This interview was done on July 26th, 2007, with Tony Gemba (Lead Vocals and Theramine) and Andy Mirsburger (Bass and Backups) of The Boston Jolly Pirates.

Chris Knighton (CK): What is the story behind the formation of The Boston Jolly Pirates and the bands name?

Tony: I was sick of drumming and wanted to start a crazy ska-core/punk rock band with good friends where I could sing and play theremin. John Marden was the first recruit and from there we've gone through many members, but have finally landed a killer line-up. We started out in a crappy walpole,ma garage playing street punk with horns and ska-core, then we upgraded to a spot in millis,ma. then we landed an awesome space in Norwood,Ma where we recorded OBEY by ourselves. In between all of the members and space changes, we consistently wrote music we are damn proud of and played some amazing shows. Our first BOOKED show was the middle east downstairs with the slackers and westbound train.

CK: Jeff seems to be really enjoying Utz® Salt 'n Vinegar chips in your main band pic. Personally, I think Utz® are the best, but seriously, if The Boston Jolly Pirates could be sponsored by any junk food which would it be?

Andy: McChicken.

Tony: McChicken.

CK: Earlier this year The Boston Jolly Pirates released, "OBEY! We Are Your Friends." This is your second full length cd in two years. These two combined, with the "We're Coming... The Free E.P.!!!" make for an impressive list of albums. How did you go about recording your albums and do you have an advice to new bands looking to record for the first time?

Tony: We have always recorded by ourselves because we've been fortunate enough to have had 2 drummers with the equipment to record and the knowledge to get it done. Our advice would be to get a drummer (or whatever) who wants to record and produce music on the side. Or just find a friend who loves your band and will do it for next to nothing or free. Why pay an arm and a leg to have your music on cd? it's a waste of money and chances are the dude doing it isn't even into your style, he just wants to get paid.

CK: The Boston Jolly Pirates have put their first full length album, "Big Hate" for free download online (Download It Here). Here at neskainside.net we are big proponents of band-authorized free music. What are your thoughts on free distribution (band approved or otherwise) of music and its positive and negative impact on bands such as The Boston Jolly Pirates?

Andy: Well, we decided to put the first album online for free because we dont feel than anyone should actually have to pay for that. We recorded it basically for free, and pressed (copied) it out of our pockets, but that was pretty cheap as well. Websites like myspace.com help bands like us get our name out there and let people check out our music. Buy music. Don't use limewire and all that shit. If the band's giving it away themselves, awesome. If you're stealing, lame.

Tony: Plus, you gotta give A LOT to get a LITTLE in the music biz. i think it can do nothing but good for a band to give out free shit- you get more fans and their respect for you will go way up if you're handing shit out for them to enjoy.

CK: Each musical genre tends to give a different experience for show goers. Many people are drawn to ska music for its energetic live shows. What are your favorite parts about playing ska live and do anything special in preparation for a concert?

Tony: we LOVE to play live. we pretty much live for it. if we have no shows booked, we honestly get mad at ourselves and start trying to book anything anywhere just so we can hit the stage and jump around like retards. the best is when there's just a sea of movement and the kids are flipping out. to prepare for such a show, we tend to knock back a few and just talk to people at the show. nothing special really. we just cannot wait to get up there and rock out!

CK: The Boston Jolly Pirates have performed throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. What has been your favorite venue to play at?

Andy: It seems everytime we play at The Living Room in RI we have a great show. But we have a mutual love for CT.

Tony: SKANNECTICUT RULES!!! The kids there show us so much love every time we go there to play a gig. it's always worth the 2 and a half hour drive!

CK: If a fan was to go to the perfect Boston Jolly Pirates show, what would (s)he witness?

Tony: at a "perfect" BJP show you would probably witness Andy break a bass string and ruin the whole show. Unless Tri-State Conspiracy's bass player is there and nice enough to bail us out of trouble! hehe.

Andy: Yep, a perfect show requires that shit gets broken.

CK: What can we expect from The Boston Jolly Pirates in the future?

Andy: More Music.

Tony: Expect us to have a new drummer soon. Anyone wanna join? e-mail us, we'll need a new drummer by sept. (after our show with Darkbuster). That will be Ernie's last show with us sadly.

CK: Any last words?

Tony: last words......... hmmmm.....COME TO A SHOW OR BOOK US DAMMIT!

Andy: Basement shows. We want to play parties.