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Amounting to Nothing
(The Rolling Rez Stone Interview)
(Editor: Though this interview took place in cyberspace and over many days, imagine with me that this is just like one of the scenes from Almost Famous, and I’m the youngster on the band bus, assigned to interview the “golden gods”!!!! Casey is tooling around on the guitar, seated next to his hot mamma of a girlfriend; Darwin’s doing the same, but he has drumsticks in his hands and he’s playing a rhythm on the seat in front of him; Norvin’s barely into the questions and heavily into his bass, the consummate musician. The questions come quickly and the answers so much quicker. I’m taking questions off of my ESPN mobile unit from people all over the world as we fly down INTERSTATE-40 to the next gig…….. …..ahhhh…..to be young and talented and beautiful…..and I didn’t even get to be one out of three……)
From brodie-bomber:
What kind of gear (for the tech-geeks), just so the rest of the world knows what they’re up against?
Casey: My guitar pedal board was stolen about a month ago so now I play my Les Paul Invader through a Traynor amp. I use a footswitch between the clean and distortion channel. I used to play through a ProCo Rat pedal and a Zinky True Grit but now they’re supporting some one’s habit I suppose. Come June my setup will change to something more ferocious – it’s on lay-a-way now.
Dar: Pearl Export (4 pc) w/ Paiste Cymbals, Evans heads, DW Pedals w/ Vader sticks
Norvin: Ibanez Bass through a Hartke Bass Amp.
From Tricky-Annaconda:
Why do you want to record and release your own music?
Casey: We don’t have much of a choice. We’re hundreds of miles from a big city so we have to record within our means. Fortunately we have friends we’ve made through this music that have been helping us with recording and mixing our own music. As far as distribution’s concerned we’ve placed some CDs in a couple local shops but we move most of them at our shows.
Dar: It’s the passion and originality that drives me. I can be my own person behind the kit w/o having ppl tell me what I need to do…
Norvin: To spread the love through the music
What is your background? (Who you are and your band members, your stories)
Casey: I’m Casey, grew up in Vanderwagen NM and I still call it home. I grew up on a ranch where hard work is valued and expected. I picked up the guitar when I was in my teens and started teaching myself. I got bored and frustrated trying to learn other people’s songs so I started writing my own stuff. I kept writing through college and one day I played a song for the worship band at BABR and they really liked it. So we learned the song and used it to warm up before we practiced worship music. I was hooked…
Dar: Got my first used drumset back in 96 and played airdrums since I was a little kid. The drumming came naturally when I first got my drumset. Played worship music at BABR and we started writing our own songs. I filled in for Guilty Wilson for a summer and picked up more intensity by playing w/ the metronome. The experience went back into ATN from exp w/ GW and thus the music for ATN became more explosive and passionate.
Norvin: (Ed: where noted, Norvin Does Not Answer…)”NDNA”
Who are your fans?
Casey: Whoever sees past the image and realizes there’s something deeper and more meaningful to Amounting to Nothing.
Dar: My family, up and coming local drummers…
Norvin: NDNA
Who writes your songs?
Casey: I’m the primary songwriter so I’m to blame. Norvin wrote Bitter Life, we just put music to it. With the newer songs it’s been a team effort. It takes a while but once Norvin and Chuck open up with ideas the song becomes a group effort.
Dar: From the start it was KC, recently it became a group project with the mixing of ideas. Now we collectively write songs…
Norvin: * Everybody
What are your songs about? (specific themes they cover)
Casey: The songs are a reflection of my life and my relationships with others. I’d sit down and talk to people and they’d pour out their feelings to me. I didn’t know what to do with it so I’d just add a melody to the words. The songs are about neglect, alcoholism, isolation and despair but they all end in hope. There has to be something more to this life. There has to be a God that wants to hold us when we come to the end of our sanity. There has to be a God that cares deeply for us - one that won’t leave and won’t forsake us. My philosophy is that our relationship with other people is a reflection of our relationship with God. If the relationship crumbles then we weren’t built upon a rock. If the relationship stands that we’re doing something right.
Dar: I don’t know…I’m just the drummer. I just beat the drums.
