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The Budget Sinatra
by Jacki O.
courtesy Your Invisible City
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The Budget Sinatra have been crafting loud, raw, aggressive
rock n' roll for valley ears since 2001. The band, composed of Trixie
(aka Dana) on vocals and guitar, Donald on baritone, and Ben on drums.
>Describe your music using two words - an adjective and a noun:
Donald - Loud screams
Ben - Thriftcore honeypants
Dana - Swank nonsense
>so why no bassist?
Donald - It was originally Dana and I on guitar, a drummer and we were eventually gonna find a bassist. We couldn't find one and I had a baritone guitar lying around and we haven't really looked back since.
Dana - Early on, I think we also considered the option of being a 4 piece. The baritone, at the time, was kind of a temporary solution for not having a bass player. But as time went on, I think we came to realize the benefits of keeping the baritone and how versatile it could be. Plus, I think we also just like being just a 3 piece.
Ben - Bassists in general are a real pain in the ass.
>You are all from different parts of the country, what brought you guys to Phoenix and why have you stayed?
Donald - came out here for school, music, to live in a bigger city then the town of population 34,000 that I came from. There are a whole bunch of reasons on why I have stayed, I like the heat, I love alot of the bands in the area and it's constantly getting better. I am sticking around to see how much better this place can get and be proud to be a part of it.
Ben - A job brought me here, that is pretty pathetic sounding isn't it. Oh well, I guess that's me. Plus, I really like the weather, screw snow.
Dana - I moved out here when I was fairly young, so I didn't have much of a choice in the matter. I've thought about leaving MANY times. But... a few years back, I started meeting all these great people who were doing the types of things I wanted to do, too and I could relate to them. Things here have been steadily on the upswing so I may as well stick around to see what happens next. I hate to miss out on anything... That's one reason. The other is all those damn warrants in other states...
>How did you come about the name for the band?
Donald - I think each of us were supposed to think of a single word and we would put them together, someone though of "budget", I think I thought of "sinatra" and I don't who remember who thought of "the".
Dana - As much as I'd like to say there's something amazingly cool and cryptic behind it, what Donald says is true. Except for ONE thing: Donald came up with 'budget' and I came up with 'the'. Don't you steal my thunder, Donald!
Ben - I didn't, that was Trixie. I wanted to be the Vanity Set but some other band nabbed it first.
Dana - Yeah, we started out as the Vanity Set but had to change it cause one of the Bad Seeds has a side project with the same name. I think it we should've gotten it in the divorce.
>What do you think of the local Phoenix music scene - compared to some other places, like L.A. for example? How are the other bands? How are the venues and crowds?
Donald - Phoenix is so spread out that it can be difficult to wanna see a band in Mesa when you live in Peoria or Glendale, and vice versa. In the past few years it's seems like people and bands are coming together which is great for everyone. I have only been to a couple of shows in L.A. but I would say that from what I have seen from other places there is more of a comradery out here in Phoenix then what I have seen in other places, which is very much essential to make a great music scene. I think we have that, and it's only getting better. I have spoken with out of town bands we have played with and most all bands complain about the city they are based from, but love playing out of town where they get more recognition. I know some San Diego bands that love playing out here cause they get more recognition and likewise I know phoenix based bands that love playing out of town for the same reason. It's all relative.
Ben - I think Phoenix in general is at a large disadvantage that is directly related to the way our city is laid out. That being said though, there are some really great show-goers around here, but it can't compete with an LA as far as scene goes. That is not at all a reflection on how great the bands are around here though.
Dana - I agree with the whole logistics angle. Luckily, for a lot of people, the majority of the time, that doesn't seem to keep people from going out to shows. I think a big part of that is that not only do people like the bands, there's a pretty apparent sense of community that keeps growing. I don't know a whole lot about scenes or whatever in other cities.
We're not a musical or cultural Mecca, even though it's definitely better than before, so I don't think we're even necessarily on the same playing field as LA or some other places. However, I think everyone makes the most of what we DO have, venues, show-goers and musicians alike. There's always room for improvement, but we have some better than decent stuff going on here lately.
>You guys play aggressive rock - a genre not traditionally known for having a large number of female musicians in it - Do you ever get shit for being a woman in a "hardcore" band by less-intelligent bands and audiences?
Donald - Dana can answer that one, I have never seen a problem with that though.
