FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE
1. A Q&A WITH NEW JERSEY POP-PUNKS THE YOUTH AHEAD
2. CALENDAR OF EVENTS
This Week at The Stone Pony: Guided By Voices (Saturday), The Youth Ahead (Sunday), Jets to Brazil CD Release Party (Tuesday).
New on The Stone Pony Calendar: An Evening With Mike Doughty of Soul Coughing (October 23), The Weird NJ Halloween Party (October 26), Superdrag (November 19).
Think it's easy to write a good punk song? Take three chords, maybe four when you get really good, yell a lot about some problem in your life and maybe curse a little bit and you're stars, right? Nope, it's not quite that easy. A really good punk song, and the band who performs it, has to be the right combination of witty and smart. A great punk band has to be able to write songs that everyone can relate to, yet somehow set themselves apart as something different. Oh, and you have to be able to mosh to it, too. New Jersey's The Youth Ahead started with two friends, Shawn McGovern and Jay Monchik, in a basement. They had never played before, but wanted to have a little fun with their guitar and drums. As time went on, they developed a following among their friends, added Chris Sparta as their bassist and, along the way, they became a great punk band. In January 2002, Chris Leone joined to make the band a foursome, as an additional guitarist and vocalist. TYA has released three albums, had the opportunity to play with a number of great bands, and earned a spot headlining at The Stone Pony on Sunday, October 13th. The Pony Newsletter discussed all of these things, as well as the band's upcoming recording plans, and the state of the New Jersey music scene, with Shawn McGovern a week before their upcoming gig at the club.
The Stone Pony: Let's start with your latest release, "The Package" EP, which contains both a 7" and a CD. What are the songs that are included and what was the idea of including both formats? It's increasingly rare to see bands releasing anything on vinyl. Do you think there's something missing now that CDs are so common, from the days when records could be made special by using different colored vinyl and other creative tricks?
Shawn McGovern: Well, we really did both formats 'cause we know not too many people, especially younger kids, own record players. The records were kinda a novelty and the CDs were so everyone could actually play it. I really was never a big fan of vinyl, but I do think it's kinda cool to say you have a "record" out. I'm a big fan of the CD. I'm such the 21st century digital boy.
The Stone Pony: It's been almost two years since the band released their last full-length CD, "The Oneder Years". Any plans to release another LP and, if so, anything you can share about the recording plans or when it'll be available that you can share with our readers?
SMG: YES, YES, YES! We are in the process of getting all our sh*t together right now. We just finished most of our demo recordings, and are in the process of searching for the right producer. We are actually shooting for March for the new record to be released. We're gonna try to keep everyone updated on that through the website.
The Stone Pony: When you were first playing around in the basement, songs were written very off-the-cuff, about whatever topics came to mind. After a few years, has your songwriting style changed at all, or become any more structured? There really just isn't any limit to the number of songs that can be written about girls, is there?
SMG: Well, there can NEVER be enough songs about girls! They love you, they break your heart, and they're so damn cute! So easy to write about. I have to say, my songwriting has definitely changed a lot. I find myself putting a lot more thought into the structure, and I'm a lot more picky on songs I decide to be "TYA" songs. If I'm not happy with the melody I'm creating in the first couple minutes, it's tossed, whereas a couple of years ago I might have made it a song. I get a lot more involved in my songs, and pull out twice as much hair now making them better.
The Stone Pony: In early 2000, Jay was quoted as saying that the New Jersey music scene is "definitely getting better". He also expressed hope that "more kids will come to shows, and start bands of their own." Two years later, how do you all see the state of the New Jersey music scene?
SMG: I gotta say, we've played all over and NJ has by far the best music scene. I know I'm a Jersey guy myself, but I'm really not just saying that. From the local bands to kids who come to the shows, in my opinion it's the absolute best place to play in the world!
The Stone Pony: Most reviewers compare your style to Blink 182 and Green Day, pop-punk, and a few well-used chords. Do you see yourselves progressing to that level, touring nationally and being signed to a major label?
SMG: I think we've come a long way in the past year. We got a new guitarist/vocalist and everything we were missing we've made up for. Things are sounding better then ever and we all have the utmost confidence we'll take this to the next level. Even if we don't, and our other lives take over, I'm sure we'll always stay playing, and writing. It's a great thing and I can't see that ever changing.
