This interview was done on July 8th, 2007, with Thad Merritt, bassie for Westbound Train

Chris Knighton (CK): What is the story behind the band's origin?

Thad Merritt (TM): The band's origin was in the winter of 2000. I was attending Berklee and found myself being attracted to traditional ska music which for me at that time consisted of the Skatalites and the Slackers for me.

After a rehearsal for a Jazz ensemble I heard what sounded like someone trying to play that style of music coming out of another rehearsal room. I looked through the window and saw a couple dudes trying to explain to a drummer what it was they were looking for. They noticed that I had a bass and asked me to join them. One of those guys was Obi, our fearless front man today! We played for a bit and Obi asked if I would like to play in NYC opening up for the Slackers. This was totally out of my realm of thought and made me think that he was just saying that to keep me around. I decided to wait it out and said I would love to. For three months we rehearsed our asses off every weekend for that 30 minute slot in NYC. When the time came to play we felt that we did a great job and decided to keep the band around.

Since then, only Obi and myself remain as original members... thats not to take away from anything that the current lineup has to offer! Obi and I feel nd wanted nothing to do with anything that wasn't jazz. During my first Summer away from school I was offered a gig to play jazz music with one stipulation, I also had to play ska music. I figured it would be a sinch and found it to be deceptively difficult. In the process of trying to play this music I found that I fell in love with it.

CK: You guys recently got back from a huge European Tour. I've seen the videos from it on your myspace, and it looks like a blast. What are your overall thoughts on Europe and the tour, now that it's over and you're back in the States?

TM: Europe is one huge party! The hardest part about Europe, for me, was keeping my energy up for every show. This past Spring was actually our second time to tour Europe. We were fortunate to have gone over with the Toasters in the Fall of 2005. Bucket pretty much showed us how to tour Europe and had a big part in helping us get back over there this past Spring.

This past European tour was our first headlining tour since being signed to HellCat records. We didn't know what to expect. As you could see from the videos we actually did pretty well and had people that would actually come see us perform. Not only that, we made some really good friends while over there! Part of me can't wait to go back and part of me is happy to be in my apartment in Boston taken life one day at a time.

CK: Is there anything from Europe that sticks out in your head the most? Any stories to share?

TM: Haha. Sounds like that question is a setup for trouble! Actually we "try" to be as professional as possible while on tour. Thats not to say that we don't have fun and get ourselves into a little trouble here and there.

There was a lot of ball grabbing and mooning taking place while in Europe. I would say that, for the most part, we tried to be respectful to other cultures and tried to secure places to have us back. I think the videos sum up the shenanigans taking place over there.

CK: Ska bands typically have more members than your average band, 'cause of the need for horns and whatnot. I'd imagine this can lead to a lot of problems, but from watching your European tour videos, you all seem to have great chemistry. What are the best and worst parts about having a seven piece band?

TM: Best parts:
-The sound that a 7 piece band can produce!
-You have a huge possie that scares away trouble makers.
-If you get in a argument with a band member you have 5 other dudes to hang with until you make amends.
-You have 7 heads to solve a problem. You also have 7 people with their own specific talents to lend to the group.

Worst parts:
-Money has to be split 7 ways.
-Space is more scarce while traveling. Which also translates to more $ spent on gas.
-Lodging is tougher, usually end up sleeping on a floor somewhere.
-Keeping track of everyone for autographs and van call is difficult.

CK: Recently you guys played a show at Harper's Ferry with The Skatalites and The Stolen Records. Unfortunately it was 21+ so I couldn't go. I heard the city of Boston passed these laws recently that consequently limit shows to 21+ after a certain time of night? What's up with that? Your thoughts?

TM: Boston is the most awesome town in certain areas and at the same time the wimpiest in others. I think people are scared of what they don't know. For me it all goes back to the saying that is, you can die for your country but you can't have a beer. In this case it is you can die for your country but you can't see a late night show because you might see something offensive. I can say this much. There hasn't ever been a show that comes close to what people are being exposed to in Iraq! Let alone what goes on at a Red Sox game... Especially when they play against the Yankees! I can understand parents concerned about their "kids" being out late... is an 18 year old a kid? Not in my perspective, I view an 18 year old as an adult. It looks like Cambridge may hold the trump card in hosting shows for people under 21.

CK: There's a video of you guys playing a Message to you "A Message To You Rudy" with Lynval Golding of the Specials. I have to say, watching it was some of the best one minute and forty five seconds I have ever spent. Is there any one concert experience that you guys really remember fondly?

TM: That was a beautiful experience! Lynval is one of the most down to earth people in the ska scene. Talk about someone that has done it all! That was most def. a highlight in my personal musical career! Getting to open for the Skatalites on multiple occasions is another highlight. The first show we ever played as Westbound Train was quite amazing, we opened for the Slackers in NYC. There are so many to list! I could go on and on. Playing with the Mighty Mighty BossTones was another great experience. The Reel Big Fish tour we did was another as was the English Beat tour!

CK: Your latest CD, Transitions was released on Hellcat Records in 2006, and seems to be your best work yet. This must have been a great accomplishment for you guys, placing you with well-known and respected ska bands such as The Slackers and The Aggrolites. Most of the bands on this site, and many of the readers have bands that are on local independent labels or unsigned, so I have to ask: what's it like being on Hellcat?

TM: Being on HellCat is great. I'm not gonna lie, it was always a goal of ours to be a HellCat band. I flew out to LA with Obi and we had lunch with Tim Armstrong and Chris LaSalle. The funny thing is that we barley talked about signing Westbound to HellCat. We mostly talked about music with Tim. "How'd you guy get your horns to sound like that?" "What was it like going to Berklee?" I have to say it was a very positive experience. Tim showed me that he was more concerned with making good music than the music bis side of it.

Being on HellCat records makes us take what we do much more seriously and helps us to feel part of a family that Tim and Chris have been cultivating for quite some time.

CK: Westbound Train has clearly accomplished a lot. What's your advice to local bands trying to make a name for themselves?

TM: Goto shows, meet as many people as you can. Remember names. Spend some time creating music that you feel is worthy for people to listen to. Don't get distressed if things don't work out for you instantly. This is one of the toughest ways to make a living, I am reminded of that daily! Things will come to you slowly if you stay dedicated to your art.

CK: What does Westbound Train have coming up for the future?

TM: We have a quite a few things we are talking about doing. We hope to have a Westbound Train Headline US/Canada tour this fall. I am hesitant to say with which bands, but they are some killer acts!

We hope to record a new album this winter. I personally have been coming up with some ideas for tunes on my own time. I know that Obi has a few ideas of his own.

Another European tour this winter may also be taking place. (keeping our fingers crossed!)

CK: Thanks guys! Hopefully we'll see you at a Boston show soon. But before we wrap up, do you have any last words?

TM: Big up to neska-inside!!