23
venue
Koufax
With local roots and a penchant for churning out accelerated, socially aware dance-rock, Koufax have established themselves as one of the area's premier exports, joining the ranks of local heroes like the Get Up Kids and the Appleseed Cast. With a new record and a new label supporting them, Koufax are prepared to take on the American masses with sweat-soaked riffs and nuevo-wave swagger. Frontman Robert Suchan had time to catch up en route from Chicago to Minneapolis , talking tour psychology, his adopted home and why hard times are in fashion.
Q: You guys are in the middle of a blistering tour schedule (25 shows in 31 days, coast-to-coast). What's it like to play that many shows?
A: It's madness. But we prefer it to be
madness. You make more money that way.
Q: What's your psychological state when the tour ends?
A: There's tour withdrawal. When you're in your town, there's no incentive to get up. It's like, 'Shit, I don't have anything to do.' But we won't consider this tour finished until all the legs are finished. (The band tours Europe and then America again later this year.)
Q: What's the difference between playing in Europe and playing in America?
A: The treatment of bands. Western Europe has a really good support system; they give you a beautiful spread of snacks, dinner and a place to sleep. In America, when the show's over, they're like, 'Get out'. Also, European cities have retained their own history and culture. America
Q: You guys just switched labels (from Vagrant to Doghouse). Why was that?
is so homogenous. It's the same almost everywhere you go.
A: We got off Vagrant Records because it was a popular label for a certain sound, which we didn't fit into. It was sort of false advertising. Kids would buy the record and say, 'Wait - this isn't emo hardcore.' The press would question why we were on the label. But in fairness, they have diversified with bands like Paul Westerberg and the Eels since we left.
Q: The new record, Hard Times are in Fashion, is full of discontent. Where did that come from?
A: The political and social commentary came from me spending a lot of time in Europe in the time leading up to the 2004 presidential election and the war in Iraq starting. People there were more willing to talk about it. There was also an anti-American sentiment there and I was reacting to that as well.
Q: You lived in Lawrence briefly (Fall 2004 thru Spring 2005). What did you think?
A: I really like Lawrence. It's a cliché, but it's an oasis. You're amazed at the culture and the sense of community. It's like, 'How do these people and this town exist in this location?'
Q: Who are some of your favorite Lawrence bands?
A: Kelpie, White Whale, Conner, Appleseed Cast - I'm probably forgetting some. We're touring with some of the guys from Kelpie now.
Q: You were Spin.com's "Band of the Day" on August 11. What does that kind of exposure mean to the band?
A: I may be realistic, or jaded, but I don't think it will help that much -it was only up for a day. Success comes with critics and music fans liking your music.I don't really care about press.
Q: Your birthday was just a couple days ago (August 22). How'd you celebrate?
A: I actually didn't celebrate that much. It was Little Rock, Ark. at midnight. I spent it mellow. I'll consider my birthday in 2005 on August 23 when we we're in New York - that was a good time.
- David Ruigh
CQO you have extra time on your hands? ... Can you use a little extra cash?
PRA International conducts clinical research studies in which you could participate!
We are currently seeking healthy adults who are:
Over the age of 18
Available for outpatient visits or in-house stays at our clinic in Lenexa, KS