Today I am hanging out with a set of guys that deserve some attention. These guys have an upbeat tap your toes attitude and match that with incredible writing. Not to mention their ability to sound like they just walked off the stage at Warped Tour. A group that brings talent, education, and drive to their music and lyrics I am sitting with Four to Three today.
Where did the name come from?
We used to play in a band called Waiting for April from 2002-2004 and there were four members. When the three of us started this band we called it four to three because we went from four members to three members.
How did you guys meet?
We all went to the same elementary and high school together.
How long have you all known each other?
Rob and Greg have been friends since the age of seven and started hanging out with Matt, who is two years younger, when they were seventeen and he was fifteen.
When did you realize that music was something you wanted to pursue?
In high school, after learning to play instruments and playing in front of people for the first time at talent shows we realized it was something we wanted to do for the rest of our lives.
Do you guys have jobs outside of music?
Yes, we all have outside jobs to pay bills. Matt is a hair colorist at a salon. Greg works at a liquor store. And Rob is a substitute teacher.
Describe your genre in one word.
Energy.
Tell me the meaning behind that teddy bear.
The teddy bear has little to no significance to us. We asked our album artwork designer to create an album cover with a picture of us and some live shots. However, he completely ignored our wishes and took this awesome picture of a seemingly drunk teddy bear and we absolutely loved it.
Where are you guys originally from?
We are all from Franklin Square, Long Island.
Where can I get a copy of that album?
Our albums are available on our website (www. fourtothree. com), CDBaby. com, and iTunes.
What is the largest crowd that you have ever played for?
The largest crowd we’ve played for was about five hundred people.
The smallest?
At our first show, there were about 30 people there, although no one was paying attention to us. We also played a show where four people showed up.
Any tattoos in the band?
Matt and Rob have tattoos. Matt has a half sleeve of Link from The Legend of Zelda fighting Gannon on his right arm, and the TriForce in the middle of his upper back. Rob has the word DREAM on his lower back (tramp stamp), a cross on his right arm, the Chinese symbol for courage on his wrist, the Chinese symbol for Mother over his heart, the OM symbol on the inside of his left bicep, Rafael’s cherubs on his left arm with DESTINO under it, and a heart on his left ring finger.
Who has the most?
Rob.
Who designed your awesome MySpace page?
Aaron McCall, who also was the mastermind behind the teddy bear.
What is your favorite venue to play?
Ollie’s Point in Amityville, Long Island.
What would you be doing if not music?
The guy at Burger King with the little headset.
Let’s get some pizza. What toppings?
Plain. Maybe some sausage.
What was your favorite subject in school?
Recess.
If you could tour with anyone right now whom would it be?
Blink 182 reunion tour.
Let’s say you are about to headline at Madison Square Garden. Who is your opener?
The Beatles reborn.
What is your favorite song to play?
I’d Rather Eat Dirt off our new EP. And we cover the theme song from “Hey Dude.”
Ever forget the lyrics to your own tracks?
No.
Who is the ringleader of the group?
We all share the responsibilities of being in a band.
PC or Mac?
PC.
Any rituals you go through before a gig?
Just laughing a lot.
What did you have for breakfast this morning?
A bowl of Golden Grams. A sesame bagel.
Do you sleep with that teddy bear? (Laughs)
We have actually never seen the teddy bear in person. We one day hope to meet and caress him.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Living in a van down by the river.
What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?
Being an actual band. Who records songs that they can actually play live. And who doesn’t follow the current musical trends.
I always let the artist get the last word. Go.
Stop.
