This interview was done by Thom at the Ska Against Racism show in Pittsburgh, Pa with "Jeff
the Girl" of Five Iron Frenzy.
F.L.Y.- How long have you been together?
F.I.F.- We’ve been together since, well as a total band, since August of 1995.
F.L.Y.- What are your influences Politicaly and obviously Religous?
F.I.F.- Um..Well, we’re all Christians so we all aspire to be like Jesus Christ. But because
of that, that doesn’t mean we follow Rush Limbaugh. It does not mean we follow the so called
"Christian" Right-Wing conservative point of view. In matter of fact most of us are Liberals
and Democrats. We all have different points of views and different things, but we are
deffinitaly trying to be as open minded as possible in a lot of areas. We believe that Christ
came in Love and not to Judge.
F.L.Y.- Okay, Any Libretarian/Republicans?
F.I.F.- Um.. Yeah.
F.L.Y.-Good..That makes me happy!
F.L.Y.-Okay, Musical Influences?
F.I.F.- We have Weezer influences. Smashing Pumpkins.
(Thom is now gasping for air and screaming in torment at the hearing of those two bands in
the same sentence.)
F.I.F- Hey if you don’t like my answers, don’t ask. No, I’m just kidding. (HaHa) But anyways,
Okay there is those two, then there is Less than Jake. As far as lyrically, there is Stavesacre,
the Crucified and NOFX and Bad Religon. Bands that think and really put subjects on the line,
and make you question what you believe and question the world.
F.L.Y.- What makes you think Racism is such a horrible thing and what can we do to fight it?
F.I.F.- We all believe we are all created equal in the eyes of one creator. And to fight it..
Well, it’s more of a subtle thing. You raise your children not to be racist...You know small
things like that. Okay..I mean a lot of people will say "I’m not racist, I’m not racist.",
but that is part of the problem. You got to realize that part of you is. Because you where
raised with part of it and you can’t help it. Confront it within your own life so that you
can help other people eventually. And just like..Attending events like this, shows people,
you know like the KKK and Nazi’s and such that we are sticking together for a cause.
F.L.Y.-20 Years from now, do you still see yourself playing ska?
F.I.F.- No. I hope to be a Mom. I want to be the Sunny D Mom.
F.L.Y.- If you weren’t in the band right now, where would you be?
F.I.F.- Colorado Christian University. I’d be graduating this year. But, I’m doing
correspondance. I feel this is where God has me be, so I really have no regrets.
F.L.Y.- Any cool band out there that you’ve played with that are yet to be discovered?
F.I.F.- Yeah. There is Johny Respect and Squad Five-O. Man..I can’t think of anymore.
F.L.Y- Um..What’s in your CD player right now?
F.I.F.- Bad Religon. Maybe Operation Ivy.
F.L.Y.- If you could tour with any band who would it be?
F.I.F.- Either NOFX or Bad Religon.
F.L.Y.- Any embarassing moments?
F.I.F.- One time I forgot to wear deodorant and before we went on stage I was asking
everyone if they had any I could borrow and they said No. Then Reese announced it from
the stage and afterwards people smelled me. I was so embarrased.
F.L.Y.- Better cartoon: Simpsons or Southpark?
F.I.F.- Simpsons. I can’t stand South Park. It’s too nasty.
F.L.Y.- Any advice for kids today.
F.I.F.- Be nicer to your parents and read. Turn off the Television and Read about your
past and question things. Don’t believe that just because a certain group of people did
something in the past that they neccesaraly have to do it in the future. The Crusades
sucked, Slavery Sucked, A lot of things Sucked. Be open minded.
F.L.Y.- Pro-Life or Pro-Choice?
F.I.F.- I choose not to say.
F.L.Y.- Any other comments?
F.I.F.- Thanks you guys...for doing this interview.
Contact Five Iron Frenzy at:
Five Iron Frenzy
P.O. Box 2771
Denver, CO 80201
"Five Iron Frenzy’s Motivation for being part of the Ska Against Racism tour is to raise
awareness of the problem of racism. We believe that all are equal in the sight of their
creator. This is a message we hope to promote whle on this tour. We feel that our faith
and convictions, which may be unique to our band, provide a very solid anti-racism stance."
-Collective statement
From Five Iron Frenzy on the Tour