Bite Me! 7th Standard Interview

An e-interview with Dan Camacho of 7^th Standard – by J

The members of 7^th Standard (Mike Hernandez, Andy Dibben, Jason Mahon, and Dan Camacho) have just released their first major label e.p. Fire From the Sky on Immortal Records. After listening to their raw melodic rock songs, discovering they’ve actually been around since 1996, have increasing radio airplay and a big push behind them, we thought maybe there’s something more here than just another hyped-up Sacramento band. We caught up with Dan Camacho via e-mail to find out more about them.

Fire from the Sky is your first major label CD. Describe how you came to the attention of Immortal?

We had just gotten management with Ryan Eagles/Bret Bair Management, and had begun to field e-mails from several A&R's from various different labels. The first e-mail we had received was from Immortal's VP of A&R Jason Markey. We struck up a good relationship and after several months of shopping and showcasing, we felt good about Immortal.

What were your reasons for moving on to a major label? Would you recommend it for other bands that were in your position?

Being signed has never been a goal for us, it just happened. We're all looking to grow as musicians, and being signed to a major label allows us to focus on music full time.

How did you wind up on all dates for the 2003 Warped Tour?

Well Immortal and the Warped Tour are close, and our label sent them music and bam we're on all 43 dates!

I lived in the Sacramento area years ago. How do you think the music scene there has improved/not improved? What are some of the best venues for a band starting out to play at now?

Well there are pros and cons to the scene now. Back in the day everyone used to hook each other up and help one another. Now it seems as if everyone is just out to get a deal since there's been a couple of bands in Sac who've inked deals. Don't get me wrong there are still a couple bands who still remember the days.

How does it feel to be working with a "big" producer (Ben Grosse) on your upcoming full-length CD? How is the process different from an independent release?

Well we've been fans of Ben Grosse's work, and when we went to look for producers we figured he'd mix the record and that's it. To much surprise after showcasing for him he threw out the idea of doing the whole project alongside co-producer Blumpy (who's also worked on most of Ben's projects). As far as the process from an independent release, and major label release the only real difference is the budget, and amount of time we get to work on the album. Local studio rates can get quite costly and could consume your 9-5 paychecks. Another difference is the whole release setup time. It takes approximately 3-6 months to properly setup the record. Thanks to touring for filling up that time instead of sitting on our asses!

Who has been your favorite band to be on the road or play with?

We've had good times with Oleander. They're a great group of guys. It was also awesome to share the stage with Year of the Rabbit (Ken Andrew's new project on Elektra). Absolutely amazing!

What do you feel sets you apart from other bands in your genre?

I think we put out good honest rock music, and like to have a good time. We have no pyrotechnics, no props, no makeup, just 4 guys rocking on stage meeting new people everyday.

What would be the top 3 things you would recommend a band starting out do?
Definitely practice, look at your music at all different views, and have fun.

What is the worst/best thing about being on the road?

Dirty, hungry, and being away from family is tough, but it's a sacrifice you have to make in this profession.

What was your most embarrassing moment on stage?

I slipped on water on a stage, guitar hit the ground, went out of tune, and moral of the story is. Water sucks, it really, really sucks!

Where are some of your favorite places to play live?

Capitol Garage in Sacramento, CA, and Viper Room in Los Angeles, CA.

What is the best advice you ever received?

Lift with your legs, not with your back!

And, as always, is there anything you'd like to add?

Thanks to Eric Broyhill for all of your hard work over the past 8 years. Without you we wouldn't be the musicians that we are today.

For more information, please see the website www.7thstandard.com.