Q: How did the band come up with the name 'Bayside'?

Jim: Bayside is a town in Queens, NY. That our singer lives in. I wasn't in the band at the time. I guess they were shooting off names and that's what they stuck with. The town Bayside in Queens (New York).

Q: How hard was it to get inked to a deal with Victory Records?

Jim: A long time ago there was a press kit set and there was no response. Then 'The Spilt' came out with Name Taken. That actually did pretty well. It (the EP) somehow ended up in Victory's office. They wanted us to showcase for them. The band played once with their old drummer. Victory was a little iffy on us; they still weren't in love with the band yet. Then Jack and I who's also from Boston, joined the band and we practiced a lot and toured. We did another showcase for Victory. They called us the next week and told us they wanted to sign us.

Q: Where did you showcase for Victory?

Jim: In Chicago at the Fireside Bowl. It's a bowling alley but It's like a punk rock bowling alley. The place is pretty cool. I think about 6 or 7 people from Victory saw us play.

Q : The band has a new album out called 'Sirens and Condolences'
What are you thoughts on the album?

Jim: I love it! The first release was an EP. It was pretty much straight up pop punk. Through the years of different members playing a lot growing up and getting new influences. I really like the direction the band is going in. It's more rock. It's driving. Not too bouncy. I'm really satisfied with the album. The guy who produced and engineered the album Jay Robbins was unbelievable. He was perfect for the job. He really like the songs.
He only chimed in on things like arrangements. It was very minimal.
He really wanted it to be our music. And not be too produced. He was
very supportive and made everyone at ease. We took our time and
it was a great experience. I can't imagine the album coming out any
better than it did.

Q: Do you have any personal favorites off the album?

Jim: My favorite song is probably 'If You're Bored.' That's the style of music I'm into. It's more laid back. Really melodic. I love the vocal harmonies. The Bass and Drum groove is awesome. 'How to Fix Everything' is another favorite. It's also more of a slower tune. The lyrics are really sweet.

Q: How can a fan of the band purchase this album?

Jim: You can pretty much get it at any record store. If not ask them to get it in for you. Bestbuy is doing a deal with our album. I think it's $10.99 or something like that. I heard a rumor even Walmart bought a bunch of them. I haven't seen at Walmart.
But I've only been to two different ones.

Q: Can you get it at your shows?

Jim: Totally. You can come to the shows and buy them for ten bucks. It's the cheapest you can get them.

Q: How can a fan of Bayside join your street team?

Jim: You can email us through our website. I believe it's info@baysiderocks.com.
If you go to our website (Baysiderocks.com) and go to contact. There is a link to send us an email. We'll be happy to send you all sorts of shit to help promote us. (Laughs)

Q: What bands do you admire?

Jim: That's a good question. I can tell you my favorite bands to listen to these days. Guided By Voices. They're from Ohio. I like Saves The Day. I like a lot of old stuff too. I love The Beatles and Stevie Wonder. Stevie Wonder is one of my idols. I love that guy. He's so positive. Those are the bands I really admire.

Q: Who are some of the drummers you admire?

Jim: John Bonham from Led Zeppelin. He's my all time favorite drummer. I don't know his name he's the drummer of the Ben Folds 5 and I saw their DVD. Love that drummer. He has such a tasteful style. I'm really into the tasteful and groove stuff. Not so much about flashy or speed. I really like those guys. I also want to say that Zigaboo Modeliste (formerly) of The Meters that guy is the groove master.

Q: What's the best thing about being a musician?

Jim: Well, definitely it's my passion and I've been doing it since I was a little kid. It's always what I've wanted to do. I get to do it every night. It's a creative outlet and that's probably the best part.

Q: What's your most memorable tour moment?

Jim: The day we signed with Victory was just awesome. We were in Gainesville at our friend Adam's house when we got the call Victory wanted to sign us. They faxed us over the paper work and we signed it. We took pictures of it. (Laughs) We were at the pool that day it was great. Then we came here (Eddie C's) and headlined the show. There were a good amount of people. We were so amped up and played awesome. It was a great night over all. That's probably my best tour moment.

Q: What does the band do to kill time while on the road?

Jim: Drive ten hours a day. (Laughs) We do a lot of driving. We have an Apple laptop that we play video games and listen to music constantly.

Q: Okay, since you mentioned video games. What are some of your favorite games?

Jim: We play Ninetindo and Emulator. The original Ninetindo; all those games. That's all we have with us. Andrew is a video game freak. He beat Contra in like 45 minutes the other day. We play Mike Tyson's Punchout all the time. I'll freak out and go on three day binges of playing Tetris and Dr. Mario. Tetris is so addictive. I love trying to beat the highest level.

Q: A young fan comes up to you and tells you your music has moved them and they want to become a musician like you. What advice would you give them?

Jim: I'd tell them to keep practicing and playing. I'd talk to them about music. Encourage them to keep playing. That's pretty much all I can really do. If they follow that formula they can be successful. That's the advice I'd give them.

Q: How great was it that the Patriots won the super bowl?

Jim: Oh man it was kick ass. It wasn't quite as sweet as the first one I thought. When they were underdogs. This season was so magical. I can't wait for the DVD to come out.

Q: Do you have anything to say to the fans of Bayside?

Jim: Thank you. If you come to our show come up and talk to us. We're all friendly people. We'd love to talk to you about our music or anything else you want to talk about. Don't hesitate to come up to us.

Q: Jim Thank you very much. I wish you much success.

Jim: Thanks man.

Interview By © 2004 Michael Montes - All Rights Reserved.

Bayside is:

Anthony Ranieri - Vocals & Guitar
Jack O'Shea - Guitar & Vocals
Andrew Elderbaum - Bass
Jim Mitchell - Drums