Interview by Dennis Scanland
MusicEmissions: On 'Have A Ball', you managed to take easy listening hits of AM Radio and turn them into youth anthems of the 90's (One Tin Soldier sticks out especially). 'Are A Drag saw you move to Broadway. Why did you think show tunes would have the same appeal?
Me First: We didn't. We never really consider things like "appeal" when we do these records.
MusicEmissions: Punk has gone way outside the mainstream in the last half of the decade. So far as to adapt it's own sub-genres (ie; 'mall' punk). What do you attribute punk's versatilty to?
Me First: It's just pop music. I don't think you need to analize it much.
MusicEmissions: Doesn't Canada kick ass? (keep in mind our fragile egos)
Me First: I used to have a t-shirt that said that. I have lot's of Canadianfriends so I'll go along with you on this one.
MusicEmissions: What genre is next on your hit list of punk...er... tributes?
Me First: I can't give away any secrets.
MusicEmissions: What song would each member like to cover most?
Me First: We just do what Fatty tells us to.
MusicEmissions: How are the songs for each record chosen?
Me First: After we have a list of tunes we sit down and try to adapt them to punk. If it works then we do 'em.
MusicEmissions: If you weren't playing music, what would you be doing?
Me First: Collecting aluminium cans.
MusicEmissions: Any plans for an N*StreetTown-Degrees cover album, or has Blink 182 already ruined the idea with their 'All The Small Things' video?
Me First: Anything's possible and no idea is too lame for us.
MusicEmissions: There's rumours the band is headed here on the Warped Tour. Any truth behind that?
Me First: Absolutely true. We're doing the entire Warped Tour this year.
MusicEmissions: Is the name of the group a description of the motif? Taking other people's songs and making them your own.
Me First: We're just selfish.
MusicEmissions: What bands are you guys listening to these days? (Blatant plug opportunity for NOFX, Lagwagon, No Use For A Name etc)
Me First: We're all listening to NOFX, Lagwagon and No Use For A Name, of course, and anything else that comes out on Fat.
MusicEmissions: What is your favourite song to cover right now?
Me First: I liked Father and Son a lot but it didn't make the record.
MusicEmissions: Where are the Queen covers? Come on.... Somebody To Love? Instant classic!
Me First: We don't do classic rock. I love Queen though.
MusicEmissions: There is a lot of cynicism and humour in punk. Is that a criteria or a side-effect?
Me First: There's lot's of cynicism and humor in life. I don't think punk has much to do with it.
MusicEmissions: In 25 words or less, tell me why Diane Warren (I Don't Want To Miss A Thing... etc) should stop writing songs.
Me First: Because she's the anti-christ.