FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE
1. SOUND CHECK
2. THE TRUE STORY BEHIND RUMOUR MILL, A Q&A WITH TOM FORD
3. DON'T MISS YOUR SECOND CHANCE TO SEE NILS LOFGREN
4. NEW AT THE STONE PONY ONLINE STORE
5. CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Over a late dinner with some friends a few weeks ago, we were discussing some of the difficulties in the life of a musician. Most people who earn part of their living making music, must also juggle a day job, not to mention relationships with family and friends - many of whom never really understand the passion that makes someone trek off to countless late-night rehearsals, or come home tired, sweaty and smelling of beer and smoke while going on and on about the greatest gig ever ... played for about a dozen people. "The problem", I was told, "is that we always use the word 'play'. We 'play' music. It's really hard work, and most people don't understand that." To many, 'playing' music is getting on stage and pounding out some songs, or it's a natural talent that some people have. The truth is that the show taking place on stage is the result of hours, days, months and years of work, practice, touring, recording, songwriting and some blood, sweat and tears along the way. It starts with guitarists sitting in their bedrooms trying to nail their first solo, songwriters making the transition from lines of bad poetry to the rhythm of a statement, and drummers figuring out that a solid beat a timely fill really do kick. It results with a lit-up stage, and hopefully an audience so inclined to rock along. Think of this the next time you're listening to a CD or catching a live performance and you'll start to appreciate the music, and the musicians, on a whole new level.
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HERE ARE THE FACTS ABOUT RUMOUR MILL
Rumour Mill has built a solid local following since their creation in late 1997. After establishing their live chops playing in venues around the tri-state area, they made their debut at The Stone Pony last November. Along the way, they've recorded three CDs, earned two Asbury Music Award nominations and performed with legendary artists. The newsletter was fortunate to conduct the following interview with Rumour Mill's lead singer, guitarist and songwriter, Tom "Model T" Ford, who shared his thoughts on the band's accolades, famous bill-mates and the ever-popular Asbury music scene.
The Stone Pony: Rumour Mill has supported some very interesting acts on the Pony stage. In February you played with Bobby Bandiera, in May with John Entwistle of The Who, a few weeks ago you shared the stage with Robbie Krieger of The Doors, and your next appearance will be with The Smithereens. How does it feel to play with performers that have such a history and does it have any affect on your own playing?
Tom Ford: I think to share the stage with such luminaries can be a little nerve-wracking. I mean, The Who and The Doors are musical gods - they were among the first bands that we listened to growing up. That being said though, after you meet them and talk to them you find out that they're human beings just like you - they get the same urges for tacos and beer. Musically of course, it can be a little humbling - Bobby Bandiera was very versatile and knew how to work the crowd ... John Entwistle and Robbie Krieger are amazing; their skills have not even slightly eroded. Actually last year we opened up a show for Colin Hay from Men At Work - it was just him and an acoustic guitar - and I was amazed at what one man and a guitar can do; the songs were simple and well crafted, his voice was full and sincere without being pretentious ... its been a lot of fun doing these shows. As far as our playing, I don't think it's affected by who we share the stage with - we always have the same feeling of nervous energy before we begin, and sweet relief when the first notes are played. If you're not a little nervous, you're doing something wrong.
The Stone Pony: The band recorded a CD earlier this year. Tell us a little about that recording, and how fans can get a copy. Are your first two recordings still available?
TF: Recording can be a little daunting, because when you're used to performing together you have a hard time breaking the song down into its original pieces. It's ironic - my songs start out very simply, but after they become a finished product its hard to remember where they sprouted from. It's very fulfilling though to have a finished CD, something tangible that you can say you've accomplished, and of course it always helps to promote the band. Our CDs are available through our website www.rumourmill.org or by seeing us after a show. And yes, I might be able to scare up a copy or two of our "old stuff" as well !!
The Stone Pony: Who is the primary songwriter in the group? How are songs usually introduced to the band and what is the process by which they evolve into a part of your set?
