Interview with The Self-Righteous Bros.
By Jessica Netishen

The Self-Righteous Brothers are an up-and-coming Boston band with an abundance of musical talent, and energy to spare. AvoidPeril spoke with Jake Hall (drums, vocals), Matt Koeppke (guitar, vocals) and Justin McLean (bass, vocals) about the origin of the band’s name, the inspiration for their music video “Sidecar Jesus,” and how much they love playing shows with Aerosmith.

1. Where did the inspiration for the storyline for the “Sidecar Jesus” video come from?

Max was in a Jacuzzi admiring the lights and realized it would make a good location for a baptism. As it turned out, we had access to some good rainbows, but had to substitute an ocean for a Jacuzzi. Plus, the director (Sean Aylward) looks a lot like our lord and savior.


2. Who are the Boston bands that you most enjoy playing with?

We like playing with Baker, Apollo Sunshine, and the Animal Closet. Oh yeah, and Aerosmith.

3. I feel like SRB’s musical style can easily be described as eclectic – who are some of the band’s biggest influences?

Dr. Teeth and Electric Mayhem, Dimebag, Buckethead, Joe Satriani, Slash, Trey Anastasio, and Nigel Tufnel.

4. SRB has been playing the Boston area (and beyond!) for a few years now – what’s the best show the band has played?

The Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco, and our Valentine’s Day performance at the Middle East Downstairs (complete with fiber optic angel wings).

5. What bands would you most like to tour with?

Max: The Flaming Lips
Justin: Super Furry Animals
Jake: The Promise Ring

We also toured with Apollo Sunshine, and we’d certainly do that again.

6. Where did the name ‘Self-Righteous Brothers’ come from?

We thought “Saudi Flight School” and “The Vietnameasles” might be objectionable.

7. What’s your favorite cover song to perform?

Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror,” and “Under Pressure” by Queen and Bowie.

8. Give AvoidPeril readers three good reasons to go and see your next show.

1) Because we will reveal plot points of Episode III – “Revenge of the Sith.”
2) Affleck and Damon (!)
3) We always invite the whole club to come and get drunk at our apartment after the show.