Feature for 

March 2006   

The Outpatients

Band Name: The Outpatients

Genre: instrumental twangadelic music; garage; surf

Geographical Area: Long Island NY

Interview with Tony Outpatient by email on 2/20/06

1. What is the current line-up of your band?

King Client. Drums; Eric Von Haldal, guitar; Capt. Insaneo, bass

2. How and when did you get started with your band?

We started about 1 year ago. We are childhood friends that grew up together; we all love music, and wanted to start a band with no vocals.

3. What bands or music have influenced you most?

We are influenced by a long list of bands, but I will name a few: Los Straitjackets, The Cramps, The Ramones, Link Wray, Social Distortion, Chuck Berry, Ventures, Dick Dale, Motorhead, Rockabilly, Johnny Cash, etc.

4. What is the break down of cover vs. original material in your live shows and/or recordings?

We play mostly covers, and a couple of originals.

5. What recording have you done?

We are going into the studio to record our 1st CD on March 18th.

6. What kind of gear do you use?

We use Fender guitars and Gretsch drums.

7. What is your band’s favorite food/beverage?

We like Mexican food, wings, and beer.

8. How do you get gigs?

We get gigs through promoters, other bands, and our own legwork.

9. What are the difficulties you find playing your kind of music in your area?

Sometimes it’s hard to get gigs, because people don’t always dig the instro sound.

10. What positive attributes does your band have that sets you apart from other bands (of any genre)?

We don’t take anything too seriously – that’s our best attribute.

11. What have you found to be the single most effective promotional tool you’ve used to further your band’s musical path?

Our best promotional tool is being part of NESMA, working with Unsteady Freddie, and hanging out with other like-minded bands.

12. What’s the most interesting performance experience you’ve had? 

All our gigs are fun; we love every second.

13. What do you hope to get out of being a NESMA member?

NESMA, for us, is being part of a group of people that are creating a scene for instro music, hanging with these great people, having fun, and trying to contribute in any and all ways possible to NESMA.

14. Anything else?

We want to thank anyone who supports NESMA, Unsteady Freddie, has seen The Outpatients, and cares about the live music scene - thanks to all!

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