We introduced you to 7Horse back in May and thought that it would be great to get to know a little bit more about the band, this time in their own words. Joie was brave enough to take us up on the offer of an interview and we’re very glad to now be able to share it with you. When you’re done reading what Joie has to say, make sure to check out the band’s sites and their music.
W: Which group or artist would you personally like to induct into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame? And if you were to earn the honor of being inducted next year, whom would you want to induct you?
JC: I notice that Eric Clapton is in on his own but not Jimi Hendrix or Jimmy Page. Both are massively influential outside of their groups and deserve individual recognition, as does Clapton. I would also say Sonny Boy Willimson ~ one listen to Bring It On Home at volume and you will see why. Of course I would be honored to ever be considered for such an esteemed award ~ and Keith Richards would be my choice to bring 7Horse up to the podium.
What’s the strangest gift any fan has given…or tried to give…you?
A matchbook full of long used fingernails with a different picture of me on each one.
Which do you find more difficult/intimidating ~ performing for a comparatively small audience (especially one that you know includes family and/or friends) in a more intimate venue or for a huge [faceless/anonymous] crowd at an enormous stadium?
I guess smaller is harder than bigger. But some small crowds can be great. Too large is tough to get everyone’s attention but it’s fun to try.
Do you have a collection of vinyl or cassettes? If you have vinyl, which is your most cherished album?
I always hated cassettes. I do have some vinyl 12″ and 7″. Probably my original The Rolling Stones 7″ picture sleeve of “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” on Decca is one of my favorites. Have some cool 12″ including Billy J. Kramer, Beatles, and The Rolling Stones.
If you ever decided to do an entire album of covers, which songs would make the cut?
“Train Kept a Rollin” (Johnny Burnette), “Before You Accuse Me (Bo Diddley),” “Baby Please Don’t Go” (Them), “Little Red Riding Hood” (Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs), “Sweet Little Rock ‘n Roller” (Rod Stewart), “On The Road Again” (Canned Heat), “Branded Man” (Merle Haggard)
Any musically inclined siblings?
7H-My siblings are all much smarter than me but I got the music gene. My father and grandfather both had musical talent. My mother had the art gene. I got a nice blend of the two. Don’t have a great grasp on quantum physics though.
Do the two of you in the band have nicknames for each other?
They’re top secret.
Are there any causes/organizations that are particularly close to your heart that you would encourage the public to support?
There are so many great causes but I am partial to fighting cancer and hunger.
Do you [pardon the phrase] have the balls to do what the Red Hot Chili Peppers did and perform wearing just tube socks? And if your answer is yes, are you willing to have your photo taken in those “outfits” and shown to FlashWounds’ readers?
It doesn’t necessarily take “balls” per se, but it’s been done now and is sort of their trade mark. We took a chance and gave ourselves over to the fantastically imaginative Portland artist/photographer Smith Eliot for the cover art and package of our new record Songs For a Voodoo Wedding. We let it all go and when she said, “Take it off,” we went with it and showed a little skin. I love how it all turned out. Not quite Chili Pepper-esque, but it’s not like anyone else’s cover either.