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1.) We’re very happy to be speaking today with one of the most exciting bands on the music scene, Fastest Land Animal – or FLA if you’re so inclined; greetings and salutations, gang! Before we dive into the proverbial Q&A mosh pit, could each of you say ‘hi’ and introduce yourselves to our ever-lovin’ reading audience?
Screamin’ Jack Novak here (a/k/a John Cusimano), screaming and singing from NYC.
Olá, Aflonse here (a/k/a Jonny Blaze). I play guitar and bass in the Fastest Land Animal rock and roll ensemble.
Shark here (a/k/a Andrew Meskin), tapping away on the back of the seat in front of me on a flight back to TX.
2.) Congratulations on the upcoming January 20 release of your eagerly-awaited sophomore album East Coast, West Coast, In Between! Jack, what was the genesis of this absolutely amazing album? How did it come into being?
In the early days of the pandemic, the three of us bandmates (all former members of The Cringe) were stuck at home and unable to get together to record or play gigs. We did however, all have home recording studios. I had the idea to create alternate personas, start a punk rock band wherein all the songs are fast — the minimum speed limit would be 150 beats per minute – record an album remotely, and glue it all together at the end. The process was not only workable, but efficient and a total blast, so much so that we quickly decided to do a second album the same way.
3.) Alfonse, the first two singles from East Coast, West Coast, In Between are the rockin’ and unforgettable Out of Range and Cowboys in Nashville. What went into the decision-making process to select these two winners as being the singles to represent the new album?
“Out of Range” is an immersive track that evokes an old western movie vibe. It’s full of drama and tension, making it the perfect single for this album. “Cowboys in Nashville,” on the other hand, is an upbeat, no-nonsense rock song, that showcases our love of all things punk rock. It’s definitely a bold choice for our album’s second single, but we knew we just had to share it with the world. “Out of Range” and “Cowboys in Nashville” are two radically different songs united by their gritty nature.
4.) Shark, who was the producer on East Coast, West Coast, In Between and what did the collaboration between FLA and producer look like in the studio?
Don Gilmore is a fantastic producer who always keeps the big picture in mind while bringing unique, out-of-the-box ideas to the table. He is a true taskmaster. Since we recorded this record remotely, we would all hop on a Zoom together to communicate and we’d stream audio out of our DAWs in real time. Today’s tech is amazing and enabled us to really get creative without any roadblocks or delays of sending ideas back and forth. Once rough demos are worked out, Don experiments with arrangements, then we are off to the races. Drums first, followed by bass and guitars, then keys, then vocals, and finished off with any ancillary percussion, or guitars, etc.
5.) Jack, what differentiates East Coast, West Coast, In Between from anything else on the 2023 music scene?
I think we are a lot sweatier and hairier than the other music acts.
6.) Alfonse, what do you hope listeners walk away with after giving East Coast, West Coast, In Between a few dozen spins?
We hope listeners will keep coming back to the album and rediscovering different angles of its diverse musical landscapes, storytelling elements, and thought-provoking lyrics.
7.) Shark, how does East Coast, West Coast, In Between differ from FLA’s freshman album? Conversely, how is it similar?
The new record is an evolution from the original. On our first record, we had a rule that everything had to be above a certain bpm to keep that edge going from start to finish. For this new album, we wanted to keep the punk edge but remove some of the guardrails, exploring slower tempos and different directions. We also decided to have some fun and included a cover of one of our favorite band’s songs, “Next to You” by The Police. We added some twists like 1/2 time verses and replaced the guitar solo with a synth solo. It’s an exciting new chapter for us and we can’t wait for the world to hear it.
8.) Jack, as a prolific singer and songwriter, which comes first for you – The lyrics or the music?
The music comes first. I struggle to write lyrics; usually I’ll come up with a tune and melodic hook and start singing along phonetically until a phrase starts to develop. Then I’ll build out from that phrase. Then I’ll rewrite the lyrics over and over until I’m satisfied. That being said, there is usually a song or two per LP wherein the lyrics pretty much write themselves at the same time as the music. “Out of Range” is one of those songs.
9.) Alfonse, how did Fastest Land Animal come together as the incredibly tight band we hear on East Coast, West Coast, In Between? Is there a VH1-Behind the Music story on the groups formation that you could share with readers?
It all started when I met Jack and Shark in Hollywood. My dreams of becoming a professional footballer had long faded, but our friendship was so strong that it easily translated into music. We took up permanent residence in the basement of the Sunset Marquis, where we knew that inspiration would strike. Those late nights huddled together resulted in something incredible; the formation of an unforgettable band with a unique sound. We were determined to rock Hollywood’s strip and make our mark on the music industry – and the rest is history.
10.) A question for all of you: Who inspires you musically?
Jack: Agnostic Front, Cecil Taylor, and Caninus.
Alfonse: When it comes to inspiration, I’m driven by all who have dared to be different and hit the stage with original music.
Shark: My inspiration comes from the rebellious spirit of icons like the John Henry Bonham and Keith Moon, and of course, the raw power and ferocity of sharks.
11.) Shark, what does the touring schedule look like for FLA in the wake of the upcoming release of East Coast, West Coast, In Between?
We’re raring and ready to go, lining up dates starting in March. Stay tuned on our website and socials for details and tickets. Can’t wait to see you all soon!
12.) Jack, any final thoughts that you would like to share on East Coast, West Coast, In Between?
As Pre-Socratic Greek philosopher Heraclitus of Ephesus once said, “One cannot step twice in the same river.” Fastest Land Animal did exactly that and we didn’t even drown (although our socks got wet.)
13.) Final – SILLY! – Question (for all of you!): Favorite movie about the music scene – This Is Spinal Tap or Almost Famous?
Jack: Jack loves the TAP!
Alfonse: Spinal Tap! I’m not asking, I’m telling with this.”
Shark: Almost Famous is great, but it doesn’t go to eleven.
