Feature / Music
Pre-gaming For The Fest

Words: Scottie • Posted pre-2010

Chris Farren (Fake Problems)

Scene Point Blank: How many times has the band played The Fest?

Chris Farren: This will be our second time playing The Fest. I've also heard some talk that if you play twice in a row you can't play a third, like you have to take a year off or something? I hope not, but if that is the case, we're just going to break up and start a new band with all the same members so we can play again.

Scene Point Blank: Seeing how The Fest was dubbed the pinnacle of beard rock, which bands playing do you think have the best bearded members? Do you have suggestions or requests for facial hair at this year's The Fest?

Chris Farren: I know for a fact that Matt Agrella from Look Mexico has the most righteous beard any man could ever aspire to have. Maybe the god of facial hair will grant some Fake Problems members the ability to grow magnificent thick flowing beards.

Scene Point Blank: What have been some of the high and low points of previous The Fests?

Chris Farren: Well, first and foremost, playing The Fest last year was definitely one of the highlights of our year. It was the best response we'd ever gotten anywhere. I didn't really know people liked us until then, so that was incredible. Last year we all had a lot of fun watching None More Black, Lawrence Arms, Velveteen Pink, Minus the Bear, The Ergs, Latterman, and I'm sure so many more that I'm forgetting.

Scene Point Blank: What bands are you most psyched to see at this year's The Fest?

Chris Farren: We're pretty stoked on playing with Gaslight Anthem and Look Mexico, and then I think we'll all be out to see Smoke or Fire, The Draft, The Falcon, Hour of the Wolf, Modern Life is War, Avail, Matt & Kim, Clorox Girls, etc.

Scene Point Blank: What are you most looking forward to aside from seeing other bands at this year's The Fest?

Chris Farren: The life experiences and lessons that Tony teaches us every year at October's end.

Scene Point Blank: For all the first timers do you have any advice before attending The Fest this year or any suggestions for things to check out in the off time?

Chris Farren: Make sure you know where you're sleeping, don't be a jerk, have fun, get crazy, and eat at Flaco's in Gainesville. It's really really good.

Related features

Little Low

One Question Interviews • August 6, 2025

Christine Atturio (Little Low) SPB: What is your favorite Disney soundtrack? Atturio: Aladdin, hands down. Robin Williams singing "Friend Like Me" is fire! The soundtrack as a whole goes from hopeful to scary to funny and back again, sometimes even sounding like the music from Indiana Jones when he's exploring … Read more

Normal Park

One Question Interviews • August 5, 2025

McKinnon (Normal Park) SPB: Your bio references math rock, [my opinion] one of the sillier genre names. Is there a music term you hear often that seems like it could have been phrased better? Tyler: I don’t mind math rock as a genre term because it’s simple and descriptive, plus … Read more

Foolsmate

One Question Interviews • August 4, 2025

Alex Gilliam (Foolsmate) SPB: What does the term “Midwest emo” mean to you? Gilliam: After getting this question, I immediately asked the other guys in Foolsmate for their input. Though their answers varied drastically, they all touched upon inclusion. Midwest emo has always been about being vulnerable about yourself and … Read more

Sell The Heart Records – History 101

Music / History 101 • August 3, 2025

Like most independent labels, Sell The Heart started to document a scene without really asking themselves “Where do you see yourself in 15 years?” In 2010, founder Andy Pohl was barely even thinking about vinyl. In “History 101” tradition, Scene Point Blank picked out some of the label's notable releases … Read more

The Planet Smashers

One Question Interviews • July 23, 2025

Matt Smasher (The Planet Smashers) SPB: How did the collabs on the new album come to be? Did you reach out to the artist with a specific idea, or just ask “hey is there something you want to do here?” Matt: It started out super simple, just a “would you … Read more

More from this section

Sell The Heart Records – History 101

Music / History 101 • August 3, 2025

Like most independent labels, Sell The Heart started to document a scene without really asking themselves “Where do you see yourself in 15 years?” In 2010, founder Andy Pohl was barely even thinking about vinyl. In “History 101” tradition, Scene Point Blank picked out some of the label's notable releases … Read more

Scene Point Blank's Favorites: The Year So Far (July 2025)

Music • July 6, 2025

We're halfway through the year: when did that happen?! Luckily for you, SPB is on hand to share the music we've enjoyed most in 2025 thus far. Read on to hear about the records that have made our top list for this year as it stands, and also some bonus … Read more

Shane Herrell: A Tribute

Music • July 6, 2025

Shane Herrell: Rest In Power(pop) (1980-2025) The Rocker I try to live my life with as few regrets as possible. Sadly I never got the chance to hear my friend Shane Herrell karaoke Thin Lizzy’s "The Rocker." As a singing bass player we don’t have enough heroes. It might just … Read more