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Sick Puppies Come To America

By: Static Multimedia

Tuesday May 29, 2007

Sick Puppies Interview
Don't think Sick Puppies are some new sensation just because you're hearing them for the first time in America. The Australian band comprised of singer/lead guitarist Shimon Moore, bassist Emma Anzai (who met back in 1997) and drummer Mark Goodwin (who replaced original member Chris Milesk) have been gigging around their home country since 1999, winning accolades and big internet buzz in the meantime.

Now they've set their sights on this big country with their Virgin-released Dressed Up As Life, out since April. Their single, "All The Same," has its teeth in Modern Rock radio and the band has begun touring behind the album (tour dates follow the interview).

During a recent media blitz Moore answered Static Multimedia's queries via e-mail and the following is that exchange.

Are there any current trends in music that excite or repulse you?

Shimon Moore: My Chemical Romance bringing back a bit of theatre exites me. Hip-Hop about bitches and guns doesn't impress me too much.

How did the band form?

SM: Emma and I met in High school and knew how to play all the same rage against the machine and greenday songs. At the end of the week she asked me if i wanted to start a band.

How did the name of the band come about?

SM: I thought of it and then my dad offered the same name as a suggestion a week later. We took it as a sign.

I presume recording each album is a bit of a learning experience. What kinds of things did you take into recording that you'd done in other instances and what sorts of new approaches did you try?

SM: We tried to really learn the songwriting craft on "Dressed Up As Life". We really wanted to strip ourselves down and be open to every possibilty. so that's how we approached the whole procces for this one. With an open mind.

What would you do differently on the next album?

SM: I'd have strings and lots of gay harmonies. And I'd make it heavier.

What were some of the challenges you encountered while making your latest album?

SM: Staying open. It's a mucisians nature to be stuborn to what he or she thinks is cool. We had to keep that in check every day.

What are you most proud of about the album?

SM: The songs in general are the best we've ever done. And the lyrics tell a story as opposed to just sounding good.

What is the best song on the new album and why?

SM: I personally like "All The Same". It keeps escalating to the very end and it keeps you interested. That's just my opinion though. You really should ask the fans. They know better than I ever could.

Were there any songs that didn't make it to the final cut that you really wish had?

SM: Nope. The other songs just didn't hold up. We tried to be ruthless. What were your hopes for the album and how have things gone with it so far?

SM: My hopes were to just get it finished. Being able to be in a band and be fortunate enough to work with great people and make music is really reward enough. How the record does is out of my hands. But i'm very proud of it.

What direction do you see the band/yourself going in next?

SM: Bigger, better and heavier.

What plans do you/the band have for the near and distant future?

SM: Touring Dressed Up As Life untill we pass out and showing our band to as many people as we can.

What are your aspirations for yourself/the band at this point?

SM: Just to keep getting better.

Do you think the MySpace phenomenon has helped or hurt you/your band at all?

SM: Definitely helped. It gives everyone and even playing field and most importantly creates a community among fans and music makers. That is paramount.



What upcoming albums by other artists are you really psyched to hear?

SM: The new Muse album and the new Silverchair Young Modern.

Is there any particular band or artist you'd really love to work and/or tour with?

SM: Incubus.

While most artists want to be known for doing something original, every musician has likely been influenced by another band or artist. Who has been your biggest influence or what band/musician do you most admire?

SM: Silverchair and Incubus. The vocalists changed my voice.

What do you like best and least about the tour grind?

SM: Best: The shows by far
Worst: The driving in a cramped van.

What was the last song you heard that made you want to hurt another person?

SM: Rage Against the Machine's "Bulls on Parade."

Have you ever had a dream where you wrote a song that you were sure was the best ever written, but upon waking up, you couldn't remember anything about it? If you did remember the song, was it as amazing as the dream made it out to be?

SM: The song allways sound like a hit in your head, and then sound like shit in the real world.

If you, or your band, were a Saved By the Bell character, which one would you be? (If you have never watched Saved by the Bell, substitute your favorite show).

SM: I'd definitely be the hot chick who fucked up her career with Showgirls later on. What inspires during the lyric writing/creating stage?

SM: Life.

Now that the album is out, is there anything that you would change or do differently and why?

SM: I'd probably add a couple more screams. But I like to scream.

Describe any life experiences show up in any particular song(s)?

SM: "My World" is about letting the people in your life who leave, GO. And not taking it personally. Because it's something they have to do for them in their life. Not something they are doing to you in yours.

Do you plan on doing any collaborating in the near future or for your next release?

SM: No plans. I like the idea of Sick Puppies being a little exclusive.

Who is your favorite songwriter or artist and why?

SM: Daniel Johns. He can pretty much do whatever he wants and it sound good.

How has your life changed since the last album which was released?

SM: Everything has changed in every way. I've learned to love, be open, forgive... Everything.

Ten years from now, how would you like your fans to reflect on your work?

SM: As current.

How would you like to reflect on your work ten years from now?

SM: As childish.

Do you plan to stay in this particular genre or do you wish to branch your sound out?

SM: The branches are growing as we speak.

Sick Puppies Tour Dates: (with FlyLeaf, Kill Hannah, and Resident Hero)

5/31 Denver, CO Gothic Theatre
6/04 Spokane, WA Big Easy
6/05 Seattle, WA El Corazon
6/06 Portland, OR Hawthorne Theatre
6/08 San Francisco, CA Slim's
6/09 Sacramento, CA The Boardwalk
6/13 Los Angeles, CA House of Blues
6/15 Las Vegas, NV House of Blues