sandiegopunk.com

Bluntside interview conducted by Kim Berryman.

Kim: What is a normal day like for a Bluntside band member?
Brian: Besides signing autographs, and making millions...You know haha. No, we actually do several different things, I work at a medical center, and we all go to school.
Jon: Jim's a dropout..but we love him anyway. (Jim and Brian are in college, Justin, Mark, Jon are in High School.)

Kim: Your guitars are really high energy, does that energy reflect in your personal life as well?
Brian: I think my therapist asked me this question once, but I think it does. We are young and enjoy things that are upbeat. I know it definitely reflects in the way we write our music.

Kim: Mark, is it weird being the youngest guy in the band? What are the advantages and disadvantages?
Mark: It's not really weird, I actually get away with a lot more than I probably would if I was older.

Kim: What type of messages are you trying to convey through your lyrics?
Jim: Our lyrics are something hopefully people our age can relate to regarding different situations in life. Especially random ones, that sometimes, of course, deal with girls!

Kim: What is the hardest part about being in a band? What does it take to make it?
John: It's like having a wife and a long term relationship.
Brian: Getting your name out. I mean, we work really hard to get our name out, and let people know we are here. It takes a lot of patience.

Kim: Have you ever had any other members? If so, why aren't they in the band anymore?
Jon: We had one, and he just didn't have the same commitment as the rest of us. He was a great guy, but we are in this for the long haul.
Justin: Yeah, and now were stuck with Jim.

Kim: Were any of you in other bands before this one?
Justin: 949.
Mark: Cool Ransom.
Brian: The Shift...big up to Jimzig.

Kim: What is better about Bluntside than your previous bands?
Brian: We Play together better... We mesh, and we love the music we are playing.
Jon: Most of us are writers that are influenced by different styles of music, and that gives us a flavor that is more enjoyable than our past bands.

Kim: What do you want people to say coming away from your concerts, or having just listened to your CD?
Justin: Wow, they were good!
Mark: So much for the obvious.
Brian: Energized and happy is the feeling we are hoping for. If they had a good time, then we had a good time.
Jim: We kind of pride ourselves in an exciting live show.

Kim: Where do you see yourself in five years? Will you still be together as band? Or will you be in other careers?
Jon: I think for the most part, we are definitely here to make an impression, and take this as far as we can.
Mark: I was actually thinking about becoming a car salesman as soon as I graduate.
Brian:We definitely want to stay together as friends as well as a band, and take it as far as we can. Because I definitely don't have what it takes to be a car salesman.

Kim: Do any of you have girlfriends? If so is it hard to be so committed to a band and still find time with for her?
Jon: It's not hard at all. She loves our music...she just doesn't always like to watch us get all crazy on stage.
Brian: I know that I speak for Justin when I say that the rest of us are single.

Kim: How do your parents feel about your band schedule? Are they supportive?
Justin: They are all very supportive. We had some problems earlier but...anyways.

Kim: Where do you usually practice?
Jon: Usually at Justin's house, or we have a warehouse that we go to if it's late at night.

Kim: Any crazy stories from past shows? Any groupies to speak of?
Brian: Justin got all crazy once, and Kung Fu kicked his amp over. Then he tripped on it, and fell on his face. It was in front of a lot of people too, it was really funny.
Jon: Didn't he fall off of a stool once also?
Justin: No.

Kim: What do you like about playing at Kokomos?
All:Well, we run the shows there! It's really easy for us to get shows there. Kokomos is a cool nightclub, and were trying to give bands in our area a place to play.

Kim: Where have you guys played before?
All: Chain reaction, The El Rey Theatre, The Palace, we've played all over.

Kim: Now that you've played in San Diego what differences do you notice in the crowd and the atmosphere? Do you think that you'll come back?
Brian: The kids are awesome. It's really cool to see the people in San Diego truly support their bands. It was a great experience.
Jim: Yeah, everyone was really laid back, and very interested in hearing what your band could do. It didn't matter what style of music.

Kim: Anything else going on with you guys?
Brian: We're aiming to get our first full length CD out in stores hopefully by April 1st sometime.
Rest: April first? More like April 31st.
Jim: We are also sponsored by Fathead clothing which make some really nice stuff. Check em out!
Justin:We have a lot of shows coming up at Chain Reaction, The Key Club, and other places in April and May so be looking out for that. Those will be posted on our website at www.bluntsideonline.com or www.mp3.com/bluntside5.