Project 27
In the nearly eight years or so that Project 27 have been writing, perfecting and finally recording their first proper full length, hundreds of bands have started, churned out a few forgettable records, broken up and reformed other bands.
Not that it’s a bad thing. In fact, judging from the songs that make up Smarten Up, Ben Weasel may finally be able to retire now that his pop punk heirs may have been found.
Drummer Joey Mac, one of the Long Island band’s founding members, spoke with me recently about the record, their founding and their new home at Rally Records.
In the nearly eight years or so that Project 27 have been writing, perfecting and finally recording their first proper full length, hundreds of bands have started, churned out a few forgettable records, broken up and reformed other bands.
Not that it’s a bad thing. In fact, judging from the songs that make up Smarten Up, Ben Weasel may finally be able to retire now that his pop punk heirs may have been found.
Drummer Joey Mac, one of the Long Island band’s founding members, spoke with me recently about the record, their founding and their new home at Rally Records.
How did you guys all get together?
I started a band named Drowning in the Kiddy Pool with two high school freshman named Sergey and Guy in 2000. We got hooked up with RP, our lead singer, in high school and became Project 27 in June 2001. We turned from a know-nothing punk band to more musical sounding pop-punk band. We recorded two full-length demo CDs that were never really released. Guy kind of faded out of the band in summer of 2003 and joined the army and went to Afghanistan. Sergey quit in December 2007. After a few talented members came and went (including Kate Eldridge of Cheeky, Johnny Stamos of the John Stamos Project, and Mark Bonner of the Monikers), we solidified our lineup with Kris and Dutch on guitar, and Richie Roast on bass. That’s where we are now. We’re a good team and a happy family.
It seems like so many new bands throw together a CD just months after getting together. You guys demoed for awhile and put out some 7 inches first Was that a conscious decision or more of a financial one?
It was conscious decision, not a financial one. We didn’t want a full-length until all the songs were quality. Lately I’ve been very critical of my songwriting so I look back and only love half of the album. But people that are into whatever they’ve heard here and there online or elsewhere will like the album very much, I think. We’ve gotten great feedback on it so far.
It was conscious decision, not a financial one. We didn’t want a full-length until all the songs were quality. Lately I’ve been very critical of my songwriting so I look back and only love half of the album. But people that are into whatever they’ve heard here and there online or elsewhere will like the album very much, I think. We’ve gotten great feedback on it so far.
How did you connect with Rally Records?
Jonny of Rally Records approached us about a release after we got a little buzz going in the pop-punk scene. We agreed. Since, we’ve released the Next September 7” and the Smarten Up CD on his label. Thanks Jonny!
What can you tell me about the Smarten Up CD?
It’s good, ha! I wrote 11 of the 12 songs so it encompasses my thoughts and actions from ages 16-21. People can relate to it, being bitter about breakups and letting your “friends” know how you really feel, but Smarten Up yields positivity too. All of the songs on the album except one are personal stories about my life; the “love” songs are about three ex-girlfriends in particular. There was no rush on the CD so I tried to compile the best songs I had, even if that meant rehashing some ones that had already been released. The artwork is pretty snazzy too!
Jonny of Rally Records approached us about a release after we got a little buzz going in the pop-punk scene. We agreed. Since, we’ve released the Next September 7” and the Smarten Up CD on his label. Thanks Jonny!
What can you tell me about the Smarten Up CD?
It’s good, ha! I wrote 11 of the 12 songs so it encompasses my thoughts and actions from ages 16-21. People can relate to it, being bitter about breakups and letting your “friends” know how you really feel, but Smarten Up yields positivity too. All of the songs on the album except one are personal stories about my life; the “love” songs are about three ex-girlfriends in particular. There was no rush on the CD so I tried to compile the best songs I had, even if that meant rehashing some ones that had already been released. The artwork is pretty snazzy too!
Do you have any big tour plans for 2009?
No, but we will likely be out and about, on short tours and weekend trips. We haven’t promoted our tours so effectively in the past, plus we have jobs or are in school, so that’s quite a hold-up.
You guys have been doing this for almost eight years or so. Anything really surprised you about being a touring indie band?
It’s cool that people like us, who don’t matter, can be fooled into thinking they sort of matter when on the road.
It’s cool that people like us, who don’t matter, can be fooled into thinking they sort of matter when on the road.
Any advice for kids just now forming a band in their parent's basement?
Follow your dream because I believe it leads to something good. Communicate within and outside the band well, and perform well.
Follow your dream because I believe it leads to something good. Communicate within and outside the band well, and perform well.
Anything else you want to add?
A new full-length CD, either from Project 27 or perhaps a solo CD from me will very likely arrive in the second half of 2009. Thanks for reading.
A new full-length CD, either from Project 27 or perhaps a solo CD from me will very likely arrive in the second half of 2009. Thanks for reading.
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