Q: Who is web master/main contact for this site?
A: This web site is owned and maintained by Rob Ross (that would be me).
Q: Who owns Synchronic Entertainment? Are you part of another company? Who does your distribution?
A: I am the sole proprietor. While it would be nice to have greater financial backing other than my own (and that's minimal, at best), I would prefer to stay this course for the time being. I have viable distribution networks (i.e. The Orchard, CD Baby, etc.). and this has helped move considerable units for The Punch Line's CD.
RECENT QUESTIONS (Autumn 2010):
Q: How is the album coming along?
A: It's changed dramatically. About a dozen newly-written songs. ...Arlington Line has evolved and now The Next Sometime Soon is developing.
Q: So you already have a second CD in the works?
A: Yes. And it may be that the second one may become the debut instead.
Q: Do you ever miss your former bandmates?
A: Yes, sure.
Q: Would you ever play in a band again? More specifically, would you ever play with The Punch Line again?
A: Yes to both questions.
Q: What are you listening to these days?
A: It varies. I've just been through an emotionally turbulent time and what I listen to usually fits the mood.
Q: If you could play alongside anyone, who would it be?
A: Since I'm a realist, I'll tell you who I'd love to work with--a great drummer, who I've known for 15 or so years, Paul Andrew. A musical, thinking drummer, if you understand what I mean. Nick Celeste--an incredible voice for golden harmonies and an equally warm acoustic guitar. Richard Barone--I think it goes without saying. Brett Marshall Lefferts--an all-around talent. Peter Holsapple--one of my favorite songwriters. Those gentlemen would be a formidable and ideal collective, be it in a studio or live setting.
Q: What do you hope to achieve with the album?
A: In a word, satisfaction. I know that may sound extreme, but I have always found one or two things that bother me about recordings I've been involved with. I always feel a sense of loss or regret that it never seems to be 100%. That's strictly my hang-up; it's the perfectionist in me. I don't want to over-analyze the process of this album, but I've been trying to lessen my self-imposed pressure. I would like, in the simplest way possible, to walk away from this and say "yes, this is good" and that be the entire final word!
Q: Are there any songs that you wrote for The Punch Line that will be on this album?
A: No, not at all. "Whatever Makes You Happy" and "Tangled Up" were written before the band's 2004 reunion and most likely, I won't be using either song. But again, I have all these new songs that are far more representative of me and who I am now.
Q: Do you have a favorite Punch Line song?
A: I think probably "Train Of Thought" is my overall favorite, and I'm well aware of the "legend" that goes with it (laughs), but I do like the album version. There are a few nuances about it that still rub me the wrong way but as a whole, it's a great track. I'm also fond of "Tearing Me Apart" and "Beauty Lies".
Q: What is next besides recording?
A: It's time to play live again on a regular basis. Not because it's expected of me but because I want to. I've stopped fighting the "circus monkey" syndrome and am happy to go out, be nervous and perform, either acoustically or perhaps form a new band. It really depends on time and circumstances.
