Cincinnati, Ohio's Lazy is a breath of fresh air in a world where too many rock bands are trying way too hard. The band's simple, clean approach to their music is nothing short of refreshingly addictive. Lazy songs are highly melodic and rhythmic, yet there is a peculiar psychotic element that makes the music come alive. Jagged, skewed guitars are the overriding element of the band's almost bubblegum-like tunes, with alternating male and female vocals carrying the melodies.
Lazy consists of Kari Murphy (bass), Meghan Haas (drums, vocals), Steve Schmoll (guitar, vocals), and Jeremy Frederick (guitar). Meghan and Steve are the only remaining original members of the band, which has been in existence now for over four years. All the members of the band write the songs.
This interview was done over the phone with Steve (age 27) and Jeremy (age 23) from a hotel room in Champaign, Illinois.
Interview with STEVE SCHMOLL:
What is important to you?
Oh boy. I have to really look deep inside myself for that one. I don't know. Rock music and basic things...television, pizza, whatever. I live a pretty simple life. Lots of rock and roll and cable television, pizza, junk food, whatever.
What is unimportant to you?
I don't know. Stuff like the fine arts and all that stuff. Anything that's pretentious.
Do you prefer being indoors or outdoors? Why?
Hmmm... I probably prefer indoors. Gosh, oh man...I'm not in one of my more creative things here... The luxuries at home... I can't think right now. That's a hard one.
What is the difference between right and wrong?
Wrong feels good.
Do you believe in capital punishment?
I don't know. I'm kind of indifferent on that issue. I see where people would be against it that the government shouldn't be killing people but then again when somebody kills like a dozen people I don't feel too much remorse for them. I see both sides on that issue, which is weird. Usually people are really on one side or the other.
How would you describe your friends?
Few. I don't know. How would I describe my friends? Lonely. Clean cut, fun-loving folks. My friends are all loners. I don't know how to describe them. They look funny, I know that much. Funny looking people.
If you could take something back that you've done in the past, what would it be?
Oh man. Oh boy. Probably playing bad classic rock in junior high school. I'm trying to think of something I feel really guilty about. I don't have too many regrets. I can't think of anything right now.
What is the biggest thing you've killed?
My parents.
Which would you rather lose...your sight or your hearing?
Hmmm... I've already lost my hearing. Let's see. These are really deep questions. I think I'd rather lose my hearing since they have that closed-captioning. I couldn't watch LAW AND ORDER if I was blind.
What do you think is wrong with people?
I think people take themselves too seriously, and they don't have any fashion sense.
Do you think technology is a good thing or a bad thing?
Oh, it's definitely a good thing.
And why do you think that?
Quadraphonic sound. It's gonna take over. It's gonna be a big thing. I don't know. I'm trying to think how technology will take over. All the Betty Page stuff on the Internet is really good. I can't think of many good reasons.
Do animals have rights?
Sure they do. They can walk around wherever they want. They can get away with more stuff than I can. Like, I can't take a dump anywhere I want, you know...so they're more free than I am...right?
Is there any particular group of people that you dislike more than others?
Let's see... God, I know this one. I just kind of hate every kind of stereotype so it's really hard... People that throw themselves into any stereotype so... Everybody except for me. I really hate skaters and ravers and any of that stuff. I work at a trendy pizza place so I just see a person and you can tell their whole record collection or something. You know what I mean? Like the tattooed pierced punk rockers and the raver people with the super baggy clothes... All that stuff really annoys me. I wish people would be more original. You know what I mean? The whole sense of rebellion is like totally lost...
What is the worst occupation you could imagine yourself having?
Dancing on SOLID GOLD.
Can you go into detail about something?
Do I have to answer that one seriously? I don't know. I can go into detail about anything like t.v. or music. That's about as much as I know. That's it, really. That's what I got my degree in. There really isn't much else I like. Pizza. I like girl groups a lot.
Interview with JEREMY FREDERICK:
What is important to you?
What is important to me? That's a pretty broad question. I don't know...the selfish pursuit of happiness.
What is unimportant to you?
I don't know... Pondering what's unimportant is what's unimportant.
How would you describe your friends?
An eccentric band of selfish lunatics.
If you could take something back that you've done in the past, what would it be?
When I was younger, a friend and I went back in the woods in this forest behind my house where I grew up and there was all this foam rubber back there. We poured gasoline on it and set it on fire and I had to stomp it out with my shoes and the bottom of my shoes melted and I couldn't explain to my parents why the bottom of my shoes were melted. I lied and I said I'd stepped on hot coals out of a barbecue grill and it was all a lie. I wish I could take it back.
What is the biggest thing you've killed?
I think the biggest thing I've killed is that I'm killing myself slowly year after year.
What do you think is wrong with people?
Any particular group of people? I think what's wrong with people is that when they go to work in the morning they turn the heater off at their house without regard to those that are there still trying to sleep.
What do you do most of the time when you're alone?
Enjoy the darker sides of my physical self.
©1996 LMNOP
[Back to the Table of Contents]