Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with UNO

UNOWhen you first look at these guys, and gal, you can tell right away that they are a band.  It might be the hair or their style of dress but you just know. But when they start playing you will be blown away with talent.  From the striking guitar chords to the polished lyrics and professional image you have the full package with these guys.  They bring a dash of Warped Tour to the stage but tone it down with their polished vocals.  Their lyrics have a deeper meaning than what is on the surface, and their talent flows from track to track.  It makes me want to live int he life of someone who can write lyrics like this to see his or her inspiration for a new song.  Sit with me today, as I am glad to introduce you to UNO.

Maybe it’s just me, but there are four of you.  Where did you come up with that name?

The band name was actually picked up by our original guitar player, if I’m not mistaken it was a pick from the dictionary. (Laughs)

Is there a ringleader in the band?

Not really everybody does there share of things. Very equal relationship.

Who writes all the lyrics?

Kyle does the majority of the writing and composing.

Where do you guys practice?

We practice in Kyle’s basement as of right now. It has great acoustics and it’s free.

Do you all have jobs outside of music?

Yes we do. Jobs make the money as music is a hobby right now. Kyle is a manager at Abercrombie and Fitch, I (Chris) am a Senior Tech Manager and Termite Speacialist with a Pest Control Company, Amanda serves at Outback and Nick works at Sam’s Club.

Do you have any thoughts on a nation wide tour this year?

A nationwide tour would be a dream come true, but for the time being its not in the cards. We are working on getting through out the Midwest.

How do I get you to Indianapolis?

With a booked show and some killer accommodations. (Laughs)

Do you play game UNO?

Actually Facebook now has a online UNO game that I’m currently playing.

Are you boys nice to Amanda?

Very nice to Amanda; I carry all her stuff, mainly because they put it all in my car and they don’t want to carry it.

Do you have a favorite venue?

Beaumont Club in Westport is always good, and Main Street Cafe is pretty sweet; very low key with great sound and good people.

What are your feelings on the passing of Michael Jackson?

Its definitly a bummer for the first day, but now its just long drawn out and I’m a little tired of hearing about it. He was an inovator and a great artist but he made some bad choices in life that will follow him forever.

When did you decide to give the music business a run for its money?

Haven’t quite given them the run yet but we are more than willing to give them a hell of a race.

Let’s say that someone offered you a $500,000 record deal but it was country music and it was someone else’s lyrics.  Do you do it?

Well, yes and no. Yes cause I really like country music and I know that nobody writes there own music anymore. No because im pretty sure that they would never allow me to have any creative control over music ever. But I think playing country would be fun; state fairs have awesome funnel cakes and corndogs.

What is the biggest crowd that you have ever played for?

We have played to many crowds hard to say the amount, but we played a small venue show with about 300 give or take.

The smallest?

2 no explantion necessary. (Laughs)

What would you be doing if you were not performing?

Well probably doing my pest conrtol job but if I was on the record companies payroll, I would be enjoying life while i can.

Where do you get inspiration for a new track?

It usually things that has happened to Kyle. (lead singer)

Do you have any pre-show rituals?

We used to do a little huddle before shows for good luck, and we usually do a final run through practice to make sure we are all on the same page.

What are your thoughts on MySpace?

It’s great; a great way for artists to project there music but there is alot of spammers on there now and its not as pure as it used to be. But overall awesome.

Are you on Twitter?

Yes we are; @unorockskc and I’m @unobasskid; but I never have any awesome thoughts. I should work on that.

Can I follow you?

Hell yea you can.

If you ere stuck on an elevator with three people who would you choose?

Probably Eric Clapton cause he could just play the guitar and pass some time.  Mark Hoppus from Blink 182 cause he is hilarious, and anybody from Incubus because they kickass.

Describe your genre in one word.

Dancerific.

What is the single best concert you have ever been to?

311 at City Market in downtown Kansas City.  It was pooring rain, Papa Roach cancelled which didn’t bother me to much and Unwritten Law had to cancel which I wanted to see.  But 311 came out and played for over 2 hours in the rain  It was an awesome show!

What are you drinking on stage?

Usually water, thirst quencing goodness.

Where can I get some UNO merchandise?

Send us an email on MySpace, Facebook and or Twitter and we can get some stuff to ya.

Where do you see yourselves in five years?

I hopefully see my self travelling the states or better yet the world playing for sold out crowds.

What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?

Great stage show and that they are great to all the fans, best all around band on and off stage.

I always let the artist get the last word.  Go.

Rocktastical, good last word…(Laughs)