Rich:  RAG has the distinction of being probably the only underground rock band to have it's own card game.  In fact it's too bad we have yet to print an official deck of RAG playing cards, with suggested rules on each card.  But hey, if we can make shirts and whiskey mugs...

Q: As the vocalist for RAG, you were responsible for a lot of the energy and loudness their music expressed. What was your first impression when you were given the lyrics to sing "Annihilation" and "Smack" ? Did you have any trouble adjusting to what the rest of the band envisioned for the songs?

Rich:  I suppose I was responsible for much of the energy, but I have to give some credit to Howie Tea, a drink made from half water and half Ice Tea Mix that Mark got me hooked on.  Loudness was something that was sorely needed in Fairfield, CT, not to mention variety.  Annihilation and Smack marked a new direction for Fairfield music as neither song was written by Pearl Jam!  In fact the lyrics to "Annihilation" formed the basis of my campaign promises in my later political life.

Q: From what I have heard, RAG became very popular in a short amount of time. Did you become a celebrity because of the band's fame? If so, how did you handle it?

Rich:  Funny you should ask, I became so popular that I was awarded my own radio show.  From there the only logical thing to do was run for Student Council President.  I'm still not completely sure why I didn't win.  Maybe because I was no longer a student or because of my policy of "Scorched Earth" and total annihilation.

Q: What was your fondest memory of the whole RAG experience?

Rich: Vandalism, bush-diving, RAG card games, Lafayette Liquors, soccer fights, Witchcraft, new wave girls, giant gin & tonics, 64 Ounce beers, Brass Monkey, chocolate milk bombs, hydrangea cigarettes, flying kites with vodka Slurpees, and camping on the rugby field.

Q: Moving on now to DSA. How the heck did you get involved in that band?

Rich: Ever have one of those hangovers when you felt fine while sitting on a couch eating hoagies, but felt nauseous and delirious when you tried to stand up or go outside?  Well this time it happened to me in the Boogie Down Bronx.  The guys thought it would make me feel better if they put a guitar in my hands.

Q: You got to play guitar on a few DSA songs, something you didn't get to do while with RAG. How was that experience? Did you have any influences for those riffs you used?

Rich: Yeah, I was kinda under the influence when I played those riffs. 

Q: What did you think of the whole Rinstock experience playing with DSA?

Rich: Rinstock was great!  This year we sought to recreate the excitement of Rinstock by having a Puketoberfest party, complete with Bratwursts, Sauerkraut, and (drum roll please) BEER!!

In the upcoming months I think it would be dope if we could organize a trip to the Bohemian Hall Beer Garden in Queens, while the weather is good.

Q: Now you are doing vocals and even writing some material for BDF. Is this the first time you've written for a band? How is that experience treating you?

Rich: Yeah, this is my first time writing lyrics.  I should be getting a guitar soon, too.

 Q: Before you became a part of BDF, were you a fan of their older material? What do you think of it? Any favorite songs?

Rich: My favorite BDF songs include "Whores", "LisaSmoke","Undercooked Gyro", and "No Refunds", 

Q: What do you think of your current situation with BDF, and do you intend to continue working with the band on future projects?

Rich: I'd like to start working on the BDF Home brewing project we've been talking about.   However, work and Beer go together like garlic and coffee, so don't all everybody get your hopes up. 

Mad props to Rich for his giving us his broad range of answers covering all the bands he's been a part of! He's definitely had his share of rock stardom, and it continues! Thanks, Rich!