BAND: Scotch Greens
INTERVIEWER: Chris Hazel (chrish@bandvibe.com)
DATE OF INTERVIEW: 05.12.06

BAND MEMBERS:
Zander Cox (vocals/guitar)
Wes Walsworth (guitar)
Dustin Welch (banjo/mandolin/resonator)
C.J. Cnossen (bass)
Luke Kristensen (drums)

Chris: How did the band get its name?
Scotch Greens: We stole it. It’s a beauty ain’t it.

Chris: How long has the band been around?
SG: We’ve been together almost ten years now. But we’ve shed our skin a few times.

Chris: Where has been the best venue on this tour you’ve played at? (Green17)
SG: Tough to say, we had a lot of good ones. San Diego, New Orleans, and Cleveland were insane.

Chris: What is it like touring with Flogging Molly?
SG: It’s the shit. We’ve been friends with those guys for a long time and It’s always great to be on the road with friends. Not to mention, they kick ass every night. Who could ask for more?

Chris: What has been the most interesting thing that has happened on tour so far?
SG: Shit “interesting”? Having the bearings blow out on the van while we’re cruising down the highway is pretty interesting. We didn’t die, which is a plus. Watching the towtruck lady bash her head on the trailer hitch was interesting. But we didn’t miss the show. A lot of interesting shit happens, but how much of it do we remember? That’s the trick.

Chris: Who did you grow up listening to as a kid and who has been the biggest inspiration to the band?
SG: As a little guy a remember listening to Creedence and Derek and the Dominoes and shit. We listened to a lot 70’s and 80’s punk, folk, country, that type of shit. Ramblin Jack Elliot has been a big influence on me. The Clash has inspired us to just do what we feel and not worry about fitting in. There’s a lot.

Chris: Where do you see the band in 5 years from now?
SG: Making records, touring and kicking major ass.

Chris: Is there any song in particular that you enjoy the most to play live?
SG: We have a new one “goodbye”, it’s a rewrite and it’s about some great friends who are gone now and It feels good to keep their spirit alive. And the song rules.

Chris: If you could give one piece of advice to bands just getting started, what would you say?
SG: Be Original

Chris: What is the most thrilling and the most rewarding part about performing on stage every day; how important are the fans to you?
SG: When the crowd is involved, singing along dancing and feeling it, it really makes the show. The fans are everything, that’s the whole point. We just want people to come along and have a good time.

Chris: What does the band do when you’re not touring?
SG: Work

Chris: What are your plans after this tour?
SG: More much, much more.

Chris: Do you have anything you want to say to the fans on bandvibe that will be reading this?
SG: The record is finally out. We’ll see you at the shows. Good on ya!

Check out Bandvibe's photo coverage of Scotch Greens:
+Scotch Greens w/Flogging Molly @ HOB San Diego - 03/19/06

For more information on Scotch Greens, log onto:
+http://thescotchgreens.com
+http://www.myspace.com/scotchgreens