Norvin: * Our music and songs are a testimony of what our lives used to be and what they are now
What’s your opinion of President Bush? (just thought I would throw that in there - haha)
Casey: I’m not sure. I’m not a political person at all. All I know is that we’re called to pray for him and his staff.
Dar: He’s a Texan from Texas which is east of New Mexico
Norvin: NDNA
How would you define the word "success"?
Casey: When you’re not ashamed to tell your story.
Dar: I see success as paying dues in order to accomplish set goals. I don’t see ATN as successful yet, we’re still paying dues and we still struggle with daily challenges.
Norvin: NDNA
What is your claim to fame?
Casey: I saw Micheal Jordan’s last two games in Phoenix. He did his turnaround jumper right in front of us, unbelievable. I also sang into Spoken’s mic at one of their shows…that was way cool.
Dar: Opening for Falling Up, Number One Gun and PAX 217 in Window Rock AZ.
Norvin: NDNA
How would you describe your show, visually and musically?
Casey: Intense, honest and raw. We feel what we play so we try not to give a stagnant performance. Sometimes it becomes a little stale when the crowd’s sitting with their arms crossed and we’re the first band up on a show that started a 1½ hour late. Those shows are more intimidating than anything because the crowd’s displeased because they paid money to watch a show that’s a disaster in the making. We end up being the bad guys…we’ve had more than a couple of those. But if everything’s running right, we have Mt Dew running through our veins and we’ve prayed – those shows are the most intense.
Dar: We’re loud, we’re not ashamed and we follow our own passion.
Norvin: * Music is off the hook!
From Synystervengeance45
Who are your bands biggest/guitar/bass/vocal/drum/ inspirations?
Casey: I learned how to sing and harmonize by listening to punk and ska music. Most notably Five Iron Frenzy, MxPx, Less Than Jake, Buck 0-9, Value Pac, Rancid and Social Distortion. My biggest inspiration was Reese Roper from FIF – he has such an amazing voice. As far as guitar work I don’t necessarily have a person I admire, just bands that work together like Collective Soul, Five Iron Frenzy, CCR, Underoath, Stavesacre and Greeley Estates. I take that back, there’s some guitarists that I admire – Dino Butler, Richie & Merlin from the Mother Earth Blues Band and Brodie from Rocking Horse – all local artists.
Dar: Chad Smith (RHCP), Tommy Lee (MC) and Ethan Rea from Mercy Fall.
Norvin: NDNA
Are you picky about your string size?
CASEY: GHS Boomer 60-10s, Zakk Wylde strings.
Dar: No
Norvin: No
Do you still get nervous before you hit the stage?
Casey: Not really. We’re there to play music and we play. I think I get more nervous afterwards when I meet and talk to people than I do before a show especially talking to seasoned musicians.
Dar: No, not anymore…unless it’s a new crowd in an unfamiliar place. Albq was the show we played where I got nervous.
Norvin: No
Do you guys get into arguments for stupid reasons?
Casey: Most arguments are stupid in general. We don’t scream at each other or physically throw down. We’re more the mind-game type of fighters. We slap each other around in our minds. We give each other the deadly silent treatment. But once we get done provoking the guilty person into spilling the beans, we’re back on track.
Dar: Seldom but it’s usually because someone’s grouchy, tired or late for practice.
Norvin: * Never cuz we’re all cool.
Who writes the songs?
Casey: I do a majority of the songwriting. I also grab a melody and we work the song from there until we’re all satisfied. Dar and Norvin have a 33% percent share while I hold a 34% share. I have the veto power. It’s fun to write a song with these guys though. There are so many ideas that flow while we’re writing and then more after we’re done. Once the song’s finished we feel like we’re apart of it and it makes it even more special.
Dar: See above
Norvin: * Everybody (Ed: at this point, Norvin steps out of the room, but the questions keep coming…)
If you were to write about Satan, how would you write it?
Casey: I’d title it “You had Your Chance.” Lucifer was described as a beautiful angel who fell due to his pride. I’d write the song in the form of a question – why did you give up your eternity so easily? You had your chance…
Dar: You were once beautiful and glorified.
