Mixing rap, rock, R&B, funk, pop and just about anything else, Gym Class Heroes have a sound that is based in hip-hop but explodes with live instrumentation and a zeal for anything that tickles their fancy. The Geneva, N.Y., group’s origins lie in, go figure, high school gym class, where frontman Travis McCoy met drummer Matt McGinley. The addition of guitarist Disashi Lumumba-Kasongo and bassist Eric Roberts completed the group, which has developed its sound through incessant touring. With the summer’s Warped Tour behind them and their second full-length, “As Cruel As School Children,” burning up hipster headphones, Travis parked his butt in the mtvU Hot Seat to answer our burning questions.
Q: Tell us about your craziest touring experience.
A: I would have to say totaling our van in New Mexico was my craziest. It happened so fast and so slow at the same time, it was hard to grasp hold of what exactly had happened. What actually did happen was our merch guy fell asleep at the wheel doing 80mph; needless to say, we’re grateful to be alive and lively.
Q: What type of college class would you most want to take and why?
A: None, I’m not really a school dude, I don’t really do well with instruction. I’m more of a “back of the box” guy. On second thought, if I really had to, though, I’d probably enroll in some Japanese courses, I’ve always been intrigued by Japanese culture and would love to learn the language.
Q: What city in America is the most fun to visit and why?
A: Personally, I love Denver, Colorado. There’s just something about that city that gets me every time. Not to mention the fact that you can get wasted really easily due to the altitude. It’s amazing. I have a lot of friends there as well.
Q: What’s some of the best advice you were ever given?
A: My dad always stressed how important it was to keep a clean bedroom. Your bedroom is a reflection of who you are as a person. If your s— is a mess, its saying something about you. If you don’t give a f—, none of your peers will either. What I mean by that is, if you have garbage all over the place, your company won’t think twice about leaving there garbage all over the place as well, got it!?!?! Now, go clean YOUR room.
Q: What’s in heavy rotation in your mp3/CD player right now?
A: I’ve been infatuated by this girl named Lily Allen lately, its this girl from the U.K. that writes really catchy songs about her ex-boyfriends, her production has a dope reggae feel to it, she’s also really cute. I’m also really into the new OutKast record. A lot of people are hating on it, I think its brilliant. Another page in the Outkast Holy Testament. CHEERS!!
Q: The last good book you read or TV show you’re addicted to.
A: The last good book I read was “Tommy Land” by Tommy Lee. I was kind of apprehensive about it at first but after the first chapter I was hooked. I’m also hooked on “Prison Break.” That show keeps you on your toes, makes you wanna keep your wit game up, so you can always be one step ahead of “the man.”
Q: What’s the first concert you ever saw? How was it?
A: My very first concert was Milli Vanilli. It was amazing. They came out dressed as ninjas and did this whole routine. It was incredible. Who cares if they weren’t singing? To this day it’s one of my favorite childhood memories.
Q: What are three items you can’t live without on tour?
A: Sidekick 3, The Boondocks season one DVDs and Lovespell from Victoria’s Secret.
Q: Who are your major musical influences?
A: Hall and Oates.
Q: Any random messages or tips you’d like to give to mtvU watchers?
A: EUGENE MONTROSS IS COMIN’!
