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:::::: AS TALL AS LIONS ::::::
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THE BASICS Name : Daniel Nigro Band : As Tall As Lions Job In Band : Various odds and ends Website Address : www.astallaslions.com HOME Hometown : Massapequa Park, New York Hometown is best known for : Jerry Seinfeld, The Baldwin Brothers, and good Pizza Best thing about the music scene in your hometown : All the practices spaces Most influential band to yourself that’s come out of your home town : I don’t there is band from Massapequa we are influenced by. Best up and coming band from your home town would be : James Dean and the Fabulous Five THE BAND What’s the story behind the band name? As Tall As Lions was something our guitarist came up with while we were in college. When did the band begin and how did it come about? We all went to high school together, for the most part. Saen asked Cliff and I if we would like to join a band with him, and we did. How would you describe your sound to the average Joe on the street? It’s like scuba-diving around the Great Barrier Reef but all the sharks are friendly. What’s your current release? Tell us a little about it… That would be our self-titled album that’s coming out on March 15th in Australia thru Taperjean Records. Recorded it in the winter of ‘05-’06 with Mike Watts and Steven Haigler. In five years time the band will be… Back in Australia for a headlining tour. OFF THE STAGE What was your first introduction to music that made you think seriously about playing it? Listening to Nirvana’s Nevermind back in 6th grade. I remember listening to that record and then asking for a guitar for Christmas. What was your first band name and what style did you play? My first band was really the band I’m in now. Saen, Cliff and I have been playing together for ten years as of this month. We were actually at the bar a few nights ago and came to this realization. Tell us three albums you couldn’t live without in your collection Miles Davis – Kind of Blue Neil Young – After the Gold Rush Bjork – Vespertine Best piece of musical advice you’ve been given Be patient and “Stop over-thinking everything Dan” Two groups/artists you’d love to take out on the road The Snake The Cross The Crown Do Make Say Think Favourite song of your group? Probably one of our newer songs we are working on right now. The thing you most look forward to just before a tour is Actually getting back on the road. The thing you least look forward to before a tour is Actually getting back on the road When your not doing band related stuff, what are you usually found doing? I’m never not doing band related stuff, but I guess in those few moments here and there, reading, watching the national geographic channel, or drinking at McGorey’s. ON THE STAGE / ROAD What gear do you use? A Vox AC-30 Amp Two American Series Fender Telecasters. And a few Boss foot pedals. Favourite place (city/town/country) you’ve toured… and why? There are honestly too many places, I don’t think I have a favorite. Our trip to Australia last year was honestly one of the greatest trips on my life. The best show you’ve ever played was… and why? That’s a difficult question, there have been so many memorable shows. One of my favorite’s would have to be when we headlined the Highline Ballroom in New York City. Who hogs the stereo in the van the most? Julio, haha. After a week in the van/bus on tour which band member will have the messiest section, and what would we most likely find stashed there? Saen, he always brings these coffee mugs on tour for the first day and then leaves them hidden, I think one time I cleaned out the van and found 6 Coffee mugs of his. Who in your group has the worst “bad habit” on tour, and what is it? Our Tour manager’s farts are so terrible we have to keep the van windows open for a good minute to get rid of the smell. Most embarrassing moment on tour? I think one night we played in Seattle and I lost my voice, Every time I went for a high note my voice would just crack. It was terrible. I remember walking off stage and didn’t want to talk to anyone for the next two days. I could see it in the faces of some people in the crowd…thinking..man this guy has the worst voice I’ve ever heard. Give us a good quick ‘on the road’ story, funny, embarrassing, memorable, whatever… On one of our last tours we had a day off in San Diego and for weeks we had planned to go to the beach. So we get up in the morning and go to the beach and after about 25 seconds in the water I lost all feel in my right foot. I get out of the water and go to the lifeguard…it ended up that I was stung with a sting-ray. The pain only got worse over the next two hours. And that was my beach experience in San Diego. Your manager calls and says the venue you are about to play really wants to keep you happy, what’s the first thing you chuck on the rider? Unlimited free drinks for us and our friends. Haha RIGHT NOW What’s getting the most spins in your stereo right now? I’ve been listening to A Soft Bulletin by the Flaming Lips a lot my car. Tell us a band or artist everyone should check out and why… The Snake The Cross The Crown…because you will love them. If you could change one thing about the music industry today, what would it be? Stop all the illegal downloading. Or at least found ways to make kids these days buy cds after they start listening to them. I understand the concept of downloading and how it helps artist gain fans, but it’s starting to get completely out of control. As soon as I’ve finished answering these questions I’m about to… Do another interview. |
