The Shallow Hearts's Interview

ATP

For the record, who's answering the interview, what is your band's name? How did you come up with that name?

THE SHALLOW HEARTS

. My name is Ronnie and I drum for The Shallow Hearts. Me and Johnny (Bass/Vocals) started the band after being in another band for 2+ years. We wrestled around with names for a few days and Johnny's gal pal came up with it. I believe it was a toss up between Heartaches & Hangovers and The Shallow Hearts. I believe we chose the right one =)

ATP

So who's in the band and what's everyone's life story in 100 words more or less?

THE SHALLOW HEARTS

The artist did not answer.

ATP

In a nutshell, please describe your sound.

THE SHALLOW HEARTS

Not your run of the mill Punk band. That I promise you!

ATP

Why did you each of you start playing music and was there a turning point from becoming the dream child that every mother and father hopes their child will become before discovering music? Why did music become a career choice for you?

THE SHALLOW HEARTS

The artist did not answer.

ATP

What instruments do you each play? How did you learn to play, self-taught or school?

THE SHALLOW HEARTS

Ronnie - Drums. Self taught

ATP

What bands have influenced each of you?

THE SHALLOW HEARTS

Ronnie - Black Sabbath, The Ramones, Misfits, 80's Hardcore, Metallica, Slayer. I could go on and on.

ATP

What makes your band unique?

THE SHALLOW HEARTS

The artist did not answer.

ATP

Do you write your own music? If not, who writes the music?

THE SHALLOW HEARTS

. We are not a cover band! Hope that answers the question.

ATP

What inspires the songs you write?

THE SHALLOW HEARTS

The artist did not answer.

ATP

How long does it take you to write a song that�s ready to record?

THE SHALLOW HEARTS

We've been able to write 3 tunes in a session. Everyone is a master at their craft so ideas never stop flowing. That's what I love about this band. The talent and commitment of everyone is unstoppable.

ATP

How would you describe your local music scene? Likes, Dislikes. What would you change?

THE SHALLOW HEARTS

Lots of bands! 80% shit bands but still lots. I believe we live in the cover band capital of the world which really sucks. The Punk scene in Chicago is vast. Enough musical tastes for all but a lot is still underground. Metal is everywhere here which isn't bad. But that 80's nostalgia shit is huge. Kinda embarrassing really. There's hundreds of clubs and promoters/Bookers in Chicago and the Burbs, some are cool some are not but I suppose it's like that everywhere. There's an invisible line between the two. Like two countries and some bands don't dare cross the lines. Some city bands won't go to the burbs and vice versa. Pretty stupid but that's the way it is.

ATP

What is your favorite local venue? Why?

THE SHALLOW HEARTS

Ronnie - Reggies Rock Club. Clean place. Great food, Good people, Air conditioning and there's a record store on the 3rd floor!! Nothing bad there!

ATP

What's the biggest problem you find when working with other bands, booking agents, promoters and venues when settting up a show or a tour?

THE SHALLOW HEARTS

The artist did not answer.

ATP

How experienced are you on the stage, a virgin or whore?

THE SHALLOW HEARTS

Ronnie - I've been playing the Chicago music scene since 86'/87'. But I still get nervous. And that fuckin rocks!