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03.22.10- AJAX TALKS ABOUT ART AND MUSIC WITH JOSEPH EVENHALL

I have interviewed many artists in my day and all of them have had their heads in the stars. My interview with founding member of The Napoleon Blownaparts and chief designer for Eerie Pop Ajax Garcia reveals that he is no exception. I also have come to realize that there is more to the spirit that drives this man to create throughout all the madness one can endure.

(Joseph) In my time I have been introduced to many great artists through interviews. I really like the work of Todd McFarlane and Kevin Conrad and I can see your style fitting in with the likes of these two iconic artists. Both Conrad and McFarlane have enjoyed commercial success while you seem to struggle. What is your take on this?

(Ajax) Never met Todd before but Kevin and I used to talk on the phone years back and he has definitely served as one of my influences. I am way in to his style. By the way thank you for finding me as an "Image Comics" fit. I am a long time fan and have been since the early 90's of McFarlane. I remember I used to sit with a very special youngster in my life and we'd read and read comics together for hours. I used to teach him about IMAGE and SPAWN and stuff like KISS with hopes that he would catch on. Not sure if he ever did though. I now believe that everything happens for a reason. I have had more than my share of opportunities to succeed at my dreams and in many ways I have succeeded. I can only recommend that anyone contemplating a career in music or art to please complete school and college and be sure to major in business.

(Joseph) So what the hell drives Ajax to create?

(Ajax) Honestly I have been forced in to facing difficult things throughout my life as a kid and creating is the only way to deal with the stuff that I needed to deal with. My art and music are direct expressions of my heart and soul.

(Joseph) Well put Ajax. You have experienced some success with both your art and music and how did you deal with that in the midst of addiction?

(Ajax) Success is as only as good as the person making it. I am not rich by any means and times have been pretty bleak. I have been lucky enough to have created for some of my heroes from my childhood but I still struggle for my art. I have lost everything in my life for the only skill that I was given. It's like a catch 22 right? God gives me this great skill but doesn't share with me how hard the road ahead is going to be. I think you and I have to figure that part out and just have faith. Addiction is like a toxic relationship. It hurts you to the point that you can't see straight and all you know how to do is make poor decisions.

(Joseph) I'm not trying to go deep…….well ok I am! I have listened to and read some other interviews with you and it sounds like you have been through a lot of turmoil in your young life. How do you cope?

(Ajax) You learn. I don't blame anyone for any of my failures but at the same time people should be responsible for their actions. I have made my share of mistakes trust me and am still making them and learning to own them.

I can't take back the past and I am learning that I am wrapped up in a vicious cycle that is more a family tradition. My Father and Mother handed me a heavy dynasty of pain that has effected everyone person that I have ever cared about in my life and though I suffer I will try with my entire person to turn this ship around. Break the cycle! Without my art man it is all over for me.

(Joseph) Shit that is quite intense Ajax. I want to discuss your new album "Crisis" and what is was like making it.

(Ajax) Emotional. Only a musician will fully grasp and understand how emotional it is to create a collection of songs on no comfortable budget. Empty pockets is why "Crisis" is the way it is.

(Joseph) Explain a little more why you and Jesse decided on the title "Crisis" and touch a little more on what you mean about emotional.

(Ajax) Well you got your advanced copy right? You tell me what you think about the lyrics? That's what I mean about fucking emotional. This album opened up my heart like a fucking dull can opener man.

(Joseph) "Hate and anger are a thing of the past, I'm at the dawn of a brand new war" These are words from the first song "WAR". One of my favorites is "Hedonistic Babies" and the line "Republican people keep a man on his knees…..watchin' have nots fall from the middle to deep". These are some very serious lyrics you are singing. I heard the album and have to say it came across very sad to me, I mean even your humor is jaded and when I think you're trying to be lovable you come across like a kicked dog.

(Ajax) I am what I am and call it like I see it.

(Joseph) So what about the title "Crisis"?

(Ajax) The name just fits. My entire life is a crisis (laughs). I grew up in a crisis and the words express crisis, our world is in a crisis and so for that I made a record about how I feel.

(Joseph) The overall sound is raw and almost frantic. Is that kind of production something that took the band a long time to prepare for?

(Ajax) Naugh it came natural. I have always had a sense of urgency and so it just came out. An old friend of mine asked me once what I felt it took to keep on playing and to appeal to a young demographic. I told him to never stop being desperate.

"CRISIS" is now out and can be purchased online through many of the major online retailers.

I think everyone will enjoy it as much as I did. Please check part 2 of this interview in the coming weeks.