BITE ME! Laguardia Interview

Laguardia -an e-interview with Josh Ostrander -by J

Welcome to the Middle is your first major label CD. Describe how you came to the attention of Republic/Universal?

A college friend of Lee's passed on some recordings to a Universal A&R guy. That began a nine month courtship that resulted into an e.p. deal, which was later turned into a full length l.p. deal. It took forever to go through, but it was a great learning experience. We were courted by other labels before Universal, I actually thought we were going to sign with Interscope, but Universal really wanted the band.

I understand that most of the band members were with other bands that had major label deals in the past. What were your reasons as Laguardia for signing on to a major label? Would you recommend it for other bands that were in your position?

We were actually just looking for an indie label with good distribution when the majors got interested. We were very cautious about the majors but we couldn’t argue with Universal's distribution. We just want everybody to have the chance to hear it. The knowledge that Greg and Mike have from their previous experiences greatly aided us through every decision of our record deal. It was a great sense of comfort to me. The deal Universal offered was exactly the one we wanted. Advice for other bands?...just make damn sure you have a good manager.

How does it feel to be working with a "big" producer (Brad Wood) on your full-length CD? Why did you go with him, or he with you?

Brad Wood, the Brad Wood. We had a list of about 15 producers we were considering. Once we started doing our conference calls, it became obvious to us that Brad was our man. I flew out to meet him and look at studios in L.A. and we just hit it off. Brad is an endearing friend to me and a huge supporter of everything Laguardia.

How would you describe your music?

I can’t describe my music, I just get frustrated, I know what I think it sounds like, but I am biased to it, and I am probably only going to say what I want it to sound like. I hate comparisons, but I understand them. I like Radiohead, I like Coldplay, but this record had nothing to do with them, this record should stand on its own.

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

Firetheft was my favorite tour, there were moments in their set that completely destroyed me as a listener. I couldn’t even be jealous of Jeremy's voice, he is a freak, a mutant. That tour was so good for me, those guys really got what were trying to do. Jeremy and I would stay up until 6 a.m. sometimes playing X Box and blowing smoke up each others asses...."you’re the best"....”no man, you’re the best"..."no you’re the best, pass me the hooch."

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

Onstage...our dynamics. Our set can go from 0 to 60 in a heartbeat. Offstage...you will never find a more tight-knit band than Laguardia, these guys are my family. And all decisions are made within the band. That is probably more rare than you think.

What would be the top 3 things you would recommend a band starting out do?

Learn how to play as many instruments as possible, even if it is just a working knowledge of them, write as many songs as possible, and practice, practice, practice.

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

The worst part is the loneliness. Especially during the winter months. Sometimes it is unbearable.

What was your most embarrassing moment on stage?

I will thank my lucky stars that nothing too embarrassing has ever happened to me onstage, as I fiercely bang my fist on my wooden kitchen table.

Where are some of your favorite places to play live?

I love all things California, the weather, the sites, the foliage, the weather.

What is the best advice you ever received?

"You don’t want people to think you’re a pretentious asshole, do ya?"---Howard, giving me advice on how to answer interviews via email.

Stupid last question, but needs to be asked: Is a Philly cheesesteak really better in Philly?

Yes, cheesesteaks are the best in Philly. No comparison.

For more on Laguardia visit www.laguardiamusic.com