This interview appeared in Murderscene #3, September 29, 1996.
Al: Do you feel like more of a rock star, now that you've officially been
on a tour with Sloan?
Ben: Not really. It's fun though.
Al: Do you get picked out on the streets yet?
Ben: Probably once or twice in my life. Hey can you ask G-Spot (Ben's
friend) some questions? He's my alter ego.
Al: Okay, has Johnny ever taken dance lessons?
G-Spot: No Johnny's never taken dance lessons. It's more of a talent.
Al: I see a big aura of sex in the way he dances, like Elvis.
Ben: I agree - There's a definite sexual tension on stage.
Andre: So was it a thrill playing in front of your hometown crowd?
Ben: Yeah, well I think we always feel we have something to prove in
Montreal, so it's kind of weird. I always feel a bit nervous. It's just an
odd situation because not many people like us here.
Andre: Is it nice having your dad at the show?
Ben: Yeah, he comes to a lot of our shows. He's a great guy - he helps us
out a lot. He used to play drums with us a long time ago, before we had any
drummer, we used to jam in my basement.
Al: Have you always been listening to pretty much the same music?
Ben: I liked the Rolling Stones in elementary school and I used to get mad
at people, 'cause they were listening to Huey Lewis and stuff. I'd try to
put the Rolling Stones in the getto blaster in the classroom and then
someone would put Huey Lewis. But I went through crazes. I went through a
classic rock phase and an indie craze and whatever.
Al: I have to ask you about Paul McCartney, 'cause I hear lots of him in
some of your songs, especially in your new ones. (post "You Can't Touch This")
Ben: You mean like Wings type of stuff?
Al: Yeah.
Ben: I like Wings but I'm not an expert or anything. I like the hits.
Maybe it's influence, but I don't stay at home and study Wings records.
(Ben had to split so we tried to end the interview as gracefully as possible...)
Ben: Do you want to just give it a big smashing finale? Try to nail me.
Al: Hmmmm....... How was your tour with the Smashing Pumpkins?
Ben: It was good. We each got to wax Billy Corgan's head once.
Al Love
Murderscene 1997