band - Fists of Phoenix 12.24.06 interview w/Ian, Chase, Trevor, Daniel

"We just write the music that we hear in our heads. If young people like it then that's great!" -Ian

BP: Thanks for the interview guys, how's it going? It's going good, glad we're able to do this with you. BP: Alright, let me get this out of the way.... I love mythology and I always liked the Phoenix stories (my wife even has a tattoo of it). And since you guys don't live in Arizona, I assume this is where you got your name. What inspired you to come up with the name "Fists of Phoenix?" We also enjoy the stories of the Phoenix, and if you put a fists in front of any word, it makes it cooler. -Ian BP: Tell me about the artwork for your last ep, "In the Events of 1961." It's a killer album cover, where did the design come from? The album artwork was a group effort and is a visual interpretation of the lyrical content on the E.P. -Ian BP: You guys released a few more tracks, just recorded within the last couple of months. Are the tracks a part of a new cd, or just singles? Just singles. -Trevor BP: Your band has been hailed as one of the best up-and-coming bands in the area. I've heard some even say, "The best band in the state." Do you think that much popularity is unfounded? There are definately many bands in Missouri that are better than us. I think we receive the attention that we do because we sound different. -Ian BP: Your music, it seems, has really won over the younger audience. Was that your intention from the beginning, or does the band ignore demographics? No, we just write the music that we hear in our heads. If young people like it then that's great! However, we are not trying to target any age group in particular. -Chase BP: The band recently played at Pop's with the band Adair. How did that go? It was a long day. There were many bands who played that evening, we were just one in many. We had fun and it was good to see some of our Stl friends. -Trevor BP: FOP puts on a damn good show, alot of it perhaps due to stage presence. Do you think that stage presence is important for the style of music you play? No. I don't see how it's too important as long as the music sounds good. -Ian BP: You recently announced that the band was looking for a drummer. What happened to the old drummer, and have you found a replacement yet? Chris has made the decision to join the airforce and also has a child on the way. No we have not found a replacement yet. -Trevor BP: The current promo shots the band is using includes a photo where the four of you are sitting on a couch with pictures of the Beatle's faces in front of your own. It's a great shot, where did you get the idea? We thought it was funny. -Chase BP: Where do you see the band 5 years from now? Hopefully we're still busy, writing music and touring. -Ian BP: 10 years from now? We just wish to remain friends and continue writing the music we do. -Ian BP: Let's talk about the Enchanted Forest. Tell us a little about the venue... When The Enchanted Forest idea first came about, it was only intended to be one show. Daniel and I just wanted a place to perform where underage kids could come and enjoy the music. The first show went really well so we decided to keep it going. -Chase BP: Ok, here's your freebie. Tell us about any upcoming shows, announcements, or plans for the band - or anything you want to say to people reading the interview... We plan on finding a drummer and writing an entire full length album in '07, followed by vigorous touring. Also, we'll be performing at The Enchanted Forest on New Year's Eve w/ Minus The Star, The Otto Modest, Meridian, Within Nothing, Candid Nightmare. BP: Alright, there you go folks. Check out Fists of Phoenix at the Enchanted Forest on New Year's Eve - and thanks again to FOP for the interview. Visit Fists of Phoenix on the web at ( www.myspace.com/fistsofphoenix ) Check out FOP & Banned Promotions in the SE Missourian at ( www.semissourian.com/story/1182465.html )