Some of their songs, such as “(Imagine the Girlfriends I’d Have) If I Still Had Hair
Other songs, like “Black Ice
But whether silly or sobering, The Public Good’s
Although the members of The Public Good, which also includes Chris Garges on drums and percussion, grew up loving British Invasion bands, they were also strongly influenced by original punk bands such as The Clash and The Sex Pistols. For Garges, Elderkin, and Ruppenthal, who grew up in North Carolina’s stifling radio atmosphere of non-stop classic rock, discovering punk rock set them apart. “I was much more influenced by punk and new wave than classic rock,” Ruppenthal says about those formative days.
Esquith, who spent time in West Africa with the Peace Corps, returned from his time abroad with a deep appreciation of that region’s music. “If you listen to Sam singing This Rising Tide
Each member of The Public Good
In addition to this new way of working, The Public Good has also learned the lesson of sticking to its guns and not giving up -- even when things get tough. In the past, botched record deals and line-up issues weighed them down. “It used to be that we would get impatient and quit. And then we’d start again from scratch,” says Ruppenthal. “We’re in it for the long haul now.”
And the band has plenty to look forward to. A Varied Program of Stereo Dynamics for Your Wild Nights Alone
How do you describe your music to people, John?
One part Replacements, two dashes of tequila, and a splash of the Monkees.
Tell me about how you originally got into your craft.
Steve Ruppenthal and John Elderkin (I am writing these responses) met in 9th grade -- we found we had similar musical tastes and similar dreams of rock stardom. So we started a band and played in kids' basements and living rooms when their parents went out of town for the weekend.
We are both interested in great songwriting and putting songs together in the best, smartest way possible. So that, rather than ego or random jamming, has been our sensibility throughout our partnership.
What is your favorite thing to do in the whole wide world?
Go to practice and work up new songs.
What is your biggest challenge when it comes to running your business?
Getting the attention of people who are inundated with music and bands trying to get their attention.
When you were a kid, what did you think you were going to be when you grew up?
I was hoping I'd either be John Lennon or Steve Austin, the Six Million Dollar Man.
In what way has your community impacted your development as a musician?
Our first serious band was based in Chapel Hill, NC, a college town with a great music scene. That inspired us and also made us feel like we were part of something important. I don't think we'd have gotten so good so fast without that cool, interesting environment.
What other artists out there do you love?
Big fans of The Flaming Lips
What does your future hold?
We are going to put out more and more CDs. We have plenty more to say to the world.