If you have been watching TV or listening to the radio lately, you probably have come across a very familiar sound. A sound that makes you feel like crazy. The sound of Ska. No, you are not imagining things; it is Ska. What band is this? you ask yourself. Well, most likely it is one that has been breaking ground in the music world for years now: The Mighty Mighty Bosstones.

Originally from Boston (the name makes sense doesn’t it!), the band came together ten years ago; although the arrangement of members has changed since. With five CD’s and many more recordings of singles and the like, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones have become one of the most successful Ska-punk bands on its class.

Com’ Out Swinging had the chance of catching up with Nate Albert, guitar player of the Bosstones, here in Atlanta, when they performed at the Coca Cola Roxy as part of one of their many stops of their on-going tour. We talked with Nate for a while; about the band, themselves, and their future plans. Here’s a part of the interview as we chatted with him inside their tour bus. (Nice bus, by the way..)

Who do you consider were or are the biggest influences the band has had musically?

We grew up with Ska music in our community. Many radio stations were playing bands like Madness and The Specials, etc. You just get absorbed by the community. I think the biggest influences we’ve had as a group have been Fishbone, The Clash and The Specials; but we also listen to many different types of music like Jazz, Hip Hop and bands like Metallica and AC/DC for example.

How was the experience of being in a movie like "Clueless"?

We didn’t think it was going to be big at all. When we showed up we though, well… this is probably going straight to video… But it was kind of fun actually.

What do you think of Ska bands being labeled as "sell-outs"?

Well, for one, we’ve been for sale for a long time. Have there been the opportunity we would have done it. Personally, I don’t want to stay doing clubs forever.

Here in the US is not as big of an issue as in Europe for example; they are very sensitive about commercials, politics, etc. But the ones less sensitive are the Orientals (Japan to be precise). They don’t care if you are making commercials for a sport shoe or whatever. They really focus in the music, period.

How do you see the evolution of the band up to this point?

We are dressing better!! (Laughs) I think we are getting back to the two-tone look. A long time ago we dressed up for entertaining purposes, when the "flashy" looks were in.

How long is the tour going to last and what do you like the most of it?

This tour is going to be about a year long. Right now we are on the US leg, then we go to Europe, the Warped tour, Europe again, Japan and finally Australia.

What I like the most? Seeing different people. Life on the road is OK, sometimes it is hard; but if you are ready for it, then you are most likely to enjoy it.

Many people say that the road to success is a long and hard one, and who better to tell us about it than The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. These group of guys have made their way into a place in history that many try to reach, but a few obtain. Although there are many more conquests to achieve for the Bosstones, nobody can deny that one by one, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones are making it big and loud in the music world; opening the doors for many other bands that are to follow.

JDC

Please visit the The Mighty Mighty Bosstones homepage and this tribute page to Nate Albert. It’s pretty cool!!

                                             The Mighty Mighty Bosstones are:

                                                  Nate Albert - Guitar

                                                   Joe Sirois - Drums

                                                 Dicky Barrett - Vocals

                                                  Ben Carr - Bosstone

                                            Dennis Brockenborough - Trombone

                                                  Joe Gittleman - Bass

                                                   Tim Burton - Sax

                                                   Kevin Lenear- Sax