Interviews

Student Rick

Interview with Adam on Nov 30, 1999 by Archive Bot

Thanks to Kathi at Victory and Adam from Student Rick. 

PB: Give me a brief history of the band. Ok, like founding members...
Adam: The founding members are Adam Reiter, Brett Jones, and two former members Allan Adams, Bryce Dudka.

PB: How you guys got hooked up with Victory?
Adam: One of our friends knew Kathi and sent her our demo, and she liked it and we began talking with her. It didn't take long before she had the whole office backing it.

PB; What is the reason for the recent line up change?
Adam: The reasons were just that there were major personality conflicts, and trust issues. It got to the point where there was just no trust between us and him.

PB: How long did you know that it wasn't going to work out with Jason?
Adam: Well it was a long time coming, but we really started to notice it in January.

PB: It happens a lot, very few bands have their original line up, so I was just wondering how do you tell someone that they are no longer in the band anymore?
Adam: We just told him that things werent working out, and that it would be best for him not to be part of this band anymore.

PB: Are you guys still friends with him?
Adam: Friends? hhmm....well it takes a lot to consider one a friend, so I would say we are still associates.

PB: Where did you find Nate?
Adam: Nate was in a local band who rocked. We just knew him from living and playing in the same scene for years. He's the balance we have always needed. 

PB: What are Student Rick's goals and how does the new bass player Nate add to and help you guys try and realize these goals?
Adam: Well we are going to start writing our next record very shortly, and he has some really good ideas with writing and production. He is very influenced by jazz, and blues, which was one element I believe we have lacked. He is also influenced highly by the Beatles as well am I, so writing is just going to be insane.

PB: Having a new member added to the band so quickly, especially when you guys are out touring, inevitably effects the live show. It's impossible for someone new to fully adjust immediately. Comment on this idea and the shows you've done with Nate.
Adam: Well yes that is very true. However the fans seem to be taking to him very well....we have even had people ask for Nate merch. Ha. Ha. He is a great performer though.

PB: OK well do you feel like you've maybe lost a little something in your live show because of this, what I was talking about before?
Adam: No not at all, I believe we have balanced everything out. We have someone in the band who is working with these songs and performing with emotion that he is gathered through the words...not just jumping all over because it looks neat!

PB: I think now, with the line up change, you guys have lost that pretty boy image that seems to be so important to bands these days even though a lot of them won't admit it. Is image something that is important to you guys?
Adam: We honestly dont have a set image. We are just who we are. Pretty boys is something that we were never worried about, and honestly never heard us called.

PB: How has this tour with River City High been?
Adam: The tour went great! We made some friends on that tour. River city High and Lefty are two of the coolest bands I have ever met.

PB: Tell us one funny tour story.
Adam: Well it was always funny to watch everyone get trashed every night. We arent much of partiers but River City High can tear it up...I am not sure I should say much more than that.

PB: I was pretty sure that you guys would be on the entire last leg and that I would get to see you in Florida, why aren't you guys playing the entire tour?
Adam: The tour was split between a bunch of bands who all got two weeks a piece. I wish we could have stayed on though.

PB: A lot of the Victory bands are very DIY, they take care of their own stuff. For example Reach the Sky do all their merch themselves, drive themselves, take care of their business, etc. etc. Are Student Rick the same way? Who takes care of your band business or is it a collaborative effort?
Adam: It is a collaberative effort, we are 4 kids trying to run a business, and we all make mistakes but it is something that we are learning.

PB: How do you feel about MCA taking over 25% of Victory?
Adam: I think it's great! I just hope I stay feeling that way about it. 

PB: How do you feel about the succcess of "Soundtrack for a Generation"?
Adam: It has done alright for a debut. I mean we would like to see some more done with it, but I am comfortable with where it is right now.

PB: How are you planning on maintaining the success you've had and continuing to get your music out there to kids?
Adam: TOUR, TOUR, TOUR!! That is what it takes unless your label can buy you into MTV.

PB: What are your plans for the summer?
Adam: Warped Tour, write music, and do whatever else comes up tour wise.