Less Than Jake Interview

"There are so many ways you can do it yourself you don't really need a label"

June 14, 2008, 05:11 PM

* Hello. Who are you and what do you do in the band?
JR and I play saxophone and sing when they let me

* What can people expect from GNV FLA?
They can expect us. Less Than Jake. They can expect cool artwork. They can expect ripping punk, sweet ska, rad horn lines amazing lyrics and a nude pic of Chris in ever 5th CD pressed.

* What does GNV FLA stand for?
GNV is the airport code for Gainesville and FLA is the old state abbreviation for Florida. Its more so a nod to us coming full circle as a band. Back to where it all started for us as a band. Back to gainesville florida. We own our own label and could think of no better way to tell the world then by naming the record after the place we started.

* You guys released GNV FLA on your own label, Sleep It Off. How was that for you?
Amazing, but a lot of work. Satisfying work. It's really cool when you are able to have 100 percent control on what you do and how it is represented. It's liberating in more ways than can be truly expressed in words. The "artist" won and that is the best thing ever.

* Has your approach to writing songs developed over the years?
I'd like to think so. We're all in our 30's now as opposed to the pezcore days when we were in our 20's. If we still couldn't play our instruments and progressively write better songs we'd have broke up by now. There's enough shitty bands out there and (depending on who you ask, mind you) we're trying not to add to the crisis.

* Were you a little more careful with spending on this album, as the money was coming out of your own pocket?
HELL YEAH, but it was a different approach. We all know where we could be most effectively marketed, rather than just throwing it out there everywhere and seeing what took. That's what majors do. Spend a shitload of money on stuff band's fans never see...and they wonder why they are so in debt.

* From your experience with GNV FLA would you recommend that young unsigned bands aim to get a deal or try to release things themselves?
Release yourself first. There are so many ways you can do it yourself you don't really need a label. Problem is unless your name Is Rockerfeller, you can't afford a lot of the things you see bands get (placement on myspace's main page cost as much as a fuckin car!!). That is why labels aren't a bad option to get your name out...but sign short term...anything that says more than 3 records total or something about taking percentage's of merch or touring money...walk away. Oh! And go on tour. Earn it. You don't deserve ANYTHING so stop whining about other peoples bands and worry about YOURS.

* Do you guys intend to only release your own stuff through your label or having you considered expanding Sleep It Off's roster?
Right now LTJ is all we release on Sleep It Off. The future can be anything so no comment yet.

* You guys have a very hectic tour schedule ahead of you this summer. What do you guys do for entertainment on the road?
Movies, listen to music, joke around, go to the mall...same stuff you do except we're in London doing it...weird, right?
* Where is your touring taking you this summer?

Everywhere. Go to Altsounds to see the dates for yourself if you don't believe me.

* Whats your favourite place to play?
Anywhere kids show up to see us.

* What are you guys listening to right now?
I like The Swellers, There For Tomorrow, The Higher, The AKA's, Houston Calls, Saul Williams, K-Os, Landmines, Foundation, The Explosion, Gatorface, and ALL...no...ALL!!!