1. Do you remember how the idea of forming the band first came up?

Paul: Yes. I was in a band, Sugarspoon (MCA) that had seen it’s day and I felt I needed to grow and challenge myself not only as a writer but as a person. I wanted to see if I could solely put together a group of people who would play what “I” wrote and without need for a “band” input. But who liked what I did and was enough. That lead me to calling my longtime friend Russell Farrow to see if he was agreeable. That’s how it started. It took going through a few people over the course of two years, but with every change that was made, the idea grew stronger and the band became better.

2. How long after you formed was it until you played your first live show?

Paul: Wasn’t that long. I’d say 6 months.

3. What are your memories of the performance?

Paul: It was at a tiny little place called Dave’s Aqua Lounge that would hold about 50 people if they sat in eachothers laps..It was in a cold month, October maybe, and we had an incredible turnout. It was one of those things things where you think to yourself, “This would be hard to repeat”.

4. Tell us about the band’s name?

Paul: SISEMORE, my last name, couldn’t have been further from my mind. I had thought about using my full name, Paul Sisemore, or Paul Sisemore band, ala Dave Matthews Band.. however, the guys approached me and thought SISEMORE would be cool. I wasn’t nuts about it, but it stuck.

5. What is your latest album and why should people buy it?

Paul: The album is “The Disillusionment of Youth and The American Way”. It’s a record for me about trying to come to terms with things. It’s about the illusions of youth and our way of life here being stripped away. It’s absolutely NOT a negative connotation. Just the opposite. Disillusionment is the freeing from illusions or false ideas. Buy it if it fits your taste in music, just like anything else you buy..

6. How would you categorize the style of the band? And did you ever consider or try playing other styles of music than the one you are playing now?

Paul: Categorically, it’s a AAA album. The style of the band is diverse. It ranges from Americana to British Rock to alternative-ish rock to who knows what else. I’ve never tried to write to a specific style. I’ve always tried to have a good melody and a lyric that says something, or at least says something to me.

7. Can you share with us one or two of your favorite moments with the band?

Paul: On Sundays after rehearsal we cook and have dinner together. Those are all favorite moments.

8.  Does the entire band contribute to the writing process?

Paul: In a way. I will generally have an idea that I’ve come up with apart from the band. At some point in a rehearsal I’ll spring it on everyone by saying something like,”hey guys play along with this…” and then see how everyone reacts. Not only will it tell if I should persue the idea, but also what direction to go with it,as in, a big “band” type song that’s more rocking, or something that lends more to a “production” type of thing.

9. How important do you rate the lyrical side of your albums?

Paul: Most important. If I start a song and feel as if it’s not really saying anything relevant or meaningful, I quit.

10. What are your current tour plans or upcoming shows, if any?

11. Describe your live performance?

Paul: We go with a specific song list that I try to put together based on where we’re playing. There may be a cover song interjected, but I don’t particularly care for doing too much of that. We try to play the songs live as closely to what’s represented on the record.

12. What one Album should everyone have in their collection?

Paul: U2’s Achtung Baby, Nirvana’s Nevermind, and Jane’s Addiction’s Ritual de la Habitual. I know that’s not one, but Led Zeppelin’s 4 should be there as well.

13. Tell us about your local music scene?

Paul: It’s not what it was 10 years ago. It seems like people are too busy and or just don’t care that much about going out to see bands like they were.

14. Why do you think people are into your music?

Paul: I wish I knew. I only know that I have to like what I do first and foremost with no thought of other’s opinions. Maybe it’s the melody, the beat, a lyric. I don’t know.

15. If we were to look at your IPod, what would we find in your music collection?

Paul: You’d find the 4 albums I afore mentioned, plus a whole lotta other stuff such as Clapton, bluegrass, blues music. You name it. However, current day so called “country” music is nowhere to be found.

16. Would there be any one band or musician that would surprise us that you are listening to them?

Paul: Hmmmm…Lynyrd Skynyrd??? Grew up learning how to play guitar to that stuff..

17. Where can our readers find your band on the internet?

www.sisemoreband.com

18. How has Social Networking (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) impacted your band?

Paul: NOT. I think it’s completely boring and completely whack.

19. Thanks for answering these questions. Do you have any last comments or words of advice for the readers of Project Backstage?

Paul:Thank you for your interest first and foremost and the opportunity to talk about this band and record. Advice?? Don’t eat yellow snow.. Seriously, in the words of Rodney King, “Cant’ we all just get along?!”.

Project Backstage