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Welcome to the latest edition of “New Year New Interview” with American Television of Washington, DC. Guitarists Steve Rovery and Jerred Lazar will be answering a few New Years related questions.
Interview
Band Name?
American Television
What was the best thing to happen in 2019?
Steve: We played the biggest stage and room we’ve ever played in our lives opening for Less Than Jake. It was cool to share that milestone together.
Jerred: I think the return of Breakin’ Even Fest this year was huge as well. Getting to play with so many amazing bands and talented musicians was incredible. Selling out the first 2 nights was insane!
What are you looking forward to in 2020?
Steve: Releasing our new LP, Watch It Burn, on Wiretap Records, playing some new cities and making friends while we’re there.
Jerred: I’m definitely looking forward to putting that beautiful orange piece of wax on the turntable and taking it for a spin! It’s been quite a journey taking these songs from the depths of our minds to the grooves on a record. It’s been pretty wild.
Where was your first concert as a fan? As a performer?
Steve: As a performer, I played my first show when I was 16 with ASOB in Long Island at a place called OLV. We were all kids so you’d never really know Jeff would go on the become “Jeff Rosenstock,” but he did… As a fan, my first concert was Oasis & Screaming Trees.
Jerred: Oh man, it’s judgment time hahaha… As a fan, my Dad took my best friend and I to see Boys II Men, Mary J Blige, and Montell Jordan when I was in 8th grade. My musical tastes have definitely evolved over the years! As a performer I played in the school talent show. It was a nu metal band. We were awful. Like I said, I’ve worked on refining my palette since my younger days!
Do you think that there’s an alternate reality? If so, what is the alternate you doing?
Steve: In an alternate reality I’d be making movies. I love the process of filming and editing and I feel like I learned that about myself 20 years too late.
Jerred: I like to think there are an infinite number of alternate realities where everything that can happen does and will. That being said, I’m just trying to survive the one I’m currently in!
New Year’s Resolutions. Yay or Nay?
Steve: Nay. Just live your best life.
Jerred: Nah. I’m totally comfortable with my imperfections!
What have been the best musical holiday moments in your life?
Steve: Just those quiet drives in fresh snow when it’s extra quiet and something real fitting comes on the radio and it just feels peaceful and cinematic.
Jerred: One year I went home to Ohio to visit family for the holidays. I grew up in a small town where there isn’t much to do. Luckily Micah Schnabel, a dear friend of mine who grew up in that same small town, played an acoustic set in the back room of one of the only bars in town. We don’t see each other very often and when we do it’s usually on the road but there were so many familiar faces in the room that night and he played some songs from “When The Stage Lights Go Dim” with an incredible violinist and it was just beautiful. That record will always hold a special place in my heart and the same goes for that night.
Favorite holiday song?
Steve: Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
Jerred: Christmas In Hollis by RUN DMC
Least favorite holiday song?
Steve: Oh Holy Night
Jerred: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
What do you want people to know about your music?
Steve: This band keeps us sane, it provides a creative outlet and stress relief for us. We may not get to play as many shows as bands that have been working at their craft for 6 years, but we give it our fucking all when we do.
Jerred: Ditto
