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Gasoline Heart are a band that knows how to presevere. After their record label, Mono vs. Stereo, shut down, they soldiered on, releasing What Now, which features six new songs and seven live songs. Their music is heartfelt and sincere, qualities of a band that wouldn't give up when the chips are down. This Email interview took place with singer/guitarist Louis James.
1. State something interesting about yourself.
I do not know if it is interesting or not, but i never wanted to be alead singer or a songwriter or anything. I've been playing in touringbands since i was 18, always as the bass player. I played with a band called Dear Ephesus and Tenderfoot, both indie rock kinda things that put out indie records-yada yada. Anyway, I loved playing bass and I enjoyed that role in those bands, but I ended up getting kicked out of both of those bands, so I figured if I'm gonna be in a band again, I don't want to get kicked out, so I might as well figure out how to write a song and learn how to sing. That way, I cant get booted. Thankfully, as a kid, I used to sing at the top of my lungs in the car to Pearl Jam's record Vitalogy, so basically thats how I learned how to sing. Also, I manage a Subway when im not on tour, and they chose me to be on one of their ads that ran all across the country. So, you may see me somehwere-ha ha.
2. How did you feel after your label shut down?
It was a bummer. We found out a week before we were supposed to go into the studio and make our record. Thank God actually, because we weren't prepared as a band to make a full one, so it was a blessing in disguise. I don't really have any opinion about them shutting down, honestly. I've been playing music for a long time, so its not like them going under is going to change anything about me or my bandmates.
3. What led you to release What Now yourselves?
Well, we got some money from the label when they shut down. We could have split it a few ways and pocketed some money, but instead we recorded as many songs as we could with the little bit of cash we had. We are a band and bands are supposed to make music and record music and try to get the music out to people. I didn't want to wait around for a year or so before we signed to another label to put out a new release, so we said "fuck it; pop it on itunes and lets press some cds."
4. How difficult a process has that been?
Not very difficult. I mean, we haven't sold alot of records cause we got no money to advertise, but uploading it on iTunes was pretty easy.
5. Is everyday band life different without a label? If so, how?
No, the band is the same. Its not like we got a bunch of money from the label anyway. It was cool to say you were on a label and have someone who could financially back you up. We did get dropped by our booking agent, so i guess that was a bummer, but we've got a great tour comming up with Murder by Death. A new label is about to happen and another new record this summer and guitar player named Erich Jackson. so everything is cool right now.
6. How confident are you about the songs on What Now?
I think the songs are good. I like them. I don't think they are our best, but I think any fan of the band will dig the tunes. I usually joke around and say the first record was miserably married and the new recording is miserably divorced. The new record is kind of like a companion record to You Know Who You Are, which was our first record. What Now is definately a little but more pissy and a little bit more aggrivated.
7. Whats a little known fact about Florida?
Florida actually is hot. Most people think that the weather is really mild, but its miserbly hot. Ha Ha Ha. But I bet everyone knows that. Mmmmmmmmmm... Florida. Oh, I know, we've got a great basketball team: the Orlando Magic. Other than that, I got nothing for ya.
8. (Finish this statement) Without your bandmates, you would be...
Without my bandmates I'd probally be alot more succesful.... just kidding, or maybe I'm not.
9. Final comments.
I love my band. It doesn't even feel like a band, honestly, it just feels
like old friends. No attitudes, no drama; its just really easy playing music with these guys. I dont think we are great, but we are pretty good, and there needs to be more good bands. Hopefully we are one of them. Well, I mean, I know we are on them-ha ha
Peace.
P.S. Artie Lange is my hero