Q: First let me ask you how did you guys meet and was it instant chemistry?

JM: Well let's see Joe and Joey have been friends since time began, they both met Doug on a church retreat. Eventually finding Wayne who was in another band (3rd Rate). And then Joe met me (J. M.) Joey and I met through our friend Gus, Joey played a song in Gus and I's band. I tried out for Upper Class Trash cause they needed a singer. I think the only one that liked me at the time was Joey, but they eventually were won over by my boyish charm.

Q: Upper Class Trash has a mini Florida tour coming up, what can your fans expect to see and hear when they come out to your shows?

JM: Yes we do, we're going on tour with The Mile After, and All My Heroes, two VERY awesome bands. As far as what fans can expect to see and hear? UCT puts forth 100% into each and every show, making sure everyone enjoys it, from spin kicks so simultaneous jumping ha ha we do it all. We'll also be playing a few songs from our new record.

Q: As with any tour you find that as a band you spend a lot of time together sometimes in very confined spaces. So you guys get along or are there any fights that break out, come on spill the dirt I promise I won't tell!

JM: When you get 5 guys in a van with little AC, there's bound to be yelling involved. But most of the time we're having fun, either sleeping naked with each other, writing songs, or filming one another with our video camera. We don't really get into fights all that much.

Q: What do each of you do when you just need to get away from everyone?

JM: The easiest solution is to just step outside, there's not really an easy way to get away from everyone on tour, cause your constantly around your band mates, and people. But when we're at say practice, all you need to do is step outside and just clear your head.

Q: As I am sure everyone knows that when you get a bunch of guys together there is always bound to be a little mischief going on so who is the biggest prankster and what was the biggest prank you've pulled off?

JM: Believe it or not we're really not that big of pranksters. Never really though of pulling any pranks on anyone during tour, but you can bet now that you put that idea into my head that there will be some!

Q:What is the craziest thing that has happened to each of you since becoming a band?

JM: The craziest thing that's happened, are just the people that come up to you out of no where, and tell you how awesome your band is. To me that is worth being in a band, when people you don't even know come up to you and tell you how awesome your band is....it's just amazing.

Q: Who are some of the musicians that have influenced your sound?

JM: We have many many influences, ranging from Relient K, to Senses Fail, to Taking Back Sunday, NOFX, and some Jazz, but those bands are people that influence us to be in a band, not really our music, we try to keep our music as original as possible.

Q: With the competitiveness of the music industry at an all time high, it seems like the odds are one in a million that an aspiring musician/band will become successful. What keeps you guys focused on success in this fast-paced industry?

JM: The thing that keeps us focused is the fact that bands from FL have made it big, I really think that any band can become successful, it just takes time, the more time you spend on your band and the longer you tour the more successful you'll become.

Q: Upper Class Trash has a CD ready to drop in Feb. 2005, do you have a title picked for this album and what can your fans expect to hear?

JM: Ha ha, no we don't, we should probably start thinking of that soon huh? You can expect to hear a more mature sound from us, and ALL new songs except for one called "What's To Stand For" which is on our CD right now. We're also trying to stay away from the whole let's scream ALOT in each of our songs like all bands are doing now adays, it gets tiring, and hurts my voice ha ha.

Q: Where can a person go to purchase one of these CD's.

JM: Well, our cd is available at our shows. Our new cd will be available at shows as well. We're also going to try and put it on Smartpunk.com, or Interpunk.com.

Q: During the creative process of making a CD, musicians tend to find out a lot about themselves. What is the most important thing you guys have learned about yourselves while creating this album?

JM: That we all have REALLY different tastes in music, but somehow we combine it all and it turns into this crazy wonderful masterpiece.

Q: What would you tell one of your fans if they wanted advice on becoming a musician?

JM: I would tell them to go for it, and find people that share your same taste in music, get a little group together, make some songs, and then play some shows. It's not hard to become a musician it just takes practice.

Q: How important do you think online publications like Florida Entertainment Scene are in helping to get the word out about you?

JM:I think they are REALLY important in the music scene. Even the smallest publications get your name out there and that means more people will recognize you. Plus it looks good for press kits! HAHA.

Q: My final question, after the album drops and you complete your tour, have you given any thought to what will come next?

JM: The only thought on our minds right now is to get signed to a decent record label, and then tour the country! And pick up a new van on the way ha ha. Oh yeah if anyone has a work van they'd like to sell contact us at lastchancegdbye@aol.com Thanks for having us!

Upper Class Trash is from West Palm Beach, FL. They will be touring the state of Florida during the month of December. Their yet, as untitled album should be released in early '05.


Interview by Melissa Deskovic - © 2004 Florida Entertainment Scene - All Rights Reserved.