Q - Starting off... Can you each please state your name, age, what you do in the band and nicknames if you have any?
A - Rob Nagy is 21. He plays bass and sings.
Steve Valentini is also 21. He plays the drums.
Chris Veska is 22. He sings and plays guitar.

Q - As a band, are all of the members more like a close-knit family or just business associates with a similar goal?
A - Number 1, we all collectively form a fanatical, coffee drinking cult. We get together most days to complain about music/gear over coffee. Eventually we get to business.

Q - How did you decide on the name "Eleven Minutes Away"? Does it have a special meaning?
A - We are always eleven minutes away from giving up completely.

Q - What music or artists have inspired you the most or influenced you to do what you do today?
A - Other Canadian indie bands and musicians have always played a major role in how we write music. We all grew up listening to a wide variety of bands from just about every style of music out there, but one thing we had in common is that we have all heard and drew influence from the same local bands. Basically, we strive to maintain a creative, unique sound without distancing ourselves from styles of music that are currently popular within our local scene.Aside from that, Chris loves the Smashing Pumpkins.

Q - How would you describe the relationship between the band and your fans?
A - Personally, we like to think of our “fans” as our FRIENDS. When on tour, we make a point of initiating conversations with everyone we meet, even people who are just coming over to our merch table to see what we're all about. We just hope that people who see us play at shows enjoy our music and have a good time.

Q - What music or artists are currently in your CD player?
A - Cave In, Gorilla Biscuits, The Mars Volta, Outkast, Propagandhi, and Settlefish.

Q - What bands would you recommend that everyone should hear but has not gained the exposure that they deserve?
A - Any of the bands on Deep Elm, especially Burns Out Bright and Clair De Lune. They're all great people and amazing musicians.

It's hard to think of specific bands, but we think all bands that actually make it as far as
going on tour deserve some respect. If they're at that level, it means that they're determined and working hard. If you're ever at a show and there's a touring band playing, at least stick around to check out their set and help them out if you can. They will REALLY appreciate it and most likely need all the help they can get.

Q - How would you describe your live shows?
A - It's pretty difficult for a band to describe their live show. You could probably say that we
try to do what every other band does; we put on an energetic, emotional live performance that will hopefully keep people interested in us and feeling that they've got their money's worth.

Q - How would you say that your music and the band itself have evolved from when the band first started?
A - Over the years we have developed our musical skills and our methods of creating music together as a band. Individually, our influences have changed over time and each one of us is listening to different bands and different styles of music. When we get together to write, each of us will contribute something different to the song.

Q - Tell me what inspired you guys to write "P.S. I Hate You", it sounds pretty grim just from
the title alone?
A - The song is more of a bookmark of bad experiences and regrets. Yeah, the song turned out quite grim. It really wasn't intentional to create such a depressing song, but when you recall one bad time, you remember them all. A fit of anger, resentment, and of course some added sarcasm.

Q - Is the band trying to portray any kind of message with the music and lyrics?
A - Well, we don't set out to write and construct a carefully planned story line for the lyrics.
It's more of random thoughts, expressions, emotions, and a sarcastic nuance. Sarcasm is a big part of writing lyrics for us. We're extremely pessimistic and very hard on ourselves, so half of the lyrics are about expressing our thoughts, and the other half is all about bashing what we just wrote.

Q - Many bands argue that mp3's aren't good for promotion and or record sales. What is your stance on the digital music issue and piracy?
A - We think that it's a great way to promote new bands, new music, and new ideas.  We don't have an official stance on digital music and piracy, but we are very aware of the difficulties it possesses to record labels and artists. We will download random music to see if anything interests us. If a particular download really hits our buttons, we usually make a b-line to the local record shop to buy the whole album. We all enjoy the smell and look of real pressed CDs.

Q - Do you have any thoughts or advice for people trying to start up a band or already have a
young band?
A - Be patient! Developing your song writing skills takes time and a great deal of practice. You have to write the bad songs to get to the good ones.

Don't let yourself get down after performing a not so up-to-par set. Be honest to yourself,
don't blame others first, blame yourself (pessimistic, eh?). Then go about trying to improve whatever you think needs improvement. It doesn't really get easier, but you develop more ambition for future songs.

Q - Any last comments or shout-outs?
A - Chris' Mom is amazing for letting us make noise in the basement.  Thank you so much!

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