Our friend Timothy James of The Movies covering Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" at the My Little Underground solo acoustic show , presented by Web In Front and Classical Geek Theatre at the Bordello in Los Angeles.
Video for The Movies' "When I Was In Nam" from Based On A True Story.
LR: What is happening right now in the world of The Movies? Any plans for a release this year?
Brian: Just finished building a recording studio, Chermak Studios in Burbank.
Stevie: Writing, Recording, barbequing while writing and recording, the occasional show as well.
LR: Everyone I talk to about the band “loves The Movies” and your shows are
consistently packed. But it seems like record labels are hesitant or
just clueless about your music? Why do you think this is?
Stevie: It’s
almost impossible to pinpoint why this is. None of us were marketing
majors in college, those of us who were even on campus at one time or
another. We’ve never had a manager who looked out for our best
interests and helped find a decent label for our music.
LR: How is it different playing in Los Angeles than say when you toured in Spain? Are the crowds more appreciative?
Tim: In LA I have to sneak 40oz into the club. In Spain, there is a 40oz waiting for me.
Brian: Not more appreciative, there just seems to be more of them. Spaniards
love the rock and roll, period. When they go to a show, they go to see
the bands. When they come up and talk afterwards, they talk about
music. In L.A. it seems people have various agendas.
LR: What does the band do outside of The Movies? Any careers or interesting jobs that you could tell us about?
Tim: Rock Consultant.
Brian: I work as a copywriter in advertising.
Stevie: I work in the valley as a fluffer…it’s mostly under the table.
LR: Who does the principal songwriting? The vocals? Were you guys in any other bands before The Movies?
Stevie: Tim does the majority of the songwriting but Brian has songs and Jess even has the occasional riff that will emerge as a song.
Brian: We
all contribute to the development/arrangements – Stevie helps a lot
with structure and of course, each member contributes their parts
usually. It gets pretty collaborative after someone brings in the idea.
Tim: I
was in the Vehicle Berth until I was kicked out for peeing on our
drummer’s girlfriend’s car. Trust me I was doing her a favor.
Brian: I was in a new wave/surf band in the early 80s in Florida called “Locals Only.”
Stevie: I tried out for Dismemberment Plan once.
LR: What is your earliest memory of wanting to play music or be in a band? Any specific events or musicians that have inspired you?
Stevie: Listening to jazz music at home as a kid. My Pop has a sweet record collection.
Tim: When
I was a babe, my father took me to RFK stadium to watch the Redskins
comeback and beat the Raiders. On exiting the stadium I noticed a
street musician blowing on an instrument. The music sounded good, but
was abruptly stopped by two drunken jocks who kicked his ass and mocked
him. That always stuck with me.
Brian: Since as
long as I can remember. Started banging on the piano at 4. Put a
recital on at 8 before having any lessons. Played Beatles covers and
originals.
LR: What’s your fondest memory of playing in Los Angeles? Any crazy or exciting moments that took place at one of your gigs?
Tim: Tom Cruise showed up at a gig along with Blaire from Facts of Life.
Stevie: Budfest. We threw a party on the roof of an apartment building on
Sanborn & Sunset. Keg stands, gorgeous sunset, and nitrous tanks.
LR: Timothy, how in the hell do you channel such a passionate performance at every show? What conjures up this excitement?
Stevie: Tighty whities.
Tim: See answer to question 6.
LR: What music are you listening to right now? Any bands or artists that have recently inspired you and your music?
Stevie: I’m listening to Thin Lizzy, Stranglers, Steely Dan, Oneida, and Publicist.
Tim: New Years gang, Nate Moore, Meet Me at the Pub.
Brian: Lately,
Robert Rental, Eric Random & Annette Peacock a lot. And I just made
a killer Zombies mix. I fall asleep to Rapoon or Slowdive.
LR: Any last shout-outs?
Tim, Brian and Stevie: The Chermak Studios jingle of course, Chermak studios. We’ve got pro tools for your digital
needs. 2 inch tape for you analog geeks, mics, stands, baffles too,
OUTBOARD GEAR OUT THE WAZOO. Chermak studios, we’re in Burbank so come
down.”
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