Featured Band for
July 2004
Band Name: Surf Res Q
Genre: Surf Rock
Geographical Area: New Jersey Shore, Bucks County and Philadelphia
Interview with Kevin P. Meehan on 6/30/04.
1. What is the current line-up of your band?
We're three. Rick Kropp is on drums and percussion, Bruce Warren and I switch
back and forth on the guitar and bass which is really cool!
2. How and when did you get started with your
band?
Long story! here's the short version... Bruce and I hooked up and starting
playing guitar and bass together in my garage. At my daughter's birthday party,
Ricky's sister let us know Rick played the drums. that was in February
2003. That's how we got together. Rick's sister was having a big bash a few
months later and we invited ourselves to play at the event. We put a set of surf
rock together and we've been playing ever since!
3. What bands or music have influenced you most?
Early on I found myself listening to the Ventures, Dick Dale and the Surfaris. When I
started listening to the Aqua Velvets, Laika and Slacktone ... I thought,
hey people are still playing this awesome stuff so I figured I would see what I
could do. I also gotta say, Ray Dukes and his Internet station, along with tuning
into the Phil Dirt Show on Saturday nights, really put me over the top!
Finally, let's not fail to mention The Who - not surf, but it majorly inspired me
to play. Bruce is a big blues guy and Rick is a big Stones guy.
4. What is the break down of cover vs. original
material in your live shows and/or recordings?
Right now it's like 20% originals, 80% covers. We are in the process of trying
to get a decent recording of our originals, but we're all kinda busy right now
with summer stuff.
Our originals to date are: Surf 101, Commocean, Surf Bum, Interceptor, Not
Yet, Embarckadaro, Sea Hag in a Bathing Cap..., Spotted, and an unnamed tune that
we call Bass Thang.
5. What recording have you done?
We call it "Invading Rick's Garage" cause we rehearse in his garage
and that's where we doing our recordings.
6. What is your band's favorite food/beverage?
Food and Beverage is Beer; although, no matter where we play, Bruce can
always find a place to get a meatball sandwich no matter what the hour!
7. How do you get gigs?
We make 'em and take 'em! When we played in what is now our home venue, Rick's in Barnegat Light last fall,
I guess you could say we sorta "crashed
the stage". Folks weren't immediately pleased, but i think they got over
it. Hey, a few of us are playing there again in a few weeks, right? (The
big surf summit on 7/16/04). Don't
worry, this time we're invited.
8. What are the difficulties you find playing your
kind of music in your area?
For us, it's really time. We're not big on the bucks, but insist on a payment
for services rendered as a matter of principle. Other bands are trying to make a
living and we respect that. Other than that, if we can get out 2 times a month,
which we have been able to do, we're very happy.
9. What positive attributes does your band have
that sets you apart from other bands (of any genre)?
Hey, we're in it for the sake of the music. The more folks that get introduced
to it, the better, and we don't take ourselves real serious. We get better
every time we play. Someone once asked me if we would be afraid to open for a
band like Slacktone if the opportunity presented itself, and I'm like, no freakin
way! Get 'em east and we'll open for 'em with pleasure. We're not afraid of
bands with more experience and view it as a great opportunity to
grow.
10. What have you found to be the single most
effective promotional tool you've used to further your
band's musical path?
Not to be sappy, but it's really been NESMA. This thing has really opened
doors for us and introduced us to so many cool cats. It's the single most
effective thing
that has worked for us. Thanks Sandy and Mike!
11. What's the most interesting performance
experience you've had?
I'm a sailor, and every time I get on my sailboat something happens; something
good and something not so good. Every one of my excursions turns into opportunities:
from rudderless cruises, to my 80 year old father-in-law falling overboard while tied
up in the marina to being pursued by modern day pirates ...
The same happens when we get on stage. Maybe it's me, but something
crazy always happens, from my new '65 fender twin amp freakin' out, to gettin'
interrupted and stopped by the MC, to the casual uninvited non-band member
deciding to join us with his sax to Secret Agent Man (We're proably going
to call upon him for future recording because he was great!).
If you don't laugh about it, you'd go nuts. One thing for sure, something
unexpected always happens!
12. What do you hope to get out of being a NESMA
member?
We've already gotten it: New friends, great opportunities, and the chance to
hear other outstanding original surf rock music from great bands. Thanks for
having us in the fold! Hope we can return the favor.
Kevin, Surf Res Q
See more information and photos of the band here.
