Exclusive Interview: Truth About Seafood
Artist Spotlight of the Alternative Roots Rock Band
Sep 23, 2009
Truth About Seafood, the alternative roots rock band based out of the Central Coast of California, is back and just as rocking as ever.
Two of the band's original members, lead singer and guitarist, Jeff Minnery and bass guitarist, Brad Daane, recently put the band back together over a three month period this past summer. The other member of the formerly three man band, drummer, Paul Bostaph left the band to play drums for the Grammy award winning heavy metal band, Slayer.
The newest band members of Truth About Seafood are Jeremy Griego on guitar, Sean Flanegan on drums, and Dave Lacaro on percussion and vocals. Suite101 caught up with the new lineup to ask some questions about past, present and future.
How did Truth About Seafood form originally?
"Brad and I started off playing heavy metal together when we were 15 years old. Then around age 18 or 19, we started trying to play music that was distinctively 'not metal' which to us at the time meant no distortion. We gradually morphed into the band we are today, but TAS can still trace its roots back to two kids with long hair playing Iron Maiden in their bedrooms." ~ Jeff Minnery
"We had been through a lot of drummers over the years. After the metal madness we actually formed TAS with Paul Bostaph, the drummer for Forbidden...who then went on to Slayer, while Jeff and I went to college. We used to jam together, write tunes and decided we should start a band together. TAS was formed. The name actually came from Garbage magazine which Bostaph's mom subscribed to, weird stuff. We made a pact that we would get the band back together after college or once Paul couldn't stand Kerry King anymore." ~ Brad Daane
How would you describe the band's musical style? What type of vibe is TAS trying to create?
"We are definitely a rock band at the core. However, we try to let the individual songs dictate the sound we create. Because of that, we incorporate slide guitar, and acoustic guitar in many songs, and lots of harmony vocals, but you would be hard pressed to call us anything but a rock band." ~ Jeff Minnery
"We are a roots band. It's a new subsidiary of rock. As a band we are a bit all over the place, but I think it all works together." ~ Brad Daane
"I would describe the music as alternative roots rock. TAS has captured the creativity and enthusiasm of the classic rock feel and incorporates the new edge flavor." ~ Dave Lacaro
Are there any new TAS original songs or CD's currently in the works?
"We are currently working on the live set for some upcoming shows, but hope to get a few new ones in there as well over the next month or so." ~ Brad Daane
"I think the songs with the new line-up have altered the existing songs to some extent. I think most of the songs we are currently playing have never been formally recorded." ~ Dave Lacaro
"We have many new tunes to record, which are undoubtedly our best yet and we have plans to record over the next year." ~ Jeff Minnery
What are TAS' favorite bands? Who are you currently listening to?
"I usually listen to the classics. The Cars, Muse, Fountains of Wayne, Mercyful Fate, Elvis Costello, Black Sabbath and I've currently been on a big Kaiser Chiefs kick." ~ Brad Daane
"I've been listening to a lot of the Dave Matthews Band lately, but I would have to say I listen to everything...like Bad Brains, Screaming Headless Torsos, Phish, Led Zeppelin, Queens of the Stone Age, Jeff Beck...any music that steps out of the norm and forges new ground." ~ Dave Lacaro
"Bob Marley in the summer, Tom Waits in the winter, Ryan Adams in the spring and Bruce Springsteen in the fall." ~ Jeff Minnery
Why does your percussionist play gigs barefoot?
"Because he lost his shoes at the last gig." ~ Jeff Minnery
"I think it's because you're a dirty hippie, or to get more air during jumps, it's a toss up really." ~ Brad Daane
"I don't know why I do it. I have always played music 'sin zapatos,' either it helps me better feel the music, get more air during my jumps or cools off my sweaty feet." ~ Dave Lacaro
Where can TAS fans find or hear your music?
"Does anybody have websites anymore? We have a Myspace page, go there." ~ Jeff Minnery
"We're thinking of putting out a live CD of the Plaza show to sell online or at shows." ~ Brad Daane
As for the future goals of TAS, the band plans to play locally over the next year, and to continue to write and record music. For more on TAS, check Youtube to view some of their live concert performances.
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