WITHIN PUNK ZINE INTERVIEW WITH
Trever Keith
FACE TO FACE
November 06, 2016 BY EMAIL
COURTESY OF MELANIE KAYE PR It was 1995 when things started getting interesting. The height of the punk era was going strong and bands were emerging fast on the scene. Back then independent labels were popping up everywhere trying to make a mark on the scene from the continuation of the 80’s movement. New sounds and new directions were being blazed into what would become some of the most iconic skate punk acts to follow the notorious bands before them. One of those scenes that came out forging ahead of the pack was always the social scene and behind it all was a band already with some solid tracks and heading into what would become one of the most iconic albums “Big Choice”. Face to Face quickly was known for thier fast paced crunchy bass lines and hi toned guitar riffs with a vocalist that was held in high regard to his personal lyrics that drove home deep topics that people felt strongly connected to. Face to Face is currently touring promoting their tenth studio release titled ‘Protection” on Fat Wreck Chords and Within caught up with vocalist Trever Keith to talk about a few things and what’s been going on . J.B: Okay so I heard you say before that some people call you classic but you referred to yourselves as vintage? Like a smooth well aged whiskey kinda rough around the edges but so good? Of course I’m talking about the 2003 warp tour when you guys came back? Trever:Is this a question? Yes? I think so... J.B: Of course when I say vintage I am also referring to being a staple of the punk rock scene for decades and still going strong? So for a moment before “Laugh now, Laugh later” you had said that you had nothing to write about but your released two amazing well written albums after that? Trever: Again not a question but a statement. But yeah sure... J.B: ( I was inquisting about a statement that trever released indicating he had nothing else to write about) J.B: “Big Choice” was of course an iconic sound track for “Tank Girl” any
new movie scores in the works? Trever: No that was a song the movie producers licensed for the film. We’ve had others, but nothing very recent. J.B: When I heard “Protection” it instantly brought me back to the “Ignorance is Bliss” sound do you feel it’s sort of a continuation of that feel? Like the song “I know what you are”? Trever: Not at all. I think Protection is nothing like Ignorance is Bliss they are very different records both in tone and production. J.B: Of course “Say what you want” on Protection still has that classic Face To Face known bass line? Trever: Yep it sure does. Is this a question? J.B: (Referring to Face to Face’s new direction,and yes it is a question) J.B: Of course there is a lot of people including myself that loved “Ignorance is Bliss” because it had a way different direction that as band evolved instead of the poppy raw punk rock the lyrical content was well thought out and constructed. Of course the negativity lead to ‘Reactionary” that followed up but could never really feel like the album it should have been? What was the creative process behind “Protection”? Trever: That’s a bit much to describe in an interview. Scott and I wrote at home. We met up at band preproduction and rehearsed the ideas. And then we met up with Bill at The Blasting Room and had another round of preproduction to whip the songs into shape. J.B: Is it you and Scott that did the writing on this one? Trever: Yessir J.B: The titles over the years have always had meanings “Where does Protection” come into play? A way of safe guarding yourself keeping feelings inside? Keith: The idea that any of us are Protected is an illusion. Its pointing out that it is a flawed concept revealing our vulnerability as humans. J.B: The album cover kind of reminds me of my studio apartment in Sudbury I had that was turned into a punk rock venue/hotel. And we added the locks as a way to tell the wanders to take off. What’s the concept cover about? Trever: See the above answer. J.B: Of course I was in the room doing an interview when the big secret was brought out by Bill Stevenson as he ate some bread and cheese he was really excited to be working with a big respected band in the studio. Of course that was you guys and this time around it was different Bill had some control over the sound and producing? Trever: Yes having Bill and Jason;s influence involved in the creative process really helped elevate the record.
J.B:I’ve heard that Bill did some guest vocals on this release? Trever: No one did any guest vocals on this record. Maybe next time! J.B: How do you like this lineup you’ve had some changes over the years with family commitments and band commitments how’s it going so far? Trever: Best line up ever J.B: Last question ,So we all know about the Triple header shows that was quite the extensive tour? How did that go? Trever: Really well. I think we can plan on some more in the future.