Feature / One Question Interviews
Cheap Time

Words: Loren • July 12, 2014

Cheap Time
Cheap Time

Jeffrey Novak (Cheap Time, solo)

SPB: What inspired you to start performing solo?

Novak: I have never had much patience with waiting. I got tired of waiting to meet the right people to start a band with, so I got heavy into home recording instead. But it wasn't until I saw the Cheater Slicks play that I finally knew I had to perform. Staying at home writing and overdubbing all the time just wasn't enough anymore. Seeing them open for the Oblivians opened up a vision to me that it was all possible and extremely necessary. I had seen a few bands play before them, but I had never seen anything as un-posturing and honest and the Cheater Slicks. They made it real, and they set a certain standard that I and all their other loyal fans still thrive for. The day after I saw them I taught myself how to play the drums and guitar at the same time. Five months later I played my solo debut in Memphis opening for Monsieur Jeffrey Evans. As far as I have ever been concerned, that was it. 


Been on a major writing spree lately. We're not touring this summer, so I'm staying home to help the Paperhead get the finishing touches on their album. Plus I'm planning on finishing 4 albums worth of material by the end of the year, 2 of which are almost in the can.

Loren • July 12, 2014

Cheap Time
Cheap Time

Related features

Alexandros Anesiadis

One Question Interviews • July 15, 2026

Alexandros Anesiadis (Tear It Down, Crossover, New Wind – author) Was there a particular record or moment that inspired the genesis of Tear It Down, about crossover? It wasn't the day I first heard the opening track on side two of the Cro-Mags' The Age of Quarrel. It wasn't when … Read more

The Drolls

One Question Interviews • July 14, 2026

Denny Bartlett (The Drolls – guitar/vocals) SPB: You’ve been in multiple bands. What is the origin story of The Drolls? What was your radioactive spider? Barltett: I hadn’t played live in almost 20 years and other people I knew from back in the day were getting back into it and … Read more

Scene Point Blank's Favorites: The Year So Far (July 2026)

Music • July 13, 2026

That's right: we're halfway through 2026 already, although whether that means this year is a glass-half-empty or glass-half-full kind of year... well, the jury's out. But we'll let you know in December. Despite another six months of chaos, war, conflict and uncertainty, one thing in life remains static and reliable: … Read more

The Mistakes

One Question Interviews • July 13, 2026

Shane (The Mistakes) SPB: What is the most tiresome stereotype about punk rock? I think for me the biggest stereotype about punk rock music is that it's simple music for with one core message of Anarchy, but it's so much more. Punk rock is where people can get an education … Read more

Hot Pennies

One Question Interviews • July 10, 2026

Trash (Hot Pennies) SPB: What venue is your favorite to play (and why)? Trash: This is a challenging question. We have a lot of great venues in the Phoenix area. My personal favorite has gotta be Chopper John's for its wily crowd and good times. There's always a great mix … Read more

Related news

1QI: Cheap Time, Hollow Earth, Circles, Gazer

Posted in Bands on July 21, 2014

Cheap Time on tour in January

Posted in Tours on December 28, 2013

Solo Jeffrey Novak coming in November (Cheap Time)

Posted in Records on October 26, 2013

More from this section

Alexandros Anesiadis

One Question Interviews • July 15, 2026

Alexandros Anesiadis (Tear It Down, Crossover, New Wind – author) Was there a particular record or moment that inspired the genesis of Tear It Down, about crossover? It wasn't the day I first heard the opening track on side two of the Cro-Mags' The Age of Quarrel. It wasn't when … Read more

The Drolls

One Question Interviews • July 14, 2026

Denny Bartlett (The Drolls – guitar/vocals) SPB: You’ve been in multiple bands. What is the origin story of The Drolls? What was your radioactive spider? Barltett: I hadn’t played live in almost 20 years and other people I knew from back in the day were getting back into it and … Read more

The Mistakes

One Question Interviews • July 13, 2026

Shane (The Mistakes) SPB: What is the most tiresome stereotype about punk rock? I think for me the biggest stereotype about punk rock music is that it's simple music for with one core message of Anarchy, but it's so much more. Punk rock is where people can get an education … Read more