Alright, this week we have an interview with local group, Scars Remain. This four piece outfit is relatively new to the local scene but they have been hard at work spreading their name and getting exposure. Check my column archive for my review of their first ever live gig a few months back. My money says that you will hear more about these guys in the future. So, sit back and get to know Scars Remain:
SCARS REMAIN INTERVIEW 1. Scars Remain is fairly new to the Nashville rock scene. Can you share a little bit about how you guys got together? Jeremy: Jason, Jeff and I used to all work together. We saw the movie “Rock Star” and thought it would be cool to be in a band. None of us had much (or in Jeff’s case, any) musical experience. So it was just a joke for a while. But then we got instruments and started writing songs. After a long time of sucking, we learned to play a little. And we found our musical direction, thanks to Jason and drop D tuning. We got a singer and played a few shows as Kholera. But things didn’t work out with that lineup, so we went looking for a new front man. We found Jose through the classifieds on Nashvillerock.net. He was one of several people we auditioned, and we kept asking him to come back. Then we set up a gig to try him out, but ended up asking him to be our guy before we played it. I think we made the right choice. Jose: Well, uh, they had the band and I didn't. My wife was urging me to get back into the music scene. So to make a long story short: I called, I auditioned, I got hired; maybe cuz there was nobody else auditioning, heh heh. 2. How serious about music are you guys? Are you the weekend warrior type that like to do an occasional gig here and there or are you type that is willing play every dive bar, wedding, and Sweet Sixteen birthday party in town to reach the next level? Jose : Everything at its right time dude. Personally I'd play anywhere because I am not a rock star. Hell, even if I was a rock star I'd play anywhere. Speaking of 'Rock Star', that was an awesome movie! Jason: We’ll play anywhere, anytime, to anyone. We’re willing to do what it takes.
3. Where did the name Scars Remain come from and what does it mean to you? Jeremy: It was one of many, many names that I had come up with for the band. I suggested it and the other guys went with it. It sounds tough enough for a hard rock band, I guess. For me, it’s about the scars (physical, mental, emotional) that you accumulate as you go through life. They’re little reminders of what you’ve done, good and bad. And hopefully a lesson on where you want to go in the future. Jose : It was on a list the guys came up with. Personally I liked it because I am a firm believer in the fact that you have not truly lived if you don't have some kind of scar. Wounds will always heal. and scars will most definitely remain. Jason: It means that through all of life’s battles, you may be wounded, but the wounds will heal. Although the scars will remain to remind you that the past is real. And Papa Roach sucks ass now. 4. I hear a strong Pantera influence in your music. Is that a fair assessment? Who are some of your major influences? Jose : Pantera? What? Where? My musical influences come from all over the friggin' place. This is my first experience as just a vocalist without an instrument; and I don't really have a vocal influence, but as a vocalist I have to sing according to the music the band writes. Try to deliver with the same intensity and passion the band plays. Jason: I would say I don’t think we sound like Pantera, although we are a riff oriented band. I think that’s where the comparison comes from. My influences include Mark Tremonti and Zakk Wylde, although I’m nowhere near those guys.
Jeff: I have never heard a Pantera song until a few days ago, but it is not the first time we have been compared to Pantera. Personally they would not be one of my influences. My influences include bands such as Disturbed,Godsmack,Creed,POD,Staind,Saliva.................. Jeremy: I’ve listened to Pantera, but I never intended to go in that direction. Personally my biggest influence is Neil Diamond. 5. Now for the question that always gets everyone going¦..What is your opinion of the local Nashville rock/metal scene and what can be done to make it better? Jason: With bands like Deadsun, 3 Minutes to Live, Return to Self, Shadows of Light, and Geardriven that the rock scene is alive and well in Nashville. To make it better? We should have more shows with these bands. Jeff: Bands working together instead of competing against each other for fans could change the local rock scene for the better. Jeremy: I think that talent-wise, Nashville has a really healthy rock scene. There are some great bands deserving of national attention. However, not enough bands support each other. They show up for their gig and don’t pay attention to the performances before or after them. I think the only way for the scene to remain viable is for us to all get behind each other. Jose : I like the bands that are out there, and some of them are friends of mine. but I don't have an opinion nor do I want to offer an opinion about the scene. The only thing that I feel that can make it better is by making the music more accessible to people. Like I have always said: music brings people together, but attitude keeps people together. 6. You guys performed ˜Shout™ which was a cover of a cover song (Disturbed & Tears for Fears). Why the decision to play this song? Jeff: Personally I love the song as well as the band and it was one of the few Disturbed songs that seemed easy enough to play. Jose : Heck, the guys had it in their repertoire, so I just went with the flow. I'd sing any cover song as long as I can perform it half way decently. Jason: I like the song and I was asked to learn it. So I did. After hearing Jose sing it we decided to do the song. 7. If you could open up for any band who would you pick and why? Jeff: For me it would have to be Disturbed. They are just a really great hard rock band that I would just love to share the stage with. Jose : Anybody. We're a new band and any gig is cool with me. Jason: Locally it would be Deadsun. Nationally, who am I to make that decision. I’d be happy to open for anybody. Jeremy: I’ll go with Jason’s answer. 8. Are there recording plans on the horizon for Scars Remain? What about shows out of town? Jose : Actually, we just finished a recording session at MTSU in Murfreesboro with Mike Orth producing. I want to call the demo 'Neosporin', but the guys don't agree with my marketing ideas, heh heh. Jason: We might have some stuff coming up in October that would be outside Nashville. 9. Who would you rather throw eggs at¦ Sharon Osbourne or Bruce Dickinson? Jeff: Sharon Osbourne, too annoying. Jose : Sharon. enough said. Jason: Bruce Dickinson because Jeremy said he’s an ass. Jeremy: I’m going with Bruce Dickinson. Plus I don’t want to piss off Sharon Osbourne because I want her to book us for Ozzfest someday.
10. Can we expect to see an official Scars Remain website or myspace.com page in the future? Jose : Yep. We got a couple of ideas floating around. Jason: Yes. For now you can reach me at myspace.com/scarsremainband 11. Lastly, anything you want to get off your chest? Jose: Absolutely. there is a tattoo on my chest that is actually a cover piece on a gal's name. It happened back in 1993. I was drunk, she dared me to do it. I did it, got it covered two months later. I'd like to get THAT off my chest. Other than that. nothing that I cannot say by another 'creative means' of communication, if you know what I mean. Jason: I have an old ICP tattoo I would like to get off my chest. I was 17 and stupid. ( I answered this before I saw Jose’s answer). Jeff: Jeremy's got a gay haircut. Jeremy: Jeff has a detachable penis.
That'll do it for this time. Until next time, I'm out like the Titans playoff chances.
Message from Uncle Daddy: "Remember, only YOU can help prevent a lame local music scene!"