rockpile = #57 - may '00

ERRORTYPE: 11 - MAY '00
BY AMY SCIARRETTO

The members of Errortype: 11 make no bones about the fact they want to be rock stars. But not the kind of rock stars who play with the hearts (and bodies) of countless groupies, throw television sets through hotel room windows and consume brain-numbing quantities of hard liquor until they fall down drunk.

Eventually, though, they want to sell out arenas. The New York quartet is definitely on the right track with its new album. Amplified To Rock, issued by Some Records. The record does exactly what the title implies—it rocks. It's got its commercially accessible moments and slick, polished production, but it rocks so hard it could quite conceivably help the band members achieve their goal to become the biggest rock stars in the galaxy.

In addition to having this expansive rock star dream, Errortype: 11 is about as un-emo as they come. But it still gets associated with the dreaded, gasp-inducing emo category. Maybe it's because the band includes explanations of the song lyrics in the album's liner notes.

"I feel it brings you closer to the song. It makes a person listen differently when (they) know the story behind the writing. I like to leave very little to interpretation. I always get approached at shows by people who have had similar experiences, feelings or are interested in those expressed in the liner notes. It brings you into the song and the band," says singer and jokester extraordinaire Artie "The One Man Party" Shepherd.

Hmm. That sounds like a very emo, very un-rock star-like way of communicating with one's fans.

"What the hell is emo anyway? It has no musical definition. It's just a scene definition," he says. "If musically we are considered an emo band, then so are Smashing Pumpkins and Foo Fighters. If we are in this so-called scene, then we are the Oasis of the scene. Big, arrogant, power-drinking, arena emo. At least that's how I would like people to see it.

"Most people don't get it. They just think I am an asshole. Basically, as a band, our rules are to have no rules. Whatever style we write, as long as it is quality stuff, makes it. Our next record will probably have lots of strings and drum loops and shit. When it comes to songwriting and recording, I am like a kid in a candy store."

In keeping with his rock star aspirations. Shepherd professes a deep love for progressive rock, something inspiring his own songs.

"I grew up on Yes. They are like a fucking religion—brilliant and very spiritual. Peter Gabriel-era Genesis is also a huge influence. As soon as I hear his voice, I immediately start to write. I really feel that great songwriters take things that are from beyond their realm and put it into their own context," says Shepherd. "There is something about the way certain prog rock bands, especially Yes, make me feel. I can't explain it. The fact that it brings me back to many childhood memories helps. The first album I remember being given was Steve Howe's Beginnings. It is the reason I play guitar. Honestly, no one would ever know it was an influence if I didn't say anything. It is more feeling than actual riffs. Watch out for a concept album!"

While Shepherd is most comfortable honing his songwriting craft, he's also quite the ham in front of the camera. He recently partook in two photo shoots, smearing "Errortype:ll Rules" on his chest while smiling deviously. Is he a media whore, which is a behavior quite typical of rock gods?

"Oh, fuck yeah, I am a media whore. I will do almost anything to promote the band. In my mind, I am a rock star. It is really the only way to be. I'm not making any money, so I gotta get something out of it. Playing in a band is so ego-driven, and anyone who plays publicly and tries to come off as shy is fucking lying," he rants. "You need to be extremely overconfident, especially to be a singer. Every time we play, no matter where it is, we play like we are at Madison Square Garden. We even purchased a video projector. I call it The Pink Floyd Machine. That, a smoke machine and strobe lights. Watch out. We are bringing the arena with us."

Shepherd, who can't be considered modest but is definitely endearing in his refreshing, humorous honesty, says people should check out his band, "...Because we rule. That is a no-brainer. Great songs, great show, what the hell else do you want?" •