Jared DuBach
Daily Egyptian
Headline:
Passion for music is something Derek Cook and Eric Watkins say they hold in high regard as the reason for the longevity of the alternative pop band, Cruces.
Cruces, which will perform Saturday at Boo Jr. and Co., began playing in June 1991 when Cook was still in high school. The two other men with whom Cook started the band, Danny Wilson and Christopher Fouche, left the group by 1993, and many band lineups have taken place since then.
The current lineup includes Cook on vocals and guitar, Watkins on guitar, Scott Doudera on bass, and Nate Blache on drums.
According to Cook, the name "cruces" came up when he and the original members were flipping through a dictionary. They came upon the Latin word "cruces," which refers to a pivotal moment or turning point. "Cruces" was originally one of three Latin words picked out by the band to use for a name. They chose the word because they could relate it to their musical careers. Cook says majority rule ended up deciding that the band would be called Cruces. Although Cook explained "cruces" was not his first pick, the name has managed to stick with the band.
The band members have diverse musical tastes. Cook says that he listened to Depeche Mode when he first joined the band, and then he started listening to The Cure. He says that in recent times, he finds himself listening to the indie rock band Built to Spill and various movie soundtracks. Watkins says he listened to Jawbox, Fugazi and Helmet prior to his entering the band in 1996.
Not only has the sound of the band changed over time, but according to Cook, so has the method of writing lyrics. Cook said that since marriage and responsibilities of adult life have become relevant in his life, he has had to alter his writing perspective.
"I have to set something up in my mind," Cook explained. "When I was young, it was all drawn from personal experience. I kind of make it up like a novelist."
Cruces has made several recordings during its long history, but only two are made available at shows for sale. According to Cook, 1995's "Anna Victrix" and "Lost Episode," which was released in March, are the titles for sale.
"At one time, the desire for success was the driving force behind the band's longevity," Watkins said. "Now, that driving force is the absolute love of playing music and the desire to add just one more fan to the Cruces fan base."
Watkins also said that with the musicians' current jobs, they are left with little time to change or update their songs to fit their current musical tastes, which are centered around melodic rock sounds. But according to Watkins, the band's drive to stay together is largely based upon the demand for their performance.
"I just hope that people continue to want to see the band play," Watkins said. "As long as that happens, I think we'll keep playing."
Cruces is playing at 10 p.m. Saturday at Boo Jr. and Co. with Superstar Status.
For more information on Cruces, go to http://www.crucesrock.com
Reporter Jared DuBach can be reached at jdubach@dailyegyptian.com
Published on 11/17/05; 12:24:44 PM
