1. When did your band first come together?

Band first came together in upstate, NY on September of 2004 with myself on guitar and vocals and Tommy Brunjes on drums.  The EP "Slow" was the product of our collaboration together.  Tommy Brunjes is a multi-instrumentalist so he also contributed to the bass lines as well as the drums on the four songs in "Slow".  I was accepted into a PhD program in NYC, thus, I had to relocate to Queens were I am currently living.  Therefore, the bandline up evolved once again as I had to find new musicians downstate.  I am always on the lookout to collaborating with other musicians and having the music evolve from person to person that I work with.  Which is really why the name of the band, "the MeMes" is so relevant to me. 

2. Why did you pick the name "the MeMes"?

A MeMe is an idea that, like a gene, can replicate and evolve over time.  Thus, my music is constantly evolving as I work with different people that bring out certain elements to my songs. 

3. Describe the type of music you play?

I play indie melodic rock music which is mostly very lyrically and melodically driven.  Many people after shows have come up to me and expressed how soulful the music.  My songs tend to all have distinct guitar melodic rhythms that is at the core and the drums, bass, and additional guitar lines tend to support that one main melody.  So it can be a bit simplistic, however, it bring to focus the things which I feel are most important in a song: the lyrics and the melody. 

4. Who is in the group and how would you define their roles?

Currently, there is me on lead vocals and guitar, Nick Lundy on drums, Elwood on bass, and Taz on guitars.  I first hooked up with my drummer, Nick Lundy, in March of 2005 and have recently added  Elwood and Taz to the lineup. 

5. Do you have a cd or demo out? Where can someone pick up a copy?

I have an EP called "Slow" which was self-released on 3/05.  Anyone interesting on buying one can either visit my website at: www.thememes.net to contact me for purchase or you can purchase it during one of my shows.

6. Where are you performing in the next month?

On July 22nd at 10pm I am performing at the C Note.  I am currently putting together a "Back to School Party and Fundraising Event" at 169 Bar on 8/17 which will feature my band and three other bands.  This event will serve three purposes: 1. of course is to party, listen to good music, and have a good time before its time to go back to school, 2. Conduct a Supply Drive for an afterschool program for disadvantaged populations as many of them are in need of books, magazines, art supplies, etc.  Therefore, supporting the local community, and 3. to increase the sense of community among musicians in NYC as the three bands participating will all be working together to promote show and get the good message out.  Anyone interested in making a contribution or purchasing ticket to the show can contact me at: thememes_net@yahoo.com.

7. Do you have any major projects coming soon?

I guess I just answered that already.  Major project coming up is the "Back to School Party and Supply Drive" at 169 Bar on 8/17 from 10pm-1am that I mentioned earlier. 

8. What are your influences?

I listen to every type of music from every decade.  But if I had to list some of the groups that influence me the most are: U2, Led Zeppelin, Nick Drake, Cat Powers, PJ Harvey, Patti Smith, Joy Division, Cure, the Doors.  But really the list is just way too long for me to cover right now. 

9. Is there a specific message behind your music?

There really is no intentional specific message to my music.  I just want the music to be non-pretensious, raw, have some sense of hope in the face of ugliness whether be in our day to day lives, relationships with others, etc.  Music is about strength and hope which is what my music has given to me. 

10. What do you want to tell the readers about yourself?

I am underneath it all a big goof ball and quite child-like.  I write about important themes in life, but I don't walk around with a cloud over my head or over analyzing every aspect of my life.  Its all about having a balance.  

11. Do you want to give a mention to anyone special?

I would want to thanks my current bandmates for contributing their time and energy for helping breathe new life to my songs.  I am truly grateful.