Jealousy Curve
Brittany Sturges
So here’s a bit of background. Steve LaFashia, along with his bandmates Michael Leavy, Michael O’ Brien, and Shane Rozum, started Jealousy Curve several years back, and played their first gig in May of 2003. They released their first CD, Life As An Addict, in January of 2005 and would go on to win the 2005 Zippo Hot Tour Contest. Since then, they’ve been on the road and are currently in the process of recording their next album. I was able to chat with Steve LaFashia, Jealousy Curve’s guitarist, about their album, winning the Zippo Hot Tour contest and playing for those audiences in Philly.
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So, Steve, what’s the meaning behind Jealousy Curve?
[Michael] Leavy and I were writing songs, playing acoustically. We would go to see bands and be so mad it wasn’t us up on stage. We would go to shows and the cycle continued. Hence, Jealousy Curve.
How old were you when you started playing?
I started playing guitar when I was 14.
Your first show was on May 2003, correct? Where did you play and how did you get the gig?
We played a little bar called Jocelyn’s in Media, PA that our friend, Kevin, books.
You guys are very do-it-yourself, especially when it came to putting together the record. Why? Any specific reasoning?
Well, we have some recording gear at the house in our project studio and we know what we like. Plus, we have limited finances, so recording ourselves makes sense.
How did you guys find out the Zippo Hot Tour Contest? What convinced you to go for it and enter the contest? What was your initial reactions when you heard you won?
We received an email from Sonicbids, who hosts our EPK [electronic press kit], about the contest. We decided to enter because of the touring involved and it only cost $5. We entered it on a total lark and were really surprised when we won. We were excited to play some cities we’ve never been to before like LA, Orlando, etc. It was a fun tour and we made some great friendships.
Who was your favorite band to tour with? What band would you love to tour with?
The Academy Is… we’d love to tour with them again. A dream tour would be with Radiohead – emphasis on the dream.
What’s your favorite venue or city to play?
Philadelphia!
What’s your favorite song on Life As An Addict to perform live?
Probably “Selfish Thing.”
What’s your favorite thing to do on the road?
Visit local shops.
Any must-haves for the road, like movies, books or games?
Haha. We are pretty boring. We just listen to music and talk.
What’s the best and worst things about working with your friends?
They are your friends, so there is no pretense. But there is also a tendency to get into fights. Haha.
What are the best and worst things about the job?
The best thing about it is playing shows. The worst thing is the waiting period on the day of the show.
How do Philly crowds differ from others?
We have been so lucky to have a growing following in Philly. Philly audiences are tough, but loyal.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
Probably forensics, behavioral science.
What’s your favorite fruit?
Bananas.
What was the first and last CD you bought?
The first CD was SAP by Alice in Chains. The last CD was XY Coldplay.
What’s an essential album in your collection?
Led Zeppelin 3.
What was the first concert you attended?
It was Eric Clapton, at the Spectrum, back in August 1990.
Favorite song by another artist?
Currently, it’s “Down Towards the Healing,” by Lovedrug (they also happen to be Steve’s favorite new artist.)
Take your Ipod and put it on shuffle. What are the first 3 songs to come up?
The first 3 songs to come up are “Cinnamon Girl” by Neil Young, “Meatplow” by Stone Temple Pilots and a rough mix of “Fall Into,” a new song off our next CD.
Where are you guys now?
We’re at home, working on the new record. We are playing some local and regional shows, while we record.
How’s the new record coming? Anything you can share?
The record is going to be quite a departure from Life As An Addict. Much more raw… some of our heaviest stuff. We are liking the new material.
Where do you picture yourself at this time next year?
Touring behind our second record.
Any advice to up-and-coming artists?
Rehearse as much as you can and record everything!
What should the people know?
We consider ourselves very lucky to be able to do this. We do not ever take it for granted. We are looking forward to touring every inch of the U.S. once this record is done. Please spread the word, say hi to us on http://www.myspace.com/jealousycurve and pick up our record at our official site.
Jealousy Curve: http://www.jealousycurve.com ◼
