Ep. 23: Me First and the Gimme Gimme's Spike Slawson On How To Make It In The Music Business

I recently had the chance to sit down with front-man and lead singer of the Punk-Rock super group Me First and The Gimme Gimme's, Spike Slawson. Spike's candor and honestly were brought to the forefront. We had a great conversation ranging from how a musician can make a living to how The Eagles and The Gimmes have a mutual dislike for one another, (which I found very entertaining.) The Gimmies are a cover band that recreates hits from all different genres ranging from the 60's and 70's oldies to R&B classics. Each album they release focuses on a different genre of music that they infuse with punk-rock.

The Gimmes are sort of an all-star band consisting of  four different bands. Joey Cape, Dave Raun from the band Lagwagon, Mike Burkette (Aka Fat Mike) from NOFX, Spike Slawson formerly from the Swingin' Utters, and finally Chris Shiflette from The Foo Fighters.

Our interview was recorded in the back office of a venue in Scottsdale, Arizona where the Gimmes were playing that night. Please pardon the sound quality on parts of the interview since they were doing a sound check during the interview. I hope you enjoy the interview as much as I did!

What You Will Learn In This Episode:

• The realities of the music industry

• How the punk super group was formed

• Is it worth the risk to try to make it in the music business

• Is it better to self-publish or find a record label

• Where to live if you want to start a band

Resources And Links

Fat Wreck Chords Band Profile 

Follow Me First and the Gimme Gimmes on Twitter

Credits 

Produced by Reed Harvey

Edited by Reed Harvey

Intro by Bensound.com

Outro by Dying Dinosaurs

Free Audio Book 

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