I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For...or FAQ part 1

Good morning, today I'm gonna do a FAQ Section...

I'll do this in two parts... you can post questions on twitter @briangaslight

1. Where did the name The Gaslight Anthem come from?

There was a club in New York City from 1958-1971 called The Gaslight, where Bob Dylan, Richie Havens, Odetta, and other great folk artists got their starts. To us, it seemed cool to refer back to when people who became legendary were just starting out, everybody starts from somewhere. It also was a collective, each person learning from watching others, honing their craft. The "Anthem" came from the central song, or idea of this place, which reminded us of our basement collectives we had growing up, throwing and playing shows.

2. How do you write lyrics and music and put them together?

Usually, I'll be just playing and something will stand out to me, a chord, or a note or something

and I'll play around with it for a while and then you kind of start humming or mumbling words until something starts coming out. Usually, you figure out what the song's about after you write a few lines down, and then you go back and kind of massage things into place. It's 30% craft of knowing how to move things around and word play and 70% Divine Intervention. I don't think man in general can take too much credit for the art they produce, it certainly seems bigger than anything I can comprehend.

3. Who are your inspirations to write lyrics?

The big three are Tom Waits, Bruce, and Bob Dylan. My ideal would be to be a mix of the three. I like the heartfelt, odd poetry of Tom Waits, the sympathy in Bruce's lyrics, and the absolute clarity of thought to get straight to the point that Bob Dylan has.

4. Will you ever record an acoustic or solo album?

I doubt I'd do an acoustic album or a "solo" album, but I would like to make a record people can listen to in the night time. I think I'd like to do that with a band name and some friends

where we can dress like the Bad Seeds, in suits. Seriously.

5. What's your favorite new band right now?

My favorite new(er) bands are The National, the Arcade Fire, and Lightning Dust. I also think the new Fake Problems record is amazing!

6. The "we" in Diamond Church Choir is anybody who's every gone for it.

7. What inspired you to play a Les Paul/why don't you play tele's anymore?

My first real guitar was a Les Paul that my father gave me after about 10 years of playing. Alex and I both feel that they suit most of our songs better, sonically, and they're made to a quality that I haven't found in many other places. I also will say that I like to work with companies who have like minded people working with us. Gibson has been amazing to us, and I believe they are one of the only companies making instruments with the same, if not better, quality than they did in the 50's. I do, occasionally, still play a T style guitar but it's hand made at a company called Nash Guitars in Olympia, WA.

6. What inspires you outside of music, and will the Yankees win the pennant?

I get inspired by all kinds of things, by books, scenery, and people watching a lot. I invent little stories about people's lives I see all the time, I've always done that, since I was a kid.

It get's me thinking. ...And you bet your bottom dollar they will win that pennant!

(side note: I love the Yankees, however, in all good fun, I love the teams that hate the Yankees and try to beat them, because it keeps the Yankees from getting lazy. Gotta stay hungry, plus who doesn't like a friendly game? It's all part of the fun of being a fan.)

7. Pimp hat vs. trucker hat?

Seriously? is there any other choice but the pimp hat?

8. How do you overcome writer's block?

Now in all seriousness, this is the worst feeling for a writer, but my answer is a.) keep listening to everything, constant input... and b.)you have to write through it, write the bad so the good can find it's way out.

9. Why is there an FC St. Pauli flag on the amps?

It's Alex's amps, he loves that team...

10. Is that Riki Rachtman in your twitter photo?

No, that's Andy Diamond, but how awesome would it be if it was Riki?

part 2... to be continued...