interview i did a few months back with chris kelley, singer of 90's skate band 97A. questions were put up on the website but at that point, i had already given up 'closed door', mainly due to html frustration. anyways, much like the musical styling of 97a; a very short/fast series of questions for c, kelley
So Chris, Whatsup with everyone in 97a now? What have you been up to yourself?
Everyone is pretty spread out over the east coast, but I'm still in NJ. Aside from hardcore and skating (among other interests), I've always been into Mountain Biking.......and that's how I've been spending a lot of my free time since the band called it a day. You'd be surprised how many other HC people have gotten into riding over the past few years.
'Asleep at the Wheel' was a song recorded almost five years after the initial breakup of 97a. However, if you were to listen to the song out of context, you would not hear this song as "97a...five years later", the same raw aggression of 97a circa 1997 is exhibited in 'asleep'. Was that hard to do?
Honestly, writing music for 97a comes very naturally to me. I think Todd would probably say the same thing. The lyrics might take some time, but the music usually just flows. It's funny, because we've never tried to "hold on to our roots", but we also know what we want our music to sound like, so the progression curve is never going to be drastic. I'm fine with that.
Are you still as pissed off as you were 10 years ago?
I'm still angry about a lot of things, I always will be. That's just a part of my personality. However, as time goes on, I try to be more focused and channel it into more productive ways.
what was the most challenging part about playing again?
Organizing everyone's schedules is a chore I can't stand........and dealing with drummers who bitch and whine about everything, isn't much fun either.
2009 was a huge year for bands reuniting, how does it feel to see so many bands from your era coming together for 'one last show'. Were there any bands you were especially excited to hear about reuniting?
I haven't been to all that many hardcore shows since CBGB's closed down. Saw Ringworm and AF recently, and that was fun. As for reunions, I was pretty excited to see The Psychedelic Furs tour this summer. Not hardcore, but whatever. Would have liked to maybe seen Unbroken, also.
How about 97a? Could you ever see the band playing a show again?
Maybe someday, who knows? It's tough with the distance thing, and I don't want to become one of those bands where 97a is just me and whatever 2-3 other guys can be found to play a show. That's not what people want to see.
Do you pay attention to contemporary hardcore? Are there any bands that keep you interested?
The new stuff I listen to would probably disappoint some people. Ringworm, Hatebreed, and Madball are some of the newer CD's I've purchased. And yes, I purchase CD's and vinyl. I think iTunes is bullshit that is just making recording companies richer. They charge the same amount of money, and they don't even have to spend a dime on packaging, production, or shipping costs. Think about it.
In the past few years, skateboarding has become very marketable lifestyle. With the popularization of such skaters as Rob Dyrdek, skateboarding has become an acceptable form of exercise and way less of a form of rebellion. How do you feel the current state of skateboarding? How do you feel about skaters like Dyrdek?
It's funny that you mention Rob Dyrdek, because when he was coming up in the 90's, I thought he was one of the lamest skaters. Not him personally, but just what he represented. Skating had turned full circle, doing nothing but flips and curb tricks, wearing stupid clothes, etc. Then years later I see him on that "Rob and Big" show, and he seems like a nice guy, ya' know? Doesn't act tough or make a fool of himself for reality television. Seems like he cares about skating and enjoys it, promotes a fairly positive image to kids watching......so who am I to judge?
You expressed your frustration with the skateboarding industry in the song Skate and Conglomerate (released in 1999), have things gotten better or worse since then?
Neither, it's just changed. I don't skate enough to care about who's pro or what the hot tricks are, but the thing that bothers me, are that a lot of the companies are making their products overseas. The best decks were always made in North America with U.S. or Canadian hard rock Maple! Really, how much difference is there between buying a deck at Walmart or the skate shop if it's made in the same Chinese factory?
Is there anything you are involved with now? Any social or political issues you would like to call attention to?
Be enviromentally conscious. Be kind to animals. Support causes that are close to your heart. Keep right-wing, war-mongers and Republicans out of hardcore AND public office. Don't get hung up on who's straight edge, or emo or metal. Support companies with ethical and responsible manufacturing processes. Buy from companies who care about their employees and customers. The job you save might be your own! Support your own country's economy by purchasing products made in the country YOU live in, whatever country that might be. Do what's right for you.......AND your surroundings, you're not the only person on planet earth. Read a history book, you might just learn something! Find something you believe in and make a difference. Leave this world knowing you'd contributed something more than complaining. Thanks for the interview.
The Better Off Dead 7"ep, Growing Stronger comp, and Society's Running on Empty 12"/cd are ALL still available through Teamwork Records and/or Ebullition Records.
Teamwork Records
PO Box 4473
Wayne, NJ 07470
TIMO