TF: I write all of the songs, with the exception of "Burning Out" and "Glimmer Glass", written by our bass player Mike Ford (and no, we are not related). However, the songs really come together in the rehearsal studio (can I get in a plug for GEAR REHEARSAL in Shrewsbury?) I generally bring in a chord progression (sometimes I'm lucky enough to have a verse and a chorus) and enough lyrics to set the mood and tempo - and we all just take it from there. I don't care how many times we play on stage or who we play with, there is no greater feeling in the world than creating a song. My most fulfilling moments with Rumour Mill are looking at the other four guys in that studio when a song comes together - its corny but true ...
The Stone Pony: You’ve cited REM as one of your favorite bands and an influence on your sound. What other bands do you listen to and have influenced your music?
TF: Well, growing up of course classic rock was ever present. But I began to develop my own musical taste in the alternative 80's, so U2, REM, The CURE, The SMITHS, INXS, PSYCHEDELIC FURS, and THE SMITHEREENS were in heavy rotation. If I could write music as well as REM and THE SMITHEREENS, and write lyrics as well as Morrissey and Elvis Costello, there'd be no stopping us (of course that's my opinion, I could be wrong). These days I find myself on the fringe of pop and singer/songwriters. I love the crunch and hooks of Collective Soul and Matthew Good Band, but I also appreciate the musically simple but lyrically complex work of David Gray or Luka Bloom. I never want to feel like I've painted myself into a corner by limiting my listening to one particular genre.
The Stone Pony: Some of your tunes have been receiving air-play on local radio stations and you often ask fans to call their favorite stations and request Rumour Mill songs. Can you tell us about the first time you heard one of your songs on the radio and your feelings at the time?
TF: Ha ha - this is actually a true story. I was at a Giants game at the Meadowlands with some friends, and we were driving back from the game on the Garden State Parkway, and the guy who was driving was flipping thru the stations and happened to dial up WBJB-FM, the Brookdale station, and the first verse of "Innocence" was blasting through his speakers. I was probably somewhere between shock and euphoria, and as we pulled up to the Raritan tolls, the Jeep next to us had their stereo blasting it too. I think it was then that it dawned on me how lucky I was that something I created was reaching so many people (though I strongly doubt it had any lasting effects on them). Since then, we've been played on WHTG-FM and most recently on WRAT-FM, but its hard to match that first feeling of wonder and amazement.
The Stone Pony: How difficult it is for a band to build a following on a scene such as Asbury that has so groups competing for attention? What has the band done to get its music noticed by fans and build that essential relationship that any successful act must have with its core fan base?
TF: There's no doubt that original music is an extremely frustrating business. I don't think there's any marketing strategy that adequately works for most bands. We've seen some pretty strange and downright disgusting methods of self-promotion. But the bottom line is the songs. It doesn't matter what you wear, how obnoxious or unassuming your stage presence is, if the songs are good, people will listen - and they'll come again. We maintain a web presence and large e-mail list, it's the only way we can reach people - we all have families and careers. As far as other groups competing for attention, let them compete - this isn't Gladiators or something - we're all part of a musical community. We didn't get bent out of shape worrying about the other bands nominated at the AMAs this year. We were glad to be nominated and thought of as contributing something worth noticing to the Asbury Musical Community.
The Stone Pony: This year, Rumour Mill received their second consecutive nomination for Best Pop Band at the Asbury Music Awards. What do these nominations mean to the band and what do the awards indicate about the bands that are currently playing the scene?
TF: First of all, it's become very popular to rage against the AMA machine - I've been to the bulletin boards and seen the petty jealousies turned to slanderous obscenity. The Asbury Music Awards are and always will be an acknowledgement of the hard work that artists, journalists, and promoters do in the course of the year to help cultivate the Asbury Music Scene. It's not a popularity contest - it's a way for the artist to feel appreciated for the nights of playing your heart out for an audience of 5, for playing a show and then driving an hour to play another one. It's a thank you to the journalist who scrambles to make it to four venues for four different shows in one night so he or she can help to promote the bands who work for every blurb in the entertainment section. Anybody who slams the Awards or doesn't appreciate the hard work that goes into producing them needs to have their head examined.
