Bear Vs Shark Interview

Interview
John Gaviglio
Bear Vs. Shark

Bear vs Shark Promo

Lineup:
Marc Paffi – Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards
Derek Kiesgen – Guitar, Bass
John Gaviglio – Guitar, Bass
Ashley Horak – Drums
Mike Muldoon – Guitar, Bass, Keyboards

BEARVSSHARK

9/16/05
Email Interview
Interviewer: Karma E. Omowale

"We really want people to take their own meaning from our art."

Michigan's producing more and more interesting acts these days, The Black Dahlia Murder, Walls of Jericho, Still Remains...and Bear Vs Shark is no exception to the rule. If you could attempt to describe this unique band's sound, the closest you would get is to say Fugazi meets Motown; it's seriously complex. In this interview, bassist/guitarist, John Gaviglio discusses the band's newest release on Equal Vision Records, Terrorhawk, his feelings on Good Charlotte, and so much more...

Thanks for doing the interview.

Q: Please fill the audience in on the backlog of Bear vs. Shark.

We’ve released two full length CD’s on EVR, and one EP by ourselves.

Q: There are many good bands coming out of Michigan these days, how is your local scene? Is it supportive?

A: There are a lot of places to play so that helps. But it’s still hard to get started as a band I think.

Q: How is the tour going with Horse The Band & Curl Up And Die? You also did a date with Good Charlotte as well, how did that show go?

A: The tour was great, Good Charlotte suck.

Q: What has been the single most interesting thing that has happened thus far?

A: Earth science class in 7^th grade.

Q: How has the crowd response been to the new album, Terrorhawk? And how have sales been?

A: People seem to like it, but they may be liars. The album just went Gold twice. Next – aircraft aluminum.

Q: How is life with Equal Vision? How did you guys hook up with them?

A: They’re nice people and most of them smell good. We sent them a demo and they liked it.

Q: Love the quote on your bio on Equal Visions' site in reference to the state of music today: " In an era currently saddled neck-deep in genre-dictated complacency, it’s often hard for discriminating music fans to find bands imbued with a sense of originality." How do you think you will be able to keep making original music that is above the norm?

A: We just do what we want and don’t try to fit into a certain genre. Except for alt-country.

Q: "Originality is a template" for you definitely. I cannot believe you guys switch bassists to guitarists to keyboards. How did this unique approach to playing happen?

A: From the beginning it was a conscious decision to do this. We thought it would diversify our sound a bit.

Q: With having as many artists in the band that understands and excel at playing more than one instrument, does it help your songwriting process?

A: Yes.

Q: In your own words, how would you say you have grown between Right Now, You're In The Best Hands to Terrorhawk?

A: I think it’s a better album and our ideas aren’t as scatter-brained as before.

Q: How was it working with Matthew Ellard?

A: Fun. He’s from England so everything he said seems important even if he’s an old sod. Plus he hooked us up with Dana Collie from Morphine who played baritone sax on the CD.

Q: Love the album cover for Terrorhawk. The mixed media approach on matte paper is amazing. It must be comforting to be able to have the CD booklet turn out exactly as you envisioned it without having to go to an outsider. Please elaborate on your process on why you chose to use the images you did.

A: Marc does all the art and he’s not here.

Q: Curious if the louse behind the sofa has a specific meaning or is it a louse at all?

A: We really want people to take their own meaning from our art.

Q: Which song is your favorite off Terrorhawk?

A: "The Great Dinosaurs with ‘50s Section".

Q: To whom are you listening to now? Who are some of your favorite bands in and out of the scene?

A: I’m listening to Björk, The Constantines, Fela Kuti, and the Gorillaz.

Speed Round of Questions

Do you have a mantra? Om.

Who is your favorite visual artist? Kandinsky.

Favorite period in art history? Bauhaus.

Evolution or creation? Evolution and science are the truth.

How would your best friend describe you? Tall.

What ignites your passions good and bad? Alcohol. What pisses you off and what heats you up? War, low carbonation on soda.

Favorite comic strip? Far Side.

Favorite sound? Murder.

One thing you are grateful for today? Asiago cheese bagels.

What did you grow up listening to? Metallica, Led Zeppelin, Guns N Roses, The Doors, The Temptations, The Four Tops.

Name a Bear vs. Shark song that would sum up your life in a nutshell. What?

Favorite movie? Lawrence of Arabia or Aliens.

If you could only fulfill one of your fantasies, what would it be? Going to China. In leather.

Favorite color? Chartreuse.

Nicknames your friends would give you off the cuff? Gaviar, Big Husband.

If not music then what? Science.

What would your bandmates do if it were not for Bear vs. Shark? Derek would be a writer, Marc would be an artist, Ashley would be a drummer, Mike would be a student, and so would I.

What draws you to new music? Passion and love for the music, not people trying to be cool.

Guilty pleasure song/CD/artist. Third Eye Blind.

If you could commission a band to cover a Bear vs. Shark song, which song would you chose and who would cover it? "5,6 Kids" by Fear Before The March of Flames.

If you could interview a band, name one that you would ask these Speed Round Questions of? The Leningrad Cowboys.

More role reversals, do you have any questions for me? This is a lot of questions? It is an email interview, anything to make it more interesting, especially when the artist(s) have interests coupled with a good sense of humor. ;^)

Again, thanks for doing the interview!

I'd like to thank John for taking the time to fill out the answers in this interview and to Ann Marie Cagnazzi and Jerry Graham at Warm Fuzzy PR for making it possible.