Fresno Famous

So, basically we messed this interview up pretty bad.

On the table was the opportunity to hang out with Cursive, a group that has recently put out several awesome records (including their classic Domestica, and their swell new one, The Ugly Organ) and is currently touring with the Cure.

We had even been hooked up with an interview opportunity and put on the guest list for their show at Jerry's Pizza in Bakersfield.

Why didn't we go? Because we couldn't get the day off from work. I hate work so much right now. In place of our opportunity to drink beers in the swellest pizza hall turned concert venue in the world with one of the coolest bands to ever play there, Famous was forced to resort to a phone interview conducted from the lunchroom of a downtown factory.

So, gone are all the elements of ambiance and camaraderie that may have developed had we actually done a face-to-face. But if you imagine yourself in Jerry's Pizza surrounded by the members of the awesome band Cursive as well as several Kern County natives sporting neck tattoos, it might help.

Here's what Cursive's guitarist, Ted Stevens had to say for himself.

FF: How is touring with the Cure?

TS: It's everything we'd ever dreamed it would be.

FF: Well, what did you dream it would be like?

TS: That they'd be friendly and we'd drink a couple of beers. And we have, we have gotten together and they've treated us really well.

FF: Is this your guy's first big national summer tour?

TS: Well, we did the Plea for Peace but we've never done like a Warp Tour or anything like that.

FF: You guys just played Portland, the Roseland, how was that show?

TS: It's another touring experience; we don't usually play places that large. We play more medium sized houses, so it's a bit different.

FF: How have the crowds been?

TS: The crowds have been great, nice. The Cure fans wear more make-up than our usual crowd, but they're pretty comparable.

FF: How'd you end up grabbing the Fresno and Bakersfield dates?

TS: Well, we're on a budget and we're just trying to fill up some off dates.

FF: Had you played Bakersfield before?

TS: Yeah, twice, here at Jerry's Pizza. It's very old school.

FF: Who are you playing with tonight?

TS: I can't remember their names...

FF: Are they just local guys?

TS: No, I think one of the bands is from LA...

FF: What's the next big thing you're looking forward to?

TS: Getting home and doing some work.

FF: Do you mind if I ask what kind of work you do when you're not touring?

TS: My off work when I'm not touring, well, I am an elementary school assistant. I do tutoring, teaching ... a lot of everything.

FF: Has Omaha changed since the music scene received all this recent exposure?

TS: Nah, it's pretty much the same. Maybe some subtle changes in the scene because of all the national attention.

FF: Did you ever think about leaving Omaha?

TS: Definitely. Being on tour meeting different girls in different places...

FF: Are people moving to Omaha now?

TS: Not until recently, and it's still really surprising when it happens. It's not just for the music scene, the mayor's office is working on downtown, developing the riverside, there are more restaurants.

FF: Do you really think development will make a big difference?

TS: Definitely. It will make a difference in where you can work, where you can live, where you can play. I think it's just a case of a city getting to big for it's britches. The music scene is just a side effect of all the other stuff that's going on. I think this might be a question better suited for the older, middle-aged crowd. An old timer. But I think they are trying to make Omaha a more attractive option for students, for families...

FF: Are there any other projects that you are working on?

TS: My band, May Day is putting out a new album in spring 2005, on Saddle Creek.

FF: What's been the best part of the tour for you?

TS: Leaving Omaha.

FF: What about the worst?

TS: I probably shouldn't say.

Cursive will be performing Thursday, August 26th at Big Game Entertainment.