Volume 96, Issue 40
Friday November 8, 2002
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Sixty Stories of struggle
By Dale Wyatt
Gazette Staff
It's
nice to think of a band as a person. Each one has its own interesting
story, each one ends up somewhere totally different, yet, at the root,
everyone has to start small and grow. Self-described Canadian "post-punk"
band Sixty Stories is one band in the process of growing.
Many people are often filled with false, preconceived notions about what
being in a band is like – glamour, fame and great shows. However,
these are luxuries that usually only come after years of struggle.
Sixty Stories currently find themselves on the road struggling away in
hopes of finding success. Their shows all differ in attendance and it
is hard to know what to expect. The best they can do is show up and play
their hearts out.
"We do have our fair share of shitty shows. But then there are some
places we go that get a great turnout," explains lead vocalist and
guitarist Jo Snyder. "We had stellar shows in Germany, then came
home and only had 10 people. Europe is a totally different world. But
places like out East, it's hard because people don't know us."
Through extensive touring, which has had the band on the road since September,
Sixty Stories is hoping to win over some fans.
"Our goal is to work as hard as we can and, if we have some success,
people come to the shows and the record sells, well, then there will be
something there for us to work on.
"I'm in the middle of getting my university degree. This is fun and,
if it is successful, then that's awesome. But if it's not promising, then
we'll stop. At least that's how I feel. Some bands just keep going until
they run into the ground. I never want be one of those bands," Snyder
says.
Besides touring, Sixty Stories is trying to utilize the power of university
and college radio to gain recognition. Currently, their Web site features
an extensive list of all the stations and their contacts, so fans can
request their songs.
Being in a band can require a lot of courage. If you are not willing to
take the risk and leave security and comfort behind, your chances of making
it are small. The members of Sixty Stories have all quit their jobs, and
drummer Paul Furgale even gave up his apartment.
Their first album was released on Canada's own Smallman Records, who the
band has since developed a relationship with that is based more on friendship
than business.
"Smallman came to our show and asked us to be on the label. At the
time, we didn't know anything about them. They were not the first label
to ask us, but they were really nice. We met and hung out with them; they
had a good reputation and so we signed. It's been good. They are really
hard-working and they do a lot of stuff for us that we wouldn't do."
Sixty Stories bring their tales to Call The Office this Saturday,
Nov. 9. Tickets are $5 at the door.