Getting to Know: Maine Pop-Punks, Friday Night Lites

Posted by RiffYou On March 27, 2015 0 Comment

In today’s Getting to Know, we meet Friday Night Lites, a Maine pop-punk band that would one day love to play a stadium gig with all of their biggest supporters in the building. If you are an indie artist or in an indie band that would like to partake in a Getting to Know feature, contact editor@riffyou.com to receive the questionnaire and instructions. Thanks!

Band Name: Friday Night Lites
Band Members: Joey Genovese (vocals) Nate Garland (guitar) Matt Fortier (guitar) Dan Dunham (drums), and Jesse Harbison (bass, vocals).
Years Active: 1
City of Origin: Portland, Maine
Latest Release: “Face the World” (single)

Who are you and what do you do?
“My name is Joey. I am the singer for Friday Night Lites.”

In 20 words or less, how would you describe your band?
“We are fun and full of energy! There I did it in seven words. Wait that’s fourteen.”

Why should people care about your band?
“It would be nice if the entire world cared about our band! But, we want people who love and feel music. There is something out there for everyone. We play what we love and we want everyone else to love it too.”

What is the most hilarious, frightening, or weird thing you have seen from the stage or while on the road?
“I thought the guy (or was it a girl?) with the paper bag over the head, drinking a Natty Light through a straw was a little of all those adjectives.”

If you become a band that eventually fills stadiums or arenas, what would be the most ridiculous thing you’d require backstage?
“I do know that Nate will want: a giant bowl of potato salad and Ramen noodles. That is tough one to think of right now. Being able to fill a stadium, I would want a lot of important people that helped us get there, to be backstage.”

Which band could your band defeat in a street fight? What methods would you use to ensure victory?
“I’m not going to call out anyone band in particular. But I’m shooting for a band with three members, because their chances against five of us, is slim.”

What is the most pretentious thing you’ve seen or heard from another musician/band? Did you love it or hate it?
“This one guitarist I saw at a festival was ‘way too cool.’ He exclaimed to his girlfriend: ‘Babe! You’re polishing my guitar wrong!’ I’m not sure why she was in charge of that, or how he could even see through the bandana over his eyes. But the ‘wife-beater’ he was wearing, told a story of its own.”

How do you feel about smartphones lighting up concert venues instead of lighters?
“Much safer.”

If you had to be a tribute act for just one band, who would it be and why?
“Thrice. They have done so much with their music and their growth as musicians. Their adaptation to the scene and the level of expertise in which they execute their music is incredible.”

Is it better to burnout than to fade away? Please explain your answer.
“I guess it depends on what you’re in it for. If you want in and out, then burnout. Burnout would put you at the top of your game…drop the mic and walk away!!”