Shaun Lopez Interview

After a number a well-accomplished years in the Sacramento, CA outfit Far, guitarist Shaun Lopez re-emerged in 2000 with fresh ideas flowing for a new band. Shaun began singing and demo-ing songs in his bedroom. He then began recruiting others who shared his musical vision. The final line-up for the band was settled in the spring of 2001. The Revolution Smile was born. I put a few question to Shaun and this is how it turned out.

M-N: Who are the revolution smile?

The Rev Smile is me (Shaun) on guitar/vocals, Octavio Gallardo - bass, Stephen Hoke – drums.

M-N: Why choose the name The Revolution Smile? What is its significance?

I thought of it. I liked the sound of it. I liked how the two words kind of contrasted each other. I felt like it sounded like our music.

M-N: Your album, 'Above The Noise', was released in the summer of 2003. Bring us up to speed with some of the things that have happened to the band or things that have changed for you in the year since its release.

Well as of late, we left our label, which was a relief. We left our management. We now have new management and are seeking a new label and are excited about the future. We should be recording a new record this fall.

M-N: You have written and demo-ed a load of new songs recently. When can we expect new material to surface?

The 1st of the year is the goal.

M-N: Who are you working with on the follow-up to 'Above The Noise'? Is the recording process easier / harder / more enjoyable this time around?

We have not chosen a producer at this time, but there is a good chance that I will be doing it myself, since I have done all of our recording up until Above The Noise. I love recording period. I have never not had fun recording. I love to learn. You learn from others and you learn from yourself all the time in the studio. You learn your strengths and your weaknesses.

M-N: How do the songs come about? Is there a set process or is each song written in a different manner?

Lately all of the songs have been coming from me and I have been demoing them with a drum machine and giving them to the rest of the band and we come together and jam on them. It's been working great so far.

M-N: Are you still signed to Fred Durst's Flawless Records? How has he been to work with?

We are not on Flawless no more. We got out of our deal with them and it's been great ever since. My impression is that it's just a vanity thing for him. He doesn't really do much. He wasn't even the guy that signed us. It was a guy named Danny Wimmer who is still a good friend of mine. He is no longer at Flawless. He left the label in the midst of recording ATN (part of the problem haha)...

M-N: You were previously in the band FAR. After releasing 'Water and Solutions', your most successful and acclaimed album, the band split. What led to this decision? Do you still speak to the other guys or have any plans to work with them in the future?

Shortly after W&S was released, Jonah announced to the rest of the band that he would be 'going solo' after we were done touring of W&S. This obviously took a big blow to the spirit of the band and certain other members didn't really feel a 'need' to go on. In the end, John quit and I tried to hold it together, but Jonah didn't see much of a need to go on without John. I still keep in contact with everyone. We're on ok terms... We will do something together again if it feels right. If it doesn't we won't...

M-N: Do the experiences you had with FAR affect decisions you make with the revolution smile? How do the two bands / experiences differ for you?

Yeah, well of course. You constantly learn things in life. People make mistakes. You learn from the and move on. I try to focus on the positive of making mistakes. The two bands differ quite a bit. Far was more of a collaboration between 4 people and Rev Smile is somewhat different than that. Not on purpose, it just kind of works that way...

M-N: A large majority of Sacramento bands seem to know each other or are linked in some way. Is there a strong scene there and do you feel part of it?

I have recently moved to Los Angeles, so I dunno how to answer that. I could definitely see it way back in the day with us (Far) and Deftones always playing together, hanging out, etc. I dunno. Sacramento to me since then has become so competitive. It's almost like to some of the bands there it's like football teams or wrestling. I didn't start playing music to win a gold star I guess. I love writing music, admitting my influences, being humbled every now and then, learning from other bands/musicians.. It just doesn't seem like that so much in Sacramento anymore. It's like a contest at times. I think some of the best bands from Sacramento right now, no one really knows about them. There are some great bands based there...

M-N: Deftones are probably the most famous current Sacramento act. How well do you know the guys and have they helped you out in any way?

I've known them for over 10 years. They are great. They play music for music's sake. Nothing else. I have learned from them plenty. They took Rev Smile to Europe. They took Far to Europe and in the States as well. I guess I could say that have been helpful :).

M-N: One of the newer Sacramento bands is Ghostride, featuring members of Will Haven, Tinfed and Oddman. Have you heard any of their material and if so, what do you think?

Ghostride are great! I have always loved Will Haven. I mean Will Haven live was always to me one of the most inspiring things to me. They used to give me chills watching them. Ghostride I feel is constantly growing and it's beautiful to see the growth. I can't wait to hear their record.

M-N: What do the next 12 months hold in store for the revolution smile? Is there anything that you are particularly looking forward to or is there something that you would really like to achieve?

I'd like to record another record and tour non-stop and meet as many people across the world. Music is really good for that. Some of my good friends have come from me playing music and that's an amazing thing!

For more information on The Revolution Smile, Shaun & Far, check out the following links.

www.therevolutionsmile.com
www.shaunlopez.com
www.thebandfar.com