Electric Basement

To most of our readers The Erotics are quite a new experience. So can you give all those folks out there a little band history?
The band was formed in 1996, I'm the only original member left from that line up.

The band's name is sure to draw the necessary attention. Whose idea was it to name the band The Erotics and is there a little story behind it?
It was my idea. I got it from one of The Simpson's Halloween episodes.

How did you hook up with FLR?
The Internet. Shawn believes in us 1000% and supports us better than any major ever could!

How well has your recently released debut "21st Century S.O.B." done so far? Are you happy with the way it has been received by both press and fans?
The record has been steady, which is amazing because music industry sales are at a very low point right now. And yes, our fans really dig it, we have been gaining new ones as well and the press has been great so far.

On the album some of your influences are on show with Hanoi Rocks, Kiss, Mötley Crüe and the New York Dolls being prime examples. Do these bands also inspire you and are there other bands that have influenced you along the way?
Yes these bands inspire me, as well as Guns n' Roses, Alice Cooper and AC/DC.

What are you listening to these days?
I really like Lit's new one.

Personal favourites of the album?
"Banged Up", "Agony & Ecstasy", "Girls On Drugs", "It's True", "Teenage Drag Queen" ... too many to mention!

You recently parted company with drummer Eric Stathis. Why did he decide to leave the band?
He was unable to commit to touring, that's pretty much the only reason.

Eric's place behind the drums has been taken by the to me unknown Mickey King. Was he picked through auditions or was he already a member of "the inner circle" before actually joining the band?
We held auditions, but he was already a member of the inner circle as you say.

You recorded a brand-new version of the Springsteen classic "Born In The USA" shortly after the terrorist attacks on September 11. The single was supposed to be sold for a mere 5 USD to help the victims and their families as well as the fallen fire-fighters & police officers who died in the line of duty. But your noble intentions were called to a halt because of some licensing red tape. Would you like to share some more details with us concerning this red tape and how you feel about all this?
Springsteen's management/publishing co. got word about it and we were not too happy about it. They say it was because I changed the lyrics, but I think the real reason is GREED. The song was starting to get major airplay which I don't think they were too happy about either.

According to Shawn you guys have a lot more songs in store for us. Some may end up on the FLR web pages while others will find their way onto an upcoming EP. When can we expect this release and can you give us some song titles of unreleased tracks?
I have enough songs written to do 10 albums, but we don't wanna get too ahead of ourselves. The main priority is to promote this album for a while. We've been playing new songs in our live show already and some of the titles are "Rocket To Nowhere", "Fast Cars And Porno Stars" and "Supermodel Suicide".

Live gigs are essential to build a steady following. How many gigs have you played since the release of your debut and what can we expect from The Erotics live?
We've been playing a lot since the release, mostly on the east coast. We will be playing a lot more after the New Year. Expect a lot of energy from The Erotics live!

Do you keep an eye on the glam/punk scene and what according to you makes The Erotics stand out from the "crowd"?
We're not just a glam band and we're not just a punk band, all walks of life come to our shows. I consider ourselves just a rock 'n' roll band.

Anything you'd like to add or say to the readers of Rock Report?
If you miss rock 'n' roll, that way it once was, both musically and visually, then The Erotics is for you!