The Channels - Interview
with Chris
Here's an interview with Chris of The Channels. Thank you Chris!
Question:
"Names of the members of the band and instruments they play?"
Answer:
"Luke Anderson - Drums; JBiz - Bass, vocals; Chris Koza - Vocals, Guitar; Peter
Sieve- Guitar, vocals."
Question:
"How did the band get its name?"
Answer:
"I don't know. We used to be called Katnapping. Now we are called
the Channels. That is all I'm legally allowed to say."
Question:
"How long have these people made up the band?"
Answer:
"About four years."
Question:
"Album(s) the band has released and the year(s) they were released?"
Answer:
"1999 - Drowning in a Cola Sea
2001 - Broadcast Day
2002 - The Channels EP"
Question:
"Where can people find out more about your band?"
Answer:
"http://www.thechannels.net"
Question:
"Where’s your favorite place to perform and why?"
Answer:
"400bar. It has a nice atmosphere, great owner and bartenders, great sound
guys, and hipster employees that'll kick your ass at 'Mr. Fantastic'."
Question:
"What’s your favorite thing about entertaining?"
Answer:
"Driving really far to play at places where there are no people."
Question:
"What’s your least favorite thing about entertaining?"
Answer:
"When its three o'clock in the morning, you've had a couple beers,
everything smells like a bingo hall, and your alarm clock is going to ring in 4
hours so you can go to your day job. And you still have a truckload of
gear to unload in the icy Minnesotan winter."
Question:
"What’s your most memorable moment on stage?"
Answer:
"Bad memory is when I tried to break dance during a musical interlude. It
was one of our early shows. We're always searching for things, ideas, and
inspirations to help refine our musical identity, and for better or worse, may
now safely cross break dancing band, from the list.
Another time is when we played the 7th street entry, and Pete's
guitar strings kept breaking. We had to cover it up with banter, and a
solo rendition of a country-ish tune called 'Hash Browns'.
Good memory is when my parents saw my band play for the first and only time.
They live in Portland, and were visiting Minneapolis for a week. I could
barely get through the first couple songs."
Question:
"What’s your most memorable moment off stage, music related?"
Answer:
"I can't think of one that really comes to mind above the rest. I saw
Stomp once, a few years ago in Portland, OR, and to this day, its one of the top
five shows I've been to. AS far as music goes... also back in
Portland, some former band mates from the legendary groups, Yellow Five (Randy
Bemrose, Christian Grewell, Ron Erickson), and the Bone Daddies (Josh Hodges,
Vincent Caruso), used to troupe around Uptown 23rd and 21st ave, hauling
equipment around, and performing for people on the street. We pretty much
only played one of two or three songs, but usually would each take home a little
ching.
One time, we played a song for Alan Thicke. Josh didn't know who he was, but
said to him: "Hey, you look kind of familiar." Thicke,
ever the quick-witted, responded: "well, I've been sitting here all
night." He gave us $10, and we were satisfied."
Question:
"Is there anything that your fans don’t know about the band that you think they
should?"
Answer:
"Maybe a little bit about what I believe are maddening skills of the
other Channels. Justin Blair (JBiz) is a phenomenal musician. He
kicks ass at whatever you want him to play. He's played drums since he was
old enough to stand. Guitar? The kid can jam - anything from smooth
jazz, to cheesy, sometimes really cheesy 80's porn riffs, to Skynard, Van Halen,
and Stevie Ray Vaughn. You know what he does on bass. sick.
but you probably didn't
know he's got a smooth R&B voice that pretty solid. Luke drives himself
crazy thinking about music, and as an artist, is always
trying to progress his craft. He is technically A+, and stylisticly
interesting. And he has a nice falsetto voice that he doesn't share
with many people. Luke is also a visual artist, producing works from
ceramics, metal casting, and painting. Pete has the ability to understand
nearly any melodic guitar line within minutes of hearing it, and playing it back
proficiently. His knowledge of
musical gear suffocates me, as does his drive to do whatever it takes to improve
as a band. Anyone would be very lucky to play with these guys."
Question:
"Is there anything that you want to say to your fans?"
Answer:
"Thanks for being so supportive, and telling your friends about the
music. I truely appreciate everyone- those who has come to check out a show,
and the amazing people who have been to several of them. Keep checking the
website for new music, live mp3's, and other stuff."
Question:
"Is there anything that you want to add?"
Answer:
"Not at the moment..."