Don’t be fooled by their name–Buffalo, New York power-pop quartet Cute is What We Aim For are more than just a bunch of pretty faces. Their razor-sharp lyrics, addicitive hooks and shrewd Internet marketing won them a rabid following and paved the way for their debut, The Same Old Blood Rush with a New Touch. Singer Shaant stopped by mtvU’s Hot Seat to talk musical influences, the pleasures of reading and the perils of littering.
Q: Tell us about your craziest touring experience.
A: So the best part about this question is that about 20 minutes ago, I would’ve answered with, “I am not too sure to be honest. We are pretty relaxed on tour and don’t do too much other than play shows.” But I didn’t think that would cut it for this one…so I asked the guys and found out a pretty good one.
I was home and planned on flying to meet the band in Denver because I was with my family on the 4th of July. So the guys were driving there and they stopped in Kansas to get fireworks and do a little ‘celebrating.” The next thing they know they are arrested for littering. After the trip to the station and some pretty ‘promo stills’ they now know not to litter. Needless to say, I am glad I missed that little experience. Oh, and the best part is, I had no idea until I was doing this interview and realized how dull my life is that they were all arrested. So I asked the guys and they just responded with, “should we tell him now?” Ha ha.
Q: What type of college class would you most want to take and why?
A: There are a lot of classes I would’ve liked to take such as psychology and philosophy or business law. My reason is just because they all interest me and seem like they could just help me in my everyday grind.
Q: What city in America is the most fun to visit and why?
A: I would have to say Boston and / or Chicago, just because they are both such solid cities. Very clean and full of things to do.
Q: What’s some of the best advice you were ever given?
A: Read the press, do not live the press.
Q: What’s in heavy rotation in your mp3/CD player right now?
A: Boys Like Girls, The Sounds, Thom Yorke, Bob Dylan, David Melillo and All Time Low
Q: The last good book you read or TV show you’re addicted to.
A: Angels and Demons by Dan Brown. We don’t have much time to watch television when we are out on the road. Books are the way to roll.
Q: What’s the first concert you ever saw? How was it?
A: It was Elton John and Billy Joel. I was eight and it was in a stadium. It was surely something I will never forget. It just gave me this feeling that was such an impact on me, so much so that I remember it 11 years later. I think it was what gave me that constant itch to do something in music.
Q: What are three items you can’t live without on tour?
A: My Treo, my Mac and my iPod.
Q: Who are your major musical influences?
A: Bright Eyes, Fall Out Boy, Billy Joel, Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, Sting and so much more. I think diversity is such a vital thing to have in any realm. Keeping your options open is something that is just so vital.
Q: Any random messages or tips you’d like to give to mtvU watchers?
A: Just do what you do. Never sell yourself short. Anything is possible, just be ready to work for it.
