An interview with Reaction

by: DMG

Q: For the record what is the name of your band or are you a solo artist?
Reaction
Q: And your name and what do you play in the band? (if solo artist do you play any instruments?)
I'm Steve and I sing and play guitar.
Q: Can you please tell how us how your band became a band/how you became an artist?
We met through mutual friends, needs, and interests.
Q: Where are you/or the band originally from?
We're all from different parts of Chicago.
Q: How would you categorize your band or music? (Hard rock, metal, rock, pop, death metal, punk)
I think pop, rock, garage, psychedelic, and indie would sum Reaction up.
Q: When did you/or the band play their first concert?
It was in around 1984 at Haymakers in Wheeling, IL.
Q: What is the biggest crowd you and/or the band have ever played for?
About 5000 or more people were there when we opened for the Georgia Satellites.
Q: So what is your favorite song either that you perform or you like from your album/s?
By us I like to perform "Rain Has Gone" and "Summer Of Love."
Q: So what can people expect to see at one of your shows that have never seen a show of yours before? Good honest music that tugs at the soul & is dancable too!
Q: How many times do you perform a month?
We keep to the studio these days but played about 10-15 shows a month at our peak.
Q: Do you think my space is the place to help undiscovered musicians and solo artists?
My space is a great place to have your music heard no doubt. My space should concentrate
more on spotlighting the unknowns and in discovering those artists.
Q: What are your music goals?
My goal in music has always been to have the songs heard. So that the songs live on.
Q: What's one thing you would suggest you need if you want be in music biz?
Good songs, a lot of luck, some talent and mainly perseverance.
Q: Was music your passion since you were young?
Music has been my passion from about age 10.
Q: Are there any new artists out there you like or recommend to people?
There are tons. I like stuff like the killers. although they are not exactly new.
Q: What's one question that you tired of people asking you?
Was REM an influence.
Q: Who are your influences?
The Beatles, The Doors, and yes REM. A little bit of everything I suppose.
Q: Who is the one band you would like to tour with?
The Beatles.
Q: What do you think of the major record labels nowadays? Do you prefer independent or major? And why?
Major labels haven't changed much over the years. Major labels look out for major labels and not so much the artists. It's best to start indie, get a major label deal and then end indie.
Q: Where do you see the band or yourself in the next five years?
Hopefully still together recording music and performing the occasional show. We have lots of material yet to be recorded.
Q: What does your band or your music sound like? Or how would you describe your sound to someone who has not ever heard your music?
We'll let you decide the comparisons. What do you think?
Q: If you could be one animal what would it be and why?
I guess I would be a dog because a dog is always there for you.
Q: Do you ever get compared to any band?
Yes, we get compared to REM. I think mainly because at one time Peter Buck produced some songs for us.
Q: Do you think your band/music can make a difference in the music scene and if so how?
I think it would if given a chance to reach more people.
Q: What is so different about your band/music that should make people want to listen to your music?
It's not so much different but it is somewhat catchy and talks about real emotion that most everyone can relate to.
Q: Do you enjoy what you do or did you start out doing it because it was the "cool thing to do" (be honest, some people just do it to get laid/drugs etc)
Honestly it's always been about having the songs heard, but then sex, drugs, etc. in that order. Hey I'm kidding about the drugs.
Q: Best thing you like about music?
It makes me feel. I can attach a song at different points in my life to different memories. When I hear that song those memories come back.
Q: Best thing about your fans?
They are loyal and have stuck with us over the years.
Q: Favorite aspect of being a musician?
I've always enjoyed writing and recording new music.
Q: Your greatest accomplishment:
I don't believe we've reached it yet.
Q: Hobbies & interests besides music:
I love and collect horror movies of all genres.
Q: Your most prized possession is:
An original copy of the Beatles Butcher Cover album.
Q: If there was one person in history dead or alive you could meet who would it be and why?
Elvis Presley because he was the king.
Q: If there was one musician or band dead or alive you could meet who would it be and why?
John Lennon, because he was revolutionary .
Q: If you were stranded on a desert island what 3 things could you NOT live without?
food, water, and music
Q: First album you ever bought?
The doors "strange days"
Q: Do you have any hidden talents?
None hidden and few that are exposed
Q: What is currently playing in your ipod or cd player?
Green Day
FAVORITES:
Favorite food: I love all foods that are accompanied by good beer.
Favorite book: Michael Weldon's Psychotronic Encyclopedia Of Film.
Favorite movie: Fater Pussycat, Kill, Kill
Favorite song: "Working Class Hero"
Favorite album: Revolver
Favorite quote: " i don't know one"
Q: When you were growing up, do you remember listening to any bands in particular?
I liked Black Sabbath, the Ramones and 70's stuff like that.
Q: Do you think any band should give it up and call it a day? If so, why?
No, never give up your dreams.
Q: Lately who is your favorite band?
The Vines and or the Foo Fighters
Q: What do you think of the local music scene nowadays?
It's alive and well.
Q: Do you have a website people can check out?
myspace. com/reactionchicago
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
Please support Indie and buy our CD. Thanks!

ROCK MUSIC UNITED BAND SPACE
http://www.myspace.com/rockmusicunited