Blaisin' Timothy

Last night, I had the opportunity to sit down with Blaise Haxel and Tim Bearden, the two main components of the band Blaisin’ Timothy. This was hands down the most fun interview I have ever conducted, and I interviewed Slaughter. It was probably because A.) these guys are super chill and laid back and B.) it was more like having a beer with friends than doing my job for the Q. Be sure to come to Johnny Bang Bang’s Friday, Aug. 5, for another hot set from the dynamic duo, which will actually be a trio with the addition of a friend on cajon. Cover is free prior to 7:30, but $3 after that. In the meantime, here’s what the boys had to say about live music, girls and facial hair.

 

Patrick Cornell

 

Cornell

Patrick: Have you guys ever been on the Internet?

Blaise: We had Myspace. We had a band called Cannonball Road.

Tim: With, you remember Justin Haubrich and Aaron Haubrich?

 

P: Oh, yeah. Well there’s this pretty hot, new website out there. It’s called The Local Q. How would you guys feel about getting interviewed for that?

T: You know what, I think we’re cool with that.

B: I’ve heard about The Local Q.

 

P: Good because the interview started two questions ago. How long have you guys been playing music, both individually and together?

T: Well, I picked up the guitar — my mom’s guitar — she showed me a couple things. Probably about five months after I did that, Blaise picked up the guitar, and I taught him everything he knows except for … most of it.

B: He taught me three chords.

T: Yep, that was all I needed to do.

B: He taught me — what was that song? And I would not stop playing it. Eddie Vedder does it … Where, oh where can my baby be?

T: Oh yeah. Four chords man.

B: Four chords, that’s right.

T: Yeah, (sings) oh where, oh where could my baby be?

B: That was the first song I learned.

 

P: When did you guys play your first show?

B: It would have been with Cannonball Road at Sheridan.

T: Or, if you’re talking strictly Blaisin’ Timothy, we did the talent show for QND.

 

P: Where is the best place you guys have ever played a show or most fun venue?

T: I’d say the State Room. Either Spring Show or State Room.

B: The Blind Pig was a lot of fun.

 

P: Where would you guys like to play, in Quincy or in the world?

T: Well we’ve got Bang Bang’s on Friday.

B: Bang Bang’s is going to be fun.

T: If we were to choose anywhere, in like a magical way, I’d probably say —

B: Radio City.

T: Radio City Hall.

 

P: What’s your favorite thing about live music?

B: The fans. Crowd interaction.

T: I just like the whole energy from it all.

 

P: If you could jam with anyone, alive or dead, who would it be?

T: I’m going to go with my favorite band ever: Led Zeppelin. I could just sit there and play, like, two chords and then just be there next to them just like (smiles as if living a fantasy) I’d be so happy.

B: I think I would want to play with O.A.R.

 

P: So the last two questions are two-parters, so there’s one addressed to one of you and one addressed to the other one. Blaise, is it hard being a rockstar as well as in a committed relationship?

B: (laughs) It’s terribly difficult. You go on the road like four hours, five hours away from home, you know. It’s tough to keep that bond, you know, at home… No, it’s not really.

 

P: Tim, is it hard dealing with all the groupies on your own?

T: You know what, it’s a lot of fun, and I like that some people are attracted to the music, and usually everyone had a good time from it.

 

P: Tim, again at you, are you ever discouraged by your lack of facial hair, compared to Blaise?

T: Most of the time, I have to say absolutely. I envy his beard, but I appreciate it all the same. It’s appreciation peppered with envy.

 

P: Ok, Blaise, have you ever considered shaving your head to make your beard more prominent?

B: That’s a really great idea! Wow! Have you ever thought about that?

P: I have.

B: And it didn’t work? You didn’t do it?

P: I mean I have the long hair. This is a pretty big commitment to just walk away from. But when it goes, that’s what will happen.

B: I’m actually thinking about growing my hair out a little bit longer. Not quite as long as yours, but a little. I’m going to keep it nice and clean for the most part.

 

P: Well that’s all I’ve got. Anything else you’d like to add?

B: We’re going to have a lot of fun at Johnny Bang Bang’s, so everyone should get down there.