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  GREEN TO THINK A week has gone by since we posted our very first exclusive band interview for Let’s Rock America! The response we got from last weeks interview with Souls’ Release was so tremendous that we thought we’d run with that format here on in and 86 the show reviews page for now. LRA is like a Basset Hound when it comes to finding outstanding independent music. We recently sniffed out another very talented independent band that hails from Northern New Jersey. The most refreshing elements about the music of Green To Think is the ear pleasing vocals that deliver thoughtful, crafty lyrics over a landscape of tight, well played instrumentation. Our chins (and little kegs of brandy) collectively hit the floor when we found out that the music was recorded in a bedroom! Sometimes the expenses of producing your own record in a professional studio can be a heavy weight to bare…what to do? Green To Think, in true indie style, didn’t let money get in the way. The band invested in a fully loaded computer, Cakewalk Sonar Software and some “really good microphones” and began learning the ins and outs of recording while working on their 6 song EP “Sundays Were Made For This” and later released their first full length record “Liar Like Me”. Founded in 2000 by the Piperno brothers Steven and David, Green To Think released their very first EP “Fireworks on the Grass” with the help of some friends. Local buzz attracted Steven’s Montclair State College roomate Ken Adessa to lend drums and current bassist Chris Smith to join the band in late 2001. GTT were quickly courted by Fake Chapter Records and released their second EP “Sundays Were Made For This” in May of 2002 at Maxwell’s, one of the better known clubs in New Jersey. Armed with musical chops and intelligent networking, Green To Think was able to get their music heard on some MTV and HBO series‘, independent films, television commercials and documentaries. Soon, the band would graduate from smaller venues and start playing to festival crowds. Prior to the release of their first full length recording “Liar like Me”, co-founder David Piperno and drummer Ken Adessa left the band amicably. In order to support the record, Steven and remaining member Chris employed Nick Cavagnaro (formerly of Darby Jones) and drummer Scott Pohlman (formerly of The Milwaukees). GTT’s music doesn’t end with a dream come true…it only gets better… GTT’s spirit lies in their hearts. It’s evident in the music and even more present in their passion: The current GTT lineup features singer/songwriter/ guitar player/keyboardist and founder Steven Piperno, lead guitarist Nick Cavagnaro, bassist Chris Smith and drummer Scott Pohlman. Unselfish and driven with the same passion to self produce an indie record, Green To Think is working with the National Military Family Association. The downloadable single “Prisoner of War” was recorded as a duet with Steven’s friend, singer/songwriter Kyler England. All download proceeds from "Prisoner Of War" will be donated to the NMFA located in Arlington, Virginia to benefit spouses and children of American troops, including those who have been deployed, wounded or fallen in action, to deal with the challenges unique to military life. NMFA provides such initiatives as free camps and after-school programs that provide coping skills for children of deployed service members, spouse scholarships, and funds to help support various military community programs. "Prisoner Of War" is available at all major online stores including iTunes. Visit NMFA at www.nmfa.org. All of this from a spare bedroom.
The Exclusive Lets Rock America interview with Green To Think: Lets Rock America: The first thing I think of when I listen to Green To Think is an influence garnered from Ben Folds...any influences you might want to elaborate on? Scott: There are too many influences to mention, but my two favorite artists at the moment, or say the last 5 years, are Ben Folds and Matt Pond PA. They are the most refreshing songwriters out there.
Nick: My influences on guitar range from Jimi to Jimmy to George to Edge and Johnny Greenwood, and many others. For GTT, I’d say Radiohead, Beatles, Damian Rice, Third Eye Blind, Elvis Costello, U2.