The Stone Pony: The band has made an effort to be included a number of compilations. Can you list some of the recent comps that the band has been a part of, and what do you see as the importance on being included on comps as far as getting exposure and interest in the band?
SMG: Well, we haven't been on many comps recently, but we did just finish recording a song for a "KISS" tribute album. I wish I had more info on when that'll be available, but unfortunately I don't. Check our website for further info on that. All I can tell ya is we did the song "Beth". It's gonna be awesome!
The Stone Pony: TYA has been fortunate enough to perform with a number of great bands, including Less Than Jake, Jimmie's Chicken Shack, even Quiet Riot, plus lots of local acts. Any bands that were particular cool to hang out with, and gave you great stories to tell that you'd care to share with the world?
SMG: We were extremely lucky to have played with a lot of great nationals. My personal favorites were Good Charlotte and Mest. We did a little weekend tour with those guys about a year ago and we got to know them a bit. Not only do they make great music, but they're also awesome guys! We also toured with Relient K who became good friends of ours. A little less known to kids, but not for long. Those guys are gonna be huge! As for the road stories ... sorry, but "what happens on the road, stays on the road!" ... ha ha!
The Stone Pony: Is The Youth Ahead a fill-time gig for everyone now, or are you still working "day jobs" as well? What does everyone do during the day, and how much does it suck compared with being in a cool band?
SMG: Working day jobs suck!!!!! Unfortunately, we're not at the level yet where we can quit our jobs. We aren't giving up hope yet, though. I'm a Graphic Designer, Jay owns a store in Belmar called "Lucky's", I'm not really sure what Chris does, but he's got a good job. The only [one] who doesn't work is our new guy, Chris. He's still young, though. Lucky bastard!
The Stone Pony: You're going to be headlining your show at The Stone Pony, on a bill with S.F.P., Drive, Mid December and Years To Remember. Any thoughts about headlining a show at the Pony (come on, guys, make us look good!) and any comments you'd like to make about any of the other bands you'll be sharing the stage with?
SMG: We are so honored to be headlining a show at one of the most historic clubs in the U.S. I mean, who wouldn't be honored to play the same stage where The Boss and Bon Jovi got their start. What more to say! I haven't heard of any of the bands were playing with, but I'm really looking forward to seeing them!
The Stone Pony: Ok, give me your best sales pitch about why fans should come out to The Stone Pony and see The Youth Ahead perform on Sunday, October 13th.
SMG: I'll be wearing only a pink thong! But, then again, I guess that wouldn't bring too many people. How 'bout cause it'll be a gay ol' time! Also, we might not be around for awhile cause we'll be in the studio recording our brand new album due out late winter, early spring!!! See ya all there! Thanks to all!
In the meantime, www.theyouthahead.com is the band's official web site. Make your plans now to swing by the Pony this Sunday to see The Youth Ahead on the legendary Pony stage, and keep watching to see how the band continues to move forward in the coming months.
'The Rising' t-shirts on sale
The Stone Pony Store is now taking orders for the special t-shirt commemorating July 30, 2002, Asbury Park's big day in the national spotlight. The shirts are the same ones sold at the club during the marathon event before and after the appearance by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band on the Today show. Shop safely and securely for cool Pony goods including hats, jackets, sweatshirts, tank tops and more.
Visit http://bamart.com/stonepony for details, or go to www.stoneponyonline.com and click on the "Store" link.
COMING SOON: An Exclusive Stone Pony Interview with Frank Black.
Have your party at the Pony!
The Stone Pony is the
perfect place for your party. We can accommodate six or 600, or anywhere in
between. We can arrange for entertainment as well.
Call 732-502-0600 Ext. 12 for details.
Now at AsburyPark.net: Downtown 'Rocktoberfest' planned for Saturday
Asbury Park's revitalized downtown area will be the center of attraction during Rocktoberfest 2002 to be held on Saturday, from a stage on Cookman Avenue.
Thursday Nights. Bounce Thursday: 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, $5 with Monmouth University ID, 18 & up for everyone with two forms of ID, doors at 9:30.
