The band takes some time from their busy schedule on the Honda Civic Tour to talk with us about their mystical formation, touring with big names like +44 and Fall Out Boy and just what is up with those slithering snakes.
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Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions. No time like the present, so here is what inquiring minds want to know about you. There are tales that the bands' origin goes back to a snake of your chosen moniker. Could you give a little detail as to how Cobra Starship came to be, and what is the real deal behind the name? Gabe Saporta was given the name by a cobra from the future. The rest of the band was put together after Gabe had already had the "idea" to start this new project after Midtown. Gabe met Nate touring when Nate was drum teching for Armor for Sleep. Gabe met myself and Ryland through Rob Hitt (drummer from Midtown) as Ryland and myself were playing in our other band Ivy League. Victoria was found on MySpace by Gabe and it turns out I was acquainted with her through her boyfriend at the time. In the bio on your website, the cobra tells you to "teach hipsters to not take themselves so seriously" and to "tell emo kids to stop being pussies." How is that working out for you so far? Pretty well, a lot less kids are crying at our shows, the hair styles are less flamboyant and the fashion is slowly changing from studded belts and handkerchiefs to designer belts and custom shoes. |
To make that happen, surely you need some actual face to face encounters with the audience. Being on the multi-band, Honda Civic Tour currently how do you get in with the audience and teach the ways, so that "mankind goes out in style?"
Well, we teach them through performance and music and we squeeze in as much time as security will allow us to talk to people after our set. We wish we could meet every single person that wants to say hi to us on this tour but due to security issues on a tour this massive, they will unfortunately have to wait until our next tour, and we WILL make an effort to meet as many people as we can. I would say we definitely have a reputation for talking to our fans until the venue kicks us out.
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Speaking of the Honda Civic Tour, you are on the road with Fall Out Boy, +44, The Academy Is... and Paul Wall. What is the dynamic between performers? Everyone getting along or is there a diva in the Honda midst? yeah duh... the diva is GABE otherwise everyone gets along VERY well. This tour is amazing, its a constant party. The Honda tour is a big, multi-city tour. What are the Cobra must-haves on the road? How are you beating the summer heat? Well I'm glad you asked that, because I personally HATE the sun and the heat, certainly not a beach guy. I try to spend all my time before our set inside...and after the signing I take my 2nd shower and then the party begins, nothing a little ice cold beer can't fix Any stories from the road to tell the kids back home? Backstage antics, road trip bloopers? Well, yesterday in North Carolina my bass amp went up in smoke... It was......neat... I'm curious to see what happens today. We live day by day here so, if it's not working tomorrow, then we really have to figure something out! |
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Your inclusion in such a big tour may partially be due to your success and association with the film, "Snakes on a Plane." Your names obviously lent to collaboration, but how did you get on board the Plane soundtrack? And, even after I just asked that question, are you tired of being tied to the film or are you grateful for the publicity? Tired of it?
No. We couldn't be more thankful that we had that opportunity as a spring board for our musical career. Gabe heard about the movie from Sisky Business (The Academy Is...) and contacted New Line Records and then got the deal worked out.
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As you cruise along with this tour, who would be the dream band for you to go on tour with? One of your influences, a super-group of sorts, or just friends/labelmates? Hmm, as far as labelmates, I would love to tour with Gym Class Heroes again, we did our first tour every with them, which we shared a bus, and hanging out with those dudes was awesome. Also, we would love to tour with Ratatat maybe The Sounds, The Arcade Fire, I could watch any of those bands every night for a month. You were also recently included in the new Ninja Turtle film, "TMNT," soundtrack, and did a cover of a Lionel Richie track. Obviously, Cobra Starship is not a band that stays in any box. So, after the Honda tour, what's up next? Possibly a new record very soon! Plans to see any of the summer movies "3's"? If so, which is most important, Pirates, Oceans, Ogres or Spidey? Oceans...no plan yet... I don't really know what else is coming out... The Simpsons movie....but I think that's due in the fall? Any closing words, final thoughts? Things fans should know? Chips you need off your shoulder? Everything is KOSHER... we are thrilled to have this opportunity, we love everyone we get to meet and couldn't be more thankful to our fans and friends. We get amazing support and dedication from our fans and we are extremely grateful. And for those of you still to see us for the first time, we look forward to meeting you! |
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Thanks for taking some time to answer these questions. Good luck on the rest of the tour!
By. Lori Bartlett
