Interviews

Student Rick

Interview with Jason on Nov 30, 1999 by Archive Bot

PB: MY favorite song off your new album "Soundtrack For A Generation" is "Monday Morning". You sing "Monday morning, time to get out of bed, work sucks this is the part I dread". It's funny because I wake up to that song every morning. Now that the band is on the verge of getting bigger, do you plan on making music become your full-time jobs? Jason: Of course, this is our dream and we're trying to make the very best out of it and take it just one day at a time while still breathing. Our mornings are a little bit different than your average morning though. We never know where the hell we're at... For the most part we all love touring and doing this band full-time and hope it takes us as far as we can. We don't plan on letting up by anymeans.

PB: The title of the album "Soundtrack For A Generation" couldn't be a better choice. Your lyrics are inspiring while the music is emotional. What's the driving force behind your music?
Jason: The word "Generation" stands as an analogy for the people and their place in life, using our music to relate back on. Our songs aren't all about girls like most people believe. Majority of the songs are fueled by frustration of a memory that we've dealt with in our lives.

PB: How did a pop punk rock n roll band from South Bend get the attention of Victory? What inspiring words would you say to those bands trying to do the same?
Jason: Us four have all been involved in the scene for a very long time even though Student*Rick has only been around for about 14 months. We've worked extremely hard from day one that all of us starting performing together. We played shows none-stop every weekend and toured when we could. Eventually you seem to meet people along the way that want to help further your success. We feel that any band of any size from any city can do what we've done its just a matter of how deteremind and strong your work ethics are. 

PB: From the point I put the cd in my stereo I thought there were definately influences of Midtown. The band also especially thanked Midtown in the cd book, so I was wondering how they influenced you guys on the album?
Jason: Midtown, well those are our boys and good friends. The easiest way I can say it is, that so many people and instances relate back to Midtown and Student*Rick in the scene together. Its amazing! We wouldn't be where we're at today if it wasn't for that band I personally believe. Do we want to be Midtown? No, we're just proud and honored to be a part of the scene with them among many other great artists.

PB: Being an emo/pop punk band on Victory a hardcore label has to be at least a little bit strange. I'm sure you guys are psyched about it, but were you ever hesitant? Do you think Victory may be taking a step in a different direction by signing Student Rick?
Jason: Victory will always be a hardcore label and they'll never sell out from who they are and who they always will be. Everyone at Victory fell in love with our demo's from day one and wanted Student*Rick to be a part of their family, not because we're an emo/pop/punk band. We are so stoked and excited about label. We hear new things almost everyday that they work on and do for us. I honestly don't think we could have found a better home. They're taking us to levels we never expected. =)

PB: I really look forward to you guys coming east. Do you have any plans to do so, and what should fans expect from Student Rick for the remainder of the year.
Jason: East coast! YEA! We love the east coast... well its basically the only place we've toured besides the midwest and south near florida. But yes! We'll definatly be on tour all year hitting the entire U.S. and places outside the country such as Canada, Europe, and hopefully Japan and Australia. (All starting 2002) Meeting new people just keeps pushing us to strive for more and more.

PB: If you guys had to play Saves The Day in water polo, who would win and how would you overcome their emo'ness?
Jason: Hmmmmmmm i'd say Saves The Day. They always seem to be good at whatever they do these days.

PB: Lastly, thanks for taking the time to do the interview. Please finish the following sentence................. If the Indiana Hoosiers win the the Final Four we will be so happy we will...........................
Jason: Celebrate by hiring in strippers dressed as the IU cheerleaders.