1. What's the name of your band?
Cross-Eyed Mary
2. When did you form your band?
Cross-Eyed Mary was initially formed in January 2009. The band as it is today finally took shape in July 2009.
3. What's the origin of that name?
The name ‘Cross-Eyed Mary’ is the name of a song by the band Jethro Tull. We don’t play any Jethro Tull, we just liked the name. We considered ‘Cross-Eyed Larry’, after our drummer Larry Hill, but it didn’t fly : ]
4. Have you changed the band's name before?
This band has always been Cross-Eyed Mary
5. Band member information:
Larry Hill – Drums/vocals
Matt Harsh – Bass
Marc Capitano – Lead/rhythm guitar
Matt Wills – Guitar/keys/vocals
Howard Hedger - Guitar/Violin/Vocals
6. What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?
We are a variety band playing a mix of blues, classic rock, and hard rock. Major influences include the Allman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Clapton, Ritchie Blackmore, The Beatles, Hendrix, Queen, Aerosmith (Perry), SRV, AC/DC (Malcom and Angus Young), Van Halen, R.E.M., Dire Straits, Scotty Moore (Early Elvis), Guns-n-Roses (Slash), Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Randy Rhodes, Gov't Mule, Pink Floyd (David Gilmore), Foreigner, Styx, Rev Theory...and so many others.
7. How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?
For the most part, we have only known each other for a very short time. For a great story about how our band formed, check out our myspace page at www.myspace.com/crosseyedmaryband.
8. Are you a member of any music organizations?
As a band we are not members of any specific organization.
9. What can you tell me about your instruments? (i.e., Are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play with whatever's available? What made you choose the instruments you have now? Was it cost or was it a style/model/brand/color preference?
The members of Cross-Eyed Mary are each long-time, accomplished musicians, and we have our instrument preferences for our own reasons. For example, Matt Wills prefers Les Pauls for their tone and feel, but normally uses a PRS Custom 24 for live performance because of its versatility and playability; and his preference for amps range from blackface Fenders to 70’s Marshalls and beyond. Marc Capitano enjoys Fender guitars and amps, which complements Matts preferences.
10. Where have you performed?
We have performed in Sioux Falls and the surrounding area.
11. What are your favorite and least favorite venues?
We love ‘em all. Any place that makes itself available for good live music is great.
12. Do you have any upcoming shows?
We have a ton of shows coming up. Please go to: www.myspace.com/crosseyedmaryband to view our schedule.
13. Which songs do you perform most frequently?
We rotate through a growing list of songs. Some of our favorites include Soulshine and Good Clean Fun by the Allman Brothers, a killer rendition of Pride and Joy by Stevie Ray Vaughn, and others including songs by AC/DC, 3 Doors Down and Collective Soul.
14. Do you ever play any covers?
We are a cover band, and at this time we are only playing covers. We play songs ranging from Three Dog Night to Rev Theory. Broadly speaking, we play a fun mix of blues, classic and hard rock. We pride ourselves on playing music that’s well known and familiar, but not overdone by other local bands.
15. Do you have a set play list?
We have a growing set list that changes frequently and can be adapted to a number of different venues. Our set list is rarely the same from show to show.
16. Who writes your songs?
At this time we are not producing any original material, however we will likely begin writing in Summer 2010. All band members will contribute to the song writing process.
17. What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs?
Love, hate, rebellion and simple stuff that normal people identify with.
18. Do you think these topics will change over time?
Probably not too much. The themes are timeless and always relevant.
19. Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
We frequently start by learning the structure of the song, and we keep it simple until we know all the changes. We progressively introduce our own spin on the parts, and before you know it we have a cross-eyed masterpiece. Some songs take longer than others…We like to choose stuff that is popular but at the same time challenging musically.
20. What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
We try to get together about twice/week, and the days and times vary according to our schedules. Coordinating five schedules is a challenge, but we make it a priority. Typically we play 2-3 hours, during which time we review old material and introduce new material.
21. How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
The longer we have played together, the more we have realized our strengths as a band. We are very strong on blues, and we also have a strong rock sensibility. Our music choices seem to have gravitated toward powerful music with a harder edge.
22. What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
The biggest challenge was finding the right people for the band. It took time, and a great deal of patience. Along the way people came and went, that is until the five current members finally came together. Another challenge that doesn’t get talked about much is the process of figuring out who and what the band is. New bands that form must balance not only the goals of each member, but they need to be cognizant of what the fans want as well. The trick is in the balancing of those two factors. As a band, if you want to play, you have to be marketable. At the same time, the goal is to stay true to yourself and do what makes you happy.
23. What's your ultimate direction for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune?Our goal is to be a great band. We all have families and careers, and so we are under no illusions about fame and fortune. We want to have fun, be challenged musically, and entertain.
24. What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
Take it slow and find the right people. Have a clear vision of what you want, and make it happen. If you’re going for fame and fortune, you most likely will not find it. Instead, focus on being the best at what you do. If you do this, fame and fortune will find you.
25. How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
At this time please visit our myspace page at: www.myspace.com/crosseyedmaryband
26. Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?To our families, wives, children and friends for allowing us the opportunity to build something really special in our “spare” time, thank you.
27. Do you have any favorite show story or something that has happened to the band that you think was an awesome experience that you would like to share?
During our first show we totally bombed in our version of Bad Reputation by Joan Jett……A few of us were in different keys….and that was only the beginning.. But we hung with it, and the rest of the show was great. There are two morals to this story: 1) A good band can get past anything. 2) Don’t play Joan Jett. . |
