Less Than Jake: My Music Escape Interview
Less Than Jake’s album “In With The Out Crowd” features a lyrical quote from the song “Overrated (Everything Is).” Less Than Jake is an American punk band from Gainesville, Florida, formed in 1992.
“I think sex is overrated, and so are always getting wasted, designer drugs and dead-end jobs, and classic rock is so outdated. I’m so sick of therapy and all the things it’s done to me. How can I be satisfied? When everything is overrated.”
Check out the Less Than Jake site for more intros, songs, tours, and good old banter!
Chris DeMakes sings and plays guitar, Roger Lima sings and plays bass, Vinnie Fiorello plays drums and writes lyrics, Buddy Schaub plays trombone, and Peter “JR” Wasilewski plays saxophone.
Having had a love for LTJ music since they started in 1992 with the first debut album, “Pezcore”, which was released in 1995, they have taken the world by storm with songs that range from “Rest of My Life” to EP covers of themed songs such as “Spongebob Squarepants”. Notes and strums will be ska-punk, pop-punk, punk rock, and reggae.
Less Than Jake have such a ring to their lyrical and instrumental tunes that makes you want to bring out the old skates/boards, do some three-sixties, and chill on a pier with a beer!
(Check that out for rhyming!) I was lucky enough to have a one-on-one interview with lead vocalist Chris DeMakes, asking him the fun and diverse questions that were hovering over the fans of LTJ. Well, people, here you go!
What’s the most bizarre thing to happen while you were onstage?
Once, while performing onstage, a prosthetic arm struck me in the back of the head.
Who was your biggest inspiration?
I can’t pinpoint a specific band, but my biggest inspirations include NOFX, Bad Religion, Snuff, Metallica, Operation Ivy, and Fishbone. What’s the hardest thing about being in a band? After doing your job for two decades, being away from home for extended periods is the hardest part.
Among all of your songs, which three are your favourites to perform? Gainesville Rock City 5 How did you come up with the name for your latest album? I didn’t; our drummer Vinnie did.
If you could tour with any band, who would they be?
If we could rewind time, I’d say KISS, Sex Pistols, or Ramones in the year 1978.
Do you have any funny touring stories?
Yes, we had a bus driver dressed in drag for the whole tour to mess with us. He resumed dressing as a man as soon as the tour ended. His name was Stephanie.
Where do you get your inspiration, lyrically speaking?
Your inspiration comes from life experiences and moments along the way.
One for the fashion followers: your style has been admired. Is there a specific person or class that inspires you? Have you seen any pictures of me? Style? Fashion? I prefer wearing shorts, t-shirts, and tennis shoes.
How would you describe your style with three words?
Punk. Rock. Ska.
Is there anything you would like to share for upcoming shows, songs, or albums?
Check out our new album, “See the Light”. It’s an excellent record. Check us out at lessthanjake.com and Twitter @lessthanjake
A little fun question for all the computer game followers: do you have a favourite game? Xbox/PlayStation?
Atari 2600, Donkey Kong!
Last but not least, do you have any inspirational words for people following in your footsteps?
Find the right people in a band with your ideas, vision, and goals. Work hard on your lyrics and songs, and I hope everybody shares the same belief in wearing deodorant. And lots of it.
LTJ is busy touring, so be sure to check them out at festivals and events and upcoming UK shows. Get tickets for yourself and some friends to experience Less Than Jake’s live concert! May 24, 2014, Leeds, UK Leeds University May 25, 2014, Hertfordshire, UK The Forum, Having lots more performances Check out SHOWS in your area!
Having started up their label and released six albums, LTJ have presented themselves in a punk and inspirational manner! LTJ always has something exciting and unique up its sleeve, leaving the fans and followers excited and adrenaline pumping!
