Interviews

Interviews: Alien Ant Farm

An Interview with Tye from Alien Ant Farm

Smother - Your sound is very different from the trends that a lot of bands are following over on the West Coast. Could you explain what in your opinion has influenced your sound the most?

Tye - We are influenced by a number of different styles of music. The first band we all had in common music-wise was a punk/reggae band called Bad Brains. Bad Brains has had a strong influence on the heavy side of our music. The melodic portion of our style is influenced by tons of different artists such as Stone Temple Pilots, Tool, Michael Jackson, Weezer, Ben Folds Five, and various Latin jazz groups. We also have a side of complex and weird melodies that are influenced by Mr. Bungle, Primus, and King Crimson.

Smother - Have you guys been working on getting signed? Or have you been given any offers?

Tye - Every band that works hard is working on getting signed, it's every musicians dream. It's even the dream of people that have no right to call themselves musicians, but you got to give them and "A" for effect. As far as offers go, we have had some bites, actually nibbles, from some record labels, but nothing has been achieved, in other words we are still rock scumbags living in the gutters or the rock industry.

Smother - For those that aren't too familiar with your music, what would you compare yourself to or describe your sound as?

Tye - It's ex-girlfriend rock, a lot of people would say we sound similar to the Deftones or Skeleton Key, but it is a little more complex, and maybe a little more pop.

Smother - Got any important shows or news coming up soon?

Tye - All of our shows are in California right now. Glass House in Pomona Oct. 2, Phoenix Theatre in Petaluma Oct. 8th, and the Garage in L.A. Oct. 15th. We will be in Europe for the winter and summer of 2000.

Smother - When will you release a new album??

Tye - Hopefully when we get signed because we don't have the kind of money to record and release another album. We also would like the "Greatest Hits" album to sell and spread a lot more. So maybe in a year or so. But we are writing right now.

Smother - Why did you choose to cover Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" and how in the world did your singer emulate his voice so well?

Tye - It just came out at a concert. Mike and I (Tye) started playing at a show in between songs, for what reason, I don't know and a lot of people liked it, although it was half-assed. I know we talked about playing it before we made a lousy attempt at that show, but I don't know who really came up with the idea. Our singer didn't emulate all of Michael Jackson's parts, the high harmonies as well as the bows and wows were done by me.

Smother - Are you guys in college or are you going to try to make a living doing music?

Tye - I'm (Tye) the only one that has been in college, but for music though. I think we will all try to make a career out of music mainly because it's the only thing we can all do well.

Smother - What would you say if you met a guy named Carbomb?

Tye - Hi Car bomb, nice to meet you.

Smother - What's your favorite thing that the 80's had to offer?

Tye - He-man, Transformers, G.I. Joes, because that's the only thing I remember besides being an ugly fat kid.

Smother - Where did you get the name Alien Ant Farm from?

Tye - Terry thought of it all by himself. It's a concept of how humans are a giant ant farm for aliens, and how humans were placed on earth, and watch us go.

Smother - Describe a typical live performance since I'm on the East Coast and won't be able to see you guys for a while.

Tye - Intense, with a lot of energy from every member. Great harmonies, good humor, pretty instruments, and hot chicks because of our cute singer.

Smother - What's been your favorite band to play with in your career?

Tye - Our favorite band to play with is probably Papa Roach just because they are a great bunch. Playing with SNOT and Incubus was great too, we just wish rock stars would act as stupid as us when we're around them, but remember image is everything to some of those guys. Poor bastards.

Smother - Got anything else you'd like to add?

Tye - For those of you guys in bands that can't play better than their egos, it's ok, all you have to do is practice a little more on your instrument and not on styling your hair. Remember, everybody likes a nice rock star and not an overly cool one. And to all you song writers out there, lets move forward not backwards, the goal is to be better than your parents.