Codell Rodriguez
Daily Egyptian
Fresh, young and only about 10 shows old, Princess Sweepstakes has just started in the music world and may already be calling it quits.
Sweepstakes is made up of Zach Dellorto-Blackwell on bass and guitar, Monte Swell on Bass and Guitar and Zac Nelson on drums. The group calls their style "Southern Pride Zombie Rock," and has only a couple more shows before going their separate ways. However, they are getting ready to record an album titled "Keep It Up."
But before leaving, Princess Sweepstakes and their unconscious cats, who were too lethargic to move even when a drink was spilled on them, decided to go one-on-three with the Daily Egyptian at their home.
DE: Let's start out with the basics. How long have you been together?
Swell: November or something?
Blackwell: Yeah.
Swell: November of 2001.
DE: What made you decide to form a band?
Blackwell: I guess music's one of the only things that makes me happy. And I hate most music.
Swell: So instead of criticizing it, do it yourself.
Blackwell: I'm actually kind of a music fanatic, but when I hear generic music, it really gets my goat.
DE: Who are your influences?
Swell: Mostly '70s bands I guess.
Blackwell: Yeah.
Swell: Anything that doesn't place too much emphasis on slickness.
DE: Do you have a favorite album at the moment?
Blackwell: "Surf's Up" by the Beach Boys is the shit. It's ridiculous.
Swell: I've definitely have been on a Cleveland punk kick for a while too.
DE: How many shows have you played?
Swell: About 10?
Blackwell: Yeah. So I guess you could say we're still kind of new.
Swell: But we're soon to be old. We have two more shows after this weekend. We're splitting up geographically.
Blackwell: Maybe.
Swell: So get it while you can, suckers! (laughs)
DE: Any crazy experiences at any of your performances?
Blackwell: Other than us? I did get punched last time. I was punched in the face. But who knows. I was so wasted, I don't remember what the guy looks like. I could've done something. I don't know.
Swell: Some girl started yelling my name last time. That was gross.
Nelson: Monte! (mocking) Some dude started calling us posers before we even played. It's just because we're so goddamn attractive. What are you supposed to do when you see people like us?
Blackwell: Yeah, I'd hate us.
DE: What would your superhero names be?
Nelson: We were talking about this the other day.
Swell: Yours was Johnny Dollar. (pointing to Nelson) Jimbo Common. (indicating himself)
Blackwell: Mine was something to do with bullshit.
Swell: Jimbo Common. (scoffs) Or Larger Man. He's larger than the problem.
Nelson: You had something like Tito Bullshit. (laughs)
DE: What can you win in the Princess Sweepstakes?
Blackwell: Depression, Alcoholism. (laughs)
Nelson: Cynicism.
Swell: Yeah, for sure. Cynicism is definitely projected.
Blackwell: It's probably the grand prize.
Nelson: Oh, you liked our show? Fuck off! Actually I'd be giddy if someone said they liked our show. (laughs) Really? Awesome! (in squeaky voice)
DE: If you had a clone, what would you name him?
Swell: Dad. (laughs)
Nelson: That pretty much sums it up.
Blackwell: Yeah, that's it.
Nelson: Mine's name is Jesus.
Catch Princess Sweepstakes Saturday at Boo Jr. and Co. with Dekalb bands, HiLo and Fusco.
Published on 11/17/05; 12:24:44 PM
