Fingers Crossed - Sound In The Signals Interview
First off thanks for the interview
Thanks for taking the time to ask me some questions!
For those who aren’t familiar with your band can you tell me how you guys got together and kind of the story behind the band?
Well Andrew and the two other founding members had decided to put a group together after graduating high school. Without a PA that was difficult so they asked to borrow mine (Zach) and after hanging out at “practice” enough times I had a job in the band as well. Andrew decided to be both the vocalist and guitar player so the quartet was formed. After the first big tour we did, the drummer and bassist parted ways saying they didn’t like being away from home, and then we found current drum Chad and bassist Jacob. They’re kids still but they rule and they are great musicians regardless. After losing half the original lineup Andrew and I began to take things more seriously and that progress is evident throughout our previous releases.
Your new album was produced by Stephen Egerton (of Descendents fame). What was it like working with him on the project and how did his style production work in the studio?
Last summer on tour we actually met up with Stephen and his family and ate with them in Tulsa, OK, at this sweet punk rock breakfast place. It was surreal. He loved our sound and was excited to work with us. We actually recorded at 226 studios in Houston with Paul Cox then did the mixing/mastering with Stephen who got our punk sound and funky guitar tones just right. He got us, we got him, it was great. He knew exactly what we wanted, and as a result we’ve actually been compared to The Descendents by people who didn’t have a clue that he had a hand in producing it. We got exactly what we were looking for out of Stephen, a major leap in production quality, the blessings of a major influence on our sound, and the added benefit of attracting fans of his to our music.
Your album it titled Dedos Crusados which translates to Fingers Crossed. Why did you guys decide on going with the Spanish version?
…worked for Minus The Bear, right?!?!.... (Pause for laughs). It was just a fun twist on self-titling our first real record while making it relatable to both the closing track “Welcome To Mexico” as well as the mass amounts of taqueria’s we eat at…daily.
To anyone who hasn’t heard your band what song of yours do you think is a good introduction to your band and why?
The intro track to Dedos Crusados, “These Kids Are Weird”, and track number 4 “Voice Of Reason”, I would say, are two prime examples of the fast paced and emotionally packed sound of our band. They’re both pretty catchy and lyrically relevant.
Recently one of your members, (Zach) Chad, kind of spoke out about online journalism and the way it works. It ruffled more than a few feathers from some people at fairly large websites. With all that was said where do you stand now about the whole situation?
Chad would be me, Zach. (I have two first names, Zach Chad… must be why I catch a lot of heat (Chad is actually our drummers name as well, don’t get confused folks. Hang in there.) ) I would have to say that after the whole public twitter/tumblr discussion that ensued, followed some more private emails that we exchanged with both Thomas Nassiff and Zack Zarrillo, I am more enlightened on how things work. I AM NOT SAYING I AGREE WITH HOW THEY WORK, but I have a better understanding of how the game is played. We’re all about working our asses off and gaining support based on our talent and charm. I still feel there is a conflict of interest between someone being BOTH a publicist AND a journalist AND a manager, but at least I see that they take precaution to not be completely unfair when wearing multiple hats.
What do you guys have planned for the remainder of 2013?
This summer we have a bunch of fun shows all over Texas lined up, ending the summer with a 2 week Midwest/NorthEast tour to promote Dedos Crusados. Also, we’ve been writing A LOT lately and have been talking with some other big producers about recording an EP that will be our best work yet. Only thing missing is someone to help us release it! We’ve released everything so far by ourselves; 3 different EP’s on CD, Cassette, and 7”, a 12” split with a Houston band, and have Dedos out on CD now while working hard to self release it on vinyl. If ANY small time (or big time) label/collective wants to help release a GREAT EP by a hard working punk band, they should get at us!
I guess that about wraps it up. Thanks for taking the time to answer the questions. Do you have any closing comments you’d like to make?
Give our band a chance, take the time to listen. If you like us, tell your friends about us and get in touch with us! We LOVE to hear from fans. If you listen and it’s not your cup of tea, then that’s completely fine. We sincerely appreciate you taking the time to make a judgement on your own and not just immediately give into “the next big band” that tumblr and music blogs tell you to buy a windbreaker from. –love always, xFingersXcrossedx
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