Punk Interrogation
Authority Zero's Jason DeVore takes on the random questions posed by this reporter
by Chelsea Ide
People in rock bands are just the same as everyone else. We hear that all the time. If that's true, then we should be able to talk about the same dorky things with them as we would with a couple of friends over pizza. With this in mind, I took some time out to talk with 24-year-old Jason DeVore, vocalist of hometown band Authority Zero.
SPM: We'll start off easy. Are you excited about playing with Guttermouth, again? You've toured with them before, right?
DeVore: Yeah. We played with them a year ago on the Punk-O-Rama tour. We love those guys. They are a lot of fun. It's so awesome seeing them. They have a different show every night. Different city, different set.
SPM: Wow. That's so badass. So, how important is style to live performance?
DeVore: I don't know; I don't have any! (laughs) I don't really think style matters at all. The music speaks for itself.
SPM: This is the hard one. Define punk rock.
DeVore: Britney Spears. No, no. I don't know that you can define it. I guess it's doing what I want to do and having a good time. It's about being a free individual. I don't know. I still don't know if you can define it. The people who think they're punk rock really aren't, and those who are punk rock want you to know they're more punk rock than you. It's a mindset of living your life independently. (sigh) I don't know if it can be defined.
SPM: OK. Well, all the people who throw around "punk rock" throw around the phrase "selling out." Care to give your take on it?
DeVore: There's a fine line there. I don't think you should judge a band by something you saw on television. You don't know their reasons for doing whatever they did.
SPM: Right on. Moving on, which is a more badass profession: ninja or pirate?
DeVore: (yelling) Pirate! We're (Authority Zero) a bunch of pirates. We named our van the S.S. Big Love and have even made it into a pirate ship.
SPM: I would kill to see those pictures! Ah, OK. So what was your day job?
DeVore: My worst day job was a janitor. It's never any fun cleaning up other people's shit. That was actually right before we left for tour. It was my last day job. Well, I had three jobs at the same time back then. I was working as a shipping receiver and at AZP Screening along with being a janitor.
SPM: Ouch. Let's talk about something more pleasant. Which is more fun: a go-kart or a golf cart?
DeVore: Golf cart. I have to speak for the rest of the band on this one. Jim (Wilcox, drums) is really into golfing. I don't know, but it sure beats the hell out of walking!
SPM: Very true. Who would you say is the all-time best band? You can narrow it down to punk band if you like, or just name three or so. I don't think I could pick just one.
DeVore: Damn. Of all time?
SPM: There is no right or wrong answer here. It's kind of like those psychology tests, there isn't a right answer, I'm just curious what you think.
DeVore: (laughs) Okay. Then, Led Zeppelin (long pause) and Rush and the Descendants.
SPM: I'm with you on the Led Zeppelin, and I'm feeling the Descendants, but Rush? Dude ...
DeVore: Hey, they were influential! I think those three are a good mix of bands that have had a serious influence. And Metallica, they are influential.
SPM: Good point. OK, so what about the most overrated band?
DeVore: Can I plead the fifth?
SPM: No.
DeVore: Oh, then Authority Zero? I'm just kidding. I'll go with Hanson. I saw they have a new album out.
SPM: Yeah, I think that might be right. Why do we both know that? Now it's time for the final question. If you had to leave any member of your band in the desert, who would it be and why? My bet is because someone has B.O.
DeVore: Jeremy (Wood, bass). He's got extra weight on him; he could survive longer.
SPM: Well, I suppose that seems logical. Thanks so much for you time, and I hope it was fun.
DeVore: It was great! We should do it again.
SPM: Ah, that's my plan. I lure you in with the fun interview and then, next time there will be hard-hitting questions about your musical prowess. That's my ploy. Thanks again, Jason!
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If you go details:
Authority Zero and Guttermouth
Mar. 12 @ Marquee Theatre
730 N. Mill Avenue
6:30 p.m. All Ages. $15.
