Last Tuesday Interview
While slightly underground via the small indie label Dug Records the past few years, this band has "grown up" in the public eye. Their early attempts at pop punk, while friendly and clean, never killed an audience nor sent 'em clamoring for the indie rock message boards; but they kept on honing their songwriting and live show, and uncovered that elusive musical identity that capitalizes on their strengths and offers something unique. In other words, they used to be somewhat quality challenged, but now they rock! With more than a couple hooks under their arms, they just might be heard by the fans of those other bands with days of the week in their names. Here's a lil' interview we did with Steve the vocalist recently:
Please give me the brief history of the band?
The band started in 1999 at Messiah College. I started the band with some friends, because I wanted to play at the college's monthly coffeehouse. We played one song in late December of that year. Since then we have had many line-up changes due to marriage and careers. However, the current Last Tuesday has been playing for the past two years. During those two years, we have been touring full-time around the country.
How did you hook up with Mono vs Stereo?
We showcased for Gotee/Mono in April of 2004. We talked to Brad after our show and felt really comfortable with him from the beginning. However, at that point for a number of reasons nothing really materialized. It was not until late fall that Brad called us out of the blue and swept us off our feet.
What have been the highlights of the last year or two?
The last two years have been amazing. Our highlights are centered around all of the awesome people we have met on the road. Looking back at the past two years of constant touring, the people we have met are the only parts that remain fresh in my mind, and I am sure that will never change regardless of how long we tour.
Who would you regard as your influences?
Musically we are influenced by many bands. We listen to everything from bands like Taking Back Sunday and Midtown to Pedro the Lion and Berry. However, when I first started the band, I wanted to be the next Dogwood more than anything else in the world.
How do you fuse your faith with your art?
Through our stage demeanor and lyrics we fuse our faith by offering the sincerity and sense of freedom that is found in knowing Christ. We do not preach from stage. While we know that some have been called into that particular ministry; we believe that we have been called into relational evangelism. We want to hang-out, email, and eat with the kids we get to meet. We want to defeat the condescending Christian stereotype that many kids have in our country.
What are one or two of the funniest things that have happened to you on the road or as a band?
The funniest thing that has happened to the band, occurred in Salisaw
Oklahoma. During the show, our over active extremely ADD bass player
Carl, somehow lost his footing and landed on his face. He could have easily caught himself, but he would not let go of his bass and let his face hit the ground first . He did not get up for a second and then he righted himself and got up with a terrified look on his face. Of course when this first happened, no one thought it was funny, however later on that night and ever since then, the image of his frightened expression has brought much laughter within the band.
Tell me about the new album. How was the process of recording it? Please comment on anything significant or surprising about the studio experience.
This recording of our new album was intense. At first the idea of working with Matt Thiessen and Joe Marlett intimidated us. We have a lot of respect for both of those guys and their previous projects. It only took about twenty minutes to feel comfortable with both of them. It was awesome how much respect was afforded to us as a band, which made for a productive environment. Matt brought some beautiful instrumentation ideas to the table while Joe added his own rock flavor to the record. It created an awesome balance for our production team.
What are some of your favorite songs (for musical or lyrical reasons)?
Why do you like these? Please explain.
We are so excited about the entirety of the new album because of its theme and title: "Resolve." The album reflects our continuing understanding of our faith. We all grew up in strong traditional ministry homes, and this record is about finding ministry outside of the walls of the church. The record discusses several topics like legalism and what we call "fear Christianity.": understanding the freedom of Christ as opposed to a fear of Christ; while another song talks about finding passion through our relationship with Christ, as opposed to relying on emotion for our fire. The entire album is basically an issuance of our working understanding of Christianity. I am probably most excited about the final four minutes of the record which is meant to be a hymn-like conclusion to everything we discuss in the album. It is the "Resolve" of our band and of the album. What are your plans and goals for the future (next year, next five years)
Our only goal as a band was and is to be able to tour full-time so we could meet kids. We have reached that goal. There will be more records and other things of that nature, but the only thing we truly care about is playing shows. This is the only time and place that we find contentment.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Please feel free to email us through our website, lasttuesday.com, if you would like to discuss any of my answers. Thanks for reading.
©2005 HM Magazine - All Rights Reserved
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Comments
awww... i love the last tuesday boys... i'm so glad that things have been working out so well for them, they deserve it!
don't be fooled, steve gee ain't just a rock n roller... the man can play some mean basketball hoops.
I loved the interview, and Last Tuesday. You guys rock. Nice going and good luck with your new record. Cya May 27th
Not only are they one of the best live bands, I think they're just so focused on what God is leading them to do that they're just all-out and comfortable in their own skin. I've seen them at shows with like 30 kids and they give the same energy show as with 1000 people. And they really spend time connecting before, during, and after the shows with the people that came. Steve's comments on "Relational" is not mere talk - they do it!
Steve's lips look so soft!
Hey boys! It has been such a long time since I've seen you all. I miss you a lot. But I guess I won't see you soon. I wanted to go to cornerstone in Orlando just a 3 1/2 hr. drive away, but I'm too busy! I'm in warm, sunny Miami, Fl. and I guess I won't be seeing you for my birthday, but I am sure I will see you near the end of the year! Love you all and God Bless!!!
My brother, Jon says Hi!
~Jo and Jon
you guys are sweet, and i love skankin to your fun stuff. next time we need to get pizza!
hey-- i was just at the "everything is burning" tour and you guys rocked! who's the new guy? he looks familiar...
Hey you guys, I totally heard a preview of Tracy Bonham, she used to be one of the girls from Lilith Fair....Every wondered what happened to them?...Whoa...that's so deep! Anyways, my friend from universal told me that she is comming out with a new cd out and it's kind of the feel of Avril, Ashlee, sheryl crow, and norah jones type. If you guys were interested or wanted to know more about it, here is the site: www.tracybonham.com
Please let me know what you think! Luv luv!
What a great band! Looking forward to your show in Rockwall, Texas this week! Oh yeah...
Hey ,I'm so stoked about this band the guys are so awesome ,especially Carl.....HE ROCKS!!
nice interview. nice album.
Last Tuesday will rule the world and make even your mother hXc. <3 Much love to the boys.
