They hail from Massachusetts, take their name from a Fast Times at Ridgemont High character and deliver rock with a crunch. mtvU put vocalist/guitarist in the Hot Seat to find out her thoughts on farming, Neil Gaiman and more.
Q: Tell us about your craziest touring experience.
A: There are lots of fun, crazy tour stories. The best time was in Japan with Sum41. We were complete barbarians. There was an entire japanese crew and we all traveled together so we also ate together. Dinner time was always exciting. In a Korean barbecue restaurant K2(crew member) starts sticking toothpicks in his face. So of course we all follow suite so now everyone has flaming toothpicks sticking out of their faces. This leads to the torching of each others pubic hair and so forth. At this point we own the restaurant. It has cleared out and reeks of torches pubes, and full of raucous laughter.
Q: What type of college class would you most want to take and why?
A: I would like to learn about any animal related feild. Agriculture or zoology or animal psychology or something. I’ve been thinking about living on a farm lately, but you may not have to go through four years of college for that. So maybe I would go to art school for textiles. Nothing too difficult.
Q: What city in America is the most fun to visit and why?
A: Los Angeles. I used to hate the place, but after spending some time there it definitelygrew on me. I enjoy the fun in the sun aspect. There’s always stuff going on, like New York, but the sunny weather is so uplifting. It’s a lot of fun there.
Q: What’s some of the best advice you were ever given?
A: You get the whole “live it up while you’re young” and “Enjoy it while it lasts” that’s all fine and good, but I already know this. The most inspiration I’ve got in the past 5 years was from the book “The Celestine Prophecy.” A friend told me about it years ago and my interest was mildly peaked. I forgot about it and 2 years later my grandmother passes away and the only book out of many that made it to my parents house from her apartment was that one. I read it and it was really good for me. It came to me when I needed it and the book is written about a prophecy that is a guide to finding your path in life by rolling with the coincidences and never questioning your initial instinct
Q: What’s in heavy rotation in your mp3/CD player right now?
A: New Dredg, Foo Fighters in your honor, Pink Floyd, Radio Head, Sly and The Family Stone, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers she’s the one, The Unicorns,…
Q: The last good book you read or TV show you’re addicted to.
A: I’ve always been addicted to the Simpsons but I haven’t had my fill in quite some time. Some good books are Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchet’s Good Omens, along with all Neil Gaiman especially the Sandman series I read recently-amazing. I just went through a Neil Gaiman phase, now I’m in the biographie, The Zodiac Killer and Grace Slick’s autobiography. Goodstuff.
Q: What’s the first concert you ever saw? How was it?
A: I went to see Steely Dan when I was 14 play at what once was Greatwoods. It was amazing. After that I saw Weezer and the Foo Fighters a million times and The Who was another great and memorable one.
Q: Who are your major musical influences?
A: The Beatles are number one and The Beach Boys. I also grew up listening to Dinosaur Jr. and Mirah, and a lot of poppy garage rock like Teenage Fanclub, Pavement and Sonic Youth. Also ambient synth rock-Radiohead, The Elevator Drops, The Swirlies. Soul-Al Green, The Spinners, The Emotions, and Soft Rock like Christopher Cross, Todd Rundgren. Of course the Straight up rock-Sabbath, Montley Crue, Zepplin… To be honest I listen to a lot of music but I’m more influenced by people around me like my Friends and fellow musicians.
Q: Any random messages or tips you’d like to give to mtvU watchers?
A: We aim to please… we want to be a tool for you to use daily as a little spice or a mood enhancer. A positive stimulant.
