Think crunk is the only big and bold music coming out of the South these days? Just check out the huge guitar hooks and soaring vocals of Atlanta rock group Cartel. Singer Will Pugh recently took time out from touring behind the band’s debut, Chroma, to hit mtvU’s Hot Seat and talk about trailer trouble, avoiding work and his secret taste in reading.
Q: Tell us about your craziest touring experience.
A: Craziest experience is by far when we were driving back from LA to Atlanta and our suspension on our trailer gave out and the trailer was resting on the axle. It was ridiculous. We had to pull over and unload the trailer on the highway and put the equipment in the van with us and squeeze together for the last 500 miles or so. Insane.
Q: What type of college class would you most want to take and why?
A: I’d like to take a class on anthropology. The reason why cultures develop and where all of the communities in the world come from is a big interest to me. Expanding my world view is a good idea I think and I’ve seen this country, so learning about the others I’ll travel to is a pretty sweet venture, I think.
Q: What city in America is the most fun to visit and why?
A: NYC is pretty sweet to me. Being in a city where so many things are that concentrated is so much fun every time.
Q: What’s some of the best advice you were ever given?
A: My dad told me that as long as you love what you do you’ll never work a day in your life. I lucked out in actually being able to pull off my dream. It’s unreal.
Q: What’s in heavy rotation in your mp3/CD player right now?
A: I’ve actually been listening to a lot of Mew. I’m a new convert and I’m liking it.
Q: The last good book you read or TV show you’re addicted to?
A: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Don’t ask questions.
Q: What’s the first concert you ever saw and how was it?
A: New Found Glory, Saves The Day, and Piebald….. NFG opening. It was awesome. 50 kids there. A year later NFG was playing the amphitheatre. Probably the reason I wanted to be in a band.
Q: What are three items you can’t live without on tour?
A: iPod, car charger for cellphone, and socks.
Q: Who are your major musical influences?
A: Brian Wilson.
Q: Any random messages or tips you’d like to give to mtvU watchers?
A: Always have your I.D. ready for inspection. Never travel with things that rhyme with Tijuana, and always have fun with your friends because you never know when you won’t see them for a while.