What or who inspired you guys to start Amounting to Nothing?
Casey: No one. We just came together, taught each other songs and played them. We didn’t mean to get serious about it either. The ball just started rolling, no one stopped it and here we are. But promoters like Rancid-Savage, Asdza Shush, Peaks took a chance on us and we’re forever thankful for that. We’re also indebted to the gospel bands, the metal bands, the punk bands and the blues bands that allowed us to play their stage.
Dar: The kids at BABR – who are our biggest fans and Mike & Roxanne from Guilty Wilson.
Who came up with the band name?
Casey: I did. It’s from Philippians 2 where Jesus is described – check it out.
Dar: I dunno…I found out at practice.
What's the meaning behind the band name?
Casey: We want to become less while He becomes more.
Dar: It’s not negative. We’re called to place others before us as it says in the bible and in our teachings from the elderly. For example, people compliment my playing but I don’t let it get to my head to where I hold myself higher than others.
What were you guys expecting at your first show?
Casey: I don’t know, our first show was a surprise. We found out we were playing this show through the flyer they were handing out AT THE SHOW (so much for confirmations). We waited a whole day and we were the last band to play at 12 the next the morning. They started cleaning the venue, picking up trash, vacuuming and putting up the chairs while we were still playing. There were like 8 people left and they were a part of the other bands. The amps were feeding back, we didn’t have a bass player and we were so nervous. We pretty much bombed our first show and that put everything in perspective because we became determined to play every show after that with purpose. I think as a band we have high expectations of ourselves but we also try to keep things at a realistic level.
Dar: A good performance but everything went in the opposite direction.
What do you think about the big bright shiny sign in window rock? (Ed: at this point, Norvin steps back into the room….)
Casey: That sign talks to us and gives us directions to determine the answers to the great questions in life.
Dar: It’s takes a lot of electricity to run that sign knowing many homes on the reservation use oil lamps.
Norvin: * Never seen it
What's the craziest mosh you guys seen in your career?
Casey: Ask CJ from Trillium where that scar on his forehead came from. I didn’t actually see the pit but if it caused CJ harm….must’ve been a good one. The best crowds are in Kayenta AZ and Shonto AZ. We have the most fun up there because they really get into the music and they up the energy level a couple notches. Lately we’ve caused some mosh pits to happen in churches - that’s pretty crazy too.
Dar: The ‘craziest’ mosh in my career had to be in Shonto at the HS. That was crazie…
Norvin: * The Christmas Rock Show in Gallup – Dec 2005
What did you guys think about your first mosh pit?
Casey: It was amazing. It happened in Shonto and we were so surprised by the pit that we just started playing with more intensity. When the crowd gets into your show it just makes the show that much more fun. When the crowd sits back and crosses their arms, it’s like a balloon getting deflated. But sometimes it’s best to just close your eyes and lose yourself in the music, the moment, you own it and you better never let it go – oh!
Dar: I hope nobody gets hurt. Liability becomes an issue.
Norvin: * Awesome!
Norma Jean or The Used ?
Casey: Norma Jean if there’s no coffee around but I’m a huge fan of The Used…
Dar: The Used – the live performances, The Used has a tight sound with lots of clarity in the words. The passion they have as a band is brutal.
Norvin: * Norma Jean
Playing a show or scaring little kids?
Casey: Playing a show because little kids are way cool…
Dar: Both.
Norvin: * Playing a show
What works better drano or liquid plummer?
Casey: Preventive Maintenance is the key.
Dar: Plunger
Norvin: * Don’t know, never touched it
Halloween or Valentines Day?
Casey: Halloween…there’s something in aiding the cavity process. I’m horrible with the lovey-dubby side of my emotions.
Dar: Valentine’s day – have my arrows ready.
Norvin: * Halloween
Christmas or Easter?
Casey: Easter since there’s life in its meaning.
Dar: Christmas
Norvin: * Christmas
Are these questions annoying?
Casey: No…slow drivers in the passing lanes are annoying.
Dar: No, they’d probably be the same questions I’d ask my favorite band (Greeley Estates).
