Dead Ringer hail from the American state of New Jersey and play honest and passionate female fronted pop punk. They've been together for a few months and are ready to rip it up! I had the chance to speak to Kristia about the band!
Coffee and the Music Industryfrom Demo
1. First of all, thank you for taking the time to chat with me! You're a relatively new band but you're making some serious waves with your fresh straight ahead brand of female fronted pop punk. Truthfully, were things better in the 90s? Kristia: Thank you for contacting me, Matt! We constantly state that "we miss the 90's," but doesn't necessarily mean that that was a better time. It only reminds us of when that that's when we were growing up and listening to Punk Rock. I haven't come across a genre that could be more honest and passionate. It became an outlet for us and that is how we became involved. I'm sure active punk bands today could say and will continue doing the same.
2. Hmm, you make an interesting observation about that time period as not necessarily being "better" but it was clearly an important time for you and you can really see that in your music / lyrics / attitudes etc. Picking up on your point about honesty and passion, if you don't mind me saying so I think that might be one of the key reasons I really like the music you make. --You can tell it's from the heart. Do you think punk rock and honesty / passion and even ethics go hand in hand? What have your experiences been with this in your own scene? Kristia: I'm glad that you're able to sense of that through my music and it means a lot knowing that my message is being recognized. I do believe that all of the above goes hand in hand and that's what makes a music scene so unique and strong. I've been attending DIY shows for years now and it has had a huge impact on my life which could possibly be the best experience to have. When I started attending these shows, I wasn't aware that there were a bunch of kids that cared about music as much as I did and that's what had me locked in. I was able to relate with these kids in the community and felt like I truly belonged to something special. I've had the pleasure to attend and play DIY shows at different spaces/venues/house shows/etc and I am very fortunate to have met these promoters because without them, none of this would take place. Being able to play, whether it be local or out of state, is a true blessing. I can't explain how amazing it is to be given a chance to play and for these promoters to give other hundreds of bands the opportunity to do the same as well. It keeps me going as a musician and a reason to keep on attending shows.
3. I noticed you're planning on heading out on tour this summer. Now tour can have its share of ups and downs. Any strategies for tackling the good ol punk rock tour and keeping your sanity while on the road? Kristia: TACO BELL! Back to being serious. Tour will always have its ups and downs, but the key to having a successful tour is patience and positivity. I'm aware that touring isn't for every band and it can be stressful when you're stuck in a dilemma when being on the road, but if you're just giving off bad energy to everyone around you then everything can easily turn to shit.
4. Word association for no reason other than it's fun!
Weekends: It is currently the weekend!
High Fives: Make sure you and your friend "watch the elbow" when going for a high five. It'll be flawless. You'll thank me later.
Bergen: I can only think of the shittiest county I live in which is Bergen County.
Dreams: Cocktails & Dreams, plz.
Coffee: Chai Green Tea Latte. Nothing else matters.
Rooftops: All the cool kids hang out on rooftops.
Break: Edge break. Face break.
Twenty: I'm only twenty one?
5. Thanks again for the interview; I hope it wasn't too painful! What are y'all up to for the next while and how can we stay connected with all that you're doing? Kristia: Thank you for providing a webzine to share with me and everyone else! We're currently waiting on our mastered tracks for our upcoming EP "Enjoy the Ride" that'll be released through Gruff Beard Records in late April. It'll include four tracks and they'll be available on 7" vinyl, cd, cassette tape, and digital download. We'll be posting our August tour dates around then as well! We'll be making two stops in Ontario and hope to see you there, Matt! We also recorded a cover of "I Wanna Grow Old With You" by Adam Sandler(The Wedding Singer) that will be released for free. To keep tabs on us, you can follow us on tumblr and/or facebook! Take it easy, Matt, and thanks again!
