Get to Know...

Kevin From Midway!





In the Newsletter, we had him answer 5 questions! Now here are the rest...



1. Where are you from originally, and what brought you to Los Angeles?

I'm originally from Indianapolis (GO Colts), but moved to Boston for school. That's where MIDWAY's original bassist (Emily) and I met. At the time she was a saxophonist, and I played trombone. We eventually started a pseudo ska-band called "Ever Since Day One" and did pretty well throughout the northeast. I ended up moving to LA after some terrible band break-up drama and swore off playing music. I came to southern California strictly for the weather! (true) MIDWAY’s drummer-to-be, Jason Kisvarday, introduced me to the Mr. T's scene back in 2000 and I started getting the urge to play again!

2. How did the name Midway come about?

I remember it like it was yesterday... Josh, Jason, Emily and I were messing around writing silly instrumental songs. That particular night we had just started writing the song that later became "Tabe Tai" and I (not so cleverly) stole a little riff from Mrs. Pacman. During a short break, we were trying to remember who put out that classic arcade game and when we settled on our answer we had found our new band name, taken from Bally Midway. Thank goodness too, because before that night Josh was calling the band "Faya," which nobody else understood or liked too much... Faya, Josh? Really? How do you pronounce that?

3. How did the current line-up meet?

Emily, Josh, and I all had a Boston connection and all ended up moving west. I met Jason through a mutual friend because we were both WAY too into the Dukes of Hazzard. Theresa came out to see MIDWAY's second show which was at Jason’s 'going away party,’ strangely enough. So while Jason back-packed around China and Vietnam over the next 9 months, the rest of us started working together, continuing to write new songs and add words to our quirky instrumentals. Jason came back to find us gigging around town with a drum machine.

4. What has been the craziest show you have played to date?

I think the craziest we've ever been on stage was at Kiss Or Kill for Sean's birthday. There were lots of cupcakes flying around the Echo that night! The craziest place we've ever played though was a "clothing optional" party in the Hollywood Hills. Naked water slide. Naked moon bounce. Naked mud wrestling. And MIDWAY playing poolside, fully clothed I might add.


5. Besides Keyboards do you play any other instruments?

I like keyboards best, but I've played trombone for years too. I've also been known to rock the turntables! (iPod DJ's be damned!)

6. Why the Keys? What made you want to start playing?

I never thought I'd be playing keyboards in a band. EVER! Back in the Boston days, I was producing a demo for a 3 piece band called "Soak." There were some melodic ideas that I really wanted to try out on one of their songs, and those fools didn't want any part of it! Eventually I forced them into a rehearsal space and played one song with them on a borrowed keyboard. The drummer and the songwriter huddled and whispered to each other for a minute, turned to me, and asked if I'd join the band on the spot! What the heck?!?! I ended up joining the group and learned how to play a little.

7. How did Midway's involvement with Kiss or Kill come about?

When did you play your first Kiss or Kill show? We played our first Kiss or Kill show way back when it was at the Garage! I'm not sure how we even got booked that night, but I remember being blown away by the Dollyrots and Bang (Bang sugar Bang). We've been proud to be a part of KoK ever since!!!


8. What do you feel makes Kiss or Kill different from other nights in Los Angeles/Hollywood?

Mr. T’s bowl was king for years, but after that Electric Eel Shock show shut it down and Joe T passed away, everything changed. Kiss or Kill started up, and it quickly became obvious that the aspirations of the scene itself were much bigger. Although Mike TV wanted to see the launchpad bands achieve success, he was very protective about who came to T's and was careful not to attract the masses to the club itself. Mike wanted it to stay the same underground haven for rock and roll forever and ever. Kiss or Kill is all about growth and expansion, and the doors are WIDE open to anybody that wants to participate. The billboards go up, and the ads go in the Weekly. The Kiss or Kill community sets goals and celebrates reaching them together, whether it be taking over a club, taking a bus tour to Vegas, or promoting it's own compilation CDs. In Kiss or Kill, a band can become popular in Los Angeles honestly and with integrity and without selling out.

9. So when does the Midway CD come out?
No comment.

10. How is the bassist search going?
No comment. (Is it getting hot in here?)

11. In your own words how would you describe the Midway sound?

Hardest question ever! I used to joke that MIDWAY was like 'The B-52’s without the gay guy’ or that we sounded like 'Blondie and Rick Ocasek playing Nintendo together.' I really don't know, to be honest. We never set out to "sound" a certain way... it's just supposed to be fun.


12. How has the sound evolved over the last few years?

We definitely rock a little harder since Sean joined the band. There's this melancholy undertone that's always been there (even when we were more candy-pop than we are now) but is finally bubbling to the surface.


13. What bands have influenced you personally? Personally?

Cake, The Cardigans, The Cars, and a whole bunch of rap and jazz artists from my youth.


14. What would be your dream bill to play on?

Cake. Cake and MIDWAY. Maybe Chissum Worthington too. I like that guy.



15. What's your favorite kind of cereal?

Life cereal. It ain’t bad with water in a pinch either. Just make sure when you drench the cereal with water, drain it immediately and don’t leave any water in the bowl. …Ah, the glamorous rock and roll lifestyle




Learn more about Midway by visiting their official website www.midwaymidway.com or myspace.com/midway.

Midway is playing the first Kiss or Kill of 2007 at Safari Sams (5214 W. Sunset Blvd. LA 90027)
Check www.kissorkillclub.com for more info.