Listening to Gidgets Ga Ga makes you want to jump out of your chair, fire-up the air guitar and sing along to their catchy tunes into your hair brush. That, of course, is if you’re like me and sitting in front of a computer. I can only imagine their high-energy, power pop intensifying threefold when experiencing them live. In their own words, they have crafted “their own unique blend of galloping guitars and smoky, grungy allure to create timeless songs with an irresistible jangle”.
Well, that got us wanting to know more about them. So, Gidgets Ga Ga was king enough to humor us with some questions on how they got started, where they are today and the direction they are heading. Of course, we threw in a few of their tunes from their latest album, The Big Bong Fiasco.
When/how did your band get started?
Gidgets Ga Ga has been together for about 10 years. We were formed and got our start in Chicago in 2000. I had been gathering songs for quite a while without a vehicle to perform them, so I played with many various musicians until I found the right chemistry. But I have been through quite a few lineups, in true Spinal Tap fashion.
What are your band’s favorite songs?
Well all the songs I write are kinda like my kids, so i like them all. There are so many personalities like the red-haired stepchild, the smarty pants, the thinker, etc. My personal favorite Ga tracks are The Sorry Song, The Bomb and Dreamer. I believe they capture the essence and spirit of the band. Why? The songs have a great energy, sense of humor and are fun to perform live.
What is the Gidgets Ga Ga line-up?
Larry Beers on drums
Zac Zidron on bass
Michael “Mick” Flores on guitar and vocals.
Where did you get your name? Is there a story behind it?
The band name Gidgets Ga Ga was an idea of our original drummer, Sergio Quiroga. We had been rehearsing that day and decided it was party time… so as we were smoking and drinking, Sergio put on an old Cheech and Chong movie. The band name is a reference from a scene in the movie. I can’t think of the film’s title at the moment - I think I’m having a flashback of all the smoking and drinking. In a nutshell, that’s the story behind our name.
What genre do you classify your music?
Gidgets Ga Ga is a rock and roll band at heart. Our influences include, but not limited to, the entire British Invasion, The Replacements, The La’s, Nirvana… That’s just a few - the list goes on and on.
Who writes your songs?
Mick is the songwriter of the band. The band collaborates on the arrangements together.
What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs?
Songwriters write about what they know and personal experiences. I am no different. I like to expand on them so they are a bit ambiguous, as well as crystal clear. Most of the time I strive for them to be universal. That is a very good question as I don’t usually know the topics in advance. They bubble up and I just want to be a receptor of the melodies that happen to me.
What has been your biggest challenge as a band?
The biggest challenge I think for the band is consistency in all aspects of songwriting, live performance, recording, etc.
How does Gidgets Ga Ga deal with these challenges?
I would have to say in all honesty, the challenge is always there. You never really overcome it. Making music for me and as a band has always been for the sheer love of it. Fame and fortune would be nice but it has never been the reason we make music. It wouldn’t matter if we had fans or not. Self expression in life is more important. Songwriting is something that has always been a major part of my life. I have always written for myself first and shared with the world second. I don’t want that to change.
What’s the ultimate direction for your band?
I think the ultimate direction for us is to continue making music that matters to us regardless of trends and hype.
Can you share some of your milestones and/or accomplishments?
I think making music for the majority of my life is a milestone. It’s not easy to walk the road less traveled and be a musician.
Care to share any stories from the road?
I remember a hefty fine for a speeding ticket on the way to a Wisconsin Dells gig. Zac was driving and I think he was a bit excited because it was a very cool gig. I think the fine was like $450 bucks. Lesson learned - always mind yourself when you have out of state plates, watch out for speed traps and if you can get a device to avoid radar, by all means avoid the police!
Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial and/or emotional support?
A big shout out to all our families, friends and fans! We are very grateful for the continued love and support on our musical journey.
What advice do you have for any aspiring musicians who would like to form their own bands?
My advice is to write music you are proud of, become an ASCAP member, learn all you can about publishing, music licensing, hold on to your controlling interest as a songwriter and learn all you can about the music business, as it’s a jungle out there.
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You can learn more Gidgets Ga Ga and download their music by visiting any one of their profiles:
http://www.plugo.la/Gidgets_Ga_Ga
http://www.myspace.com/gidgetsgaga
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gidgets-Ga-Ga/114408061228
