Lagwagon Interview

I hate the fact that Lagwagon always skips DC on their every-three-years national tours. The only time I've ever seen them was on the Warped Tour in 2002, which barely counts. Nevertheless, they remain one of my all-time favorite bands. Before I knew anything about music, I thought the guitar solo in "Stokin' the Neighbors" was the greatest thing since Mozart. I lost my mind when I heard a punk rock version of "Bad Moon Rising." Sure, I was 14, and an idiot, but even when I turn on Lagwagon now I get a little of that giddy feeling that got me through many years of my adolescence that otherwise would have been dominated by math team-related depression. You know how it goes. If someone asked me to name my top five records, I probably couldn't give you an exact answer, but I know something by Lagwagon would be on the list. I felt privileged to be the go-to guy on this interview after Seth from our eternal bro zine Status declared that not only was he too lazy to perform the interview himself, but so were his second through eighth choices. Feast your eyes upon some interesting reveals from the great (and somewhat vertically challenged) Joey Cape!

ND: What's been the hardest part of staying passionate about Lagwagon after six full lengths and countless tours?

Joey: For me it's the possibility of doing other things but not having enough time. If you play the same music with the same guys for years some of your possibilities are limited by the bands chemistry. It takes a lot of time to keep a band good. It's sucks because I would have to quit Lagwagon to really commit to Bad Astronaut and I don't want to quit either band Lagwagon's true chemistry is made up of every band member's input. It's just hard to remain enthusiastic when you see a repeat characteristic flaw so clearly but you can't find the insight to change it without losing solidarity.

ND: Are we ever going to see another Lagwagon show in Santa Barbara?

Joey: I doubt it. It's a venue problem really. There are small clubs and The Bowl. The Santa Barbara Bowl is obviously too big for us. I like small clubs but none of the one's in Santa Barbara. We always resolve to play the Ventura Theater. I wish the sound was better there. Sorry!

ND: What are the pros and cons of having a guitar player that is about twice your height?

Joey: He's an awesome jungle gym. I use Chris as a prop on stage. The only con is the fact that people pick fights with him because he's big. People rarely pick fights with me.

ND: The last time I checked, both of the Chris's were playing for RKL - do you know if we can ever expect anything from RKL other than a couple shows in California every year?

Joey: I don't know. I wish those guys would make another record. For as long as I can remember RKL has been sketchy. They just can't keep it together long enough to make any substantial headway. It's a shame because they have clearly influenced Lagwagon and NOFX among others. They’re one of the best things that ever happened to punk in California.

ND: Noticing a lot more mellow songs in the new Lagwagon material that at times can get similar to your Bad Astronaut material, how do you differentiate between the two projects? When a musical idea comes, how do you know which band to apply it to?

Joey: The choice is usually made for me. Whatever I'm working on at the time gets whatever I have. As for similarity, I just write songs. It's up to the band and the recording process to give them color. Most of my songs sound alike in one way or another. Especially on an acoustic. I'm a slave to my recurring impulses when it comes to song writing.

ND: Is there anything that could have happened that ever would have made you want to take Lagwagon away from Fat Wreck Chords?

Joey: No. I like everyone who works at Fat. They are all the nicest people. There is a huge advantage to having the kind of relationship we have with our record label. It's about expectation. For example, I'm never offended when one of them tell me they don't like a song I wrote. I trust them and appreciate their opinions. The label's expectations aren't bullshit or the product of bureaucracy. They just know you and care enough to help you be your best. If I were on a major label I would have to hear the same stuff from a suit and tie guy in disguise. People who work for indie labels are into the music and get it. They aren't motivated by ulterior motives like money and gain.

ND: How much preparation goes into a Me First and the Gimme Gimmes record? Is it frustrating at all that a Gimmes record will outsell a Lagwagon record that you put exponentially more time into creating?

Joey: We spend about 3 to 5 days rehearsing for about 3 hours a day. We tape the ones that sound good with a boom box. Then we take the cassette to the studio and mimic it. It's a joke and we're laughing all the way to the original song writer’s bank. It's The Great Rock N' Roll Swindle-Part 2". Yeah, it fuckin' kills me that The Gimmes out sell Lagwagon. Maybe we work too hard in Lagwagon and over think the songs.

ND: After six full lengths, how do you remember all the lyrics to your songs at a show?

Joey: Sometimes I have to refresh my memory but it's not that bad. When you've sang the songs as many times as I have, once you recall them you don't even have to think. I'm usually making a grocery list or doing something arbitrary when I sing. Sometimes I screw up.

ND: Is "Falling Apart" foreshadowing anything for Lagwagon? Is there a certain amount of time you think Lagwagon has left before you go your separate ways?

Joey: It's not really a foreshadowing. The time is already here. Ha ha. No, really the song is full of half truths. We all wrote the lyrics to "Falling Apart" in the lobby of the studio while recording Blaze. It's just subject matter we identify with, getting old. I don't know how much longer we'll be playing together. As long as it's creative I'm into it.

ND: One thing I've noticed over all your records is with each one, your voice gets better and better - what sort of things have you done to try and better yourself as a vocalist even after being involved with so many records?

Joey: Thank you. I don't know of anything I've done to improve my voice other than work towards better pitch but that happens naturally for any musician.

ND: Are there any Lagwagon songs that you wish had never seenthe light of day?

Joey: A few. One that comes to mind immediately is "Beer Goggles". The drums are cool on that recording but the song is lyrically idiotic. The muscle heads love it. It's a fraternity guy’s anthem. I'm really ashamed of it.

ND: Talk about Bad Astronaut a little - what's going on with the band? Any recording or touring plans with them over the next year?

Joey: We are writing for the new album now. It's gonna be a while before we can tour. Maybe for the next record. It's a matter of putting together reasonable renditions of the songs for a live show. The records are pretty elaborate. I think we will bring a smaller band on tour and use backing tracks. We can't afford to take everyone but I don't want it to be weak musically. I'm still trying to figure that one out.

ND: Is Kobe Bryant guilty?

Joey: Michael, Kobe, O.J., Baretta... it's reality soap opera television for the a nation of ignorant assholes. Sorry, I mean I'm not sure. Maybe!