The Super Happy Fun Club - Interview

Stubhy Pandav - Vocals
Brad Chagdes- Guitar/Vocals
Pat Gilroy - Keyboards/Vocals
Chris Mason - Drums
Jeremy Galanes - Bass
Phil Kosch - Guitar

When we first reviewed "The Super Happy Fun Club" (TSHFC) debut album we weren't instant fans, but when we saw their live performance, their support slot for Madina Lake at Birmingham's O2, something clicked into place, and suddenly TSHFC made a lot more sense. It was without doubt an excellent performance they put in, full of energy, their songs coming into their own. The audience reaction was superb too, bouncing along to their songs, and then making their way to the merch desk to chat to Stubhy and congratulate them on their show. Naturally, we decided to chase the band up to find out more.

For many (if not all), this tour with Madina Lake is something of a first for the members of TSHFC, how's it going (gone), and are there any funny tour stories you'd like to share?

For most of us, yes, this was our first tour and for it to be with Madina Lake in Europe was surreal! The tour was amazing - we sold a bunch of cds and shirts and I think we made some life long fans. There were so many funny stories mostly revolving around our drummer, Chris, and our guitar player, Brad but I don't know if they'd be suitable to discuss. Let's just say putting My Passion and the Super Happy Fun Club together in a small dressing room is just asking for trouble!

And while we're talking about the tour, how tough is it having to talk through Skype with loved ones and being away?

It was hard being away from loved ones and having to Skype them but on the other hand we are very lucky to have this kind of technology - we actually discussed how hard it must have been for the Beatles when international calling was even difficult. At the end of the day, it was only 3.5 weeks and we were having a blast - all of our loved ones were so happy for us that they were nothing but supportive!

While you're on tour, and not sound checking etc, what do you do to keep yourself occupied?

I love reading - it clears my mind and lets me escape for a little bit. I like to mix it up between political books like "Griftopia" to children's books like the Percy Jackson series. I also love graphic novels. The other guys like playing video games. Chris bought some roller skates - yes, I'm serious!

A lot of these places were brand new to a lot of us so we also did a lot tourist type things - the guys were into sight seeing - that wasn't so much my thing as delving into the food and drink culture of each city.

You put in a great performance at the O2 in Birmingham, do you still have to pinch yourself that you're doing this?

Absolutely - no one can believe that we just did this tour. We are so grateful and still so excited. No one is taking anything for granted in this band!

Interestingly, I was talking to Troy Brady of Amity Affliction, who reckoned that CD sales had dropped substantially, and that bands often made more money on other merchandise such as T-Shirts etc, possibly because some fans would download music illegally, but then "pay their dues" by attending shows etc, what's your take on that?

I guess I have a similar outlook on all of this. Look - if you can purchase our music, obviously, I'd prefer that - it's tough out there and every dollar counts BUT I just want to get my music out there. If some kid can't afford the CD but absolutely loves the music and turns 10 of his/her friends - we come out on top. As long as the music gets out there and people like it - the venues will fill and the merch will sell and everyone is happy!

Some of you have got something of a more balanced perspective of the music business and the importance of it not just being about the music, but also about the marketing, the winning of the popularity contest. What's your advice to bands, the do's and don'ts of how to get your "brand" out there (do fliers really work, does a "like" on Facebook actually convert into audience attendance)?

In my mind the branding of a band is just as important INITIALLY as the live performance or the music - a lot of the time people will check us out because they are curious about our logo or band name. Branding will help get people in the door but without good music to keep their attention they will find the next band.

I think flyers still work - if for nothing else then for name recognition. I think the Facebook likes are just like what I said before - you can bug people to like your page or follow you on Twitter but if the music doesn't make them want to get out of their seat and out to your show then all of the likes and follows in the world wouldn't matter.

Do you think that a lot of record labels now expect bands to be almost the complete package, including doing their own marketing etc, before they sign them?

Yes, absolutely, you have to have your s*** together these days unless you are a pop starlet. Every band should be a well oiled machine if they are looking for a deal - the days of development deals that actually work are OVER!

I know that Stubhy is a trader, Phil is a "Talent Booker", now that you're getting such a good audience response, are you reaching that crossroads where you're going to have to make a decision to really go for it as a band, or do you think it's far wiser to keep as many things on the go at the same time?

Only time will tell - music is our lives but we have to put bread on the table and gas in the car. I don't think it will be hard to tell when it's time to quit our jobs and do this full time but for now it's back to reality until the next opportunity presents itself.

After your tour with Madina Lake, what have you got planned for the coming couple of years?

We aren't thinking that far ahead - we have a couple gigs planned in the States and then we are going to buckle down and put out another album by April, hopefully. We don't want to get too ahead of ourselves and lose perspective on what got us to where we are. This was supposed to be a fun project that was an excuse for us to get together and play some shows. If we keep that attitude every small victory will be amazing and we will stay level headed about our future.

A huge thank you to TSHFC for their time!

To find out more about The Super Happy Fun Club you can find their Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/thesuperhappyfunclub