New Jersey based band 9 circles are about to release their new album "from the outside" ad I got the chance to interview their lead singer, Cory, bassist, Mike, and guitarist, Chris (along with muchos help from their PR person Joelle), and here it is! Enjoy!

You have a new album "from the outside" coming out in December, what can you tell us about it?

Cory Pensa: It's really cool. There's a wide variety of styles on the CD, from heavy in your face rock, to cheesey chic songs. I'm very proud of it.
Chris: This album represents some of the best writing this band has done so far. It's raw, it's got variety, and it goes right along with that beer/ cigarette combo.....kinda like coke goes along with a burgers/fries.

Apart from recording a new album, what else have you been doing with your time?

Mike Nero: The band has been writing new material and playing as many shows as possible. We are busting our asses to promote the CD. We think that once you get a chance to hear it you are going to love it or throw it out your window. We just want everyone the chance to make that choice.
Cory: Sleeping, going to school, playing in a cover band, and spending time with Gina.
Chris: I've been dedicating my time to dodging phone bills and putting the money toward building a pretty decent recycling collection. You'd never have thought that empty beer bottles could take up to much damn room!

What other bands were you guys in before you got together as 9 Circles?

Mike: Cory and I have been playing in bands together since we were in the 7th grade. We started a band called Mad Hatter, which after countless members revolving through the doors evolved into what we have today.
Cory: King Lazy Bird.
Chris: I was in this kick-ass hard rock band named Head Above Water when 9 Circles asked me to audition. The music was filled with dark, emotional melodies and killer riffs, but the band was slowly falling apart after the loss of our original drummer. So, here I am.

Do you think that your tastes in music have changed, as you've got older?

Mike: My musical taste has always been very random. I went from Michael Jackson to Def Lepard, and from Miles Davis to System Of A Down. I can't make any sense of it. At one point I wanted to be Vanilla Ice. Glad that phase wore off.
Cory: Not really. I still have the same taste as I did when I was a teenager.
Chris: I think everybody's music tastes evolve with age....almost everything about us changes....the good thing is, I still like the stuff i used to listen to....I've just broadened my horizons.

What's the best thing about being in a band?

Mike: The best part of being in the band is that it is a lifestyle not a hobby. If I wasn't in this band I would be sitting at a desk somewhere waiting to get out for happy hour. It's like a permanent happy hour. I have never had so much fun in my life.
Cory: Playing your music for an audience and having them respond is probably the coolest thing in the world.
Chris: Knowing that I'm playing with solid musicians. I hardly ever have to worry about Mike, Cory, or Eric messing up during a live performance.....well, maybe Mike when he's hammered enough, but the same goes for me.....

What's the worst thing about being in a band?

Mike: The worst part is all the dedication that we out into it. "It will all pay off someday", that's what we keep on telling ourselves after being up all night entertaining groupies.
Cory: Lack of sleep, and it's very expensive.
Chris: Dealing with dickhead club owners, sort of like the trash that runs a club called Banana Tams in Springfield, Mass. More like Banana SCAMS!!! If you're ever in the area...skip it. The place sucks. Oh, lugging all of our equipment to and from shows.

Do any of you have pet hates about anything at all?

Mike: People that are cocky for no reason. Just fucking bothers me.
Chris: Pet peeves? Well, there's Cory's ego blowing up bigger than Anna Nicole Smith on an all-you-can-eat buffet line.... Otherwise, things are looking up for us.

Do you have any embarrassing CDs in your collection?

Mike: Most of them. All I have to say is Color Me Badd.
Cory: I have Vanilla Ice's first CD, with "Ice Ice Baby" (probably the best song written, I know all the words).
Chris: Sure, but my porn collection is probably more embarassing that my cd's.

What/who have you been listening to recently?

Mike: Puddle Of Mud. Can't take it out of the CD player, unless it's to put in another Puddle Of Mud CD. Fucking Sick!
Cory: The new Fuel, Sensefield, Jewel, and Splender.
Chris: Everything but Club and Country.....

What is your favorite pastime?

Mike: All I can remember is playing bass. That's what I love to do. Past, present, future.
Cory: Chillaxin.
Chris: Putting my thoughts down on paper and pouring my soul out on the guitar.....there is nothing more theraputic for me than writing songs about what makes life a bitch.

What have you got planned for the future?

Mike: We are planning a little self- funded tour for the summer. Just going to go out for a few weeks and play until we pass out. We are going to call it-Sleepin On Your Floor Tour 2004-because we are not booking any hotel rooms. Just going to crash on floors.
Chris: Well, I PLAN on being a rockstar someday...but plans don't always work out do they? So, I suppose I'll either land a job at a Wachovia Bank or rob one blind....whatever gets me to Mexico faster.

Is there anything you wish to add to the end of this interview?

Cory: Please buy the CD. We need money!! Our web site is www.9circles.org.
Chris: We're building up street teams all over the tri-state area. For info on becoming a member and getting free 9 Circles cd's and merchandise, contact Chris at stillsleeping79@yahoo.com or nowentertain@yahoo.com.