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| ::Interviews:: |
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| review & interview content, as well as web site graphics & design, copywrite 2003-2004 Euphonia Online. use of materials granted only with reasonable purposes. |
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| interviewed by robby sumner |
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| Interview with Shaant April 18th, 2005 |
Shaant Hackiyan - Vocals Jeff Czum - Guitar Don Arthur - Bass Tom Falcone - Drums |
| E: Shaant, singing for the band Cute Is What We Aim For, have you found gaining notoriety as a band to be a pretty harsh struggle?
Shaant: To be honest, it has come so shockingly quick we really can't believe it. We work very hard on our music and spreading the word about Cute but the kids are just so amazing! They have done so much for us. So the combination of the two is just awesome. E: Do you think that to be successful as a group, you have to put deliberate effort into sounding unique? Shaant: I think that in order to be successful as a group, the group has to just come together with a common goal and everything will fall together. I can't say too much on that subject because we haven't reached it yet. But our common goal is just to have fun and make music we all enjoy. E: Have you ever or will you ever make sacrifices in the songwriting process to better fit the style of music your fans expect from you? Shaant: I think that when we do that is when we lose sight of why we are in a band, and that is to just have fun. E: And just how prepared are you to sacrifice most every comfort in order to keep having fun with the band? Shaant: I suppose until I stop having fun. I will give up everything in order to do this because it's a dream and has been for so many years of my short life. E: Has the band been moving around on tour a lot so far? Shaant: We have been just planning out our summer and writing a lot--demoing and writing and gearing up for the summer. E: Will most of what you've written for your next release sound like what you have made available now? Shaant: We are all just exploring and experimenting with different sounds, but we are definitely beginning to write with a certain sound. E: Is the possibility of label support something you're always looking into as you work? Shaant: That's the ultimate for us. It's our main goal. E: Are there specific traits you're looking for when it comes to signing? Shaant: I think we are just hoping to have that chance someday. Sure, we would love to be a part of a label that cared about us. We hear stories about bands and their relationships with labels a lot--some are amazing and some aren't so great. We just want to work our way up to that point... and if we ever make it I am sure we will wait and find the right people. E: Have you been able to support yourselves on just the band so far? Shaant: No, not at all. E: What have you been doing to keep a steady income to keep the band alive? Shaant: Well, we are all super-young, but the majority of the money comes from me working. I took a year off school to work full-time and live out my dream. The rest of the guys are still in high school. I am 18--I graduated at 17--and the rest of the guys are 17 and one 16... we have all been friends for a while and the ages are pretty close. E: How long have you known that music was your dream? Shaant: Hmm, well... Since I got the Oasis CD when I was 9.... ever since it's all I ever wanted to do. E: How much more is left to do before you can really live it? Shaant: I guess once we can support ourselves with our music. E: And until then, it's worth it to have to make sacrifices? Shaant: Without a single doubt in our minds. It's worth everything! E: Well thanks a whole lot, and best of luck. Shant: Oh wow, dude. Thank you! |