THE BLUE BLOODS
by Taron Cochrane, August 2007
Photos by: Mike Byrne
Hello, good to meet ya...how are you doing?I am doing very well, thank you.
For those people reading this interview that aren't already die-hard fans (but will be after) tell us a brief history of THE BLUE BLOODS?
Let's start with the current band members and what they play. Tim Baxter is our singer, Rice is one of our guitarists, Kristin Drago is our other guitarist, Goose is our bass player, and we have me, Jym Bagtaz, on drums. For recording we all participate in backing vocals, but in our live setting it is usually just Rice, Kristin and Goose for backing.
The band got its start in 1999 with Tim, Goose and a few other previous members (including TJ Welch, who now fronts the Welch Boys). After a couple line-up changes, countless live shows, and releasing three albums on our own, the band released "The Blue Bloods" - the first on I-Scream Records in 2003. After that we were lucky enough to be part of the "Back on the Map" tour of Europe with Slapshot and Blood for Blood. And in early 2005, we released "Death of a Salesman". And we are currently working on our next album, while trying to play out as often as we can to as many people as we can.
How would you describe the sound of THE BLUE BLOODS? Where do you see your sound going down the road? What bands have influenced your music?
We tend to call our music punk and hardcore. While those labels tend to skew in one direction or another, they do not not fully encompass our songwriting style. We have some songs that clearly have hardcore influences, while some occasionally have a hint of old school metal, and we even have some that have melodies that flirt with pop. So we are sort of an amalgam of a number of styles - which I think a large number of bands are.
With the addition of Rice and Kristin into the band, I am really looking forward to adding both metal and pop stylings into our songs. Not to say that you will see us on MTV dancing to a pop tune anytime soon, but adding different elements has always been a staple in the band.
We have been influences by a large number of bands. Everything from Bad Religion, Social Distortion, Descendents, Black Flag to the Misfits, Bouncing Souls, Bad Brains, Slapshot, Minor Threat ...and the list goes on.
Has the Boston music scene been supportive of you? If so, what do you love about the scene your involved in?
The Boston music scene has been, at times, both extremely supportive and extremely unsupportive. I know that sounds contradictory, but it is true. The only time there has been friction, is when the local pundits try to claim they know what the scene is about, and throw their weight around. There are a few people here, and I won't mention names, but they think their shit doesn't stink - and that just because they have been wearing the same baseball cap for fifteen years it gives them the right to declare their opinion as fact.
The best part about the bands we play with in the Boston scene are incredible. It really feels like being part of an extended family. You see the same people at shows or bars, and it is like a reunion of sorts. The Boston punk scene, especially, has so many great bands that are so nice as individuals, and we all support each other in our goals. There is very little jealousy or infighting between local bands, and that can be such a gift. When one of our local bands gets a new record out, or lands a spot on an incredible tour - we are all excited and hopeful for them. For we know what hard work it is to keep something like this going. The lack of animosity between the groups is so refreshing.
Your MySpace page has a new song up right now called, "Untitled". First things first, it is an amazing track...now, the most important question: is this the sign of a new album...what are you guys working on right now?
Thank you for your kind words. That song finally has a title - "If It Bleeds It Leads". This is definitely the direction of the new album. We have a good number of songs finished for it, so as soon as we get some tracks cut for pre-production, we'll throw 'em up on our MySpace page.
I know you guys had previously taken a "hiatus"...but now your back in fightin' form! Are there any plans to tour since the fire has been re-ignited? If not, any shows on the go?
The band does not get to tour as much as we'd like. We all have stuff going on in our private lives - be it day jobs, family responsibilities, etc - that tend to keep us grounded in the Boston area. But we do like to get out as much as possible. There are plans in the works to get some more touring under our belt in the next year or so, so we'll see what happens.
Let's say I decided to make a trip down to your neck of the woods & check out a BLUE BLOODS show ...what should I expect? Should I pack a helmet or should I pack a case of beer?
There is one thing you will need to expect from a typical Blue Bloods live show - energy. From the first guitar chord to the last drum fill, we pack our live set with everything we have. We are a strong believer in putting on the best live show we can. We do not get a ton of radio play, so this is the best way for us to get our music out there. And we do give 110% every time. So my answer to your question: bring a helmet and a case a beer. And a change of clothes - because you will sweat through them.
What has been your greatest live experience to date? Why?
For me, the best live experience would have to be our European tour with Slapshot and Blood for Blood. It was an amazing time, and it really gave me an appreciation for touring the right way, and for getting to know our fans across the world. I sincerely hope we can make it back there soon.
What has been your worst experience to date? Why?
The worst experience would have to be when the band went on hiatus, and the months leading up to it. Tensions within the group had gotten pretty bad. Goose had left the group because things had gotten bad, and the other members were not getting along. Tim and I would often be the only ones to show up for rehearsal. People started to not show up for gigs. It was a rough time, and it was hard for me because I took it personal. I shouldn't have, but at the time it was the only thing I was focused on and I took it as a personal attack. It was a dark time, but things are so much better now. Goose is back, and everyone in the band now is on the same page. It is quite the difference.
Thanks so much for the time! Great to talk to you...any final words?
Thank you very much for allowing me to rant. Take care!