Alright, how did a band that isn’t on a major label, even one with as large a fan base as yours, manage to pull off touring with Snoop Dog and Stephen Marley?
We've been touring a ton over the years and it's really paying off. These days having a major label isn't necessarily going to get your music heard; you have to go out and work for it. The industry has changed dramatically over the last decade, and the grass roots way of touring and selling tickets is the only way up. I feel like the dues paid have rewarded us with a tour like this. Snoop, Stephen and Mickey Avalon; toooo fun.
What advice would you give to bands coming up having a hard time succeeding as musicians?
The advice I would give any band is simple, hard work and sacrifice pays off. It takes a long time to build something like this, and we've all had to make sacrifices to ourselves and those around us to get where we are. To have longevity in the music business, you need to have a strong foundation of loyal fans that dig what you do and how you do it.
Everyone who knows anything about you knows that you were originally signed by Bradley Nowell (of Sublime) for Skunk Records. How did his band, and Bradley as a person, influence you and your music?
Yes it's true that Brad Nowell signed the band to his 'new' label (at the time) Skunk Records. He and Miguel Hapboldt created Skunk to help up and coming bands get their music made. His influence is obvious in the musical legacy he left behind. Turn on the radio and chances are you'll hear some sublime within minutes. He was a good friend and mentor to Miles and Kyle.
Miles said in an interview that with Skratch Magazine that “everything we do revolves around” weed. In an interview in Real Skate, an unidentified member of the band was quoted as saying, “I don't do drugs. I don't consider weed or beer as drugs”. I don’t wanna argue semantics here but they are drugs, by definition. How do you justify glorification of things that do cause lots of people lots of problems? Do you not have any concerns about how excessive marijuana use affects people who don’t also happen to be talented musicians on tour with Snoop Dogg?
Haha. Yes it's true that drugs and alcohol can cause problems. I think all good things in moderation are fun. We aren't encouraging people to make poor decisions. We are living a lifestyle that works for us...and many, many others.
How is the record label working out so far? Who are you excited about?
The label is alive and well. We are excited about it and helping younger bands succeed. The Expendables are doing really well. They are on tour with 311 and Ziggy Marley right now.
Within ten years Slightly Stoopid will…
In ten years Slightly Stoopid will be touring tons, surfing often and living the dream.