Chris: My bass influences are Jaco Pastorius, Will Lee, Ron Carter. Some of my musical influences are Miles Davis, Keith Jarrett, Marvin Gaye, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Bach, Bud Powell, yada-yada...I could go on forever. Steven: I’m probably most influenced by Glen Phillips of Toad The Wet Sprocket. I’m also really into Jesse Harris, Death Cab, U2, Damian Rice, Phantom Planet, etc. I’m all about a good tune but I love nice production. LRA: It amazes me that you can produce such an incredible record like "Liar Like Me" in your own bedroom...are you pulling my leg or is it really true? What's your take on that? Scott: Yep Steve did record the album in his spare bedroom....I'm sure it would have been nice to have a huge budget to do the recording at a top of the line studio....but I think Steve had more of an opportunity to make the songs sound the way he wanted them to in his own home on his own terms....having the time to work out all the details to each song.........and experimenting with different sounds.
Nick: Actually, it's was made in the bedroom and the basement
Chris: Modern science/technology and capitalism (competition, cheap goods) is partially responsible.
Steven: I think we used the bathroom too. LRA: Brothers Steven and David started this project a while ago and yet the current line up doesn't include David...what happened? Steven: David was an integral part of Green To Think’s beginning. Without him, my song writing wouldn’t be where it is today. As brothers, we had a connection with developing a song. We didn’t agree all the time but he definitely pushed me to become a better songwriter by refusing to play my crappy tunes. He played all lead guitars on the “Sundays Were Made For This” EP and even a few tracks of the new record. Although he’s concentrating more on his profession as a CPA these days, it was very nice to share my passion for music with my little brother. LRA: Your successes included some spot placements on MTV and HBO to name a number of things. The band has also garnered some recognition at some festivals. What's that all about? Steven: MTV and HBO featured some of our music on their home-grown shows. We’ve played NACA, MMC and Dewey Beach Fest. All of these things are great avenues to exposure. We had a lot of fun at the festivals and it’s cool to get an email from people when they hear our stuff on TV. There will definitely be more TV spots for us in the future. Right now, we’re being featured on CNN Headline news for a segment about our relationship with the NMFA and our song Prisoner Of War. It’s airing at 12:55 – 1 PM each day until Feb 22.
Scott: People know when they hear good music. LRA: I want to get to know you guys on an individual level...tell me about yourselves...what instrument do you play, why do you play music, who inspires you...what's your favorite color? DON’T SAY GREEN! Anything you want the masses to know? Scott: Drums, women, George Best, blue.
Nick: Lead guitar & backup vocals. I used to front the band Darby Jones. I also currently play guitar in the band Fight Of Your Life.
Chris: I’m the bass player. See #1
Steven: I hate the color green. It reminds me of being carsick. I hate being carsick! Red is a much better color. I sing, play guitar & piano. I’m inspired by family, girls and the history channel.
LRA: Your heart seems to be exactly where your heads are at...you're currently donating funds from your single "Prisoner of War" to a charity benefiting war families...how is it that a band with minimal funds still have the heart to sideline? Nick: You have to support the people that support you and giving back is the best way to do that.
Steven: It’s simple, some things are more important than money. The NMFA (NMFA.org) is a great organization and I’m happy that we can help support their efforts in supporting our troops.
Scott: Tax write off!
LRA: The bands name is odd yet charming...where the heck did that come from? Steven: When you ask this question, you never know if you’re going to get the truth. We got our band name from a theory that the universe was predominantly green in color.
Thank you for taking the time to give us your candid thoughts...where do I get your records...I absolutely LOVE them!
Steven: You can always get our music at www.greentothink.com. You can download or purchase the physical CD there. There is even a link to the CD on our myspace page (myspace.com/greentothink ). The CD is also available at all major online stores.
GTT: Hands in the air to Let’s Rock America for featuring us and you the reader for checking us out. Maybe we’ll see you at the Mercury Lounge (NYC) at our St Patty’s Day show, March 17. If
you wish to contact or find out more about Green To Think,
go to www.greentothink.com. If
you know of an outstanding independent artist that you feel merits
a spot on this page.. report it! rkubicz@letsrockamerica.com |
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