Norvin: * Whatever, no…
DeChavez or Quintana's (music stores)?
Casey: Neither. The only reason we go to DeChavez is to get guitar picks. Quintana’s is now a jewelry store. I’m a personal fan of Music-Go-Round in Albq or any used music shop. Just because something’s a little beat up doesn’t mean you throw it away.
Dar: Musicians Friend
Norvin: * Neither, Guitar Center
How many times did Dar bleed on his drum kit?
Casey: You mean Chuck? We have pictures to prove his commitment to the music.
Dar: 4 times…busted knuckles and blood-stained pants.
Norvin: NDNA
Why do you grow your hair like a hippie?
Casey: I’m too cheap to get a haircut every 2.5 weeks.
Dar: I use Prell.
Norvin: * What?
How many shows did Norvin go to?
Dar: He has a new shirt at every practice. He once wore a Korn shirt to a church show…
Casey: Like Chuck said, he’s got a new tour shirt every time we see him…hahaha.
Norvin: NDNA
Are you fans of Atreyu or From Autumn to Ashes?
Casey: Neither.
Dar: Neither – AFI all the way.
Norvin: * Neither
What Arising Crestfall song was cool/or sucked (personal question)?
Casey: Well, the performance was cool. I don’t know the song titles and I’d have to take a listen to a demo or something. Just don’t ever get complacent. Screamo is becoming a dying art I think so you have to start looking towards the future of your music.
Dar: The encore song was pretty cool.
Norvin: * Don’t know them…
If you broke in on Santa at the North Pole you think it would piss him off?
Casey: If someone broke into your joint wouldn’t it make you mad?
Dar: No, me and Santa roll together.
Norvin: * It would piss off anyone if you broke into their house.
What would you use to fight off the easter bunny?
Casey: My extensive training in Ninji-tsu.
Dar: Ammonia…”smell this”.
Norvin: * I’m not a fighter…I’m cool.
Charlie Brown (he's got the beagle) or Charlie's Angels (he's got the babes)?
Casey: Charlie Brown - Snoopy got the babes too. Good grief…
Dar: Charlie’s Angel’s…
Norvin: * The babes
A “COULDN’T HELP IT” EDITOR’S NOTE AT THIS JUNCTURE: (THE ORIGINAL CHARLIE’S ANGELS…HANDS DOWN!!!!)
If you were running from a stampede would you climb up a tree or try to jump on a
steer?
Casey: First I’d ask myself how I got into that situation and then I’d look for a tree.
Dar: Jump on a steer.
Norvin: * If I had the guts I’d jump on a steer, since I don’t I’d run.
You guys think they screwed up "Dukes of Hazzard" with nudity, profanity and actors who don't look like them (except Daisy)?
Casey: Yes, yes they did. There’s no question that they tainted the legacy of the Dukes with a haphazard attempt at recreating that bootlegging family. Jessica Simpson has nothing on Catherine Bach.
Dar: I haven’t watched the new one, I’m old school – go Boss Hogg!
Norvin: * Haven’t watched it.
Upon coming out with an album, what do you hope for it?
Casey: We’re not planning on working on another album until the Fall of 2006. We’re currently writing new material and looking for new ideas. We don’t know what to hope for really. We just hope people like it and they keep coming to our shows.
Dar: I hope it will go beyond the borders of the Navajo res onto other reservations through MySpace, PureVolume, word of mouth, etc.
Norvin: * To go platinum…hehehe…
Are you trying to take your music further?
Casey: Yes but we’re not focused on getting a label contract. Right now, we’re trying to get into more places to play. I think we have a shot at playing along side some good bands but at the same time we’re rez boys so we feel a sense of loyalty to our people. We’ll see what happens.
Dar: We’re trying to be more technical artistically. At the same time we want to keep it simple.
Norvin: * Yes
What do you hope to accomplish with your music?
Casey: We just want to meet as many people as we can through the music. We realize we’re role models so we want to set a good example. We all like to travel and we’re pretty adventurous so playing different places is a lot of fun. We just want to be ourselves while we watch everything unfold.
