The Open Flames – Interview – Thanks for Asking!

The Open Flames – Interview – Thanks for Asking! – by Liam Sweeny.

RRX: Every artist’s first song is a milestone. But so is the latest song. Describe the first song/album you recorded, and also the latest song/album you recorded; what are the differences?

TOF: The first song that The Open Flames recorded was called “Lockdown” recorded, of course, during the pandemic lockdown. The song starts, “Last night I saw the doctor/He said he’s feeling better.” The song wasn’t recorded in a studio – singer Dave sent a Garageband barebones track to drummer Evan and guitarist Paige, and they added their parts. Len recorded his bass wearing a mask, safe in the fresh air of Dave’s backdoor garden. No germs were shared but the song is stuck into the end of our upcoming album Same Time Next Year.

The latest song we recorded is our next single, “Eat Alone”. That one took full advantage of the magic of the studio, with innumerable guitar layers. You’ll be able to download the song this Saturday, November 9.

RRX: Like songs, every artist has a unique feeling about their first show. What was your first show like? Was it your best show? If not, what was your best show like?

TOF: The first show drummer Evan and singer Dave ever played was at a high school mock political convention. The last night had a talent show. We had one guitar and a bucket and blazed through a punk anthem called “Blud Red”, which somehow suits our times: “I was walking down the street one day/When some Republican got in my way”. No young Republicans were impressed and we lost the contest.

RRX: Cover art is cool. It shows listeners what the artist thinks the album is all about. Because music can be felt visually. If you had to give the public a visual image that you think they would see and just “get” your groove right away, what would it be?

TOF: Cover art is everything! Drummer Evan and guitarist Paige are visual artists. Evan designed the cover art to our two most recent singles. But Dave says font is more important. We’re all better than Arial. Be Lucida Console, if anything.

RRX: What historical era would you like to visit if the sole purpose was to put together a Battle of the Bands? How would you set it up?

TOF: It would be in jazz age New Orleans, so those funereal brass bands could duke it out in the street. But then we’d also have to have a lot of funerals, which we can’t afford right now.

RRX: We have to play somewhere, and sometimes those places have more going for them than a stage and a power outlet. What is a memorable place you played, and bonus points if it’s not a well-known place.

TOF: The Good Mixer in Camden, London, is a favorite punk rock boozer. It’s featured prominently in the Amy Winehouse movie. It’s full of mascara and spikey hair, and yet it’s the most relaxed and homey pub you will find. Every one is on show, but no one judges. And we get 20% off the price of pints when we play!

RRX: What do you think is the most dangerous song to cover from the perspective of criticism? Who do you think is too hard to cover, and why?

TOF: We thought it was “Careless Whisper” by Wham! It turns out, drunks love it. You’ll never get more love, or more slobber. Especially at the Good Mixer.

RRX: Sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Or so they say. Whether you’re off the wagon, on it, or never been, there’s something you got a thirst for. What are some of your basically harmless vices?

TOF: Dungeons & Dragons. Dave was Evan’s dungeon master. Evan had a 12^th level mage.

RRX: We do this for the fans. For the blisters also, but mostly for the fans. Who’s one your best fans? Without necessarily giving their name, what are they like?

TOF: The best fans are three-year-old kids who can’t help but dance. There is no greater complement.

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