"I know everyone here is hoping the greatest band on earth is going to play here tonight," INFINITE singer/guitarist Eric Quillington tells the crowd, "Unfortunately... you're going to have to keep waiting." While it may be true that this new band obviously isn't the greatest band on earth, they definetely were the greatest in the battle of the bands contest. From Eric Quillington's energetic stage persona to Matt Roberts overwhelmingly strong bass riffs to Greg Oldson's complicated drum fills, this alternative band is doing a terrific job of quickly making a new of itself. A few hours after they were announced the winner, I had the opportunity to sit down and have an interview with them.
Q: Obvious question, but; how does it feel to be the winners of the battle of the bands?
Matt Roberts: Absolutely horrible
Eric Quillington: *laughs* Oh, it... honestly, I don't know what to think. I mean, I was completely sure we were going to be the worst. There were people up there who'd been playing for years, and we've only been together for a couple of months. It just, it just completely blows my mind.
Greg Oldson: Eric, you're speaking too quickly for the poor guy to write down what you're saying.
Q: I think I got all that he said. Anyways, next question; how would you define your sound?
Matt: Well, you tell us. You heard it, didn't you?
Greg: I'd say that our sound is a mix between indie and electronic. We wanted to be-
Eric: We wanted to be kinda unique, you know? I mean, there are so many bands like slipknot and metallica who... like, play the same kind of arena rock guitar over and over again. We just decided to be a bit different then everyone else. And, i dunno, i guess different can be a good thing.
Q: Judging by the reception of the crowd-
Matt: The fifty people that actually were there...
Q: Well, yes, judging by the reception of the crowd, I'm sure different is a good thing. Are there any bands that influenced you into this new music you're making?
Matt: Yes.
*awkward pause*
Eric: Well, each of us have radically different tastes in music, and... I guess that created our unique sound, I'd say. I'm more influenced by alternative bands like Muse, Radiohead, and Depeche Mode. Greg's more into indie bands like Modest Mouse and Bloc Party. And, Matt's interested in..
Matt: Stuff
Eric: *completely unfazed by sarcasm* Yeah, stuff. So, i guess those different tastes are important in our music.
Greg: We haven't really written much, yet, in case you haven't noticed. Most of our stuff is-
Eric: Yeah, cover songs, but we try and add our own little unique twist on it, like an extra chorus, bass riff, drum fill, guitar solo, song in different key. Stuff like that. We have written a few songs, but... we're more or less to embarrassed of them to play them on stage. I'm sure we'll get better with time.
Q: Of course. So, how did this band form?
Greg: Well, I played piano, and i wanted to form an indie band with a few of my friends, so i got Matt, who plays amazing bass.
Matt: I said yes. Horray for me..
Greg: And so all i needed was a guitarist, drummer, and singer, and then my then girlfriend introduced me to Eric, and he just blew me away with his playing. He could play piano, guitar, and-
Eric: And I can sing... even though i've always been somewhat embarrassed of my voice. It's so soft and, i dunno, pretty... I've always wanted a more deep and manly voice. But, i should just be happy with what i have.
Greg: So, he was such a great pianoist, that I felt ashamed of my playing abilities. The only instrument he told me that he sucked at was drums. So-
Eric: Just to prove to himself that he was better than me, he picked up the drums.
Greg: And I've just fallen in love with it... it's alot more expressive than piano. Anyways, we played together in my garage for a year, and-
Eric: And we did a few shows, and now we won the battle of the bands. It's been such an amazing experience so far.
Q: Do you want to become famous, or would you be content with being part of the underground scene?
Matt: If I have to be interviewed like this on a daily basis if i'm famous, then the underground scene is sounding pretty pleasant.
Eric: Oh, I'm really not sure... i mean, i've always wanted to be involved in a musical career, so this might be the perfect chance.
Greg: I'd like to mean something as a band. I don't want this to be a band that gets famous just for girls. I'd like our music to be meaningful and significant. OH, wow, she's a babe. Everyone, if you could excuse me.
*Greg gets up from table, walks to the bar and sits next to girl*
Greg: Hey girl, i'm in a band.
Q: Right... well, do you two have any last words to say before I leave?
Eric: I'd like to thank everyone for the support they've given us so far... we wouldn't be here today without you.
Matt: *falling asleep* Suck-up.
