THE
SUGI TAP
Eve 6 might be where everyone remembers the names Max Collins and Tony Fagenson. But after having huge hits like "Inside Out" or one of the biggest prom songs in history with "Here's to the Night", the guys are back with a new project. The Sugi Tap are the new child for Collins and Fagenson. I had the chance to catch up with both of the guys to talk to them about Eve 6 (including the break up), The Sugi Tap, and what their plans for the future.
Asif:
Hey guys, how you are doing?
Tony & Max: Fine and dandy indeed, son!
Asif: So, I'll get to the obvious question first. How did you guys' come
up with The Sugi Tap for the name of the band?
Tony: Desperately in search of a name after many many dead ends, we came
across the graphic novel for Battle Royale. We had seen the movie,
a Japanese cult flick about unruly teens sent to an island to kill each
other, years before and really dug it, so a friend gave Max the graphic
novel for X-mas. We came across "The Sugi Tap" in there, and it stuck,
son!
Asif: Sweet man! I've listened to the songs on the band's EP and MySpace .
I absolutely love them! I think "Pick Up the Pieces" is just a magical
tune. Are there any plans for a full length album anytime soon? Even a
possible record deal in the works?
Max: We've got some cool things in the works for this year, that's all we
can say at the moment. So everyone stay tuned for news as it comes. In
the meantime everyone should check out The Sugi Tap E.P., available for
purchase and download at
www.myspace.com/sugitap.
Asif: I agree! Everyone should! Speaking of things in the works, are fans
going to be able to see The Sugi Tap out on the road anytime soon?
Tony:
No tour plans right at the moment while we work on stuff, but someday
soon.
Asif: Aww man! Well, I guess I'll just have to be patient! This next
question is something that I know a lot of fans are curious about. The
last show for Eve 6 was on
July 15, 2004 in St. Louis. For the fans that want to know
the truth and not wonder about rumors they have heard, can you guys tell
me why the band broke up? Any why did RCA release the band from the label?
Max: We all felt that it was time to pursue other endeavors. I felt ready
to try something different; the band had been my life since the age of 15
without the slightest break. We needed some time as individuals to
explore the solar system.
Tony: Given the changing scope and reality of the music business in 2003,
RCA had a difficult transitional period, and we were one of casualties.
It was time for everyone involved to reassess the situation and take a
little time off.
Asif: Gotcha. What have the two of you been up to since the band broke up?
Max: After a short time Tony and I reconnected and started talking about
music. I had some stuff that I had written and thought it would be cool
to see what Tony had to say about it. I really dug the ideas that he
brought to the table and the songs began to take on a new life.
Tony: Why
thank you, son!
Max: Soon
we were writing more, and decided to make it official.
Asif: Is there anything that you guys learned from the early days in Eve 6
that helps you this time around with The Sugi Tap? Whether if it's doing
things the same or maybe even differently?
Tony: It's a new music business now, so some of the old rules don't
apply. In a way, we're always learning and making mistakes and correcting
those mistakes, even though we've seemingly been through it all before. I
think we have a better grasp of the big picture now than we did then, and
it allows us to keep sight of what's really important.
Asif: How does the sound of Eve 6 compare to that of The Sugi Tap do you
think?
Max: It's got a lot of the same qualities as Eve 6, but we've brought some
new influences into the fold. I got to a really honest place with the
songwriting, much like the period leading up to the first Eve 6 record.
Tony:
One thing we strive for in the music is a worldly quality, something that
transcends place and time. Even if you don't speak the language, we want
the feeling to come across. I've always liked a cinematic or dramatic
element in music, something that a band like Depeche Mode is able to
achieve, and we've had fun bringing that out in the new material.
Asif: I hear ya on the Depeche Mode! Away from the studio and shows, what
do you guys like to do for fun?
Tony & Max: Crossword puzzles, knitting wool sweaters, solitaire, Maury
Povich… you know, the usual!
Asif: (laughs) That's great! Thanks a lot for your time guys, I really
appreciate it! I can't wait to hear more and see you guys on the road!
Tony: Thanks man!
BY: The Asif
PHOTOS: Courtesy of The Sugi Tap
