Lynus: Get Outside

By Supergina

Lynus is a chilled-out band that has been rocking Sacramento for a long time. They are still relatively young in terms of their age – but they started this whole gig when they were wee lads. Lynus hasn’t always impressed me – but they’ve changed. They seem to have a new-found determination and the music just keeps getting better and better. It seems like the most organic progression that a band could have. Possibly due to this new attitude, I was intrigued to interview them, so their singer Joe did some explaining for me.

Fringe: It seems like you guys spent a really long time getting the songs
together for this new CD, what took so long?

Lynus: We wanted to make an album giving 100% to every track, so going into the writing process we were very critical and selective of what would make it to the album. We’ve always liked to take our time when it comes to writing songs. I think people can hear the difference when there’s time spent on a song or album rather than just dishing it out. At least I hope they can!!

F: Did you have a lot of songs that you decided not to record?

L: Not really. If an idea wasn’t cutting it, we were pretty good at scratching it right away. But, there definitely was a lot of abandoned ideas during the process, some of which I think could still be turned into future Lynus songs.

F: I’ve noticed that you guys have gotten more serious about the band
this past year. What changed that?

L: Well, I went through a really bad year of writer’s block prior to writing the album. We all became far too hard on ourselves and our music. That led to our bass player of eight years (Jason Brown) quitting the band. After that, being that it was our first member change ever, I felt I had no choice but to commit to the writing process. I told myself I’d finish a song whether I thought it was good or not. The end result was the second track on the album, Labrador. I think getting older is also a good kick in the ass to start working harder on the business side of things as well.

F: How have your goals changed as a band since you started, if at all?

L: From the time we started the band 10 years ago, it was purely based on having fun and being as good as possible. That still is the ultimate goal of things. On top of that we’ve always shared the common dream of taking it as far as possible. Ten years later we’re still working to achieve success!!

F: I like asking this question - if you could play any show with any band in any venue, existing or not - who would it be with and where?

L: That’s a good question, Gina!! I don’t know where to begin. Of course I’d like to play with all the greats but they’d make us look bad, I think! But The Beatles, of course, at my house would be a sweet time! Maybe in outer space or like a future moon base would be more historic of a venue.

F: Are you guys gear geeks? What do you play with (on stage)?

L: We’re very much into the tones of our instruments. So, yes, we are geeks! I play Blake’s Sheraton Epiphone through a Fender Supersonic amp. Blake alternates an American Strat and a Casino Epiphone through a Twin Reverb. Tim Plays an American P bass through a Mesa Boogie 400 run through a Ampeg 8×10 cab. And Minh plays a Pearl kit. I forget the exact model.

F: If you can see this far into the future - give me Lynus in eight years.

L: Wow. That means Lynus when I’m 30 years old! At least two or three platinum industry changing records, massive world influence, several world tours, and plenty of groupies all under our belts!! Of course, that’s all speculation!

F: Say the world was the way it should be and bands actually got what they wanted - what five things would be necessities in your green room?

L:
1. Marijuana
2. Water
3. Beer
4. Candles
5. Good people

F: I like the title of your new album, "Nice Outside." I am a big fan of being outside. Not related to music at all. What is your guys’ take on global warming?

L: Global warming trips me out. I actually worked two days canvassing for a non-profit organization aimed at fighting global warming. I was so discouraged to find out how many people still reject global warming and the overwhelming scientific evidence of its existence. I’m optimistic that humanity will come around. At least the politicians are. Now we just have to figure out how to take down the special interest groups (oil and coal companies) and their powerful economic influence they have on the governments of the world. I’m just pissed off that they’ve waited until the very last minute to react. Voting is all we little folk can do, so I encourage folks to vote.

F: Okay and one more. Describe your music in the most creative way possible.

L: I don’t know how to describe our music. I guess in simple terms it’s melodic, intricate, harmonious, original and thoughtful. Just buy our new album "Nice Outside" and listen for yourselves!