-Who or what inspired you to play guitar?
When I was a kid I loved Jimi Hendrix and Aersomith (still do) - so i
guess those guys made me want to start, and I think it was Billy
Corgan and the Smashing Pumpkins that really made me want to take it
to the next level and start writing songs and be in a serious rock
band.
-Was there anything in particular that you wanted to do when you
grew up, something you wouldn't be doing if you weren't in Powerspace?
Or would you still be playing guitar?
The only other occupation I really considered was to be an English
professor, which is what I focused on in the few years I was at
college. I love literary theory, aesthetics, and English studies to
this day so who knows, maybe I'll return to it in time.
-How did you meet the other guys in the band?
In high school, Dan McMahon (Powerspace's original bass player) and I
were in a hilarious jamband called Toastface. We would play these
weird suburban psychedelic shows to a bunch of drugged out dancing
hippies, it was great. Tom played with us a few times, so I knew him
too. I met Kevin through them in college, and Alec was actually my
doggy in a former life.
-Was there any band, artists or song in particular that inspired
you to get into music?
The Beatles, the Smashing Pumpkins, and probably Pink Floyd were the
ones that made me say "yeah! I want to do this!" But I think a lot of
it was just playing in different bands as a kid- I loved it way more
than doing homework or going to football games like the other kids.
-Which do you prefer more, touring or recording
After a while of one, you need the other! But if I had to choose I
would say touring because you're constantly meeting people, seeing
different places, and you have a schedule to keep you motivated. All
of the long hours spent writing and arranging the songs totally pay
off when you can rock them at 100 decibels! Plus I think wild,
eccentric behavior is encouraged a bit more on the road, its a lot of
fun.
-What band would you like to tour with that you haven't yet?
As far as "dream tours" go, I'd say KISS, Aerosmith, something like
that. The other guys in the band showed me some of those Academy Is
short films, and those guys seem like they'd be fun and I like their
music too.
-What is one thing that you think sets Powerspace apart from other bands?
Well, you have to keep in mind that the new version of Powerspace is
very different from the Powerspace you hear on "the Kicks of Passion".
Its much more guitar driven, wild rock n roll. There are no "dance
tendencies" anymore. Its a different lineup, and a different
philosophy. One thing that will set this next record apart from the
rest is the dual guitar attack, extremely high virtuosic singing, and
an obsession with timeless-rock-radio songwriting. You'll like it!
-If you could live the life of another artist, who would it be and why?
I really have no idea- weird thing to think about. Maybe Bob Dylan?
Keith Richards? Ace Frehley? I like the guys with really long and
interesting careers with huge cliffs and valleys, but coupled with a
sense of humor to not take things way too serious.
-If you could choose one thing about yourself to improve on, what would it be? Sheesh where do I start? I suppose overall I'd like to be kinder and more giving. A bunch of sad stuff happened recently to my family, but it makes me realize that as corny as it sounds, we need more kindness in the world! Just help each other out, help out your folks, they wont be around forever.
-What is your favorite thing about being a musician?
Well its a profession that encourages controversy, mischief, and
mystery! Rock n Roll is a crazy thing, y'know? Its not quite the same
thing as playing the bassoon in an orchestra, although I'm sure they
throw down on occasion too! There's nothing like a loud, sloppy,
blistering rock show, and to be on the stage every night, sweating it
out, its a real privilege!
-If you could offer any words of advice to inspiring musicians,
what would they be?
It depends on what you want out of music! Overall, be authentic, and
practice your heart out! If you want your band to be your livelihood,
theres a lot of weird stuff you'll have to do haha. You can't accept
anything that isnt the best! Listen to your favorite bands and study
them the way you'd have to study some ultra serious scholarly article
in school. Dissect music, become obsessed with the way songs work,
make what you want to happen, happen.
Thanks to Max for taking the time to do this Q&A for us!