Pone Zone: Round III
More Q&A with large mouth bass player Ryan Stasik
1. Reid, Kalamazoo, MI
Q: Why do you guys consider yourself from Chicago? You guys were formed in SBC and got your start their. You give South Bend shout outs. Why not say you are from South Bend? I grew up in Indiana and still consider you guys indiana boys.
A: We are not all from South Bend actually at all. I am from Pittsburgh, Joel and Kris are from Chicago, Jake is from Niles, MI, and Andy is from Gary, IN. We did meet in South Bend and originally formed the band in 1998 there. However we have lived in Chicago for almost 10 years so it makes sense to say Chicago. Do not be alarmed, we have much pride for Indiana, Michigan, and the entire Midwest! Thanks for asking.
2. William, Connecticut, RI
Q: Hey Ryan, I know Umphrey's has over a hundred songs, many of which are very complicated and rely on every band member to know their parts 100%. I'm just curious how you guys go about teaching your ideas to each other or how 6 guys can quickly and effectively learn such complex and progressive songs. Do you just show each others demos and expect them to learn, or do you sit down with the band for every project?
A: Good question William. It really depends on the situation. Sometimes we chart out progressions, other times we just show each other riffs, if we are at home we may send demos or mp3 files over the internet and learn them by ear. Usually we get together at soundcheck or backstage and discuss what other people should do to complement a riff or suggest how we should lego different sections together. However, there are times where we just wing it in the true improvisation style, and we go back and listen to the recordings and pull out the good riffs and keep them for your enjoyment.
3. Matt, Council Bluffs, IA
Q: Have you guys ever played inside of a casino and do like playing small venues?
A: Yes, we have played in multiple casinos. We like it when we win money!
4. Joe, Dover, NH
Q: What goes on ofter the show?
A: Typical ***. Tons of models hanging around, shady drug dealers lurking in the corners, loud rap music, bottles popping, skin showing, Budweiser flowing, usually some form of gambling whether it be dice or coin flips, maybe a clown. You know, pretty standard issue boring stuff. You should come hang out sometime.
5. Chad, Albuquerque, NM via Minneapolis, MN
Q: Dear Pone, Been hearing a lot about the rattail, but no pics.
What gives?
A: Here is an updated picture for your pleasure. Also is a picture from my youth. Holla!
6. OD, Miami, FL
Q: What are the chances that we will ever hear an Andy Farag triangle solo? Tried my hardest to encourage one at the Baldwinsville show with no such luck.
A: Andy is right next to me and he said there is a 50% chance of a triangle solo. Also, check out intro to YYZ.
7. TJ, Cleveland, OH
Q: Where was Sparky's? And why did it get Fucking torn down?
A: Sparky's was on the corner of Melrose and Ashland I think. It was a favorite breakfast/late night drunk spot located two blocks from the band house. You could always count on some good greasy diner food, screaming corn beef hash, and a jukebox that played Macarena absurdly loud. We were known to pop several quarters into the box before we left so the regulars could enjoy back to back to back plays of that wonderful tune! RIP Sparky's. Why is was torn down, hmmmm, no idea!
8. Kyle, Carbondale, IL
Q: Since you're my man crush, I was wondering who your famous man crush would be?
A: Im flattered. My man crush would be Mike Tomlin. I don't know if I would phrase it as my man crush, but I do respect his pimposity level. So I guess I'll say Chris Farley. I have a soft spot for chubby funny dudes. I kid!
9. Kedzie, Iowa City, IA
Q: What's the funniest/craziest thing you've seen going on in the crowd, while performing on stage? Do things that happen in the crowd ever distract you guys while you're playing (besides glow sticks hitting you)?
A: I saw a couple having sex. Actually I didn't, but that would be interesting to say the least.
10. Tyler, Chicago, IL
Q: Do you use guitar picks, because I have one of Jake's and Brendan's and I made them into a neckless so now I need to get one of yours, so I can have all three of your guys picks around my neck?
A: I do not use picks, I prefer my fingers. I could give you one of my fingers if the price is right, but I don't know good it would look on a necklace between Jake and BB's picks.
11. Joe, Geneseo, NY
Q: So I was making myself a sandwich the other day and, naturally, I asked myself, "What does Ryan Stasik like to put on his sandwiches?"
PS: If you haven't tried Miracle Whip, do it. That *** is the cat's meow.
A: I enjoy spicy mustard, pickles, tomatoes, a small amount of lettuce, my bread toasted, some Boar's Head roast beef, and a small amount of mayo. If you can put some horseradish sauce on there too, feel free. Yum Yum.
12. Brian, Richmond, IN
Q: Do you think you could post a picture of Andys hair when he first gets up thats gotta be pretty far out! No disrespect meant for Andy! But i bet that Do is everywhere. Peace n Prog! I know the college kids Love Slacker but 4 the 10-01-09 show could you replace it with a Walletsworth or a Uncommon Please out of the 14 shows ive seen it 9xs No disrespect meant there either my Friend. Later
A: Please go the Floor, our blog, and search for Andy's "A Day In The Life". You will see fist in hand his "do" on video. He is laughing next to me right now and his hair is amazing!
13. Joey Coca-Cola, Rochester, NY
Q: So I met Joel in Buffalo and he signed my NYS driver's license. I'm pretty sure I'm an official organ donor now because he signed it on the back where you sign to give away your organs. My question is....what do you think of organs, Stasik? Do they gross you out? Are you queasy? Or were you the kid in 8th grade biology who was mutilating the fetal pig that you were supposed to be dissecting?
A: Great question. This may surprise some of ya'll but when I was in high school, I did an internship at Borgess Hospital my senior year with the head neurosurgeon. I watched brain surgeries, spinal taps, and multiple back surgeries. Blood and organs have never grossed me out and I can handle the sight of most horrific things. I was never the boy who mutilated the pig in biology class. I actually thought I was going to become a doctor. I started Notre Dame as pre-med (that didn't last long after I met Brendan) and I was accepted to the University of Michigan's accelerated five year medical program. Now I'm a bass player. Who knew?
14. Ian, Newbury Park, CA
Q: Im 14 and I've been playing electric bass for about three years and listening to umphs about the same. As u could imagine I am very interested in your epic bass playing. I was at last years halloween show and u had a groovey solo in All in Time, your solos are great and very well sounding, so i ask you are your bass solos spontaneous and improvised or are they pre planned before the show?
A: Hi Ian, thanks for the kind words. I usually do not solo that often, I prefer to be more of a pocket/groove guy. So when the situation arises, it is 98% improvised and made up on the spot. I do have some songs that I may play, like Jaco's America, or if i'm noodling around before a show and come up with something I like, I may go into that during a solo. One thing I like about our band is that during our Jimmy Stewarts, everyone has the chance to start a progreesion, a riff, or a solo at anytime. That freedom is very satisfying. Keep it low and funky Ian.