SOS – Save Our Solos!

12^th Avenue guitarist Bjorn Faree discusses how his band’s version of dirty, sexy rock ’n roll will save the world – oh, and how the Jonas Brothers make him puke.

Do you feel personally insulted when artists, such as the Jonas Brothers, are categorised as rock?

I wasn’t aware that they were classified as ‘rock’, but thanks for bringing it to my attention. I needed an excuse to barf for no reason today.

What’s even more worrying is that the solo used to be a focal point of every rock song, but it seems to have become a scarcity over the years. Why do you think this has happened?

The focus has shifted to radio, MTV, MK, and VH1 – and there are certain rules and guidelines to be followed, if you want to be accepted into that scene. For example, choruses must be heard within the first 35 seconds of the song, and there should be more repetitive riffs, but not really solos – no solos is a big rule. Besides, lead guitarists aren’t as drunk as they used to be. Just think about the big solo legends – Slash, Mick Mars, Angus Young, Zakk Wylde, etc.

Maybe guitarists are just getting lazier?

Probably. But I can’t say I really care about what other guitarists are doing with their songs. More solos for us, I guess.

In your opinion, what is the best solo of all time?

There are almost too many great solos, but Slash ripped the world a new hole when he gave birth to the ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’ solo. Hands down, it’s the sickest solo ever!

Are you a fan of Guitar Hero? Do you feel it adds any value to guitar playing?

I dig playing it and it helps a little with co-ordination, but they’re two really different things – kind of like masturbation and sex.

As a professional musician, you probably have a lot of younger guitarists looking up to you. Who are your biggest musical inspirations?

I really mixed it up as far as influences go; from guys like Eric Clapton to Dave Murray, Adrian Smith and Janick Gers from Iron Maiden, Kurt Cobain, Zakk Wylde, Kirk Hammett, and many others. I think a young guitarist should follow his own taste and form his own style – and if all else fails become a rapper.

Seether have recently done a cover of George Michael’s ‘Careless Whisper’. Have 12^th Avenue thought about doing a ‘Rock Goes Pop’ and covering something obscure like a Backstreet Boys song?

Not really, but we’re toying with the idea of our own reality show, kind of like a Hannah Montana type thing. We’ll see, maybe one day (laugh).

You’re known for your animated and energetic live performance. How important do you feel a stage presence is for a band/musician? Does it take anything away from the actual music?

It’s really bonus if you can find a balance between both. People pay to be entertained and any band would do well to embrace that, and give the crowd what they came there for. If you want to listen to a good band standing still onstage, why not buy the album and listen to it at home?

12^th Avenue are also known for being a bunch of party animals. I’m sure you must have some funny groupie stories that you’d like to share?

(Laugh) there are so many. I’m not going to go into details on this one, but before hooking up with any hottie in the crowd, check their IDs. They don’t care if you end up in the slammer.

It has been awhile since your band’s last album [Sober (2008)]. Has the band written any new material for a forthcoming album?

Yes, we started writing about 2 months ago. I’m really amped to get back into studio; it’s been way too long.

- Sergio Pereira
sergio@musicreview.co.za
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