Tour. It started raining during our set, the steam coming off of us and the people at the show was crazy.

Who hogs the stereo in the van the most?
I do. The Beatles

After a week in the van/bus on tour which band member will have the messiest section, and what would we most likely find stashed there?
Justin, any and all allergy meds and vitamins. Its like a fuckin pharmacy.

Who in your group has the worst “bad habit” on tour, and what is it?
Pat and his vegan farts, they're pretty brutal.

Most embarrassing moment on tour?
Probably falling at the electric factory in Philadelphia PA, with less than jake.

Give us a good quick ‘on the road’ story, funny, embarrassing, memorable, whatever…
Forgetting justin in montreal, no money, no t-shirt or shoes, just a pair of board shorts on. We got all the way to toronto before we realized he was gone.

Your manager calls and says the venue you are about to play really wants to keep you happy, what’s the first thing you chuck on the rider?
Hummus and tortilla chips.

RIGHT NOW
What’s getting the most spins in your stereo right now?
Kanye West Graduation

Tell us a band or artist everyone should check out and why…
Orgone, the most technical metal you'll ever hear. Its an intense experience.

If you could change one thing about the music industry today, what would it be?
People would write songs that they like, not songs that they think other people will like.

As soon as I’ve finished answering these questions I’m about to…
Take a shower, and get ready for the rest of my life.