Yesterday
I attended the Parking Lot Grass gig at Choices. It started late. VERY late. So I only stayed for forty five minutes
of the show. However, I was quite impressed with what I saw and heard from this
very talented band that is synonymous with “Swahili Rock”. (I will post a detailed review of the gig
before the new year). As is not uncommon in our beloved Kenya, there was a
power black out while the amazing lead singer of Parking Lot Grass was in the
middle of a particularly spirited version of a popular rock song. That incident
reminded me that I was yet to post the second part of the Will Rauser interview
where he talks about the best and worst gigs he’s been involved with. Here then
is the second part of the interview.
And regarding the tardiness of Parking Lot
Grass, I will just quote what Will Rauser said in the first part of the
interview: “Another deal breaker is lack of professionalism: You can be an
amateur band and still act like professionals. Be polite to whoever brings your
band in, treat other bands with respect (even if they don't deserve it), be ON TIME (that is a huge one)…”
Mildred: So what's the best thing about
being in a band? And the worst? Which was your best and worst gig?
Will: Wow...let's see (I feel like I
am being interviewed...lol)
Mildred: Ahem. You actually are. Sorry,
it's the writer in me lol! *switching off the writer in me*
Will: Oh I love being interviewed...I
could talk your ear off...lol.
Mildred: And I must say you are very easy
to interview.
Will: The best thing about being in a
band? The camaraderie, and, of course, the music. There's nothing like jamming
together and sounding powerful and knowing that an audience digs your music. The
worst thing about being in a band? I really can't think of a bad thing. I guess
any drama that happens would be...but drama happens in all aspects of life, so
I really don't count that.
Mildred: Yeah, I love music and I know I
could do it as a solo artist but there is just something special about being in
a band. What you said, the camaraderie. One of the MANY reasons I love U2 is
that it is so obvious that they enjoy performing together. Your worst gig?
Will: The worst gig? You know, I think
the worst gig we ever played was when we were a 3 piece band and we played on
Fort Bragg at the fair, and it was 96 that day, and my amp blew a fuse right in
the middle of the set. I had to get Bob and Jay to stretch while I trouble
shooted the amp...and I had to plug my little guitar processor into the PA just
to finish the show. The sound stunk, but I finished the gig!
Mildred: lol! At least you finished the
gig. Your best one?
Will: Our best gig? I would have to say
that we played a little converted mechanic's garage in a little coastal town
here in North Carolina (Beulaville, I think) and Bobby (drums) and I visited
the site 2 weeks before the show and it really looked horrible. In two weeks,
that little youth group cleaned and fixed that place up, and it was awesome!
And they were the BEST audience we ever played for. That room is on our video. You
know, there was one OTHER BEST gig we had: We ended up playing a local bar
(which we rarely do) and THEY treated us better than many of the Christian
events we have played. I got great sound from the sound guy (he knew his stuff)
and after we were done, the owner of the bar came up to me. I went to shake his
hand (he was a HUGE biker guy) and he gave me a big old hug and said we were
welcome there any time.
Mildred: (thinking: Awwwwww!) Speaking of
youth groups and bars, is your band a "Christian band" or a band that
plays Christian music? As a musician do you struggle with playing
"secular" music?
Will: That's a difficult question, of
which I have a lengthy answer None
of us have a personal problem with playing secular music as a profession, or
listening (within reason...there's just some stuff that ought to be avoided);
BUT, we are a Christian band...meaning that our sole purpose for existence is
to herald Jesus Christ to the world...we write our own material, and it is meant
to be used for His kingdom and glory.
And with
that, I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! Look out for the final part of
the interview before the end of 2012. Meanwhile, enjoy this outtakes video.
There’s nothing as funny as metal rockers having an attack of the giggles!
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