Published: September 7, 2009 7:43 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight September 2009 Edition
Go Time!
Go Time!
Recently, Scott Niekelski, Lead Guitar, Keyboards & Vocals, of Go Time! chatted with our Webzine about the band's music. With a mixture of Power Pop, Garage Rock and Alternative, Go Time! creates perfect harmonious melodic tunes that will get fans jamming to the band's music. In this conversation with Scott, the artist reveals the origin of the band, their inspirations, and what has kept them together. Enjoy!
Isaac: What's the name of your band? What's the origin of that name? Have you changed the band's name before?
Scott: Go Time (the name) was created by our drummer Steve Grzenia. It meant to us that we wanted to kick it off, and get going. We did not change the name as much as 3 out of 4 members were in a different band called Prairie Town that finally broke up after 20 years. We chose to change musical direction and started Go Time.
Isaac: What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?
Scott: I would guess that you could consider us power pop. We mix power pop, rock, indie and alternative - but definitely work in the rock genre.
Influences have been 60's rock, garage rock, but mainly bands like Big Star, The Replacements, Husker Du, Television, Guided by Voices.
Isaac: How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?
Scott: Mark Marketti (Bass Guitar), Steve Grzenia (Drums) and Scott Niekelski (Lead Guitar/Vocals) were in the Americana band Prairie Town together for 20 years. After that band ended - we wanted to keep playing, but did want to go in a new musical direction. It took a year and countless try outs for another guitarist (we might have had 20 people come out). Paul Schmidt was the correct choice for us. Paul had been playing in other bands in Southern Illinois for 10 or 12 years - and we all fit together perfectly.
Isaac: When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?
Scott: It took a year after the break up of Prairie Town for us to find the right guitarist and really have a plan together. Prairie Town ended in October 2007; we had Paul on board by September 2008, and finished our new record Speak and were out playing by January 2009.
Scott wrote 50 songs, which we picked the songs on the album from. As the new album was released, Scott wrote another 40- songs for a follow up record we are working on.
We like working together, and challenge each other to be better with every piece of music we make, or play live. 3 out of 4 of us have had a long history, but are looking forward to a long future as Go Time!
Isaac: Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?
Scott: Right now we have a distribution deal with a local label Sound Gypsy, but no particular contract. We have always been an independent band, but have received a lot of radio play and great press on the new album.
Isaac: What can you tell me about your instruments? (i.e., Are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play with whatever's available? What made you choose the instruments you have now? Was it cost or was it a style/model/brand/color preference?
Scott: Steve (drums), and Mark (Bass) - seem to be non specific on brand. All of us would play whatever is available, but by preference, Paul and Scott are more brand specific. Paul plays a Fender Telecaster, because he likes that particular sound.
Scott is very specific - he has modeled his own specific sound over the years. He plays all Rickenbacker guitars through music man amps. This preference came from seeing some of his heroes from the 60's playing Rickenbacker guitars, and the specific sound related to that guitar. He also likes the concept that they are made in America the same way that they were in the 60"s. He bought his first music man amp by accident, but really liked the sound and has received many compliments from other Chicago musicians and sound men on the combination.
Isaac: Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
Scott: We have performed all over the Chicago area. We are looking forward to supporting our new album throughout the Midwest for now. We are also talking about an English tour in 2010 if possible. Great Britain has been very good to Go Time on the new album. We would be open to traveling anywhere if we can figure out the logistics. We have Chicago dates set through the end of 2009.
Isaac: Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?
Scott: We do not have a set play list, but are supporting our new album Speak, so we play most of that record. We do play cover songs. Generally before shows, we learn one or two different new covers, that just hit us right at the time. We put our own spin on whatever we cover. We have not been playing the same cover twice from show to show.
Isaac: Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
Scott: I am a prolific song writer that has written songs since 1984. I have written all of this band's songs so far. I do know that Paul Schmidt is going to bring some to the table.
I do not stick to certain topics - just what I think is interesting at the time. I do try not to make the songs gender specific, as so any listener can relate to it. I guess if I had to say if there is a specific topic - it would be things that people can relate to in everyday life.
I think that topics do change over time. The world that surrounds us, your experiences, your feelings at the time - all these things help to change your topics over time.
Isaac: Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
Scott: Scott usually will write the main body of the song - and bring it to practice. At that point, the whole band will jump in on it. Paul may add a different lead line, or add a musical bridge. Mark will write his own bass line. Steve might change the tempo of the song, and generally takes control. Generally, Scott will write guitar leads on the fly while we are playing the song - as to assess what the other members are doing with the song.
Isaac: What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
Scott: We do set times to practice. It is really important to stick to a schedule and make sure that you are productive.
Practices are a little more down to business - we know that we are there to work. We are lucky because over many years of work - I built my basement into a 32 track recording studio - which we also practice in. It makes it easy to practice and record as we feel necessary.
Isaac: How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
Scott: We evolve with the songs that Scott brings to the band. The first set of songs for the first record was very power pop driven. The set for the album being worked on are a little darker, but are not so far that they can't be mixed with the first set. We, as a band, try and go through all the songs and figure out what we feel is strong material, and what will best exemplify what we are trying to do. For an example - the new 40 songs, we will come to an agreement on 15 and that is where we go - the other 25 songs will go away.
Isaac: What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
Scott: I think for every band the challenge is publicity, gigs, and getting people out to shows. Right now things are good - but it is a non stop promotion process. You can be a fantastic band, but if you are not able to bring people in the club - you will not get another gig there. I say this, but that has been my experience in Chicago. For club owners (and it is understandable) it is a business.
Isaac: What's your ultimate direction for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune?
Scott: I think everyone would like to have fame and fortune. We are happy making good music, and believe in artistic integrity. If fame or fortune came, we would not turn it away. In general however - we would all have to agree on what we are doing. If fame came about, and asked us to change direction - I don't think we would do that.
Isaac: What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
Scott: Starting a band is a labor of love. You can write songs and become a good band, but it is also a business. You have to go into it with that mind set, other wise you will be disappointed. If you start - you better practice and become good - you better make an album to promote - you better distribute that album to press - you need that CD to get live gigs - you need to promote to people to come to the show, or you won't get another show. I think a lot of people do not realize that it is a commitment and a business - and if they don't I think they should not get into it.
Another thing is to keep at it - if you have a bad show/review - you can't get down - just try harder.
Isaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
Scott: We have a ton of place to access our music - a few are:
Isaac: Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
Scott: We offer our own financial support. We of course would like to thank, our families, our friends, girlfriends, wives, the people who come out to see us, club owners, members of radio, members of the press - and also each other (we all work hard and make it work to be able to do this, and make all the songs come to life).
Isaac: Any last words?
Scott: We would also like to thank you for taking the time to write this interview and help promote us. I know that it takes time to pull something like this together, and take the time to edit into a story. I appreciate you taking the time and interest.
