What do you get when you take 5 honest, fun loving musicians from all around the country and piece them together into an Indie pop/rock band stationed out of California? 2nd Day Crush! I had much joy in interviewing the lead singer/song writer Chris Drizen. As shocking as this may seem, I left the interview feeling as if there are honest good natured musicians out there who do really care about their fans, the environment, helping others, and their own lives! Don’t believe me? Then read for yourself… Enjoy!
PUM: Let’s start at the beginning, how did you originate as a band?
Drizen: That's a long, but not that complicated story! I had been performing as the "Chris Drizen band showcase," I ended up meeting Rami [Jrade] at a CD release party that ended up being broken up by the cops! Rick [Barrio Dill] came from a Motown background, and I came from an Indie rock background. We found Rami after auditioning literally over 100 guitar players! We then met George [Lind] through a friend. The newest addition Jeremy [Weinberg], was playing with a band called Mirrors in Chicago...band broke up and Jeremy jumped on as the final band member of 2nd Day Crush.
PUM: Where did the band name come from and what does it really mean?
Drizen: A lot of drinking, ha! No, it was a combination of ideas around "The Crush" in reference to the Miami dolphins and other Florida references. However, "The Crush" name was taken and one day I saw the name "Second Day." So we threw that around for awhile, then one of our girlfriends at the time added it together and came up with "2nd Day Crush." Our band name basically means anything you check out twice = second day crush. You know like most people don’t necessarily like something the first time but come the second time around they begin to have a “crush” on the idea or thing.
PUM: If you could describe 2nd Day Crush in 3 words, what would they be?
Drizen: Hm… that’s a great question. I’d say an honest, hard-working pop band. We strongly believe that you have to have a substance behind you.
PUM: That’s such a great answer! It’s honestly hard to find bands that are so sincere and focused all while being honest with themselves and their fans. Speaking of fans, who do you think your fan base is?
Drizen: That’s another great question! We generally appeal to ages 14-45. When we first played there would be a lot of kids with their parents. It was great to see that not only the kids but the parents were singing along with the lyrics! So I would say our fan base is a broad spectrum. However, we tend to appeal to girls and intellectuals the most.
PUM: From the Nights You Lost Your Voice – How did you initially derive the album title?
Drizen: I love this question! See when it comes to our albums we actually assemble them with “eco-friendly” packaging. Rami first came up with the album title being “Gift-wrap Emergency, who’s side are you on.” We later decided that there was more to our lyrics. See each song on the album relates to losing your voice in some aspect. Whether it’s because you are soooo pissed off, or you were out drinking and having such a good time you lost your voice, or for political reasons as in we lost our voice as a nation.
PUM: I understand a portion of every album sold goes toward Conservation International and Invisible Children, first off I work with multiple charities on a daily basis so that is great to hear that but secondly how did you decide on those charities?
Drizen: So many bands are way ahead in making money and use charities as a “PR move.” Our motto is “the best way to help yourself is to help other people.” Invisible Children charity was actually introduced to us by one of our fans. Conservation International was on a whole different level. This charity was more than emitting gas fumes it is a change of lifestyle. They focus on the big picture, not only on eco-friendly cars but the trees being cut down and the going green concept, etc.
PUM: What song of yours would you recommend to listeners?
Drizen: Every band member has a song he likes the most. So, if I had to recommend one, I’d say the last song on the record, "No Cameras". That would be a great song to come out with.
PUM: What is the #1 reason you are where you are today?
Drizen: We never went out with the idea of being rockstars. Like Rami says, “I have no fucking choice, I have to do this.” From the first time we played live we got that connection with the audience. We really didn’t have a choice, this is what we are meant to do.
PUM: So it’s fate! That’s my favorite concept, if it’s meant to be it’s meant to be and there’s no stopping it. What is one word of advice would you tell aspiring musicians?
Drizen: Everyone always says “practice, practice, practice…” I think its most important to learn how to write music. So many people can play, but what will set you apart are your lyrics and what they mean.
PUM: Who or what would be the bands biggest inspiration?
Drizen: I think that would be a different answer for all of us. Rick is a Motown / Prince sort of guy, all about the groove. Rami is a big fan of Hot Rod Circuit. Jeremy is definitely Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix. George is Fleetwood Mac and I’m Paul McCartney and the Beatles.
PUM: So if you could paint your “ideal” 2008 for the band, what would it look like?
Drizen: Touring, mainstream radio play, and by the end of the year a new record written.
PUM: What are 2nd Day Crush's long-term goals?
Drizen: Just to be like U2 or Green Day. Bands that are able to release a bunch of CD’s all while sustaining their identity as well as their musical preferences. Have a timeless sound for over 10 years after 5, 6, 7 plus record releases.
PUM: So, where is the band’s favorite place to party?
Drizen: Ha, I’d say Vegas. Vegas treats us really well! We are actually going to be playing in Vegas for 3 shows! It’s amazing how well they treat us. None of us are from there.
PUM: Last but not least, is there anything else you would like to add?
Drizen: Yes, our album is available on iTunes and Myspace. We will be touring this year on for 2 weeks off for 2 weeks. Our tour will be by region, right now we are starting with the Midwest, then to the West, and hitting up the South on the way to the East coast.
By: Kim Evans - Contributing Writer
