SPoTLuCy is on the brink. Of what, that is yet to be determined. They released their third CD this month, "Suspension of Disbelief". The core of the group, bassist Johnny Ott and frontman Geoff Ford, have played together since the mid-90's. Sonically, the band is tight with catchy guitar riffs and a bassline that doesn't get buried beneath the guitars. However, it's the discord within the band that could make this latest release their last. Frontman Geoff Ford took some time out to talk with Metromix Tampa Bay about the past, present and future of SPoTLuCy.
Talk about the evolution of SpotLucy. What's your history together and how did you guys find each other?
I met Johnny (bass) when the two of us were going to school together in Ohio. We got drunk one night and I was talking about some crappy high school garage bands I was in. Johnny said he always wanted to be in a band. Our friend Randy said he used to play drums so...after a trip to the pawn shop, we were a band. Since then, we've gone through 4 band names and 12 drummers (Sean is lucky#13).
You describe your sound as 90's rock. Do you feel like you might have missed out on that scene by about a decade or so?
Unlike most of our fan base, we actually were part of the 90's - I guess we're older than we look! But yeah, me and Johnny have been playing out since '94...
You guys played Rasher Tierney's last week for your CD release party. Now you guys aren't too bad to look at. Why hide behind the Joker make-up?
I wouldn't say I was hiding. I'd say that if anything, I was only revealing my true nature. There's a reason my solo project is called Geoff's Evil Twin. Sometimes it's good to let the Joker surface for a little while. ;)
And what's up with the jumpsuits? Work on any cars lately?
Ahhh yes...well the jumpsuits started back when Johnny and I were in the band Greed Engine. We were going through a phase where we wore a different costume theme to every show. One show we dressed like Amish farmers, then doctors, etc. We kinda liked the jumpsuits. They were comfortable and you could wear anything (or nothing) under them. Plus my last name is Ford. It just kinda worked.
Are all of you from the TB area? What are some of your favorite places to hit up for a bite or a beer? Are there any hidden watering holes or late night diners you're willing to leak to the public?
Well I know Johnny likes to drink his Ketel One and soda in West Chase. Sean has a keg fridge in his practice room so I'm not sure he ever has a reason to leave home. I'm over in Clearwater and I'm still looking for a good place to drink but honestly, I'm usually so busy I don't drink unless I'm playing a gig. I do like hangin at the Globe in St. Pete or Tre Amici in Ybor, but I've been seen in most bars in Tampa Bay at least once. I like variety.
In May of last year your MySpace said the band was disbanding. Now here you are with a new CD and gigs booked. So what's in store for the boys of SL?
That is the million dollar question, isn't it? We all get along pretty well...and recently we added Brandon Ruck to the lineup. I really like the sound we're getting and the energy level of our live show has never been higher. But unfortunately we still have one or two of those 400 lb gorillas in the room with us. If we can work that out soon, you'll see more of us soon. If not, then you may see a lineup change. Still too soon to tell. Cross your fingers!
SPoTLuCy is:
Geoff Ford - Vocals/guitar
Johnny Ott - Bass
Sean Kent - Drummer
Brandon Ruck- Guitars
