Sarah M Vasquez

Sometimes I walk into an interview with the story already planned out in my head. I can figure out what questions to ask to get what I need to pump out the story quickly, but then I’ll ask that one question that completely changes my whole angle. That’s what happened with Equals.

I’ve been sitting on this story since August. I thought this was going to be a complete cut and dry story. “Here’s this San Marcos band who is finally releasing their debut EP and this is what it was like to record it.” I heard the name around the music scene, but hadn’t seen them live yet.

I’m not one for instrumental bands because I think most of them sound the same. I like to be charmed with catchy lyrics and a danceable beat. But I decided to give this band a chance after their publicist pitched them as a future article. After I heard “Table Monster,” I was sold. Finally, something refreshing and new.

Usually as a fun little ice breaker, I’ll ask the band to tell me what they think each member brings into the band. Sometimes it’s hilarious. Sometimes it ends in a group hug.

Usually I cut the interview off at 15 minutes, but for Equals, they answered everything I threw their way with no protest that I decided to continue by asking the band member question. I ended up with an over-30-minute-long interview which was a complete bitch to transcribe (I had to figure out everyone’s voice and then listen to each separate voice over and over again because they talked over each other), but it was a solid 35 minutes.

As I was listening to the ice breaker, I found my story. I changed my angle and that delayed the article. But I think it was well worth it (at least for me). The EP, by the way, is on heavy rotation on my iPod, but I don’t recommended listening to it while you’re walking downtown by yourself at night. Talk about feeling like a cop drama waiting to happen.

This band on stage, though, is where it’s at. Go see a live show.

Click on the image below to read the article. I’ll post the link to the online version once it’s up.