The Avatars, an Ann Arbor-based band, is making its triumphant return to the Lansing area with a headlining performance at The Temple Club, 500 E. Grand River Ave., in Lansing tomorrow night.
The lead singer for The Avatars, Mariah Cherem, Theresa Kiefer (bass) and Chris "Box" Taylor (guitar) talked with The State News about the Lansing music scene, MySpace.com and a number of other alluring musical issues.
State News: How does the Lansing music scene compare to Ann Arbor's?
Theresa Kiefer: I actually lived in East Lansing in 1993-94 in the days of phenomenal bands like Day 28 (femme punk) and Kill Devil Hill, legendary engineer/producer Jim Diamond is also a product of the Lansing area … just to name a few influential figures in my life. There is a strong undercurrent of revolutionary bands in both areas, which often tie in the music scenes.
Chris "Box" Taylor: The few times I have played there (Lansing), the folks really seemed to get into the music.
Mariah Cherem: I'm with "Box." I haven't played here too many times myself, but at least at first, it seems both scenes are pretty active. At least I know that the fans in Lansing seem to get into shows.
SN: If the band had the opportunity to collaborate with any musician (dead or alive), who would it be and why?
TK: If Joey Ramone were alive I'd love to have him produce one of our records.
CBT: I would love to work with Eddie Kramer. He is a producer/engineer who worked with Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Louis Armstrong would be fun.
SN: How has MySpace changed the world of up-and-coming bands?
TK: Christ, where do I even begin? Well, bands don't even have to set up a Web site anymore. They can just post their music, advertise their shows, network with bands across the oceans. MySpace has revolutionized the music indie scene big time.
MC: I certainly don't think it's changing the world, but it can definitely be a positive thing for bands — a quick and painless way for new bands to get their songs out, the word out.
SN: Why do you believe Michigan is a breeding ground for bands that know how to rock out with a unique style?
TK: Michigan has always bred the finest music because it's such a competitive area. Bands have to develop their own sound amongst the best of the best.
CBT: It's the Midwest. It's kind of boring. People need excitement in their lives and high energy rock 'n' roll provides them that excitement. Since Michigan is separated from the cultural meccas on the East and West coasts, it allows an artist here to develop his or her own style. It's a style that seems to be based on the power of music, rock 'n' roll in particular, to liberate you from your day-to-day, hum-drum surroundings and elevate you to a higher plain of thought, expression and freedom.
SN: Whose music is more sacred to the band: The Clash or The Ramones?
TK: As far as I'm concerned, it's The Ramones. They have set the tone for simple melodies that stick — a tone we strive for.
CBT: Hey, that's an unfair question. One of us isn't a big Clash fan, and I won't name names, so I would say The Ramones since we can all agree on them. I love both groups too much to choose.
MC: It would have to be The Ramones. They were almost as big as the (Rolling) Stones in Argentina, where Claudia (Claudia Leo — drummer for The Avatars) is from, and though I love both bands, The Ramones were certainly more influential to my own high school years.
SN: What does the future hold for The Avatars?
TK: We are putting out our first full-length, engineered by Jim Diamond and produced by John Speck of The Fags. We worked really hard on it and cannot wait to get it out.
CBT: More rock 'n' roll action. Our first full-length record will be out soon, then some touring and more rock fun.
MC: Yeah, our first LP will be released later this year. More shows over the spring and summer. More playing, singing, hip-shaking, drinking, you know — more rock 'n' roll.
