Fan of the Month!
Interviewed by Kayt
Finishing up 2004, we have a Pennsylvania native who saw the band on their Fall 2004 tour
and is looking forward to seeing them again. Let's welcome Scott!
For the record, what is your name?
Scott Chuss
Where were you born, and where did you grow up?
I was born in the humble city of Allentown, PA where I resided in a number of its suburbs until
finally settling down in Slatington.
What were your main interests, entertainment and otherwise, growing up? Any
obsessions you don’t mind people knowing about?
My main interests always included the arts. Writing, Drawing, Painting, Filming, Composing,
Instruments, you name it. I'm obsessed with writing though. I like to often think of writing
as my wife, which best describes not only why I write so much, but why I havn't had a
girlfriend in the longest time.
Tell us about your musical endeavors and any musical instruments you play…
Trumpet mostly. I've been trying to work my way into any local bands that want a trumpet but
none really do, Ska isn't to popular in these areas, which gives me more reason to move to
Philly.
What accomplishments are you most proud of at this point in your life?
Well, probably the amount of concerts I've been to. I can safely say I've been to more concerts
than anyone else in my school district, which isn't saying much, but it does. I would give you
an exact amount, but I honestly havn't been keeping track. I already have tickets for a Wailers
concert coming up and I'm looking into a Lars Fredrickson concert in Philly, also soon. what's
more impressive is that 3/4 of the concerts were ska. (ska summed up in four words since a lot
of people don't know: modern rock with trumpets)
What are your favorite movies?
I like a lot of satire and parody movies so obviously I'm in love with movies like "Dr.
Strangelove," "History of the World: Part 1," and "Clerks." However I really like the more
serious movies like "Reservoir Dogs," "Clockwork Orange," or "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas"
(which is more black comedy, but who's keeping score?). I also have a deep obsession with
samurai movies that not to many people know about. Lots of Sonny Chiba movies.
Do you have any favorite books?
Most definately. I'm just about to finish the seven book series: "The Dark Tower" by Stephen
King, which is an excellent grouping of books. But most of my favorites come from years ago.
"How to Kill a Mocking Bird," "The Grapes of Wrath," "Tale of Two Cities," "Cask of
Amantillado," et cetera.
What music are you into, in addition to Red Elvises?
Well, basically most underground forms of music. Punk rock (and most of its subgenres),
Techno/trance, and of course Ska (which is my favorite.) I also listen to some older
mainstream stuff. Everything from Frank Sinatra to Devo.
When, where, how, etc. did you first hear and experience Red Elvises?
Well, I first heard the Red Elvises in the movie "Six String Samurai." I found the movie
basically by accident when I was looking for anime (which I was into big at the time) and I was
looking for manga, which is a Japanese comic and the movie "Six-String Samurai" was made by a
production crew called Manga. Anyway, after that I was hooked and when the first concert came
around here in Allentown (at Musikfest) I made sure to go.
About how many times have you seen them?
Only once now. Both at Musikfest, they don't spend too much time on the east coast, haha.
What is it about Red Elvises that draws you to them, that you like the most?
With lots of modern bands I see that they forget their roots often times, but the Red Elvises
don't. They still keep that traditional rock sound with most of their music, not to mention
some very familiar Russian folk. The Red Elvises also have this way of just getting a crowd to
jump around, party, and have a great time. A party can really liven up if I put in "Shake Your
Pelvis." Only a few bands can truly pull that off well.
What’s the farthest you’ve traveled to see them? And do you have a good story around
that?
Sorry, no good stories about the Red Elvises, only saw them once. Haha, my one friend Sarah did
point out that I could have reached out and touched Oleg's crotch. It wouldn't even have been a
far reach either, a little less than an arm's reach maybe?
Any great memories of the show you saw?
Haha, well, yeah, I guess. I remember they brought a bunch of girls up on stage to dance and
there was this little boy up there no more then 12 years old, I laughed because he did less
dancing and looked more at the girls the whole time. Oh, yeah, they also aucitioned off the
famous triangle guitar at the show, someone bought it for, I believe, $500? Yeah, I wanted it
so bad.
What are your favorite Red Elvises songs?
You expect me to answer that? Dear God, I don't believe I can, But I'll try...
I have to say from their older music, probably "Schorchi Chorniye."
Their newer music... probably "Gypsy Heart." I like their more upbeat stuff too, but "Gypsy Heart"
is a really nice tune.
What would you like to see them do in the future? Any ideas? Anything you’d like to say
to the band?
There's nothing I'd like to see them do in the future, I think they've done it all already.
But I'd just like to say, keep up the good work fellas, you're my heros.
Okay, last question… Do you have anything you’d especially like to say to all the fans?
You guys are what make this band (and others) so great; keep going to their shows and showing your support!
Wondering how YOU can become a future Fan of the Month? It's very easy!
Just write to: redelvisesfotm@yahoo.com
to nominate yourself or a friend.
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