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2007 means another twelve months to rock and we are starting off this year's magical music tour in Summit County, thanks to the sounds of Akron's Brian Lisik. Formerly with popular Akron act Giants of Science, Lisik is now out promoting the Brian Lisik Band's second full length disc, "Happiness Is Boring." He recently traded thoughts with OhioOnline music correspondent Peanuts, without appearing too happy or bored in the process. |
| OO: |
I'm sure you got into music for all the right reasons. |
| BL: |
"At first, I suppose, it was to impress girls and get into clubs for free. When that didn't pan out, I guess I began to think I could make some kind of connection with people through my music and possibly mean something to somebody. Songwriting can be very self-indulgent, as well as very communal." |
| OO: |
In that case, what music inspired you to start playing guitar? |
| BL: |
"Tons, mainly 1980's heartland rock like Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, along with the Beatles-influenced acts like Big Star and Badfinger. Some good punk like X and glam rockers like the New York Dolls and Mott The Hoople. And Jesse Malin is hands-down the best rock songwriter I've heard in 20 years." |
| OO: |
An eclectic mix of sorts. Now describe your music. |
| BL: |
"Well, if you mix together all those influences I just mentioned and throw in some Otis Redding and Waylon Jennings, you've got a pretty good idea." |
| OO: |
Who would you like to split a bill with? |
| BL: |
"We've done a few shows with Jesse Malin and opened for Kid Rock once. And playing with Tim Easton and Roger McGuinn was great. I would kill to share a stage with Paul Westerberg at some point and Wilco would be pretty nice, too." |
| OO: |
Match up with an Ohio acts? |
| BL: |
"We've played with some incredible bands from the 88 counties. Off the top of my head: The Jack Fords, Ryan Humbert, Chris Allen, Hayshaker Jones, Don Dixon, the Cleveland Country Band, Woodshed Mercy, Colin John, Stereovox and 4Starradar. There are just so many good band in the state." |
| OO: |
I think we just ran out of room. Anyway, where was the new disc recorded? |
| BL: |
"We recorded at Waterloo Sound Recorders in Kent with Todd Tobias, who has done stuff with Guided By Voices and Robert Pollard, producing. We also did a bit of post-production at Magnetic North in Cleveland with Chris Keffer." |
| OO: |
How did you like the studio in Kent? |
| BL: |
"Waterloo has a great drum room and a bunch of really cool analog gear. But, the sound of this disc probably had more to do with Todd's ability to capture the room and my brother Craig's unbelievable knack for arrangements and finding guitar tones and things that is beyond me." |
| OO: |
Favorite Ohio venue to play? |
| BL: |
"The Lime Spider in Akron has the best house monitors on the planet, but I have enjoyed playing at The Town Fryer in Cleveland, Jimmy's Cafe in Cuyahoga Falls and the Blue Note in Cincinnati." |
| OO: |
Long term plans? |
| BL: |
"So much of this business is day to day, no matter how much you plan. But, I can say we'll be putting out a DVD soon of some live performances and interviews, along with a music video of 'Outside The Elms' that we're finishing up now with Eddie Tomecko of Videoworks Multimedia. And, I'm going to be doing more out-of-town shows in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and maybe a spin through the Carolinas. Just trying to spread the gospel the best we can, I guess." |
