OK Paul, so it has been awhile since we talked to you for the site. The Quakes have added two new members and released a new CD entitled "Negative Charge" Tell us first about the two new members of the Quakes and how they came to be in the band.

Kenny Hill on bass joined the band in 2007 and Juan Carlos on drums joined about 6 months later.They would be a fine addition to any organization:-)

 

When I listen to Negative Charge, I get a sense of isolation with songs like "Seven Seas Alone" or even "Spirit of the Cat" as others have moved on from this genre, while the Quakes have soldiered on. Was that the intent with the writing of these songs?

 

No- Seven Seas is just a good old fashioned rockabilly pirate song. An ode to the songs I have listed in the booklet.

 

Spirit is about people who seemed to be really into the music as youths, but when they get older they turn into the kind of typical asshole that they rebelled against in the first place. “Remember-the spirit of the cat!”

 

The band has seemed pretty active lately. You've done a West Coast tour, just came back (by the time this gets published you will be back) from the East Coast and are heading to Europe in May. How have all the shows been going across country and foreign shows and has anything changed any in the few years since" Psyops" came out.

 

There are more and more fans especially in LA. We are not on a big record label and have no promotion budget so I think its just word of mouth. People usually get involved with this scene through the “gateway” bands such as the ones on Hellcat. Soon after if they are really interested in psychobilly, they start to explore and they find bands like us(hiding under our rock:-)

 

There were some pretty big shows played in Hollywood and nearby over the last year. First was at Safari Sam's last summer, opening for Tiger Army on Halloween at the Grove in Anaheim, CA. and then again in Hollywood on Valentine's Day with Mad Dog Cole opening. Have you noticed the shows getting bigger, especially here in Southern California?

 

Yes, the scene is alive and well. I wish that someone would have a hit song or get some real exposure.It would really help the scene.

 

With a new record out, what are the plans for the Quakes as far as touring again. I know you have said previously you didn't want to take the band out on a full scale tour across the U.S. again. So are you going to do separate mini tours along the coasts as time and money permits or are you ready to head across the country again on a longer tour?

 

I think that breaking the tours up into regions makes sense for us-Since this is not how we make a living, you have to take into account all the schedules of the band members which can be a hindrance when you are trying to make a push but thats the reality.You also have to be ok with going into a tour knowing that you might not make any money when its done because of expenses etc.

 

What has the response to the "Negative Charge" been that you have seen?

 

It has been good but to be honest I think that I can do better.This is the typical artist thing where you are never ‘satisfied”. I really appreciate all the great messages we have got from fans about the new album.

 

The general response that I have seen is that this is a fantastic release. What do you think about that and how have the new songs panned out in front of a live crowd?

 

We have not been playing the new songs yet. We have been playing Seven Seas Alone and for the east coast tour we will try to do some others.We haven't had time to “learn” the new ones. As you know Kenny lives in San Diego and our practice time is limited. Usually you have to sort of transpose a song from the CD to a live performance and not all of the songs work live or fit into the set.When your set is only an hour you are limited. The fans want to hear all the ones the expect to hear and there is not many places for new ones- you have to leave songs out.

 

Always good talking to you Paul. Any last words?

 

Thanks for your support- you are really doing the WORK and keeping the scene alive- you ARE the scene!