Interview: Bang Camaro

Written by Mike Hartnett
Published at 2009-10-10 03:20:03

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Over the past few years we have witnessed the rise of the guitar controller era, now the complete Rock Band era to be more precise, and now more than ever the spotlight is shining upon the indie groups. One such group, Bang Camaro is most definitely enjoying that spotlight, having been featured in games such as Rock Band and Madden 10. One thing that really makes them stand out, however, is the fact that they're comprised of upwards of nearly twenty band mates!

We had ourselves a little sit down with Bang Camaro's very own, Alex Necochea for a little Q&A discussing their recent success along with their experiences working on the indie scene as well as the gaming scene.

Bang Camaro

Tawkn.com: There's no doubt that your group conveys a very original sound, the likes of which few have ever heard before. At what point did you decide that this was the sound you wanted to run with?

Alex Necochea, Bang Camaro: Probably a month after we recorded our first song "Bang Camaro." Up until we wrote that song I was writing songs with Bryn Bennett for an indie-rock project. We wrote "Bang Camaro" as a lark while we filled time looking for a proper vocalist for our other project. After we put it up on MySpace it was downloaded almost 5000 times in under a month. Booking agents started calling and there was a local buzz in Boston about us. I remember feeling apprehensive about being remembered for a 5-minute semi-instrumental with just the words "Bang" and "Camaro" sung in the chorus. It struck me as pretty silly at first. We wrote a few more songs to see if the concept could work. By the time we had our first round of t-shirts printed I was a convert. I knew I had to see this project through.

Tawkn.com: What would you say serves as a point of inspiration for your music?

Alex Necochea: It varies. When we started the band I was looking to the music I listened to as a kid. For example, Bryn and I would trade guitar solos from Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica records all the time. As we started writing our second record I was revisiting some of the bands from the 70's, like Black Sabbath and Thin Lizzy, while also listening to a lot of current artists like Liam Finn, Radiohead, and The Bronx. Seriously though, I take most of my inspiration from books by Chuck Klostermann.

Tawkn.com: With nearly 20 members in the band, how do you guys manage the chaos?

Alex Necochea: The chaos is unmanageable. There is no herding a circus of 20 people soaked in vodka. I guess that is part of our charm. We pick a city, drive there, and let loose. This is probably why we don't often get invited back to a lot of the places we've played.

Tawkn.com: Seeing as how you evolved from a group with virtually no management to one that is now booking concerts across the country, how would you describe your experience with that first tour?

Alex Necochea: You have no idea how accurate that statement is. I don't remember that first tour. I was drunk for all of it.

Tawkn.com: How would you describe your experience with Harmonix, making the jump from the real world to the gaming world?

Alex Necochea: Working with Harmonix has been easy. We have submitted our songs to their music supervisor and he often comes back with enthusiasm and puts our music into the games. We have been fortunate to land some of our music in Guitar Hero and Rock Band. It has allowed BANG CAMARO to tour across the US and Canada and play in front of thousands of people all without the benefit of record label support and radio airplay.

Bryn and Alex, Bang Camaro

Tawkn.com: What was your reaction when you found out that your music would be featured in Rock Band and then later on in Madden 10?

Alex Necochea: Excitement. I always dreamed that my music would be played for, and by, gamers. Calling hail mary's to "Revolution"? That's a dream come true.

Tawkn.com: Many actual guitar players have indicated that gaming guitar controllers are actually tougher than the real thing, what do you guys think?

Alex Necochea: Both Bryn and I have said the same thing. Playing Rock Band is not the same thing as playing a real guitar. One is playing a game the other is playing a musical instrument. I think it's great that rhythm based video games are exposing all kinds of music to new audiences. I have met a lot of people who have picked up a real guitar because of their experience interacting with their favorite music in Rock Band.

Tawkn.com: What difficulty do you usually have RockBand set to when you play?

Alex Necochea: I can crush Judas Priest's "Painkiller" on Medium. I'm probably the least experienced gamer in the band, tho'. I think both Morgan and Bryn can compete at Expert levels.

Tawkn.com: Alex has gone on record as stating that "It's not about the press, the fame, or the industry. It's about the fans and having a good time." With a philosophy like that, it's difficult to argue why you are all so successful. So, are you guys having a good time?

Alex Necochea: Did I say that? I must have said that sometime during our first tour. I've had a great time touring the country many times over, meeting people who are excited about BANG CAMARO, and performing live every night. I wouldn't trade the experience for anything.

Bang Camaro

Tawkn.com: Bang Camaro has certainly demonstrated what it takes to make it in the indie scene. Any advice you might want to give to other aspiring indie bands?

Alex Necochea: Sure. If you're going to play in a band with 19 other people, don't quit your day job. There's not much money to be made in this industry. I'm half-kidding. Seriously, I think the best thing an independent band can do is make the best music they can. Ultimately, their audience will respond to the music. Also, know your audience. You don't need to waste your time trying to reach people that don't care about your music. Spend your energy getting to know your fans. They're the ones who're going to spread the word about your music. They are the reason you make music.

Tawkn.com: Any upcoming secret projects you might want to let slip for your audience and fans?

Alex Necochea: If I told you they would be secret now, would they?

Tawkn.com: Lastly, we've just got to ask, were there any particular games that stood out for you while you guys were growing up?

Alex Necochea: There are three. Boggle, Cosmic Wimpout, and I Can Unsnap Your Bra With One Hand.

Tawkn.com: Thank you for your time guys. Perhaps someday we'll see a RockBand: Bang Camaro Edition with an accompanying eight microphones to accommodate your unique style! Good luck and we look forward to hearing more from you guys in the future!

Alex Necochea: Thank you. You are very kind.

Tawkn.com would like to thank Alex Necochea for taking the time to answer our questions and giving us some insight on pretty much the largest rock band we've ever seen. You can check out Bang Camaro in Rock Band 1&2, Madden 10 and the Sims 3, all available in stores now. For more information on the band you can check out their website at http://www.bangcamaro.com/, where you can also snag a copy their new album 'Bang Camaro II', available now.

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