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| ::Interviews:: |
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| review & interview content, as well as web site graphics & design, copywrite 2003-2004 Euphonia Online. use of materials granted only with reasonable purposes. |
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| interviewed by robby sumner |
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Joe Reo - Vocals Rob Freeman - Guitar, Vocals Mike Saffert - Guitar Chris Amato - Bass Spencer Peterson - Drums |
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| E: An active member of the Drive-Thru Records family, Hidden in Plain View has continued to grow in notoriety as it matures through extensive touring and recording. What would you say are some noteworthy changes that have taken place with the band over the past year or so? Rob: I guess we just did a whole lot of growing up in the last year. I mean, the biggest change in our lives has been going from living in our suburban homes to living on the road. We've also learned so much about the industry. I don't think anyone can ever really say they know everything about the industry, 'cause it's changing every second of the day... we are learning a whole lot about it... and at the same time, learning a lot about ourselves... as people... as a band. E: A year ago, would you have ever predicted being where you are now? Rob: That's so hard to say... I mean, we've always wanted this, and really believed that we could do anything if we put our minds to it... but I still feel like I'm living a dream sometimes. E: In the scene, we often hear of a band becoming "more professional"... what do you think this means? Rob: I would guess it means just getting your sh*t together... making your live show tighter... keeping cool merch in stock... being in touch with your fanbase... just having a good grasp or hold on your band, I suppose. We never like to think of our band as a business or anything like that, so that's a weird idea, I guess... we'll make a new HIPV t-shirt: "Hidden In Plain View..... We Are Professionals." E: Does being in a band full-time still allow you to pursue other interests? What commitments must be made? Rob: You really do have to give up almost all of your free time... but we do get a few days off at home from time to time. I take that free time to produce and record other bands... but it's really tough, 'cause even on our off days we still practice and write every day... except weekends... heheheh. We work every weekend otherwise, so we have to take them when we get them. E: Do you think a tour will be more successful if the bands that you share a stage with are similar, both in musical sound and work ethic? Rob: Definitely... it's like working at a job where all your co-workers are f*cking awesome... or just being a part of any group. It's always great to have good company. We've toured with so many bands that I absolutely love as musicians, so that's always so great, to get to watch my favorite bands play every night... or sometimes, if I'm lucky... get to play with them. E: Now that the band has become more successful on the scene, do you try to give any sort of leg-up to those bands you've followed who haven't yet shared in your success? Rob: Whenever we get the opportunity, we are always helping out other bands that we love and [that] deserve all the success in the world. E: How long do you plan on keeping the band going? Rob: Two weeks. E: How well did the band members know each other prior to the group's musical formation? Rob: Pretty well. Most of us grew up in the NJ music scene... Spencer is from Georgia--we met him through a friend. E: How would you compare a tour with a small handfull of bands on the bill to one with a much larger set, such as the Warped Tour? Rob: We haven't done any big tours yet, so I can't really answer that... but we are doing the entire Warped Tour this year, so I'll let you know. E: What is one thing you think the current music scene is lacking? Rob: Not enough disco. E: How much of a relationship would you say you have with the other bands on Drive-Thru Records, as well as the label's owners? Rob: I think we have a great relationship... DTR totally takes care of us. We love all the people at that label. As for the bands, they f*cking rock... we have so many great friends. I can't wait till I'm friends with every single member of every band. E: How do you communicate with fans you meet on tour? Rob: Smoke signals. E: What do you think is the most valuable lesson you've learned from your experiences? Rob: Stop, drop, and roll... or maybe, look both ways before crossing the street. |
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| Interview with Rob April 13th, 2004 |