Interview with Sister Hazel's Jett Beres and Mark Trojanowski By Dave B. Roberts and the Hazelnuts, photos by Keith Hauck (copyright ExtremeGuitars.com) It’s another year, and as I usually do every year, I like to see what our friends Sister Hazel are up to. As usual, the guys are on the road, this time in support of their latest and perhaps (as they put it) the best-realized Sister Hazel record start to finish fittingly named Absolutely. Sister Hazel has always made it known that it's always been about the music but equally important has always been the fans. “We're journeymen and we've focused on creating a cathartic experience for our fans. We want our fans to feel what were feeling, so the lyrics are really important. Equally important is capturing that elusive live show magic” states SH bassist Jett Beres. Sister Hazel has always been one of the most consistent, regular touring bands out there giving their fans what they want… and more. “We've created a community of like-minded people who enjoy the music as much as we do. We’re still having fun and that translates. All of us try to be accessible to our fans, and we really are concerned with their journey as much as ours. ” says guitarist Ryan Newell. We decided to employ this fan interaction for our latest interview with Sister Hazel featuring drummer Mark Trojanowski and Bass Guitarist Jett Beres. We asked the fans to submit their questions for the band and we had many AWESOME ones! Enjoy! When you start the song-writing process, what comes first, the lyrics or the music? Jett Beres: For me, it's what’s most inspiring at the time. Finding something fresh and exciting either in a concept, a line, a melody or a groove, then letting that be the foundation to build on. And how do you blend the two together to make that perfect match? Jett: When the components of lyric, melody, and music start to come together, I just follow my instinct. For me, it's about the whole thing together, and what kind of emotion that it elicits. That emotion is pure, and has to come from a pure place. It can't be manufactured. To get there you've got to follow your heart. You guys have a song called "happy", what makes you happiest? Jett: Makin music, and makin babies! Mark Trojanowski: Time home with my wife and dog. Any lessons learned from your fans over the years? Jett: Make damn sure someone is gonna catch you if you plan on stage diving! For what "one" thing are you patting yourselves on the back? Mark: That we have always done things our way and under our times when we can. Do you prefer indoor concerts or outdoor fests? Mark: Indoor concerts are usually my favorite because I feel like we connect with the audience better. But I do like playing some of the big festival with thousands of people. What's been the biggest change or challenge as a band since you have been in the Music business? Jett: The music business! It's a damn oxymoron!! Mark: To keep up with technology as well as to keep bringing new fans to our music. Define the band Sister Hazel presently compared to Sister Hazel 13 years ago? Mark: I think each guy’s personal life has grown with more responsibility and with the addition of children. What has been your most rewarding individual personal experience being in this band? And as a band? Jett: The stories over the years of how, in one way or another, this band has affected or impacted peoples lives. It gives us purpose, and immense gratification. We've all had horrible travel experiences from time to time. What is the scariest or most horrible road trip, flight or hotel experience you have ever had and will never forget? Jett: Having our plane struck by lightning. Mark: 2 plane flights. Once we had to land with no flaps and the pilots were being told by the ground crew how to land the plane without using any flaps. Second; We were on the way to Japan and the new pilot over heated one of the engines and we had to turn around and dump all the fuel for an emergency landing. Name one thing you could not live without when you are on the road? Jett: Cell phone Mark: My computer What areas would you like to tour that you have never been before? Jett: Australia Mark: Europe and Australia Jett, I remember you once commented how you love those orange candy circus peanuts, just kidding! Since you don't care much for sweets, what is your favorite touring snack food? Jett: If I'm being good, fruits in season...if I'm being bad, beef jerky and any type of cheese, cheap to expensive...then there's ALWAYS Chick-fil-A What is your favorite venue or tour city? Mark: Chicago House Of Blues Mark: What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a drummer? Mark Trojanowski: To take lessons and learn proper technique early. This will help in not developing any bad habits. GO listen to as many drummers as you can. What's the hardest part of touring? Mark: Being away from the family. If the rock boat could sail anyplace in the world, where would you want it to stop? Jett: I was thinking a Nile Rock Boat would be cool. You know, party at the pyramids and whatnot. Mark: I have not been to the Greek Isles so that would be really cool. I think this has been asked before, but if you were not a musician, what would you like to be doing? I remember once Ken talking about car salesmen (my hubby is an Audi car guy) and he said he'd love to be a car salesman... But really, what could you see yourself doing? Jett: Architecture; My other great passion. Perhaps combining the two by designing and building music venues. Mark: I was very heavily involved in sports when I was growing up and had to gradually give them as I wanted to pursue music. So I think I would have pursued sports in some aspect. For the parents, what's an ideal day with you and your kiddos? Jett: One where I somehow get out of changing any diapers. How hard is it to incorporate "band life" with "family life"? For example, going to school functions or out to dinner with family. Jett: Not hard at all for me. I've been lucky enough to find a balance between the two, very different, worlds. What are your favorite places to eat while on the road? Mark: Good steak houses or sushi. There's so much talent exuding from this band, no matter what role the members have in creating their awesome unique sound, each one equally contributes in a way that adds a special touch resulting in a unity, a marriage of wonderful harmonies, musical aptitude, vocal flair and lyrical genius, that in my opinion will never be matched...the pleasure they bring to so many who truly understand and appreciate their work is phenomenal...my question is, do the guys see their talents as a gift from God? Mark: I think I had some raw talent when I was young but I practiced many hours growing up. I think I had to take what I was given and then I needed to put the time in and develop it. Looking to the future, where do the guys see themselves in 10 – 15 years? Jett: In a commune with all my bandmates, and their families gardening organic vegetables, making our own clothes, smelting iron ore for rudimentary hunting weapons, and occasionally writing music. Mark: I like to be producing other artist’s records as well as continuing to write. What is Mark's favorite sport to participate in? Mark: I like tennis a lot because you can really just compete against yourself. Plus you can pretty much play it your whole life. Jett, tater tots or fries? Jett: both, anytime, night or day Can Mark be bribed to come out after a show? Mark: Gift certificates to restaurants usually work just fine or cases of fine wine but it has to be a vintage year. How do you get your creative juices flowing? Jett: It might sound corny, but I always get inspired by going to the beach. Something about the vastness of the ocean, the rhythm of the waves, just has a way of clearing my head. It helps me both relax, and focus at the same time. Do you have a favorite song from "Absolutely" and why is it your favorite? Mark: "Where Do You Go" I really like the groove we came up with. Copyright 2007 Dave B. Roberts & www.extremeguitars.com is the web home of articles and interviews written by Dave Roberts. All Dave Roberts interviews & articles are available for use or FREE reprint ONLY by Permission and proper credits. Permission can be obtained by contacting dave@extremeguitars.com. All materials are Copyright 2004 Dave Roberts and On Tour Ent., All Rights Reserved.