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Bandwagon Survey
Bandwagon caught up with the band shortly after the release of the new single for our new feature; the Indie Band Survey.
BWM: Describe your sound and what makes it unlike that of any other band.
Answer: The bottom heavy distorted elegance that is infused with infectious ethnic rhythms. Having members from different cultures brings a real eclectic sound to our music and many different influences each member has. Some bands have great musicians that know all the theory behind their instruments but if the chemistry between the musicians is not there, it that makes for a generic result. We are just all on the same page which makes for a sound on its own.
BWM: How did you meet and what made you decide you wanted to work together?
Answer: Abe and I met while boozing it up at a friends going away party, we got to talking about putting together a band and I knew a drummer who I was doing session work with and he drafted Akbar and that’s how we all met and formed the original line up for Special Ops. We recruited Clearance from one of the bands that we used to play with called Seasonal. We just took threw him in the back of the van one day, tied him to the drum seal and would not let him out until he was assimilated! Lol Now we are all just stuck together and we cant leave even if we want to lol.
BWM: Who are your musical and non-musical influences?
Answer: We hate this question! Jah, Haile Selassie, Dave Grohl is definately the greatest. he was great at what he did with Nirvana, Probot, Tenacious D, and the Foos.... well... who doesn’t like the Foos? And you know the usual Metallica and other Metal/Rock Icons while we were growing up.
BWM: What are your aspirations within the music industry?
Answer: We all have hope that the industry will support artists like ourselves and not the rubbish that is polluting our airwaves, but it is what you make it to be. Times are tough for everyone right now, so sticking to your guns is the most important thing. One day, everyone will be assimilated! ;p
Bandwagon Indie Band Survey - Special Ops
By Devon Sartori
Montreal band Special Ops have some air in their sails these days following the release of their single "Pressure".
Singer Abe Froman and guitarist Akbar Johnson openly draw much from their rhythm section. Drummer Clarence Mcgillicuutty and bassist Waldo Thronhill are capable players well-suited to the prominent role each plays in Special Ops' unique sound.
BWM: Who writes the songs in your band, and what are they about?
Answer: We all collectively contribute in the writing, it usually starts with Johnson or Abe walking in with an idea and then we just work it!
BWM: How does what you have already done as a band influence what you plan to do?
Answer: You learn from your mistakes in the past so that allows you to make better decisions in the future. We have been burned so many times before. We have had to pay to play, been stranded without money or gas, and even had to sleep outside in the cold (-40C). We now cross examine everything we do to make sure that we don’t end up stranded again.
BWM: How do you promote your band and shows?
Answer: With any and all means possible, the web, print, radio, friends and street team mostly.
BWM: What do you think about downloading music online?
Answer: It has its good sides and bad sides. It’s good for small bands that want to get noticed. Giving away free stuff will always get you some attention. As for the big acts, it definitely hurts them. But it only forces them to get back out on the road and work a little for their money.
BWM: What advice would you give to fellow bands?
Answer: Work hard and most importantly work as a team a band that works together can accomplish more than working against each other.
Write good songs and you will get attention. Don’t try to be something you are not. Stay true and real. Nofx is the best example. They have never had a hit on the radio, yet everyone has heard of them.
BWM: What's new in the recording of your music?
Answer: There is talk of a live album soon but for now, the new record is priority. A more refined and polished sound that still has the raw feel that is Special Ops. Thanks Glen!
BWM: What are the biggest obstacles for bands today?
Answer: None. We have defeated all of the obstacles we have ever come across. Nothing scares us anymore. Here will be more and more, and bigger as time goes on, but we no longer get intimidated by that. Now it is just a challenge that we look forward to get to our end goal.
BWM: What are the best and worst things about playing clubs?
Answer: The best part is getting to meet the fans after the set, we like it up close and personal. You really feel the energy. The worst is having to deal with lousy club owners or managers who thing they own the world.
BWM: Tell me about your upcoming shows and why the casual concertgoer should be there.
Answer: No one really understands what Special Ops is all about until they have been to one of their shows. “It’s a must at least once in your life” as Mohawk radio once said. Were not going to toot our own horns here, that is just egotistical. But let’s just say everyone ends up wanting more.
BWM: What is your opinion about censorship of popular music?
Answer: If you don’t like t, don’t listen to it!
At the same time, for the writers out there who have an impressionable audience, realize the influence you are setting in your message, people do listen and it is a responsibility. If you are glorifying racial hatred, rape, abuse etc… there is someone out there who may not take it as a joke and act up on it!