5 Questions with Dave Frenson of Banquets

I love it when bands don't take themselves too seriously. Nothing is more annoying than those "tortured artist" singers in their big air conditioned busses, too busy to dole out pictures and autographs to the very people who got them out of the van in the first place. This, aside from some truly awesome slices of catchy punk rock, is the reason I love New Jersey four piece Banquets. They've got an ear for melody and an eye for comedy, releasing material named after "The Big Lebowski" quotes and listing their musical influences on Facebook as "Eddie Money, Bug Light Lime and being millionaires, honey." These guys have got the right idea about how a punk rock band should act and play without (Are you taking notes, Tom Gabel?) trying to fix all the world's problems with just 3 chords and some snarky lyrics. Banquets understand the futility of revolution; they just want to have a few drinks and play some songs. Thanks to guitarist/ back up vocalist Dave Frenson for taking the time to (kind of) answer my questions, and make sure you pick up Banquets' new album "Top Button, Bottom Shelf," available now.

1.)Please give us the history of Banquets!

I got a letter in the mail from the late and great Ronnie James Dio telling me I had to form the world's most awesome band. Unfortunately, the only dudes I knew were Pete, Travis, and Chris. So, instead, we formed Banquets.

2.) Who are your favorite bands to play with, and who haven't you played with yet that you'd like to?

We've got a lot of buddies in bands, so it's always great to play with them. Bands like Static Radio NJ, Luther, The Great Explainer, The Holy Mess, and a ton of others I'm forgetting to name drop. I know as soon as I turn this in, I'll think of someone you'd be really impressed to find out we're friends with. We'd really like to play with Sting. Do you think you could set that up?

3.)"Top Button, Bottom Shelf" was released on vinyl and digitally, as well as a limited run of 100 CD's. How do Banquets plan on releasing albums in the future, and how are you guys adapting to the changing economic climate? How do you purchase music in your personal life?

We'll pretty much stick to what we're doing. Vinyl seems to be selling pretty well, and it's cool looking. Which is the most important thing, really. It seems like these days, people are a lot less likely to spend their hard earned money on music. Including a digital download seems to really help with vinyl sales. And for those who are totally uninterested in vinyl, we've got the CDs.

Personally, if I like a band, I'll buy the record on vinyl if they have it. If they don't, I'll probably just steal the download and buy a shirt or something like that. I'm all about supporting bands and labels, but I don't really get behind paying for digital content. If a band doesn't think their own record is worth pressing in a physical format, I don't think they deserve my money for it. Travis, on the other hand, just steals things. Like everything (clothing, groceries, babies). He stole the new Polar Bear Club record off the internet last night. I saw him do it.

4.) What were the bands you were listening to growing up that made you want to make music?

I got into playing guitar because of bands like Nirvana, Metallica, and Rage Against the Machine. I guess it was hearing bands like Bad Religion, Rancid, and The Misfits that really got the idea of starting a band into my head. Thanks a lot, Mr. Brett. You ruined my life.

5.) What are Banquets future plans?

Our only real plans right now are playing shows to promote the record and figuring out ways to tie dye our unsold merch. We might make a music video. Maybe a video where we tie dye shirts. Who knows?