Vitamin F
Questions Answered By John (Bass/Vocals)
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Interviewed by Pedro
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Related Links:
Official Website
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PRP: Usual question: how was Vitamin F formed?
John: Well, Reno (guitarist) and myself have always been in a band together. We found Marcello (drummer) back in 92-93 and we've been together making music since then.
PRP: Ok. Is Marcello, like, latin? Because Marcello is a latin name as far as I know...
John: Hahahaha...no. He's Italian, and so is my guitarist, Renato.
PRP: Are you greek or something then? Hahaha.
John: No, I'm like a mutt: scottish, irish, etc...hehehe.
PRP: Hahaha, you're a mutant! X-Men....LOL.
John: Hahaha, true.
PRP: Hehehe....hmmmm... the band always had the same line-up?
John: Vitamin F has always been the same line up.
PRP: Cool. You play bass, ain't I right?
John: Yeah. I play bass and sing.
PRP: Why you decided to play bass at all? Any inspiration?
John: Yeah. Like back in the day I loved Iron Maiden and Megadeth. Steve Harris was such a great player and I loved Dave Ellefson's sound, so those were my biggest influences. We are influenced by everyone around us though. It's a great time for hard music.
PRP: Cool! My first album actually was iron Maiden's "A Real Live One". I don't like them that much today though.
John: Nah, me either. I don't really listen to the old school stuff anymore.
PRP: I see. How you got your name, Vitamin F?
John: Just kinda thought of it one day. No real significance whatsoever. It's just a name... the real vitamin f is fatty acids. Comes from junk food.
PRP: Any material released?
John: Yes. I am proud to say we have our own independent release called flo[w], which is now national here. We are also available through amazon.com, CDnow.com and CDuniverse.com. This is our first National release. We have had other demos, etc.
PRP: Cool. Any idea of how much flo[w]'s were sold?
John: We don't have the numbers yet. Not really sure when we get them either, hahahaha. Soon, I hope.
PRP: Hahahaha, ok. You guys are from....?
John: We are from Danbury, CT, which is like 50 miles north of New York City.
PRP: I see. How's the metal scene there?
John: Not great, but the hardcore scene is pretty cool, so it's kinda mixed.
PRP: Yeah. Here in Rio de Janeiro (where I live), we have no metal scene at all, though the hardcore scene is kinda cool.
John: Yeah, it's a weird thing.
PRP: What's the song writing process like?
John: Really easy for us. It usually, like, we come up with a structure for the song and I write lyrics to fit what I feel the mood of the song is, and then make small changes to make it all fit. It's a pretty simple process for us; we all get along and know what to expect from each other.
PRP: You write ALL the lyrics?
John: I have for the past 2 releases, but I wouldn't stop anyone else from writing lyrics. It is just easier for me to write them.
PRP: What do you usually write about?
John: Lately it has been about bringing a positive message back to music. Kind of giving hope to those who have none. Rather than dwelling on the bad things in life....
PRP: True! I like that.
John: Thanks.
PRP: Influences of the band?
John: We love bands like Living Sacrifice, Machine Head, Fear Factory, Skinlab, Coal Chamber, deftones, Pissing Razors, etc. The newer style stuff. Oh, and Downset. Love those guys.
PRP: Me too. Can't wait till their next album.
John: Should be out soon, I guess.
PRP: Yup! How would you describe your style? Do you think you fall into the "new metal" category?
John: Yeah, it is new school style. Kind of like the East Coast of the US style of Metal/Hardcore.
PRP: Hmmm.... best underground band out there, in your opinion?
John: That is a tough one.
PRP: Hahaha, every person I interview says the same! That's cool! I like this question then!
John: I think I'd have to go with this band in Pittsburg called Allan. Real cool guys. Love their music.
PRP: Oh, I link them in PRP. Their website is cool. Never heard them though.
John: Nah? Good band live! Their singer is a nut.
PRP: Hahahahaha. Need to check 'em out.
John: Yeah, definitely.
PRP: What should fans coming to your shows expect?
John: Expect a good, solid and energetic performance, and basically just have a fun time. We're not one's to exalt ourselves, but we feel the music is strong and enjoyable.
PRP: Good answer.
John: Thanks. Haha.
PRP: What you've been listening?
John: Lately? I love hip-hop, so I've been playing the latest Rakim album a lot. Some Tribe Called Quest.....on the harder side, Pissing Razors, Skinlab, Hate Machine and Static-X.
PRP: Lady (?) Boulevard reprezent, reprezent. I say A Tribe Called Quest reprezent, reprezent. Hehehe, TCQ rules.
John: Hahahaha...yeah!!! It's Linden Boulevard though.... Linden Boulevard is in Valley Stream, NY , I think where TCQ is from.
PRP: I love rap music too. Nas and Funkdoobiest own me.
John: Nas is cool.
PRP: Hmmmmm... any big plans in the horizon?
John: Trying to get a deal. We've had some interest since our release went to College radio, but we have a showcase coming up soon, I hope. It will be an interesting next couple of months.
PRP: I hope you get signed, since you're a really nice guy, and as far as I heard, your music rocks. I'm doing all i can to help at least.
John: Hahaha. Thanks, I hope so too! Guys like you are what make it all happen.
PRP: Wow! I liked that! Hahahahaha.
John: It's the truth. You never know who's gonna read what you write, and A&R people do. They surf around like everyone else.
PRP: True. What do you think about Serj's resemblance with Marcello (or is it Renato?)
John: Hahahaaa. It's Renato. If you saw Renato, you would think it was Serj. It's uncanny. I can't believe how much they look alike.
PRP: Hahaha, yeah, I was impressed when I saw both pics. Hahahaha.
John: Hahahaha.
PRP: Best show you ever made with Vitamin F?
John: I think the Milwaukee Metalfest XXII was one of our best performances, but the sound was not all that great.
PRP: I see. Well, any last comments? (Be sure to thank me! Hahahaha. j/k)
John: Again, I'm just really glad there are fanzines and webzines like you to keep the whole scene alive and it really helps us spread our message! Oh, and thanks!
PRP: Hahahaha, here was no need for that, although I appreciate it! Hahahahaha.
John: It's true!! It all counts.
PRP: Anyway, I appreciate what you're doing and only hope you keep up with your band cause lots of people tell you rule and I barely can't wait til I hear you guys.... :)
John: Hahaha, I can't wait for you to have the CD. I hope you like it! I'll make sure it gets to you soon!
PRP: Damn, why you need to be so cool? Hehehe.
John: Hahaha.
PRP: Thanks so much for taking your time to do this, John. I appreciate that.
John: Hey, no sweat! Hope you stay in touch! Let me know what you think of flo[w].
PRP: I'll definitely let you know.
John: Cool! Talk to you soon!
PRP: 'K. Take care.
John: You too.
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