Ever since last year’s “Your The One For Me” was released, and subsequently shot up the Hype Machine charts, we’ve had Great Good Fine Ok on repeat. With the release of their equally infectious song “Not Going Home” and their incredible first live shows (which feature a face melting keytar solo), we knew we just had to learn everything we could about them. We sat down with the guys behind the band, Luke Moellman and Jon Sandler, for a quick Q&A, and learned that in addition to (and perhaps in spite of) their love of Steely Dan, they’re pretty much the most charming guys ever.
Where are you guys based? How did you meet and form the band?
While Luke was living around the corner from me [Jon] in Brooklyn with a good friend of mine, we became friendly and worked together on a couple of projects. We soon discovered that we grew up in neighboring towns in Upstate NY (Niskayuna and Saratoga) and that we were creatively like-minded. We ran into each other in the Lower East Side after not being in contact for months and agreed that we should “write a song together.” “You’re the One for Me” was born!
Great Good Fine Ok just played a sold out show at the Westway. How did it feel? What were some of the highlights? Any lowlights (hopefully not!)?
For our first show ever to be sold out and have the amount of energy that it did, was awesome and overwhelming. We had done a couple practice shows the week before but still had no idea what to expect. We were shocked and amazed that so many people were singing along to every song, even ones that we haven’t released yet! There were definitely no “lowlights.” It was a special night all around.
What are your favorite music venues in New York to play, and also hang out or see a show at?
We see a ton of amazing shows at Glasslands and Cameo Gallery in Williamsburg. Neon Gold is doing an awesome job of bringing new, exciting music to Westway, so that slightly renovated strip club is quickly becoming a favorite.
Ever since I saw the music video for “You’re the One for Me,” I have associated you guys with food, so I must ask — if Great Good Fine Ok was a food, what would it be?
Oh yeah, some weird blog, something like…The Crazy Apple Pie helped us make that baby. I think if this band were a food we’d be raw oysters, or any aphrodisiac for that matter.
Have you gotten any strange comparisons/write-ups? What is the most bizarre feedback you’ve gotten?
Honestly, all of the write-ups we’ve gotten so far have been amazingly nice. We especially love and appreciate how clever and on point some blogs can be. One of our favorites was the one that called us “PBR Kelly.” We also think it’s hilarious if they get things wrong, like when a blog said we spent most of our time on the road touring before we had played our first show.
If you could play your music for anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would you choose?
Jon: Michael Jackson.
Luke: Quincy Jones.
Can each of you tell us one thing that inspires you?
Jon: Time.
Luke: Travel.
Beatles or Stones?
Jon: Beatles.
Luke: Steely Dan.
Can you give us some artists or songs that have been stuck in your head recently?
Jon: MJ “Baby Be Mine” and Prince “I Wanna Be Your Lover”.
Luke: Patrice Rushen “Forget Me Nots”.
What is your spirit animal? Favorite Harry Potter character?
Jon: Cat, Mister Spock.
If Great Good Fine Ok we’re a cereal, what would it be?
FROSTED FLAKES: They’re GREEEAAAAT!!!…good, fine, ok.
