Haley: For the record, we need your name and what you do.
JOHNNY: Johnny Madcap. I sing and play guitar.
ACE: Everyone calls me Ace and I am in charge of lead guitar, general destruction, recklessness and mooning duties.

Haley: What's your opinion on George W. Bush?
JOHNNY: I don't really trust politicians in general. I’m sure the presidents got a rough job but I definitely wouldn’t put him in The great presidents list.

Haley: What inspired you to begin making music?
JOHNNY: Its really been my only true friend since I can remember. Its just feels right for me to be doing this. Also there are so many greats out there that inspire me daily.
ACE: I’ve wanted to be a musician since I was in elementary school. Music has always been the backbone of everything I’ve done and so I wanted to make it my life. I wanted to go where the action was.

Haley: Do you guys have any hidden talents (they don't have to be musical)?
JOHNNY: We like to argue with each other and then magically make up.

Haley: What's something fans would be surprised to find out about madcap?
JOHNNY: For the first time ever I think we are fully supportive of the music we are making.

Haley: How did the band get started?
JOHNNY: Well it started out as the whole high school friends kinda deal but it has taken on a sort of rule the world kinda deal.

Haley: What can we expect from the new CD next year?
JOHNNY: Its going to be different. Lots of heart and soul as well delving into some new styles.
ACE: New songs. A lot of versatility. A change of pace. I think the new material is worlds apart from the older stuff. Everyone I have let hear the new material seems to dig it all. But its really up to the fans to decide if they like it all, ya know? So I guess you’ll have to wait and see.

Haley: If you were a superhero what would your power and name be?
JOHNNY: I've always been a little more down for the hero without powers. And my name would be MR. NO-POWERS.

Haley: What's the most valuable thing you take on tour (doesn’t have to be of money value.)?
JOHNNY: Definitely my Discman. ACE: My guitar and my sanity. And don’t forget to bring both home with you either, kids.

Haley: What would you like to have accomplished by the time you're old? JOHNNY: I'm kinda hoping I don't make it that far.
ACE: I would like to be able to look back on my life and think that I did a lot with it. And hopefully I was successful in all my ventures and all that sentimental crap. But I don’t really see myself living to be that old. I want to go out in a hail of bullets or something.

Haley: What jobs did you have growing up, that you absolutely hated?
JOHNNY: All of them.
ACE: I’ve hated every job I’ve ever had. Work isn’t for everyone, and these people are called musicians and/or bums. I worked at a fast food place and that was the worst. Runner up would be working for a movie theater. Don’t ever get butter on your popcorn. You don't know what is actually in there

Haley: What’s your opinion on all the new punk stuff that’s been hitting MTV?
JOHNNY: The music is very catchy to me. Its just the lyrical content that's lacking; for me.
ACE: I’m not really opinionated about what’s going on with that stuff. I think if you’re in a band and you’re that successful then more power to you.

Haley: Most embarrassing thing that's happened to you?
JOHNNY: I try not to get embarrassed. Everything's in the name of fun for me.
ACE: That list is way to long.

Haley: Best and worst things about being in a band.
JOHNNY: Sometimes the time away from home and loved ones can hit you but the benefits of seeing the world and meeting the people as well as playing music definitely outweigh any bads.
ACE: The best things about being in a band are getting to meet the bands you love and respect and getting to meet new people and travel and have fans and make music and do what you love everyday. The worst things are not eating, never having any money or a steady place to call home. And the lack of showering and sleep can also be pretty harsh. But you know what? Its always worth it.

Haley: Do you see your style of music changing in the future?
JOHNNY: Hopefully we will always have our style because I feel that's what distinguishes one band from another. But constantly exploring yes.
ACE: I see my style expanding, but never changing.

Haley: What were your new years resolutions, and did you keep them?
JOHNNY: I don't remember so I guess not.

Haley: If you weren’t in a band, what do you think you'd be doing instead?
JOHNNY: Watching bands.
ACE: If I wasn’t in Madcap, I would be in another band. And so on, end of story.

Haley: What advice can you give to future musicians?
JOHNNY: Never give up.
ACE: Don’t be close minded. Always make friends and talk to everyone. If you’re in a punk band and you meet an indie group, make friends with them. Or if you’re in a metal band and you meet a punk band, do the same. Its all one big circle. And listen to your favorite bands favorite bands. Do your homework.

Haley: What was your favorite venue to play at, and why?
JOHNNY: Probably the world in NYC. The venue I heard is not there anymore but it was right in times square. New York city is my favorite place in general but be able to play in times square was great.
ACE: I’m not sure if I have One all time favorite venue to play but I guess if I had to pick, it would probably be the Palladium in Worcester, Mass. The kids there are the best and always go off. But there are other cities that rock just as much or harder, like SLC, Portland, Seattle, NYC, Chicago and Los Angeles.

Haley: Did you ever expect the band to get as far as it has?
JOHNNY: I always had faith and I have faith the next year will be even better.
ACE: Well I joined after the band was already established so I don’t think my opinion has any real value. But I know everyone else in the band is always amazed at how far the group has gotten.

Haley: Do you still have to have side jobs along with the band, or does just being in the band support you enough?
JOHNNY: I don’t have a side job because I really have no time. When we are on tour the money can be good but when were off, its hard to maintain.
ACE: Being in the band does not support any of us. I could only wish that it did. Some of us have part time jobs but being in this band is primarily a full time thing. I haven’t had a job since February. And hopefully I wont have to have another one for a long time.

Haley: Who were your biggest influences?
JOHNNY: The Clash, Elvis Costello, Bruce Springsteen and The Bouncing Souls.
ACE: My biggest influences would have to be Joe Strummer and the Clash of course. Rancid has always been a big influence on me. Just a lot of groups like Stiff Little Fingers, Billy Bragg, the Professionals, Johnny Thunders, Guns n Roses, the Misfits, The Tuffdarts and so on.

Haley: How's the easy action tour going? Have you guys gotten some easy action?
JOHNNY: The tour was great. It would definitely be classified as an action movie.
ACE: The tour went well. I see that RCR’s little nickname for the tour managed to stick. It was definitely a wild time being out with those guys again. They’re some of my closest friends and we all enjoy feeding off of each others live energy. But as for the actual "action" part, that’s all the Rebels.

Haley: Do you think Louis Armstrong is the great great great great grandfather of Tim and Billy Joe?
JOHNNY: No but that would be really cool.
ACE: No way, they aren’t related. But that would be pretty funny if they were.

Haley: Ok, and finally....Any last words?
JOHNNY: Buy our new album when it comes out, then come to a Madcap show and tell me what you think. Thanks for the interview, I enjoyed it.
ACE: Thanks for the interview, Haley. Read Toxic Magazine and check out our new album on Victory Records due out February 2004. Spread the word!

For More Information:
• Madcap Official Site: www.madcappunx.com
• Victory Records Official Site: www.victoryrecords.com

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