John: First up, the usual nonsense: Who�s in the band, how long you�ve been together, and how�d you form?
Jim: The band is: Jim Healey � guitars, vocals; Russ Boudreau � bass; Scott Healey � drums
We got together in 1998. Scott is my brother, and Russ is our cousin. I had played bass in a bunch of other Boston bands over the years, and started playing with Russ and Scott on the side for fun. We decided that the three of us playing was more fulfilling than my other bands, so I quit playing bass, and here we are. It can be hell playing in a band with family, but I assure you it�s the most fun I have ever had in a band.
John: How�s the follow up to Go to Hell coming along?
Jim: We are just about finished. It�s 12 songs long and called The Wreck of the Minot. It will be out on Underdogma in the beginning of 2005. It is a more cohesive piece than Go To Hell, and I think it is our best shit to date.
John: Speaking of that Underdogma release, are you happy with the final results and how the record was received?
Jim: We are really happy. Go To Hell was kicking around for a while before Underdogma re-released it in January of 2004. I think the album flows pretty well, in spite of the fact that is was patch work of a bunch of sessions and EP�s that we had already released locally. Underdogma really made it happen as far as giving us a chance to get those songs out there outside of Boston, and the reaction has been really good. I mean, we even got a great review in Metal Maniacs! (Thanks Keith!)
John: You guys are making a name for yourselves in the Boston area. How would you describe Boston�s musical climate? Is it tough getting gigs at the local clubs and promoting them?
Jim: There are a lot of good bands in Boston, but not nearly enough places to play. Ten years ago, there were a ton more clubs, and it seemed that almost everyone liked to go see live music. Now there are fewer clubs, and less people going out, but those who do go out are much more hardcore about music.
It�s really not that tough getting shows around town. Most of the shows we do are with bands that we know and like, so there always seems to be an opportunity to play. Promo is usually as simple and handouts, flyers and our mailing list. There is a girl in town named Honah Lee who makes up monthly cheat sheets for shows, so that helps too.
John: Any acts (local or otherwise) that you particularly enjoy playing with?
Jim: Locally, I would have to say Lamont, Bury The Needle, Fast Actin�s Fuses, Cock n� Loaded, and Ichabod. We are friends will all of those guys, as well as fans of their music, so shows with any of them always kick ass. As far as bands out side of Boston, I would say ATP, Greatdayforup, and 16.
John: What would you like to see different about the Boston scene?
Jim: I guess it would be good to see more young folks give a shit about live music. Most people are spoon fed the bullshit played on radio and MTV, and don�t bother taking that extra step to find a band that they might like that is just under the radar. A lot of clubs in town haven�t helped either. Over the years, they have shifted from rock to dance and Euro trash nights. It�s all about raking in the dough. The rock scene has started to combat this by getting more grassroots about shows (BBQ�s, parties, VFW shows, etc.) and I think that is the way to go. Keep playing the clubs that will have you and make new places to play.
John: You played this year�s SHoD festival � care to describe how it went for you guys?
Jim: We were happy as pigs in shit to play the Nyabinghi and ShoD. Our first taste of the Nyabinghi was when went to Emissions with all of gear in May with the hopes of playing if a band had to cancel. Needless to say, it didn�t pan out, but we were fucking floored by the whole experience. The sound in that club is fucking CRUSHING.
SHoD was a great place to get our music out to people who might not have otherwise seen us. We played first on Sunday, and a decent amount of people made it out for it being so early. It�s just a great vibe playing with a bunch of great bands and hanging with cool ass people. Not to mention the 24oz. PBR�s. Man, did we get fucked up.
John: You also played the Kennefit down in NYC. What was your take on that?
Jim: It was fucking great. I am glad we were able to pitch in. I am sure it was no easy task for Matt, but he did a hell of a job. The whole community of people we have met from Emissions, ShoD, and SR.com are stand up folks.
The Pyramid was a cool place to play. A bunch of new people got to check us out, we saw some bands we hadn�t seen before, and got drunk in NYC. Hell of a weekend.
John: Any other highlights from this past year?
Jim: First and foremost, signing with Underdogma. The fact that they gave us a shot means a lot to us. Carlton and Grant are the best. Playing with ATP at the Middle East was bad ass. Super cool guys, hope to do it again. 2004 was just a great all around year for us. Hopefully with the new CD and some touring, we will top it in 2005.
John: Name your five desert island discs, the ones you couldn�t live without.
Jim: Soundgarden � Badmotorfinger
Led Zeppelin � Physical Graffiti
Only Living Witness � Prone Mortal Form
U2 � Achtung Baby
Refused � The Shape of Punk to Come
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