BAND: The Starting Line
INTERVIEWER: Kelly Engle (KellyE@bandvibe.com)
DATE OF INTERVIEW: 08.24.07

BAND MEMBERS:
Kenny Vasoli-Vocals/Bass
Matt Watts-Guitar
Mike Golla-Guitar
Tom Gryskiewicz-Drums

BV: How is your recently released album “Direction” different than your previous work?
Kenny: I think it’s a step forward in our progression. We tried to kind of step up our game with our songwriting a little bit. We really tried to just make a more focused record, kind of not so all over the place definitely more positive than our previous record. It’s got a little more sunshine in it. We’re in a good place right now. We’re really happy. Spirits are high and I think that comes through on the CD. We’re definitely getting real comfortable with the life that we lead. It’s the easiest life that I could ever ask for. I could never complain.

BV: The Starting Line wasn’t your first choice of band names, as your band was formerly called Sunday Drive, but are you happy with the name you ended up with?
Kenny: Yeah, we were gonna change it to Brutal Juice after that but there was another gothic metal band named that, no I’m just kidding. I’m happy with The Starting Line. I think it’s a cool name, ya know. It’s maybe not the coolest, most original name ever, but ya know I like it. At least we’re not called Cute Is What We Aim For haha no we love those guys. Our name doesn’t really mean a whole lot but it’s cool cuz I think it’s memorable. It fits us.

BV: What inspired you to write one of your hits “The Best Of Me” and do you accredit that song to your initial success?
Kenny: I wrote the song about a girl I used to see back when I was really young. She lived far away and I haven’t seen her in years and years and years, but we’d see each other whenever I was in town. It was an innocent cute little thing going on when I was a little kid. I do credit all of our success to that song. It’s so good it’s the only song people like by us. It’s the only one that everyone who likes our band likes. We have to play it at every show. People have fun during that song. That’s kind of a double-edged sword that we play with with that song because everybody knows it and we play it at every show so we have to keep playing it. But you know what are you gonna do? Everybody has their Hotel California and that’s our.

BV: Do you think the album “Based On a True Story” was a good representation of what your band was going through with record label problems at the time?
Kenny: Definitely, I didn’t really think what we did was a backhanded slap at the record company I just think whatever we’re going through at the time we always reflect that through the music. It always reflects real life experiences that we’re going through. I’m really proud of that record. It wasn’t successful like on the market or whatever but it’s kind of an artist’s record. I’m happy with it overall.

BV: Are you happy with where you are now and the changes you’ve made in order to crate a successful creative environment?
Kenny: Yes, we’ve always been selfish to our creative needs, or at least I have. I’m always happy cuz I feel I’m doing the best thing I could be doing.

BV: What would you like people to get out of listening to your music?
Kenny: A big ass smile and a warm fuzzy feeling inside and movement in the pelvis, just like dancing and stuff like that.

BV: What do you wish someone would have told you when you were first starting out?
Kenny: I’m kind of glad nobody spoiled it for me. I got to find out as it all went along.

BV: What would you like to say to your fans at Bandvibe?
Kenny: I’d like to say thanks for vibeing our band. Thank you for listening to us, especially if you’ve been listening to us since our first record. We realize we’re a much different band now and it’s a big testament to our fans, the ones who have stuck with us, and we appreciate that more than anyone else.

For more official information on The Starting Line, please log onto:
http://www.startinglinerock.com
http://www.myspace.com/thestartingline