INTERVIEW
NEW MEXICAN DISASTER SQUAD
by Christer Davidsson, May 2006

Tell me a little bit about the band, who are you guys and how did you get together? How did you come up with the name of the band? Have you been in any other bands before the days of NMDS?

Sam Johnson: Well, we’re New Mexican Disaster Squad and Richard and I had been friends for years. We started writing some songs and it grew from there. We got our name because we thought it souded cool. We were all in bands around town before we started this band, but none of those really went anywhere. No offence to Roger That, Sincerely Yours, and Community Service.

What are your influences and how would you describe your sound to those who don’t know who you are yet?

Well, we are all influenced by alot of bands, but I think you can maybe hear Dag Nasty, 7 Seconds, maybe Adolescents.

NMDS formed in 1999, that means the band has been around for 7 years now. Have you changed during this time? Has the sound changed over the years?

Our first couple years we had a couple rotating bass players, but we’ve had our perfect fit (Alex) for many years, now. If anything, our sound has become more streamlined and focused- but it always come from the same place.

The new album “Don’t Believe” is coming out in the beginning of in may. This is your first record on Jade Tree, the last one was released by A-F. How come you changed label?

We we’re just ready for a change, some “plastic surgury” maybe.

I’ve heard the song “Tightrope” from the new album and I think it’s great. What’s the rest of the record like? How did everyting go during the recording?

Thanks! Well, there are some fast ones and some faster ones. Seriously, It’s kind of hard to explain. It’s pissed off punk coming from crazy people who don’t fit in (regardless of what Alex says). Recording was tedious at times, but still fun. We recorded it with a friend in his dining room/studio.

You have been opening up for Strike Anywhere, Subhumans and Against Me! to name a few. What was that like? Any funny tour-stories?

Those are all great times. One time in Las Vegas we stayed out late gambling and drinking and then I took a cab back to our -FILTHY, dead-hooker stained rug-motel room. It turned out I mistook the air conditioning window-unit for a toilet while I was sleep walking. I got a million more where that came from.

You did a 15-day US tour last month, how did it go? What bands did you play with? Did you play the new stuff and how was it recieved by the crowd?

That tour was great. We went partway with Western Addiction who are shredders and partway None More Black who are rockers. We played a few new songs, and it seemed like they went over well.Who knows?

Have you been over here in europe yet?

Yes. Two and a half years ago with Strike Anywhere. It was a great month. We will be back in Europe in August/September with Paint It Black. We’re very excited.

You are from Orlando, Florida. What’s the Florida scene like? Any other bands from your area you would recommend?

Well, I wouldn’t say it was the healhiest scene, but we’re workin’ on it. I like Fasion Fasion and the Image Boys, Polluted Youth. I’m getting pretty old and out of touch, too.

What will NMDS do for the rest of 2006? More recordings coming up?

Touring with bands like Lords, Clit 45, Paint It Black and more! As for recordings, only time will tell.

Well, that’s it, thanks a lot for taking the time to answer these questions!
My pleasure! Thanks.

Links:

http://www.newmexicandisastersquad.com

http://www.myspace.com/newmexicandisastersquad