FFG

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Fringe Magazine: FFG Interview "Eight Years and Counting"
FFG: Eight Years and Counting
By Supergina

I tend to focus .. when I look at bands. I look at change as the door to progress in the music world. FFG has been through a lot of changes, but after talking to Jarret, one of the founding members the other day, I realize he still has not lost sight of the dream. FFG was formerly Fall From Grace, but switched to the acronym a few years ago. They are a pop-punk band and proud of it. They write danceable, jumpable, catchy pop songs. They have just recently put out their new CD, "That's Life." In the spirit of education and enlightenment, I did an interview with the guys, Jordan, Jarret and Jeff. Here it is:

Fringe: The band FFG has been around a long time and continues to stay true to the sound that started the band. How have you guys managed to do that?

Jordan: Being twins has had a huge impact on our band. Jarret and I have always had similar ideas and likes with music growing up, which had a huge influence on the direction of the band. Our main goal with this new album was to have a more nostalgic feeling while adding new dynamics to our songs. As we continue to grow as a band we have always and will always make sure we stay the FFG that everybody has grown to know while bringing something a little new to our fans with every album to come.

Jarret: We just like to play the style of music that we love. To us it's all about good friends, good times, and the occasional male nudity.

Fringe: There have been a few lineup changes in the band lately. Anything you want to share about those changes?

Jarret: Yes, we have had a few trial and errors over the past two years. But, that's what happens when you are in a band, working as a group. You have to find that perfect fit, and the lineup we have now is the most comfortable and productive group we've had in our eight and a half year run!

Jordan: When it comes to member changes, its all part of the game.

Fringe: You've got your new album up on itunes now. How do you feel about selling music on the Internet, versus CDs?

Jarret: I love how we can sell our album on iTunes, and all other online stores. It makes our music available to everyone around the world! We have a lot of fans overseas in Japan, Australia, and all over Europe who have been waiting for "That's Life" to come out!

Jordan: With the high prices of shows that continue to get more expensive, many people who go to shows find themselves broke soon after they purchase their tickets. Online sales make it easy and convenient for fans to buy the album from their homes when they have the money.

Fringe: What drives the songwriting in your band?

Jarret: The songwriting style of this band hasn't changed a whole lot through the years. Every CD or EP we release are full of songs that are about what's going on in our lives around that point in time. This is why we decided to name our first full length record "That's Life."

Jordan: In addition, every song we write most people can relate to in their life, as well.

Fringe: What bands are you guys currently listening to?

Jarret: Alkaline Trio, Mest, Social Distortion, Zebrahead, Mxpx.

Jordan: The Offspring, Sum 41, Pennywise, Avenged Sevenfold.

Jeff: the captain and Tennille, Wham, Flock of seagulls.

Fringe: If you could play a show with any band anywhere you wanted, what would it be?

Jarret- I would love to play with Alkaline Trio and Mest at the House of Blues (Anaheim)

Jordan- I would love to play with The Offspring at the House of Blues (Las Vegas)

Jeff- I want to play with Jennifer Love Hewitt, at my pants party!

Fringe: Tell me about your favorite song that you have written off this new CD and why it is your favorite?

Jarret: My favorite song off of "That's Life" would probably be "Only 18." Because that song basically sums up my last years as a teenager, and the stupid-ass things we did, a lot of people can relate to it. I like the "Cosmos," as well; it's basically the first love song I've written that's on the positive side of love.

Jordan: I would have to say "Only 18″ because when writing the song it really challenged me on my skills and dynamics as a drummer.

Jeff: I like the first song on the album, "Welcome."

Fringe: You're doing some pretty cool stuff in Roseville trying to get some other places doing shows. Can you tell me more about that?

Jarret: We have been doing research for the last several months, for a new all-ages venue in our hometown (after the Underground closed its doors). We aren't very happy with the way the local scene has been going for a while, and think that it needs a change and something new. People are tired of paying $10 or more for local shows. And being a local band, we obviously aren't doing this for the money. Our goal is to get this venue rolling, with prices being around $5 or less a ticket.The way the local venues used to be! And, bringing the scene back to the kids.

Fringe: Where do you see the band in five years?

Jarret- Five years is a long time, and who knows what will happen. But, I see myself as being 27 years old, still doing the thing I love most, making music with good friends.

Jordan: What he said.

Fringe: What do you consider "making it"?

Jarret: Of course, the majority of musicians want to be successful with their music. To be able to make a living and support yourself with the music you made is a dream come true. But, the reality of the business is that very few musicians get that opportunity and the main thing to focus on is to make sure you're having fun doing it. And if you have a great, loyal following, have people who want to purchase your music with their own money, and buy tickets to your shows, to me, that's amazing! You have done something with your life to positively affect another person with something you have created and love doing. - Submerge Magazine