Santa Cruz's favorite paper, The Good Times, just interviewed Naomi. Since the interview will probably not appear in its entirety, we would like to post the whole thing here...look out for it on June 28th!!!
Santa Cruz Good Times' WebsiteGT: Is it true that the band has only been together for a little over a year? How did the band form?
Naomi: It will be two years in October since our very first show, but there has been a few personnel changes...so yes, with the current crew, it has been a little over a year.
I formed the band with the help of our drummer, Johnny B. Basically, I made a solo album, Life Lives, in 2005. Three of the sixteen musicians that are on that album are now playing in the band. I finally met Russel, our keyboardist, at a co-op clothing
exchange. It was supposed to be all-girl, but he lives there. haha. We started talking
about music and there it was, the final piece to the puzzle.
GT: Tell me about deciding to tour in a bio-fueled bus? how was the decision to use biofuel made?
Naomi: I use bio-diesel in my own vehicle...so when the time came to find a bus for the band, it was the only option in my mind.
GT: Where does the band get its biofuel?
In town, we get it at Pacific Biofuels. When we're on the road, I search the web for
stations and, depending on where we are, it's pretty easy to find nowadays.
Our next step is to convert the bus to run off of straight vegetable oil, so that when we
are driving across country and there are fewer bio-fuel stations, we can stop at a
restaurant. Not to mention how much cheaper that will be!
GT: Where has the band toured in the bus?
All over California, Oregon, and Arizona so far. We're heading to Colorado in July.
GT: What has your experience been like?
Naomi: The band feels like family. We look out for each other. Each person has a different role they bring to the table. When we roll into a town, it's amazing because the locals are excited for the show and we're excited to play! There have been VERY few occasions where we've run into someone that tries to bully...but it's just their own angry trip they are on. Our experiences on the road are shaping the band in a way that is very positive; both musically and personally.
GT: Why is it important to the band to use biofuel in its tour bus?
Naomi: We all love the environment. Using bio-fuel is just one of the many ways we hope to curb our emissions. There is a sense of pride we feel in traveling this way. If you add up all the miles we're driving, using alternative fuels makes sense to us.
GT: Your online bio says that the band travels in a "sustainable fashion, striving for
health and well-being on its tours"? how is this achieved?
Naomi: We try to be very resourceful on the road. Sharing and caring. It's like that old 'Stone Soup' story where everyone brings an ingredient for the stew. We usually camp, too. When we do, we leave without a trace. It's little things like that. Avoiding
hotels curbs our spending while at the same time, we're not using electricity. When we have to make stops and purchase things, we always look for the Ital, local-owned store that makes us feel like we're in Santa Cruz.
In that same respect, the venues and festivals we play at are open to liberal,
music-loving people. Sometimes we get lucky and a local shares their home. The more sharing that goes on, well, the healthier and happier we all are...
GT: Your online bio says that you refer to yourself as a "transformer"? why do you call yourself this?
Naomi: For a couple of reasons...Since we play such a variety of music, if I don't transform, I'd still be singing jazz when we've moved on to funk. I'm always me. Still, it helps to think of myself as a transformer that can feel comfortable in many different shoes. It definately keeps things interesting.
The main reason I call myself a transformer is because I make it a personal goal to
telepathically alter the vibes of the party to be in the flow with the music and with
each other. If I sense any energy that feels icky, I transform it. How do I do it?
Well, that's another story, but it helps having a microphone in my hand.
GT: Your online bio also says that the band finds the redwoods a source of guidance and inspiration? how so?
Naomi: We practice up in Bonny Doon. It's hard not to notice the trees and feel a deep sense of connection to them. From the stillness of the forest comes the song.
GT: What message do you strive to communicate with your music?
Naomi: LOVE! Love is the way! Whether it's love for yourself or for your family, for the community or for the earth. Love is our greatest protector. Each one of our songs has love at the core of it if you listen close.
GT: Are you looking forward to performing at the Earthdance Festival? How come?
Absolutely! Earthdance is such a special festival. Not only is the line-up teeming with
brilliance, but the people that attend are so connected to their purpose for being here
on earth. It's so inspiring to be at a festival where the promoters' intentions are
aligned with the greater good and not on making money.
GT: Is there anything you'd like to say about your new CD Beautiful Beings?
Naomi: It's beautiful.
GT: Is there anything you'd like to say to your fans?
Naomi: You're beautiful. =)