If you’re sleeping on Chicago-based Face Time Police, you are doing it wrong. Don’t believe me? Check out their new song “Red + Black + White”. This song is inspired by Harley Quinn which, full disclosure, means nothing to me as I really don’t watch movies or anything but that’s not the point, regardless of the inspiration behind it, this track is one of those songs that you truly just have to hear for yourself. It was love at first listen for me so, naturally, I jumped on the opportunity to ask them about everything except Harley Quinn.
Everyone says that every crowd is their favorite but, what city has the best audience and why is it Minneapolis?
James: Is it? We have yet to perform in MN, but now I have to experience this for myself!
If you could compare yourself to a bird, what bird would it be and why?
James: Piping plover. It’s this little cute bird that no one really talks about, but it’s a big deal whenever it pops up.
Brian: A Phoenix. No, wait. A chicken! KFP for life!
What was the first concert you ever went to?
James: Dog Fashion Disco.
Brian: Mushroomhead
Favorite lyrics of all time?
Brian: “Stranger Than Fiction” by Bad Religion.
“Life is the crummiest book I ever read.
There isn’t a hook. Just a lot of cheap shots, pictures to shock,
and characters an amateur would never dream up.”
It’s so creative and poignant. It tells me so much more about the person behind the lyrics than one of those expletive-laden songs in which people just say “F this” and “F that.”
What’s your favorite menu item at Taco Bell?
James: Cheese quesadilla with a bunch of hot sauce on it.
What’s your go-to purchase at a gas station (outside of gas) when on a road trip?
Brian: I like to surprise myself with a last-second impulse buy at the counter.
If you were to rob a bank, what would be the song playing in the getaway car as you escape?
James: “Rollin'” by Limp Bizkit
Brian: Our latest single, “Red + Black + White” would actually be perfect for that. 😀
What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?
James: Butch Walker at the House of Blues in Chicago
Brian: Maximum The Hormone at Knotfest.
Who has the best pizza in Chicago?
James: Rosati’s (I don’t like deep dish)
What’s the worst concert you’ve ever been to and why?
James: Five Finger Death Punch at Knotfest. All I remember is the lead singer complaining about how small the stage was (even though it was huge).
Brian: I forgot the name of the band, but it was also at Knotfest. They had such a negative energy, and it didn’t even look like the musicians were enjoying what they were doing. Maybe the band was just having a bad day or had some infighting happening backstage, but I just can’t stand that. Performing on stage is one of the most cathartic experiences in this world. It hurts to see bands squander an opportunity like that.
What’s an old-school fad that you wish would come back?
James: Pogs
Brian: Short “arcade” style video games, especially shmups (shoot-em-ups). There’s actually been a boom of indie shmups recently but it’s still a very niche genre to the average gamer.
What’s your favorite method of listening to music?
James: In a car
Brian: Same. I do a lot of driving for work, so in the car or on my phone via earbuds before I sleep.
What’s one thing I should know before listening to “Red + Black + White”?
James: Even though the theme is inspired by Harley Quinn, I snuck in a bunch of All Elite Wrestling references and it all still fits together.
Brian: I think there’s a misconception that our songs are just random references to things we like. We use our interests as more of a starting point or theme that helps shape the “core” of the song. In the end, we’re still writing a song that means something to us, and hopefully, the listener as well.
Personally, I love the vocals in this track. They are almost a bit theatrical. Who is your biggest influence when it comes to the vocal styling of Face Time Police?
Brian: Thank you! I have a lot of influences, but as far as vocals go, my 2 primary influences are Billie Joe of Green Day and Greg Graffin of Bad Religion. I think the theatrical element comes having Nine Inch Nails/Trent Reznor as one of my inspirations. I hear little bits and pieces from our songs that I can attribute to specific artists that I admire.
James: Jason Popson and Mike Shinoda.
Obviously, Face Time Police has a distinct and one-of-a-kind sound but, when people compare you to other acts, who do you always hope gets brought up in the conversation?
James: Linkin Park
Brian: I personally hear a lot of Green Day and Bad Religion in our songs, but it’s always interesting to know what others hear in our music. Lately, with “Red + Black + White,” I’ve had people tell me that it sounded like Nirvana, The Offspring, Weezer, and a few people said they heard a little bit of Megadeth in there.
Where can I get one of your “Not Metal Enough” t-shirts that is featured in the guitar playthrough music video?
James: https://www.belowthecollar.com/facetimepolice
Brian: Fun fact about these shirts… Below The Collar is run by Pro Wrestling Tees, who makes the official shirts for AEW (All Elite Wrestling), so, you know that you’re getting a quality product. If it’s good enough for a multi-million dollar wrestling company, it’s good enough for us. 🙂
What’s in store for Face Time Police this summer?
James: Hopefully another music video and more recording/songwriting!
I hope you made it this far in the interview but, if you’re like me, you instantly jumped on that site to buy the “Not Metal Enough” shirt. If you did make it this far, be sure to check out Face Time Police and show this duo some love. Their sound and style is extremely unique and I loved the way that both Brian and James’ personalities shined throughout this interview. These two know damn well what they are doing and there’s clearly no stopping them from conquering the world.
Shameless Self Promotion:
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Check out my playlist with this track and a bunch of other amazing tracks HERE!
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