New Interview with Gavin

September 18th, 2000

Could Dance Hall Crashers be one of the most enjoyable bands around today? Hmmm, I think they just might be.

The Californian five-piece number up as follows; vocalists Elyse Rogers and Karina Denike, bassist Mikey Weiss, drummer Gavin Hammon and his brother Jason on guitar.

DHC was kicked off in 1989 by Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman as a side project from Operation Ivy. Those two split to form Rancid, while DHC kept going.
And a good thing they did too. Methinks the world would be a slightly sadder place were we not able to listen to the upbeat ska-pop-punk of Dance Hall Crashers. Tunes with more hooks than a fishing tackle shop, some of the best vocal harmonies anywhere in music today, and smart, funny and sarcastic lyrics.

See, what’s not to like?

Gavin graciously agreed to sit through the dragster quiz. Because he’s a nice guy (and a big fan of The Police, another reason to like him).

In 25 words or less, describe the band’s sound.
I’d just cite our influences in punk, ska, rock, pop and lots of others in a five piece group with two ladies singing harmony much of the time. Not less than 25 though …

What’s the strangest description of the band’s sound you’ve come across?
Probably some nonsense about the B-52 on crack or some such. When there’re ladies involved, people will compare you to just about any female artist they can think of.

How’d you join the band?
My brother asked me.

Has it been any help having the connection to Tim Armstrong?
Yeah, probably, although it really isn’t all that pronounced in any way. Mostly it’s just historical background.

You toured Australia this year. How’d you find it?
We turned left at New Zealand. No, we loved it. Great food, great coffee, great beer, great kids. We had a blast. Honestly.

Does it help having Elyse, a band member, managing the group as well?
Sometimes. I mean, it’s always better to do as much yourselves as possible, but there can be complications from time to time.

Being in a band with two girls, are there any special rules? eg. separate hotel rooms, separate backstage change rooms etc.
Not so much rules, but yeah those things generally come about.

Do you think having two lead singers helps you to stand out from most other bands?
Never really gave it much thought.

Elyse comes up with some great lyrics - nicely sarcastic. How do you feel about them? Got a favourite?
Yeah, she does. So does Karina. I think we’re all pretty sarcastic, hell, we’re Californians … I think my favourite lyrical work was a joint effort, “I did it for the toys”.

Love the live album. So rare to find a live album that actually sounds great. What prompted the band to release the live album?
Thanks. Mostly we put it out because kids kept asking us to.

Do drummers get the respect they deserve?
I’ve never felt disrespected for being a drummer, but there are a lot of us drummers that ruin it for the rest of us by fitting into that stereotype. Most folks seem to believe drummers are idiots and poorly adjusted people. Heh heh heh …

What’s the dumbest thing you’ve seen a member of DHC do onstage?
Fall. And fall horribly.

Finish this sentence “the best thing about being in Dance Hall Crashers is ….
…. not having paid for a drink since I was 17.

Entry Filed under: Crashers, Mentions