It has been said that behind every great song there is a strong beard (or perhaps that's what Max from Quiet Loudly stated in our interview that made us hug him). Recently, the staff at Build-A-Beard had the opportunity to sit down with three incredible bearded bands who have graciously donated their artistic time and effort to playing The 2010 Beard Ball for free - in hopes to raise awareness and funds for RightRides. As a reminder, you can purchase tickets ahead of time (which is highly recommended) as these bands rule & the event itself is surely going to sell out (our Facebook event RSVPs do not lie).
9:00 p.m. Transatlantic FM.
BAB: Transatlantic FM, when did your band start? Did everyone have a beard at this time? If not, what made you start growing one?
TFM's Matthew Sapp: This band started last March when I moved up to Brooklyn from Athens, GA. I had been friends with my band mate, Blake, for years and he and I had discussed starting another project together. After months of hard work, blood, sweat, tears, and PBR; we finally decided on a name. Then we learned how to play our instruments (more or less), tossed together a few songs and put a couple of them up on the Information Superhighway.
BAB: We like your beard, Matt.
Sapp: Confession - I am the only bearded band member. Blake couldn't grow facial hair to save his life but, in his heart, he has a beard that would put ZZ Top to shame. Our drummer, Mark, was letting his scruff grow, but emergency foot surgery has sideline him from the show. As such, our multi-talented friend, Sean Hutcheon, will be filling in on percussion (in addition to providing his services as a photographer) for the Beard Ball. I have a feeling that he will be sporting an impressive display of facial foliage by February 4th.
BAB: As the only proud beaded member, did your prepubescent band mate give you grief (prob out of jealousy) for growing one?
Sapp: I have worn a beard seasonally for the past couple of years and my band mates have always been very supportive of my bearded lifestyle choice. They have even marched with me in the National Facial Hair and Biscuit Enthusiast Day Parade in Kooskia, Idaho last Spring. You know, it really brings a tear to your eye when you see a vast expanse of bearded and non-bearded people marching down Myrtle Avenue, holding hands and chanting: "We're here. We're hairy. Get used to it!"
BAB: Will you ever shave?
Sapp: Of course - but probably not my face.
BAB: Favorite bearded musician and/or hero?
Sam Elliott in Roadhouse. Hands down. No contest.
10:00 p.m. Quiet Loudly (Sal Garro- drums, back-up vocals and Max Goransson- guitar, vocals)
BAB: Was it a band-decision to all sport beards? Did anyone resist the idea initially?
Sal: Our beards were definitely not the result of any conscious decision within the band-- It just kind of happened. I think our faces just feel naked without them.
Max: It wasn't a band decision so much as something we just knew we had to do without ever even talking about it. Really, it was as obvious as picking up our instruments at band practice. You come to play with a beard or you just don't come at all. I mean, it's one of the elements that magically intertwines us.
BAB: What does your band's beard say about you?
Sal: They say: 'We have beards.'
Max: They say: "We're here to work, Goddamn it. And to get down."
BAB: Favorite bearded musician and/or hero?
Sal:Most recently, Jason Finn from The Presidents of the United States of America grew out his beard and it is by far one of the most immaculate I've ever witnessed in person. But in terms of all time beard hero, even though John is by far my favorite Beatle, Paul McCartney's monstrous beard from the rooftop show is downright inspirational.
Max:Gotta go for the "All Things Must Pass" era George Harrison. To this day, it is still unclear whether the album inspired the beard or vice versa. But what we've learned is that there are no coincidences. Just beards and tunes. Behind every great song there is a strong beard (except for in the case of talented women, of course).
-- BAB: Good answer, Max... good fucking answer.
11:00 p.m. Julius C
BAB: Your beards are pretty amazing. Did everyone have a beard when you started? If not, what made you start growing one?
Jason from JC: I might be mistaken but... I believe, at first we were just a bunch of dudes who really liked facial hair. We would get together and discuss grooming techniques... the music was an afterthought. On a serious note, only Mike and John had facial hair when the band started, and without any discussion, it just ended up that we all had beards sometime last year.
BAB: Tell us about your beards...
JC: The beard? It is a life decision, not a band decision! Yes, there were a few who resisted... but they are... how shall we put this... no longer with us.
BAB: What does your band's beard say about you?
JC: I'm pretty sure our facial hair styling mean something specific to each us.
Jay's says: "Oh, hey there, don't mind me."
Jason's says: "I play jazz."
John's says: "Fee Fi Fo Fum."
Mike's says: "I would look way younger without this."
BAB: How do you feel about shaving? It doesn't look like you guys have touched a razor in years.
JC: Mike shaved once - for money. He cried a little on the inside. Jay goes back and forth with the beard, but we know that the beard makes his face look better... (Don't tell him we said it though).
BAB: Do you have a bearded hero? Musicians of interest?
JC: Jimi Hendrix/John Lennon... no explanation needed.
