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Tell me this isn't a bummer: I sent this interview to LaGrecia drummer Dana Berkowitz the day before their breakup was announced. As sad as that is, I'm still super stoked to hear their posthumous All Parallels, which will be coming out on June 24 via Suburban Home Records. This is your basic band interview, a quick enjoyable read which shows Berkowitz's love of pairs.
1. State something interesting about yourself.
In 8th and 9th grade I won 1st place in the lip sync contest at school. Pretty awesome!
2. Did you feel any pressure with the immediate hype that surrounded your band?
No, Jason and I had been friends since we were 18. To me it was just 2 friends (and then 3 friends after Sal joined), playing music and having fun.
3. How did you decide what style of music you would be playing?
Jason had a bunch of songs already written and we collaborated on those. He originally approached me to play drums on his solo project, but then it turned into LaGrecia. We just went from there.
4. Describe and/or sell your band to people that may not have heard you yet.
LaGrecia is a poppy-rock band with catchy beats and lots of parts to sing along with. If you love dancing, hand-claps and fun, then you’ll love LaGrecia!
5. Punk rock is a category that LaGrecia will most likely be lumped into. Do you consider LaGrecia a punk rock band? Why or why not.
No, I do not consider LaGrecia a punk band. We all come from a variety of musical backgrounds and combined I think it is more of a pop-rock vibe.
6. What are your plans after On Parallels?
I am currently looking for a job as an art teacher. I recently got my masters degree in art education. As far as music, I have no serious projects as of right now, but there are ideas in the works.
7. What's been the biggest challenge LaGrecia has faced thus far?
Our untimely break-up ranks number one for me.
8. What expectations do you have for On Parallels?
I hope it’s a record people will like and relate to. Since we are no longer a band it’s hard to say what I expect. I’m only happy the record will be released. Thank you Suburban Home Records! We all spent so much time and energy on recording and writing music and I am proud of the record no matter what.
9. What's a little known fact about Brooklyn?
I’ll give you two.
1. Everyone living in Greenpoint is paying way too much in rent to be living on top of an oil spill. Check it out at www.greenpointoilspill.com
2. The 21st season of the Real World MTV is about to begin filming in Brooklyn this summer.
10. What's one movie everyone should see?
I’ll give you two.
1) “Once” is a really amazing movie. It is about the love of music.
2) “Live Free or Die Hard” Bruce Willis is so bad-ass!
11. Name one album, besides your own, that everyone should have in their collection.
I’ll give you two.
1) Afghan Whigs Gentleman It’s one of my favorite records. Greg Dulli is awesome at all he does.
2) Quicksand Slip That record is timeless and the drums are amazing.
12. What is the overall mission/goal for LaGrecia?
To release an awesome record and hope our fans and friends will support us.
13. Anything else (if any) that you would like to say.
Sal created all the artwork for the record and it is so kick-ass. He’s such a talented artist and great person all around.