D.I.Y. All The Way

Interview With Nat from Neon Maniacs

Fullerton

From Issue 1.6, July/August 2005

The inscription at the bottom of the Puke N Vomit Records business card that Nat of the Neon Maniacs hands over, reads “D.I.Y. Till I Die.”

It is a popular mantra that tends to get lost in today’s flurry of label hungry bands or those too jaded by the inconsistencies locked up in a “scene.”

No one could ever really accuse Fullerton band, the Neon Maniacs (of which Nat is lead singer, guitarist and only remaining original band member) of pandering to the status quo.  The band, part horror movie synopsis and part punk or new wave (the latter as described by Nat), has remained a relatively steadfast part of the scene for almost ten years  begging the question of how they have been able to do that while remaining steadfastedly likeable among fans and new generations of fans without becoming overly cynical about ever changing fads.

“I found the best way to maintain a fan base, is to play regularly,” explained Nat.  “Then the old [fans] tell the younger ones.  There’s always going to be a new breed of punks, and you’ve gotta try to win them over.  You just gotta keep playing.”

Named after a horror movie from 1987 about a girl who must find a way to get rid of Neon Maniac monsters hiding under the Golden Gate Bridge, the band also includes bassist Anthony and drummer Chris who were not available for the interview.  Their current E.P. is the latest in this band’s story of managing to “just keep playing” because they love the music.  It just so happens that by marching to their own tunes, they ended up with a solid recording of six catchy songs on their latest CD such as “Transplant Baby” and “Children of the Night.”

“We’re not limiting ourselves like other bands do,” said Nat.  “When we make songs, we don’t care if it doesn’t sound like the Neon Maniacs.”

In fact, Nat’s description of the music flatly stated as, “I don’t know.  It’s whatever comes out,” is about as cryptic as any description of music or a genre, can get.

The Neon Maniacs band has been around for a little less than ten years with the current lineup playing solidly for more than six years together and the band’s history of tours and albums speaks volumes enough to prove that.

Nat writes the lyrics and guitar music and then Anthony comes in with bass lines and Chris with the drum sections.  However, Nat maintains he makes a lot of the decisions as he is the most motivated.

They have toured more than most bands (playing everywhere in the United States and as far as England) and they more actively promote themselves.  They are set to do a recording on an Italian label and want to continue putting out good music and touring.

They differ from at least half the bands out there by approaching the whole thing as not simply a matter of playing in a band to have fun with friends, but as an active approach to music.

This may be partially attributed to Nat’s seemingly work-horse ethic that has him working between his bands (with the Neon Maniacs being his priority); his store (Radiation Records in Anaheim) and his mailorder catalog, distribution and label, Puke N Vomit Records.

“Some people are really lazy,” he said in response to whether or not he believed there is any truth to the lazy people form bands stereotype.  “It’s [the band] a job and that’s what some people don’t understand.  We promote.  We practice.  We book our own tours.”

Among those places they like to tour and play at, is the Showcase Theatre in Corona.  However, the band stays away from any venue that works off the pay-to-play system.

“I won’t do it,” he said of pay-to-play shows.  “I think it’s ridiculous.  It’s like a cop-out for the promoter.”

In the end, while promoters, clubs and big labels seem to view the business aspect of music as top priority, for the Neon Maniacs in particular, business is just a consequence of ensuring that good music continues.

Earlier in the interview, Nat contrasted the English crowds with the crowds in California saying, “English people are more responsive.  The only thing that matters is if you’re a good band.  They don’t care about anything else.  But here [in California], it’s like you gotta win over the crowd and it becomes something more than just the music.”

 “Nine years ago, people would show up [to shows] for fun,” he continued.  “Now it’s like a social gathering.  Punk’s just gotten bigger.  People have marketed it and people make it what they want it to be; it’s pretty crappy.”

His comments come at a time when people are more concerned with making up stereotypes and creating factions within the music and shoot “poseur” comments at each other in a lame circle of frenzied commotion that seems irrelevant.

“Who cares?” he asked.  “It’s about the music,” said Nat, “but nowadays it seems like it’s about everything but that; it’s retarded.”

So when pressed about what continues to motivate them to play he responded, “It’s hard, but we do it for enjoyment.  There’s always going to be people out there like you who are listening for the pure enjoyment....  We’re worth checking out if you like punk.  If you don’t, then don’t come.” 

But chances are, if you’re listening to music for the sake of good music, you’ll end up not only liking the Neon Maniacs but respecting this band too.