Dar: To reach kids with a positive message – that’s there’s more to life than drugs & alcohol. There’s hope and that hope can be found in God.
Norvin: * Don’t expect much – I just want to play.
What inspired you to do this?
Casey: I’m not very good at talking about my emotions or opening up about my feelings so I pour that all out in the form of a song. I just kept writing songs to help me deal with a lot of personal issues and some things that those close to me were going through. It’s my way of being honest with God.
Dar: Music was created by God and one day I hope to play along side the angels in Heaven and also watching KC write music and play the guitar.
Norvin: * Listening to P.O.D. and Disciple.
Why are you following through?
Casey: People relate to us and they help us keep going. It’s amazing to talk to someone after a show and have them talk about music, or their lives or things they’re working towards. As long as people want to hear our music, we’ll be around. We all feel led to do this so we’re not going to fight it.
Dar: With what?
Norvin: * I just want to play…
What are you going to do when your main goal is done?
Casey: Our main purpose as a band is to share everything we have with others – our music, our stories and even our lives.
Dar: Find another goal. I’d like to become a Latin Percussionist for Shakira’s band.
Norvin: * Start a new one…
Are you all setting higher goals for yourselves?
Casey: What’s higher than sharing?
Dar: Everyday – you never know what tomorrow will bring.
Norvin: * Yes
Who signed you guys?
Casey: We’re not signed to a record label. Steel Gang Number1 Records is something we use in remembrance of our grandpa’s legacy. We are sponsored by Red Hand Apparel out of Mesa, AZ though.
Dar: We’re not signed but Momar’s been coming around.
Norvin: * No one. (Ed: at this point, again, Norvin steps from the room…)
How do you all feel about being a "mainstream" band on the rez?
Casey: Mainstream on the reservation…I don’t think we are. In terms of our music I think we’re a versatile band but there’s really a lack of music support in the Gallup area. The only radio station that’s played our music is KGLP (public radio). There’s no local show on any of the radio stations but there’s tons of talented bands in the area. We don’t have a consistent music venue since we’re always under suspicion of illegal activity. I would think that a mainstream band could get on the radio easier but we’re more underground/independent. In some cases even the underground doesn’t accept us because of our beliefs so we become even more underground…
Dar: Are we? It’s a really good feeling that people can actually take the interest and time to listen to what we have to say and play for; which is about the love of God we have for Him.
What’s it like working with Dino?
Casey: I’ve known Dino for years. We’ve played ball together, we’ve played music together but most importantly we’ve searched for Truth together. His perspective is always welcomed and he’s been a big help to Amounting to Nothing. He helped establish ATN as a band and he’ll always be considered a part of us. We owe him a lot but knowing his character, he doesn’t want to be paid back for any of it - what an example. He did the slide guitar on Arise, the helped write some of the earlier songs, he recorded the Elixer CD and through his connections we got it mastered. He’s been a blessing to us…
Dar: He’s the big brother to the band. I see him as the core of Amounting to Nothing meaning he’s always there for us to pray, to help and to guide us through thick and thin.
What’s the story behind Elixir of Life?
Casey: Boredom. We wanted to do something more with our time. We went to Dino’s place and we set up in a circle. He mic’d us up and we spent an afternoon playing music acoustically. The songs were new and we want to put something out that would help define the acoustic side of ATN. It came out reasonably well and I think it captured the rawness we like. It was like being honest with our music and well as with the words.
Dar: We wanted to put out something raw and intimate. So we all sat down in a circle and played without laying down tracks. When we play acoustically, it’s more intimate and it brings us closer to God. I can remember the first Ac show we played at the Downtown Coffee house, we felt like angels were singing along side us even though the crowd couldn’t hear them – we could.
Being a worship band (or used to) would you put the concept of Christ in your music (well maybe you did but I haven't read the lyrics yet)?
Casey: The message of Christ is intertwined throughout our music and our personal lives. Some people get it and some people don’t. Some question our intentions and tell us we’re not Christian enough. Some people tell us we’re too Christian. All I know is that a relationship consists of honesty – I had to learn that the hard way by hurting those close to me. I just want to be honest with God, with my music and with other people. If I can do that then the concept of Christ will become more apparent not through words but through action.