Ben - I personally have never gotten shit for being a woman in a hardcore band.
Dana - Oh, I'll take this one, I guess. I don't know if I've taken shit, per se. Not yet, anyway! At times I get the stereotypical Courtney Love comparison, but I think that's due to the fact that's the only 'loud rock' woman anyone can think to reference. (And there are plenty more, thank you) I think I've been pretty lucky in that anyone I've dealt with or who has come my way hasn't had an 'oh look at the little girlie with a guitar' attitude or anything like that. Most people are more interested in the music. I HAVE had to deal with some pretty idiotic attitudes, but it's been very rare and I've been able to put 'em in their place. Besides, most of the shit I take is from Ben and Donald anyway!
>Does it get annoying when you get asked about being a woman in this type of music in interviews?
Donald - yes, especially since I am a guy.
Ben - That doesn't happen to me too often, but yeah, it would bother the shit out of me.
Dana - I'll take this one, too! Um.. yes and no. Yes because it tends to imply that women in rock are still a novelty to a degree. No because I have better things to worry about.
>Who really influences the type of music you guys make?
Donald - Dana is the boss
Ben - Rush. 100%. No just kidding, I just say that because Dana hates them (she is a little c-r-a-z-y if you know what I mean). For this band I have no idea, I just try and hit the drums as hard as I can.
Dana - I influence Ben and Donald completely. They're in complete awe of me... yeah right! haha. My influences come from all different types of stuff. Other music, random things I see or hear, whatever. Sometimes things just strike me, I guess.
>How do you guys go about writing songs?
Donald - Dana writes the songs, and shows it to us at practice then we try to come up with something that complements what she is doing.
Ben - Dana writes the lyrics and melody, Donald and I just fill in the gaps. She is the boss.
Dana - They're exactly right. I come up with the guitar part, melody and lyrics and record them at home. I take them the recording and see what they can do with it. And believe me, Donald and Ben do MUCH more than just fill in the gaps. But I AM still the boss... !!! (I've been waiting to see that in black and white. Now it's official! haha)
>How did each of you get into music? What made you all want to start a band in Phoenix?
Donald - saw the movie La Bamba, and I knew I wanted to learn how to play the guitar. I was in band in junior high and high school. Moved out here and had so much fun, I couldn't leave.
Ben - I have always been obsessed with music, I have played guitar and bass mostly and joined this band because I wanted to build some experience as a drummer. And Dana is SUPER HOT.
Dana - And Ben is C-R-A-Z-Y! Music was a big part of my life from the time I was probably still in utero! I have always loved it and knew I wanted more than to just be around it, I wanted to make it, too. For a long LONG time, I just recorded my own stuff at home and never really pursued any band type of situation for a variety of reasons. But when I met Donald, we really hit it off personality-wise and I was comfortable enough around him to play these songs I had. He's amazingly patient! When our old drummer left and Ben came in, it was like kismet.
>What kinds of advice would you give to people thinking about starting a band?
Donald - Have fun, play with people you enjoy hanging out with personally. It doesn't matter how good a musician you or the other guys in the band are if you can't get along.
Ben - Have fun with it and don't get caught up in all the drama. Also, clearly define roles. Bands where everyone is the boss are usually a nightmare
Dana - I totally agree with the boys. Having fun is sooo important. What's the point of spending time doing something you love with people you can't stand to be in the same room with? Everything just sounds so much better when you're actually having a good time. And as long as everyone remembers who's boss!
>What are some of your favorite venues to play in, in Phoenix?
Donald - Modified, Hollywood Alley, The PaperHeart, Emerald Lounge
Ben - Modified Arts, Hollywood Alley, Paperheart
Dana - Ditto. Unfortunately, there aren't too many other places left besides these anymore. Regardless, these are some mighty fine venues!
>So you guys have one E.P. (Either Way I Win, released in Spring of 2004) out already - what lies ahead for The Budget Sinatra?
Donald - More recording hopefully soon
Ben - A real album that we take some time to record. I think our live show makes that demo look like crap (usually...)
Dana - Definitely record again soon. And hopefully tour a little, too. We have an army of Budget Sinners we need to cultivate out there!
For more info on The Budget Sinatra – check out their website at: www.budgetsinatra.com
::hear :: them on ARTish MUSIC
:: contact JackiO :: jackiogirl22@yahoo.com
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