Life Sentence interview from Maximum Rock'n'roll, February 1987
Interview by Heidi of Dogmatic zine
MRR: Who's who in the band?
LS: The band is Joe (me) on vocals and bass, Eric on guitar and vocals, and Tom on drums.
MRR: How long have you been together?
LS: A little over 3 years, but our current line-up has been together about one and a half.
MRR: What is the driving force behind your music?
LS: The driving force is a '79 Chevy van! No, 'cause we are all really into our instruments and playing live.
MRR: Who writes the songs?
LS: Eric used to write most of it, but I now write most. I write the lyrics and I'll have one rhythm and play it for Eric, and he will think of a second rhythm... and vice versa.
MRR: Do you have any opinions on the Chicago hardcore scene?
LS: Mainly that it's turned into mindless consumerism. Chicago has such a large scene, yet it's one of the least productive scenes we have ever encountered. There aren't half as many zines or bands as there were a few years ago. Not only that, the kids are so spoiled and lazy; they don't care that they have to pay $10 to go to a show and don't question it. They would never think of trying to put on their own show because someone else is doing it for them. That's why in the smaller scenes around the country the kids appreciate you coming to their town, because they worked for the show themselves!!!
MRR: Is there anything you would like to change about it?
LS: Yes, we are going to attempt to open our own warehouse and do shows and live there too. We know a lot of people in Chicago and already groups like Zoetrope are willing to help out! That means that the next time U.P.S. or False Prophets or whoever are in Chicago, they'll have a show!!!
MRR: How do you feel you fit into the scene?
LS: That's a good question. I feel we're a part of it because we know so many people and we try to go to all the shows and try to help others out. We put up just about every band that comes through Chicago because they've put us up or will in the future. But then I also feel we don't fit in because we tour a lot and play out-of-town almost every weekend. We never get to play Chicago because certain people don't like us for one reason or another. But what gets me pissed off is when people would ask us why we never play Chicago and we've play the Igloo five times and no one was there!
MRR: You have an album coming out; are you happy with it?
LS: Our record is a 10-song 12" and we're not really pleased with the recording. Five songs were recorded over a year ago with our old singer, and we really didn't know what we were doing in the studio so it sounds shitty. But we recorded the other 5 two months ago and they sound a lot better thanks to Zoetrope, who helped us in the studio.
MRR: Any big plans for the future?
LS: We'd like to put out another record by spring, another big summer/fall tour, maybe Europe later on, maybe even move to San Francisco.
MRR: Are you satisfied with what you'be accomplished so far?
LS: We're satisfied but we're also in major debt! Being in the black is the main goal right now!
MRR: How would you like for people to know about you, as a band and your music?
LS: Life Sentence is a group of three schmucks who aren't trying to look like GBH and sound like DRI! We're into it to have fun, but we're also in it to express ourselves on many subjects and maybe provoke people into thinking You're more of a threat if you think and become involved that if you have a "way rad" haircut and get drunk all the time. Take a stand! Protest and survive! Don't be "too punk" to smile! Eat at Naugles! Blah Blah Blah!
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