Dar: The message of Christ is hidden in the words so you have to listen carefully. Lots of people think we sing about girls and heartaches but songs like Arise – it’s about waking up every morning and taking the hand of God as he walks beside us each day. The painting described in the song is everything that’s around us daily. He’s always there.
What does Amounting to Nothing mean?
Casey: See above answer
Dar: See above
Whats the story behind the name?
Casey: Well I had this teacher in High School who I used to pick on a lot. One time she got mad and turned around and she said ‘I’m looking forward to watching you flip my burgers after I place my order’. I made it a point not become a professional burger flipper and sought out more education. That plus the description in Phil 2 really made the name Amounting to Nothing come to life.
Dar: If you’re really interested, pick up the bible and read Phil chapter 2.
Who gave it the name?
Casey: I did…it made sense to me but it took others around us a while to understand the meaning behind it. Hence the corrections and assumptions that we were low on self-esteem, “You guys are Amounting to SOMETHING! Not Amounting to NOTHING!” They’d scold us in front of everyone.
Dar: I dunno… (Ed: Norvin re-enters the fray…)
Did I mention the angel with the broken wing t-shirt design is cool?
Casey: Yes you did…I made that design through a side project that I call MyReason Graphics. I designed all our shirts except for the dice shirt. The broken wing concept was taken from Romans 3:23. We all sin and we all fall short whether we’re Christian or not. I’ve made mistakes and I’ll continue to make mistakes but I’ve also become a definition of grace.
Dar: Yeah
Norvin: * I don’t know.
Honestly, how was the Punk for the Masses show (for a hosting beginning bands)?
Casey: It was okay. The sound was not all that great but I know Kyle had some trouble with people keeping their commitments. We had fun - we met a lot of people and got to talk to some of the bands backstage too. It’s always mind blowing when someone comes up to you and says “Are you guys Amounting to Nothing?” The boys from Third Degree tore it up. It’s always a pleasure to watch them play.
Dar: The crowd was cool, the sound wasn’t that good, the stage management was cool, the other bands were cool since we got to hang out with them before & after the show.
Do you expect more in your live performances?
Casey: We don’t place expectations on the crowd. If you pay 8 bucks to watch a show, we’re not going to tell you how to spend your money. But if there’s like 3-4 people wanting to come up closer then we’ll invite them up. When the crowd’s into the show it’s amazing. When the crowd decides to sit the whole way through then it takes energy away from the show. But that’s the nature of coolness I guess. Either you are or you aren’t.
Dar: As a band we try to give 100% even if it means bleeding on my kit. Cecil breaks guitar picks/strings and Norvin loses his voice screaming his lungs out. As far as the crowd, it’s up to them. We love watching the kids come up to the stage, clap, raise their fists, dance and get into the music – it’s rad.
How did it feel after your first show?
Casey: Personally I didn’t want to be on another stage for the rest of my life. Guilty Wilson was in attendance and I’m not sure what they saw in us that night but they took us in and became our mentors. They helped us rewrite some stuff, they taught us how to practice, they put Chuck on a metronome and we began to open for them wherever they played. I guess the first show put everything in perspective. We had to work hard to gain respect; it wasn’t going to be handed to us. We owe a lot to Guilty Wilson. They gave of themselves and they believed in us more than we believed in ourselves.
Dar: I wanted to break my sticks and use them as firewood. But Guilty Wilson came alongside us and encouraged us to keep going.
Norvin: * Awesome, cool…(Editor’s note: Norvin joined the band well after ATN’s first performance so he did not suffer the indignity that is described by the founding members of ATN.)
At this point, Norvin has grown tired of me and retires to the back of the bus, where large amounts of soda pop and potato chips await him. He opens the door and I hear the sounds of P.O.D. coming from the speakers…..Long live the King……)
Who did make King Kong ..King?
Casey: The Kong people made him king.
Dar: Jack Black.
From GoosecocK:
Ok if I were to ask Casey if he'd join me in a band, doing alot of acoustic songs would he do it?
