Transcript from an Interview with Robbing Banks.
From Binghamton, NY, Robbing Banks, 56 years old, is a unique sound, unlike anything else on the rock landscape. Not only are the songs original, but so too is the sound and style. This is not your father's folk rock act! Robbing Banks is edge and sharp, melodic and hard.:
Robbing Banks is fairly young, as an act. We've probably done about a dozen shows in our year of existence and have 4 songs recorded (with 4 more on the way). As individual members there is a long history. Robbing Banks is formed from some of the best musicians the are has to offer. As an example, RB drummer, Bill Reeves has done two world tours (as a drum tech) for The Bad Brains and for The Cromags.
Why this name?
It was right there, sticking out of the newspaper, "Man Found Guilty of Robbing Banks".
Do you play live?
Robbing Banks is best served live! At the moment the band is playing a lot of local venues but is now beginning to spread like a bad cough, across the state.
How, do you think, does the internet (or mp3) change the music industry?
The MP3 and internet by giving a lot of good and not so good, song smiths a chance to showcase in places they would never have the chance to shop their talent. It is said that the internet makes the world a smaller place. For a small, start-up band this, true, statement means reaching larger audiences on a smaller budget.
Would you sign a record contract with a major label?
Isn't that why we do it? Don't we write and arrange for that slim chance that someone influential will notice? Show me the dotted line with the X next to it.
Your influences?
Wow, Bob Dylan once said, "Inspiration is all around you. Just open your eyes." A-Bomb (lead singer/writer) is a big Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Sex Pistols, Damned, Ramones and Clash fan. Jimbo Kilmer (lead guitar) is huge into Blackmore and so one. I think what influences this band most though is Robbing Banks itself. There's magic is this mix.
Favorite spot?
London is the birthplace of Punk, but then some might argue NYC. Oklahoma was where Woody came from. Where ever the music is, that's the best spot.
Equipment used:
Oh some guitars and drums and even some microphones.
Anything else...?
While a lot of bands do it for chicks, contracts, money or drugs, Robbing Banks does it for the music. There is no greater high than the feeling of arm hair raising as you play a new tune.