The
Big Picture with Epstein's Mother:
In
the middle of the desert landscape stands a city of lights, of dreams
and aspirations. It is in this atmosphere that you will find
an engaging group of artist known as Epstein's Mother.
Not
content with the normal path to stardom this band sets their sites higher,
for they grasp the big picture, the ultimate goal - a time when their music
will reach the masses.
The
formula used to achieve these means is hard work, and great music. Where
most bands in the local music scene are content with weekly practicing
and a gig once a month. Epstein's mother pursues their dream full time.
Dubbed the hardest working band in the Vegas music scene, and the best
unsigned band in the US. Epstein's mother has found their formula
for success, and music fans are listening.
So
set back relax, plug in to the magic of Epstein's Mother, and see the Big
Picture through the eyes of this group of talented musicians.
Meet
Epstein's Mother.
Q
& A with Epstein's Mother
Q:
How did the band get together?
Geoff:
During most of 1996, Shawn and I were working
in another "project" and decided to work on some of Shawn's original material.
The result is our debut CD. When it was time to do the art work and
post-production stuff we did not have a working band so we actually used
Shawn Eiferman as the moniker for the band and CD. After putting
out the disk independently, we were lucky enough to keep the drummer for
the session (Chris). We are by no means a "Shawn Eiferman" solo act, so
having a band name became
important.
We settled on "Epstein's Mother" after some suggestions from some friends.
After trying out other guitarists and playing for almost a year as just
a trio, we finally found Marty in March of this year after he sat in with
us a a gig.
Q:
Where did the name come from?
Geoff:
It is taken from a character in the 70's tv show, Welcome Back Kotter.
Q:
Who writes for the band?
Geoff:
Like I said, Shawn wrote the material that
actually got us together, but he encourages all of us write. Everyone
has tunes in the repertoire and we collaborate on all of the tunes pretty
much now.
Q:
You have a distinctive sound where did that come from, or how did that
evolve? Influences?
Chris:
Everyone of us comes from a different direction
of musical interest. Geoff and I both have degrees in music.
We have been able to perform music of all styles. Shawn is from the
school of learning a million and one tunes because he used to be a one-man
band!!! Marty is the type of player that somehow ended up playing
guitar because his father was a musician so it was only natural.
He is definitely the cowboy in the group.
If
we had to list musical influences members we would say everything from
Beethoven to Bruce Springsteen and beyond.
Q:
What is your most memorable show?
Chris:
I would have to say, last Saturday night at the Boston here in Vegas.
We have been performing at the same place every Saturday with few exceptions
for the last year and we finally got out and performed in front a great
crowd that mostly have never seen us before. So the night was a lot
fun for the band.
Geoff:
I would have to say when we performed at Fremont Street back in October.
It was the first gig that we played on a big stage where most everything
went right.
Q:
What is the story behind the song "she's taken"
Shawn:
I wrote this tune about the fact that everyone
always wants Someone that they cannot have!!!
Q:
One fan left a message on the Epstein's Mother message board asking when
the band is going to tour. Are their any plans for a tour in 99?
Geoff:
We would love to get [out] of Vegas and tour,
but right now there are no plans. We have talked about it and as
soon as we work something out we will let everyone know. Maybe this
summer we will be out there.
Q:
Are you guys working on a new album?
A:
Geoff: There
are about 25 tunes waiting to be recorded. Marty has a great studio
in his house and we are planning on working on the recording in the very
near future. Again, as soon as we can we will inform everyone of
our plans.
Q:
Is it difficult to become established in Las Vegas?
Shawn:
Absolutely!!! There are a ton of bands
here and they all want to play at the same 3 or 4 clubs. We have
been able to go a different route than most bands because we play every
week, where most bands if they are lucky play once a month. Our success
is definitely from working hard and playing as much as we can. There
are a few bands here that are making some noise (in the business) and it
is very exciting to see what will become
of
it.
Q:
What advise would you give a new band starting out?
Chris:
Don't do it.
Geoff:
If you do decide to try this crazy business out, remember why you
started in the first place. You can get wrapped up in all of the
hype and then be depressed when it takes a turn in the opposite direction.
Q:
Can you tell us a funny Epstein's Mother story?
Geoff:
We were asked to play a benefit concert at UNLV and we always try to accommodate
these types of gigs. When we got there, the only people around were
these fraternity guys bouncing a basketball. They were expecting
a ton of people but they were not to be found. One of the guys asked
us if we wanted to play and we said "of course", but not music. We
played a two-on-two basketball game instead of the gig. It was fun
because it was the first and only time I beat Shawn at basketball!!!
Q:
Do you have anything you would like to say people discovering Epstein's
Mother for the first time?
Shawn:
Check us out 3 times. Once for the music, the second for the lyrics
and by the third time we will grow on you!!!
