Feature / Music
Pre-gaming For The Fest

Words: Scottie • Posted pre-2010

Chris Farren (Fake Problems)

Scene Point Blank: How many times has the band played The Fest?

Chris Farren: This will be our second time playing The Fest. I've also heard some talk that if you play twice in a row you can't play a third, like you have to take a year off or something? I hope not, but if that is the case, we're just going to break up and start a new band with all the same members so we can play again.

Scene Point Blank: Seeing how The Fest was dubbed the pinnacle of beard rock, which bands playing do you think have the best bearded members? Do you have suggestions or requests for facial hair at this year's The Fest?

Chris Farren: I know for a fact that Matt Agrella from Look Mexico has the most righteous beard any man could ever aspire to have. Maybe the god of facial hair will grant some Fake Problems members the ability to grow magnificent thick flowing beards.

Scene Point Blank: What have been some of the high and low points of previous The Fests?

Chris Farren: Well, first and foremost, playing The Fest last year was definitely one of the highlights of our year. It was the best response we'd ever gotten anywhere. I didn't really know people liked us until then, so that was incredible. Last year we all had a lot of fun watching None More Black, Lawrence Arms, Velveteen Pink, Minus the Bear, The Ergs, Latterman, and I'm sure so many more that I'm forgetting.

Scene Point Blank: What bands are you most psyched to see at this year's The Fest?

Chris Farren: We're pretty stoked on playing with Gaslight Anthem and Look Mexico, and then I think we'll all be out to see Smoke or Fire, The Draft, The Falcon, Hour of the Wolf, Modern Life is War, Avail, Matt & Kim, Clorox Girls, etc.

Scene Point Blank: What are you most looking forward to aside from seeing other bands at this year's The Fest?

Chris Farren: The life experiences and lessons that Tony teaches us every year at October's end.

Scene Point Blank: For all the first timers do you have any advice before attending The Fest this year or any suggestions for things to check out in the off time?

Chris Farren: Make sure you know where you're sleeping, don't be a jerk, have fun, get crazy, and eat at Flaco's in Gainesville. It's really really good.

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