Interview with Phantom Planet

Even before drummer Jason Schwartzman took his unexpected leap into immortality with his acting debut as the academically dysfunctional theatre prodigy in the cult classic film, Rushmore, his band Phantom Planet was already making bold strides toward national success, although it is doubtful that Schwartzman's immediate popularity hindered their effort. Phantom Planet's guitarist Darren Robinson got a quick word in with during dinner at a Milwaukee restaurant.

Recoil: What do you feel sets Phantom Planet apart from other bands?
Darren Robinson: Every band tries to be unique in their own way and I think what we strive to do is rely on melody and a really kick ass live show.

R: What do you find to be the most frustrating aspect of the music business?
DR: The business part (laughs).

R: How much do you have to deal with it?
DR: We have a great manager and he deals with the business part for the most part, but we are involved in it and we like to be in control of what's going on so unfortunately we have to be heavily involved.

R: How many records is your album contract for?
DR: I, I I don't want to go into it.

R: How would you describe your music?
DR: Feel-good rock and roll.

R: Lyrically, what are your songs about?
DR: It ranges, like 'Wishing Well' is about Alex' terrible time in Las Vegas and 'Always On My Mind' is kind of a love song, 'California' is about getting back home from being on the road, 'Turn Smile Shift Repeat' is about the banality of the business world - anything you want, we got it.

R: What exactly was Alex's terrible time in Vegas?
DR: He went to Vegas one night with a bunch of friends and, uh, it just wasn't a good time for him. He hates that place.

R: I was looking at your web site - there's a lot of content about eating. What do you guys eat on the road?
DR: Actually, I'm at dinner right now. That's kind of funny. Alex and Jason are pretty much vegetarians so they try to find [places that sell] whole foods. But we all love sushi, we eat a lot of sushi. And right now I'm at a Thai food restaurant.

R: Why should anyone come to see your band or buy your album?
DR: You should come see us because each of us gives everything to the show and to the audience and we really want to make sure everyone's having a good time. And you should buy our record because it's good old, sincere rock and roll. There's a song for every occasion and every emotion.