fyeah Jeff Czum!

alejandrofoster:

INTERVIEW:Jeff Czum guitarist of Nocturnal Me.

AIM IM with Jeffcislive3/17/10 12:43 AM

Alex Foster: As a musician you have played in multiple bands, is there anything in particular that you are learning as you progress forward in your life as a musician?

Jeff Czum: Yeah for sure, I’ve learned some dark secrets about the music industry and about playing in a certain genre for so long….it really seems like everyone these days likes to play it safe and just do what they are told but as I’m growing up I’m beginning to realize that i need to break away from the scene I’ve been in for so long in order to be an honest musician…does that make sense? Everything just seems so fake and cookie cutter… I feel as if more bands need more edge and need to step outside the box

AF: If you had to tell aspiring musicians anything about getting involved with the music industry, be it advice, wisdom, or just what to look out for, what would it be?

JC: I’d would say be yourself and be honest. Today it seems like every band is going through the same process. There is no excitement. I would try and inspire them to do something that has never been done before. I know that is easier said than done but think back to the 90’s 80’s 70’s 60’setc….bands shocked people and started something way bigger than just a well behaved concert.

AF: Your new band Nocturnal Me seems much darker than your past endeavors in music- all bullshit and drama out of the picture, how does one manage to make the switch from Cute Is What We Aim For to Nocturnal Me- and why?

JC: Well it’s difficult because I’ll always be linked with that band but I’m trying! We have finally found a style and by no means are we doing anything that’s ground braking but the music we are writing is honest and isn’t just a bunch of words put together to make a song…you won’t find the classic one liners that don’t fit with the rest of the song. We try and tell a story regardless if people relate to it or not.

AF: Not to stick to a topic I’m sure you’re tired of-and it’s the last one regarding it I swear- but when you look back at CUTE and recall the exit of three former band-mates ( Tom, Fred, and Jack) do you wish you had made your decision to leave sooner?

JC: No not at all… It was kind of pathetic though ha ha…I always used to joke and say Cute has had more band members than Spinal Tap. I really tried to make things work and get into the music I was playing. I hate giving up and quitting. I had to ride it out until the end….or so I thought! ‘dun dun dun’.

AF: What was the happiest point in your life and what do you advise to people to keep themselves at an all time high?

JC: I can’t lie, I’m having a pretty good time right now. I’m sure if I want to jinxed myself and say my happiest time was (insert awesome party moment here) It’s all about living in the moment and making the present all it can be. My advice to other people would to be honest to yourself and to the people around you….It sounds simple and cheesy but it’s been working for me and I have no complaints.

AF: What does the future hold for Nocturnal Me? When can people expect a full length? Anything interesting you guys are planning for future songs/tours?

JC: We have been recording nonstop and will continue to release songs. We don’t have any plans for a full length just yet but hopefully in the near future we will and we’ll probably start touring in the spring or summer.

AF: Top 5 Movies to watch on the road to prevent homesickness? Top 5 songs to resort back to for nostalgic purposes?

JC: all depends on what your interests are! Some movies could just make that worse… I’m a fan of watching cheesy chick flicks on tour. haha I probably shouldn’t name them just to keep my dignity intact. Top five songs would be:

1. Tom petty- running down a dream

2. Bruce Springsteen -Thunder Road

3. Hank Williams- Lost highway

4. Johnny Cash - Folsom Prison blues

5. Tom Petty - Stories we could tell

AF: Word association, I write 20 words, you respond-sound fair?

JC: Perfect.

AF: Inebriated

JC: warped tour

AF: Lady Gaga

JC: kermit the frog

AF: Glitter

JC: Trace Cyrus

AF: Student Rick

JC: making out in 8th grade

AF: renovations

JC: life

AF: Selena Gomez

JC: weird

AF: Squeaky

JC: my voice in the morning

AF: Drama

JC: the O.C.

AF: Houseguest

JC: growing pains

AF: Albany

JC: capital of new york

AF: Philanthropy

JC: seeking attention

AF: Whine

JC: good time-no-read that too fast-annoying.

AF: taylor swift

JC: not my thing

AF: RXBandits

JC: cherrybing

AF: Desire

JC: passion, haha

AF: Benjamin Franklin

JC: Big Daddy

AF: Adam Sandler

JC: click was depressing

AF: Baseball

JC: sandlot

AF: Nocturnal Me

JC: good ass time

AF: Dave Melillo

JC: New Jersey

AF: and a 21 for shits and giggles: Alex Foster

JC: Driving into snowbanks!

AF: Good choice!-Thanks man

JC: anytime!

CHECK OUT NOCTURNAL ME AT THEIR MYSPACE PAGE:

http://www.myspace.com/iamnocturnalme

AND CHECK OUT JEFF’s Tumblr by Clicking his picture above.