Wahine Spotlight on: Mars, the band
By Chris McCorkindale, windsurfing wahine and Mars fan
April 27, 2009
Don’t miss a rare chance to hear Boston-based band, Mars, play on Cape Cod this Saturday, May 2, at the Cape Cod Wahines' Spring Pa'ina! Mars is the Boston-based pop-rock outfit of Chris Gorham (guitars, vocals), Devin Brown (bass, vocals), Billy Swizzle (drums, vocals), and Ammo (lead guitar, vocals). Chris Gorham, the band's founder, tells us a little about the band and how they got started.
You're a happily married thirty-something real estate lawyer living in Belmont. What's up with starting a rock band?
The band came out of a project I wanted to do in 2005, which was a one-man solo recording of songs based on themes of married life, having a house, a job—kind of based on McCartney's first solo record that he did in his living room with songs about Linda. I'd bought a drum kit and a multi-track recorder, and I'd written some songs. Then my wife and I had dinner with another couple and I met Devin, who basically became the bass player and second vocalist that night.
In short order we found that another friend of ours played drums. Serendipitously, a friend who was a killer lead guitarist then moved back into town from a stint in Vermont. The pastoral solo project became a full-fledged rock band, which has been a lot more exciting. Our first show was January 2007 and now we're playing Fridays and Saturdays at popular music clubs in Cambridge and Boston.
How long have you been writing songs?
I've been writing songs since I was a teenager, but good songs since about 2005 when I studied some different chords and songs just started coming easier to me. I've become pretty prolific, so there is a serious recording backlog.
Have you ever played in a band before?
My band history started when I was about 15 in suburban Detroit. I played some bass and guitar in a band that sounded a bit like Sisters of Mercy (and I was a huge Replacements fan). We made a pretty decent record of originals and covered the Cult, some Stones, stuff like that. I played in a few sloppy rock and roll bands after that and then at about 23 started my solo troubadour career that stalled until 2005.
What are your musical influences?
I'm a sucker for well-written songs, and by that I mean non-obvious chords and clever words, good singing or at least an honest attempt. Influences are John and Paul from the Beatles, Paul Westerberg and the Replacements, Nick Lowe, the guys in Sloan. I have catholic taste in music; I like the classic structures, with bridges, leads, and harmonies. I think that comes through in our stuff.
Where does the name “Mars" come from?
Mars is an acronym, which must remain shrouded in mystery. Because it is an acronym there is no copyright infringement on the band “Mars” that was part of the New York City scene in the 70s.
Have you had any problems with stalkers or groupies?
No, we haven't encountered serious groupie issues yet. No one wants to buy a piece of bed sheet that Mars has slept on. I suppose there is still time for Marsmania to kick in, but we'll see ...
How far do you hope to go with the band?
I think the ultimate goal for me at least is to make a record that blows people away, and makes them say, wow, this is a great band. To be a band that puts on an entertaining and exciting rock and roll set, too. Playing live and letting the songs kind of take on a life of their own from dozens of playings has been really rewarding. If we can do those two things, I'll be very proud.
Have you released any CDs?
We did an EP in 2007 with five songs. We are now working on our first full-length recording which will be 12-13 songs. So far it really captures the best of our sound. I am thrilled to be working on it and can't wait for it to be finished in the fall.
Who is Billy Swizzle and why does he wear a wig?
Noms du rock go way back. Think of little Ritchie Starkey becoming Ringo Starr, or Bowie and Ziggy Stardust. I think our drummer is tapping into that desire to be another persona, if just for a night.
Find out more about upcoming shows for Mars at their MySpace page.