FASTEST LAND ANIMAL – A CONVERSATION WITH JACK NOVAK

 

Screamin’ Jack Novak is the lead singer (Guitar/ Synths) of the brazen punk/pop trio Fastest Land Animal. The other two members are Alfonse Castillo (Guitar/Bass) and Shark Samuels (Drums). The band just released their sophomore album entitled East Coast, West Coast, In Between. FLA‘s sound is a mash up between brazen punk and glorious pop. They play with the distortion cranked, synths warm and no regards for rules.

Fastest Land Animal‘s self titled first full length dropped in 2021 to fan delight and critical acclaim. East Coast, West Coast, In Between furthers their determined quest to create boldly imaginative music. They disguise pop sensibilities with sonic bursts of anarchy. Songs like “Run And Hide”, “Cowboys in Nashville” and “Black Out” showcases their singular vision of welding visionary sounds with accessible pure pop. In between SLA sneaks in revved up rock & roll and inspiring funk vibes.

Screamin’ Jack Novak sat with AMP for this cool conversation.

AMP: How did the band start?

JACK: We are all members of a band that’s been around for quite awhile called The Cringe.I had this crazy idea during the early days of the pandemic to start another band under all new names. We couldn’t tour, play gigs or ensemble to record but we all had home studios. We recorded remotely and glued it all together.

The idea was to do something different than the grungy classic rock of The Cringe. What came out had a little more punky vibe. We came up with alternative egos and a whole new identity. Eventually our first album was released and we waited to see what would happen. Having people not knowing who we were was really interesting. And now we are on album number two.

AMP: FLA sound encompasses several musical genres. How would you categorize your sound?

JACK: Late 70’s , early 80’s punk new wave. All the songs we write have to be fast, at least 150 beats a minute. We try to create as big a hook and melody as possible. But then we inject that new wave flavor, I have a bunch of analog synths I use quite a bit on the new album. It really throws it back to the early days of the new wave scene. Our sound is not created by a computer but organically. It’s all done live which creates a much fatter and chewier feel. I was excited in utilizing those throughout the record.

AMP: Where do you find your inspiration?

JACK: One of the first band to do what we strive to do is Husker Du. They were one of the pioneers of the hardcore scene. Their music was really fast and loud. Their records sounded like the were recorded in a garage for $50. But beneath that grizzly exterior are these pretty pop songs. I like the idea of these beautifully crafted pop tunes wrapped by a gnarly exterior. They were one of the first inspirations for us. Of course, we have to recognize bands like The Police, Ramones and all the bands that created this genre of music. In fact, we cover a Police song on the album.

AMP: Your new album just dropped. How stoked are you?

JACK: Totally stoked! I’m excited for the fact that it is available everywhere. The only thing we don’t have is vinyl. We are working on that. It’s hard to get vinyl. There seems to be some shortage and a waiting list. We are on that list. We should have vinyl in a couple of month. Hopefully before we hit the road. Growing up I always loved to have that physical product to hold. I can’t wait for the disc.

AMP: What’s your favorite song to play live?

JACK:  I love playing The Police song “Next To You”. As far as our songs go I have to go with “Cowboys in Nashville”. That song definitely follows the faster is better rule. It’s really one of our most wicked sounding songs. I actually  wrote it nearly 10-15 years ago.

We needed one more song to finish the record and I played the band and our producer a demo. They thought it was a perfect fit. It reminds me of the Foo Fighters song “White Limo” which I believe won a Grammy. “Cowboys in Nashville” has this distorted vocal that I use a megaphone on when we play it live. It’s a real barnburner. It gets everybody going nuts.

AMP: How was it working with your producer, Don Gilmore?

JACK: We love working with him. This is like the fourth project we’ve worked with him between The Cringe and FLA. At this point, it’s really second nature how we work together. He’s become our Zen master because he pulls out everything he needs from each member of the band. He is also a very calming influence and reduces the stress in the studio. In addition, he doesn’t make you over sing or over play. He knows when he’s got enough for a good take. Being the producer, he knows when to call “cut”. All musicians love to stay in the studio trying different versions of a track. Don knows when to say done!

AMP: What do you do to unwind?

JACK: I enjoy golf and snowboarding. Also, Don Gilmore is an excellent golfer.

AMP: Do you think there will be a zombie apocalypse in the near future?

JACK: I hope not but if there is I’m pretty fortified here in the woods. I may have to bail on living in NYC. If the zombies start coming up the hill, I have a good line of sight to evaluate the situation. I also have a propane generator that’s good for 6-7 days. I’m as prepared as I need to be.

AMP: Any plans for a tour?

JACK: Yeah. We are going out the first week of April starting in Detroit. We will be hitting the midwest, rust belt and Florida. Touring is our favorite thing to do. Recording a song in the studio is amazing but it doesn’t compare to having thousands of people cheering you on and loving your music. Especially after being silent during the pandemic.

AMP: Any surprises coming up for your fans?

JACK: Just for this tour, we may change our names again. Basically to confuse everyone. We may do a Masked Singer kind of thing. I’ll come out with a big bagel on my head. That would really be a real trip.

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To learn more about Fastest Land Animal, Check out the Website!

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