The Stone Pony: Speaking of the scene, what is the band’s opinion on the state of the Asbury music scene? The Asbury Awards made a special note of the recent signings of several local bands by national labels. Do you feel that this trend will continue, or even expand, in the near future? Are there acts that have potential to make a national impact? What are Rumour Mill’s own plans and aspirations regarding movement to major label?
TF: It was nice to see the success that SAM HILL and other up and coming bands have experienced. Again, its important not to let jealousy pervade the scene. If one band can get signed, then there's hope for everyone. We think the Asbury Music scene is healthier than its ever been - the best thing it has going for it are the venues themselves and the diversity. THE STONE PONY and THE SAINT have done more to give bands who otherwise wouldn't have a stage the opportunity to show their stuff, and every imaginable genre and sub-genre is well supported. Will other bands get signed? Again, it's about the songs - if the songs are good & if they're fresh, then why not? I was impressed with Planet Janet at the AMAs - we also shared a bill with them at the Saint a few months ago. In a perfect world a band like them could hardly escape notice - but who knows? As far as Rumour Mill's aspirations - we've already exceeded them - it's all bonus time now (HA HA).
The Stone Pony: Any final thoughts or comments you’d like to express about The Stone Pony or any of the past shows that you’ve played at the club?
TF: Without puckering up too much, we'd like to take the opportunity to thank Kyle, Dominic, and the entire staff of the Stone Pony for the opportunities we've had. We've always been made to feel welcome on the Pony stage - John and the sound guys always do a great job for us, and we always enjoy ourselves before, during, and after all the shows. We don't expect anything less next time with THE SMIITHEREENS on Saturday Sept 29th !!! Should be a killer show, and we're looking forward to it.
Catch Rumour Mill at The Stone Pony on Saturday, September 29th, when they share the stage with The Smithereens and John Monnecka. For more about the band, including song lyrics and their latest recording, go to www.rumourmill.org.
The Stone Pony Cafe: Good food and drink from 11:30 am daily!
Life doesn't offer many second chances, but The Stone Pony does. The Stone Pony recently announced the return of Nils Lofgren on Saturday evening, October 13th. Even long-time fans of the E Street Band's guitarist might have been surprised at Nils' versatility during his August performance on the outdoor stage, as he not only played several styles of killer guitar, but also sang and led his band through a rocking set. For those of you who missed the packed crowd, the long enthusiastic line for Nils' autograph and one of the most memorable shows in recent club history, or those of you who want to try and relive it, check out photos from the show on the Pony's official web site at http://www.stoneponyonline.com/photos/lofgren/index.html and make sure that you get your tickets now, today, quick! Newer subscribers to the newsletter, should check out the June 20, 2001 issue for a quick summary of Nils' career, and the August 25, 2001 issue for a review of the spectacular August 18th event. Both are available on the "Newsletter" page of the Pony's web site. Further details about his career and music can be found on the official Nils Lofgren web site at www.nilslofgren.com.
SOME OF THE PONY'S MOST POPULAR MERCHANDISE NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
We need money. Buy our stuff! The Stone Pony has made The Stone Pony logo baby doll shirts, tank tops and hats available through its online store. These very popular items have previously been available only by visiting the club, but now you can order them right now from the comfort of your own computer. Anyone who has visited the club has probably seen the shirts being worn by many of the girls that work at the venue, so don't miss the opportunity to see if you or your girlfriend can look as good. Visit the store by going to www.stoneponyonline.com and clicking on the "Store" link. Of course, all of these products, in addition to shirts, jackets, and mugs, are always available at the club during operating hours, so stop by and check out the selection the next time you're in Asbury Park!
For news and information about Asbury Park, New Jersey, visit asburypark.net
Thursday Nights. Bounce Is Back! The Ultimate Dance Party with DJ Matrix and MC BJ, 20-oz. $1 drafts and $1 tube shots all night long, ladies free until 11, free with Monmouth University ID, 18 & up for everyone with two forms of ID, doors at 9:30.