Casey: Haha, I don’t know. I learned to play on an acoustic guitar. There were a lot of people who were good at playing songs by Metallica, Led Zeppelin and those types of bands. I tried my hand at it but I just didn’t feel like that was me. I wanted to create songs and be original. I used to lead worship for a Spanish Youth Group in college and one day I was waiting for the bus to pick me up for church. This guy I befriended came out and asked to see my guitar. We shared a little and then he started singing ‘Wonderful Tonight’ by Eric Clapton. It was at that moment I wanted to write songs that other people could sing just like he did with Clapton’s song. There’s weren’t any fancy solos or riffs but it was simple and effective.
Dar: I don’t know, he’s real hard to get along with…but at times he’s like a brother to me.
From Teresa:
Where do you see the band in ten years?
Casey: I honestly don’t think we’ll be a band in ten years but we’re all using this experience to gain contacts in the music world. One of the things we’re trying to get into is promoting shows. There is such a lack of a music scene in Gallup, it’s unbelievable. With all these bands around and an easy access to I-40, you’d think GTown would have a music venue. The El Morro’s cool but it’s huge. Maybe turn one of the old bars into a music hall and have live music every weekend. Work until our reputation is solid enough to where bands will actually want to stop in Gallup for more than gas. In ten years I’ll have a killer JBL sound system and hopefully a music venue that I’ll call Momar’s Joint. I might be married by then...hahah, first Trav and then me.
Dar: As a side project we’re starting to get into promoting. We’d like to bring in some big indie bands into Gallup into a cool venue beside the El Morro. We might try a national tour or we may end up selling raffle tickets at Earls.
What are your goals and ambitions as a band?
Casey: Just to be honest in everything we do and say. I think we’re all ambitious guys and we want to get Amounting to Nothing out there on the map. At the same time we want to represent the Navajo people as best we can by being respectful to everyone we come in contact with. We want to be about the message and the music. We want to be good at what we do so that people wonder who we are and where we’re coming from.
Dar: Give a 100 percent at everything we try to do.
Do you think you will add someone who plays a keyboard?
Casey: No…our budget won’t allow for it unless her name is Mindy and she was coming from a band called Lydia out of Gilbert AZ. For now Momar plays the keys.
Dar: We already do, we have Momar. He’s shy so he hides behind the stage.
Last but not least, who is your dream girl? LOL!!!
Casey: My dream girl knows who she is.
Dar: You. LOL
From mr_unkown00:
Why do you guys rock?
Casey: We take things from other bands and incorporate them into our set. We had the pleasure of watching Mercy Fall play the small venues in Flagstaff and they inspired us a lot with their homemade equipment. We also watch bands like Greeley Estates, A Change of Pace and Lydia. They’re all AZ bands but they are so cool to watch and to talk to. We’d like to meet some other bands like Cage9, 32 Leaves and Mink Rebellion. We’re fans of the local scene and the rez scene as well. Some of our favorite rez bands are Guilty Wilson, Mack, Third Degree, Tribus, EDG, Nason, Drazil, Trillium and Downplay. Most importantly, we rock because our fans rock.
Dar: Well, Mr. Unkown it’s a stress reliever. Some people drink, some people do drugs – I create beats to release the funk. Don’t fake the funk on a nasty dunk.
What is the cure for cancer?
Casey: The cure for cancer will be determined through research so go out and donate today.
Dar: Yellow wristbands from Giant Gas stations and maybe the surgeon general…
Who made King Kong “King”?
Casey: Whoever wanted to serve him I suppose – the people of Kong?
Dar: Jiminy Cricket.
Why did he die?
Casey: Every man dies, not every man really lives.
Dar: It was his destiny and besides, the movie had to end.
(Editor: The bus comes slowly to a stop, and the ride for me has come to an end. I step off the bus with the mixed feeling of exhilaration and anxiety, not knowing if the world will know these men in the way that I have, but knowing that I have had a glimpse into the lives of three men who lead ordinary lives but have extraordinary dreams. Peace and love, my dears, peace and love…)
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