Metallic Pea was borne out of a passion for music, a lack of success with women, and really, really great hair. The classic lineup, comprised of Jim Marchese, Josh Aiello, Patrick O'Grady, Jennifer Nye, and the Alesis SR-16 Bit Stereo Drum Machine, has been called "the greatest rock band of this, or any, generation" and "second only to sunlight on a list of wondrousness" [quotes courtesy of Rolling Stone and New Age Hyperbole Today, respectively]. A product, initially, of Boston's music scene, Metallic Pea is that rare act able to transcend issues of origin and talent. The band continues to rock audiences worldwide while still finding the time to maintain their admirable physical conditions. For more information about individual band members, see the Lineup page.
INTERVIEWS
On July 9, 2002 and July 18, 2002 respectively, band leader Jim Marchese and lead guitarist Patrick O'Grady sat down with Tiger Beat reporter Roberto Escalante to talk about the band, and their lives outside of Metallic Pea. (reprinted with permission)
An Interview with Jim Marchese:
RE: I hear that you're the musical soul behind the group, that you pretty much forge the style and direction of Metallic Pea. True?
JM: I believe that we all have a certain contribution within the band that needs to be recognized. It's a culmination of all these characteristics that really shape the Metallic Pea sound. The idea of one person being the "musical soul" is ludicrous.
RE: Be honest. You're carrying the band artistically.
JM: Well, I need to let my influences come out in my music. That's not to say that I'm trying to copy any band's style, but I do let my eclectic tastes in music govern the way I write, and live for that matter.
RE: Can you trace your drive and desire to be the best to an acute Napoleonic complex?
JM: Wait, is that a shot at my height?
RE: Explain the term "Rico".
JM: Ahh, "Rico". A nickname that has stood the test of time. Well, Josh and I have been friends since the days on the T-Ball field. We were in high school when that fine tune "Rico Suave" by Gerardo came out. The song was about being addicted to chicks. Anyway, it must have been our sophomore year, yeah sophomore year Physics class. We were having a good time, pulling a few swindles, meeting a few chicks, and just started calling each other Rico. Yeah, me and Josh. Rico and Suave.
RE: You all dabble in side projects. What are you working on now?
JM: Currently I'm working on my DJ project called Catalyst. It's a combination of hip-hop/house music, which are another two of my musical interests. It's quite a stretch from the rock of Metallic Pea, but I'm hoping that by exploring other passions through a side project, I can push the sound of Metallic Pea even further.
RE: My favorite MP song is "Streets of NYC (Livin')". Did you really live on the streets?
JM: Well, since I've been collaborating from Philly, I had it in my head to do a song called "Streets of Philadelphia", but Springsteen beat me to it. He doesn't even live in Philly!
RE: Is it true you fought a girl in a pizza parlour last summer?
JM: That really depends on who you ask. I'm not at liberty to give out a story like that, you'll have to speak to my publicist.
RE: What's it like being in Metallic Pea?
JM: Being in Metallic Pea? What can I say? Classics over and over. Sometimes it's tough to be a rock star. Live fast, die young.
RE: You look strong.
JM: Yeah, I am.
An Interview with Patrick O'Grady
RE: How tall are you?
POG: My license says six feet even. But on stage I appear over eight feet tall.
RE: You really shred, you know?
POG: You should hear me at practice. That's when I really let loose.
RE: Tell me about your hair.
POG: My hair has been pissing me off lately. I may have to write a song about it.
RE: Why the guitar?
POG: Why breathe? For me it wasn't really a choice, as it was something my mother made me do. But I grew to love it, much like a father grows to care for a child he never wanted to have.
RE: Does it ever bother you how cute Josh is?
POG: No. Have you seen HIS hair?
RE: What are your musical influences?
POG: I got really into the indie scene, like way before it was even cool. I was really into bands like Sy and the Family Bone, Rocket in my Pocket, Break Fast, Journey, Baggage (Excess), this German band called All Cars Report to the Garage, Fun with Suicide stuff like that. And Kenny Rogers, did I say him already?
RE: How many chords do you know?
POG: Six.
RE: Why don't you guys have a regular drummer?
POG: The drummer position will be remain temporary until John is out of rehab. (Editor's Note: John is in rehab for his addiction to chewable aspirin. As far as it's known he has never played live or recorded any music with the band. The band officially lists there drummer as the "Alesis SR-16 Bit Stereo Drum Machine.")
RE: What was the inspiration behind C.O.B. (High Life) ?
POG: It's really too painful to go into but I will say it has to do with being very poor.
RE: What are you guys working on now?
POG: We are constantly writing new songs. The inspiration can come from anywhere. Josh and I were at the mall the other day and I came up with a song called
Ann Taylor (Why Don't You Sell Men's Clothing?) and Josh came up with a song that he might expand into a rock opera or concept album called, "The Jester of the Food Court."
RE: Can your fans expect any posters in the near future?
POG: We are working a new poster. In a word: Awesome.
RE: Any truth to the rumors of your solo project?
POG: The rumors are long dead... because my solo project is very much a reality. Gen. O'Grady's Freedom Fighters have cut a demo we like to call, "Depth Charges."
