Fastball
can be found at
http://www.fastballmusic.com
Interview by Shauna Skye
Fastball are probably most famous for their huge hit "The Way"
which received massive radio and video airplay, particularly in
the USA. "Fire Escape" is another radio gem as is "Out of my
Head." Fastball's 1998 album All The Pain Money Can Buy
"propelled the group into the big leagues" (as their bio aptly
puts it) and their most recent album is The Harsh Light
of Day which they've supported by touring with Collective Soul.
Fastball consists of Miles Zuniga and Tony Scalzo who
share songwriting and lead vocal duty. The drummer is Joey
Shuffield, good at what he does and known on some of the
fan sites as being cute but rather quiet.
The following interview is with Tony Scalzo. Thanks to
Dana for arranging this interview, and to Tony for taking
the time.
Shauna: Unfortunately I missed seeing you in concert,
but when I heard Fastball was touring with Collective
Soul I thought that was a terrific combination. Would
you tell us a bit about the tour? Any highlights to share
with the fans who had to miss it?
TONY: Chicago at House of blues was fun. I didn't really see
that much of the Collective Soul brothers but when I did it
was always a pleasant experience.
Shauna: Tony, how did you get started playing music,
and who were some of your favorite musicians growing up?
TONY: I started on piano lessons at about six or seven then
played trumpet in school band which spilled over to high school
band which I hated but now look back on as part of a strong
musical education. I started jamming with fellow rock enthusiasts
who played drums or guitars and slowly got better at playing with
others. As a teen I liked what was played on the LA rock stations
KMET KLOS and a then very underground station KROQ so I liked
everything from what is now called classic rock to what was then
called new wave. This was all in California about 1977.
Shauna: What is like to suddenly have top 40 hits and
be recognized when you go places? A huge number of
musicians will be reading this, many striving for the
things Fastball has achieved. Would you tell us what
kind of experiences you've had after "The Way" hit big
for you?
TONY: Be nice to people on the way up . . . you may run
into them on the way down.
Shauna: How do you think your album "The Harsh
Light of Day" differs from "All the Pain Money Can Buy"?
TONY: Its more consistent. I think it's a better album and it
shows growth as a band and in our individual musicianship and
songwriting
Shauna: How do you and Miles Zuniga work out the
writing of the songs? Is it a joint effort or do you each write
separate songs which the band does? Also, do you ever feel
competition in sharing lead vocals and songwriting?
TONY: I'm going over to miles house next week to write songs with
him for new LP.
(Ed Note: Hmmm)
Shauna: Who have been some of your favorite bands to
tour with?
TONY: SUGAR RAY GOOS NASH KATO CHEAP TRICK MATT
SWEET SMASHMOUTH.
Shauna: I always ask this question. It's sort of a tradition in my
interviews. Who is your favorite Beatle?
TONY: My fave is George because he was the youngest and had
to take a back-seat to those other guys yet still wrote "Taxman" and
"Something."
Shauna: Have you been working on any new music lately?
TONY: Yes.
(Ed note: This was an email interview otherwise
I'd have asked him to elaborate.)
Shauna: Who are some modern bands that you like?
TONY: dandy warhols . . . and they will know us by the trail of
dead old 97's black crowes new LP lions is a great fave of mine
lately + Aussie band you am I is incredible.
Shauna: When you're not making music and you finally get
free time, what are some things you enjoy doing?
TONY: Starting up new projects with others.
Shauna: Do you have any advice for the indie musicians
reading this?
TONY: Work in your free time.
Shauna: Is there anything you'd like to plug? If so,
the floor is yours!
I'm the keyboard player for a new band here in Austin called
THE YOUNG HEART ATTACK. We'll be performing a lot in
summer and fall around Texas and elsewhere plus possibly
a UK mini tour with them. Look for LP by Oct 2001. Note: this
is a rock and roll band. If you like rock you will like The Young
Heart Attack.
Shauna: Cool. Thanks for doing this interview, Tony.
TONY: You are most welcome!
Fastball Website: http://www.fastballmusic.com/