Interviews

    Congeleton—guitar, everything / Dalton—drums / Weaver—bass / Armstrong—piano, samplers.

   First things first. Put down your everyday, genric punk-rock CD and grab a hold of something new, I say! I command you. Okay, with that said, a band called The Paper Chase touched my little heart and jangled up my nerves. Its experimental indie rock breathes a new kind of fresh air down my spine. HIDE THE KITCHEN KNIVES is the new release, which the band swears is "not drug-influenced." When it comes to time in the studio, vocalist John Congleton likes to let "the song become its own beast in the studio." This he does well, and his creation is awe-inspiring. Hailing from the humid parts of Texas, The Paper Chase now has three releases under its collective belt. Congelton fills us in on recording; bands that inspire him; working in the music industry; and a bad dream that, frankly, made me shit in my pants.

SKRATCH: Firstly, are you insane? HIDE THE KITCHEN KNIVES is one cwazy rekid, my friend.
CONGLETON: I don't think I'm insane. I don't really find the record to be that crazy, to be honest; but everyone says it is.

SKRATCH: When listening to The Paper Chase, it's almost as if Beck and 12 indie bands got in a wrestling match and ate pizza with extra mushrooms (get it: mushrooms? nudge nudge, wink wink) while being pushed by the devil on a swingset. So, what do you say? Your thoughts please.
CONGLETON: If you are suggesting that The Paper Chase is drug-influenced, I would disagree. Reality is much more frustrating than drug use. We use drugs to forget about the things that ail us...Maybe that's my problem! I like the whole "devil on a swingset" thing you said, though. I like thinking my music has ways of creating pictures in peoples minds.

SKRATCH: Tell me what "i did a terrible thing" is all about and please elaborate on this lyric: "Last night I took my sharpest blade / And I cut my tent another five-inch slit."
CONGLETON: I really don't like to talk in specifics about such things because I think the stories behinds songs are never as cool as what your imagination can [conjure]. But I will say that the song is supposed to be an introduction to the album (which I think is obvious). I came up with the lyrics after I had a horrific dream that I was on a camping trip in the woods with everyone I ever knew well in my life. Once they were all asleep, I set the forest on fire and escaped through the slit in my tent. That dream still kind of haunts me. I wonder what that means.... Regardless, it seemed to introduce the album well.

SKRATCH: How long did it take to record this new record?
CONGLETON: Not too long. Main recording and mixing were done sprinkled throughout January of 2002.

SKRATCH: What kind of experimentation took place in the studio?
CONGLETON: Really none. I usually have a direct idea of what I want things to sound like. However, I am a firm believer in letting the song become its own beast in the studio.

SKRATCH: Some effects and parts seem impromptu. Is this true?
CONGLETON: Not on "Knives". On "Young Bodies", yes.

SKRATCH: HIDE THE KITCHEN KNIVES blows me away. I believe fans who like bands such as Beck, Modest Mouse, Death Cab for Cutie, The Miss, Sweep the Leg Johnny, Sonic Youth, and Built To Spill could really salivate listening to this record. Are you a fan of any of these bands? What do you listen to personally?
CONGLETON: Well, we are good friends with Sweep the Leg Johnny, and we all love them. I have a couple Beck albums, and I like 'em. DAYDREAM NATION by Sonic Youth was one I listened to many times in my Congleton youth. For some reason we really haven't been full-on embraced by that subculture, but I bear no ill feeling about that. We have our space, we fill it. I really like a lot of modern classical and singer/songwriter stuff, personally. But all the bands you listed are great bands, I think.

SKRATCH: In your opinion, what differences are apparent between your debut, YOUNG BODIES HEAL QUICKLY, and HIDE THE KITCHEN KNIVES?
CONGLETON: KNIVES is smarter I think. Granted, YOUNG BODIES does have more piss and vinegar to it. I think KNIVES has much better performances and songwriting.

SKRATCH: What main feeling(s) and mood did you want to douse the listener with when writing your songs on this current release? Some relationships go awry?
CONGLETON: Man, I really don't think I have a message. I just want to connect, you know?

SKRATCH: How does The Paper Chase help you in your personal life? Do you find it cathartic? If so, how?
CONGLETON: Absolutely. If I can't write or am having a block, I go crazy; I can't stand it.

SKRATCH: What inspires you?
CONGLETON: Truly? Other artists or just people with life in their body. And on the other hand people with little life in their body. That's why I work in the music industry in my off time. I love being around people like that.

SKRATCH: What do you find self-defeating?
CONGLETON: Not looking for your own voice. Not letting the world know you were here.

SKRATCH: How has independent music affected you? Is it your life?
CONGLETON: No. My sympathies lie in independent music, but it does not affect what I listen to. As a matter of fact, there are just as many scum fucks in indie music as anywhere else. They are just deluded [diluted?].

SKRATCH: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
CONGLETON: I love movies; I'm a huge movie fan. And I love writing music, I just do.

SKRATCH: What do you have to look forward to in the final half of 2002?
CONGLETON: Well, we have finally broken over in Europe, which is something to mark off the "to do before I die" list. You know, I know so many bands that have gone overseas and felt nothing about that...I cant believe that! America is [such a] culture void, I sometimes feel like I'm drowning here.

SKRATCH: And what do you have to say for yourself?
CONGLETON: No comment.

SKRATCH: I love the new record! Any touring plans? Please plug away. Thanks so much.
CONGLETON: Thank you so much! We are touring our asses off. Come see us. Dates are listed on www.thepaperchaseband.com. Wonderful interview. Thank you for your time.

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