Chris Flichbaugh:  To set the record straight, what role did you play in the Lassie Foundation ?

Andy Prickett: From the beginning, my role has been one of an outsider who gets to have some
inside involvement.  Originally, Eric approached me to record some songs of theirs on my 8-track setup--pretty much just for fun.  Things have just gone on from there.  In my view, my main role all along has just been as a facilitator--one whose function is solely to make the dreams of my friends come true in whatever way I can (time-wise, talent-wise, and money-wise).  This has resulted in me playing tiny bit parts on the recordings, functioning as the main engineer and co-producer of the recordings, and filling in on bass for a while at the live shows.

CF: What was your involvement with PACIFICO?

Prickett: On Pacifico, I was the recording engineer, a co-producer, and played a couple
of small musical parts.

CF: Did you play any guitar or bass on PACIFICO?

Prickett: I played the spacey verse guitar line in 'bomber's moon', allowing Eric to catch up on his internet-hockey stats, and I played the bass on 'pacifico' the song.

CF: How was the recording of PACIFICO approached (live band, lots of overdubs, writing in studio or already finished songs)?

Prickett: Most of the songs were at least 4-tracked ideas that were around when California was made. The first step was just laying down a click/drum machine part, scratch guitar, and a scratch vocal. The final arrangement decisions were made on the spot as these parts were going down to tape. The songs were all in different states of being finished at that point. We just committed to the main arrangement then and there.  Then we recorded all the drums, then all rhythm guitars, then the bass.  Vocals and lead guitars are last in the process.

CF: How did the band in the studio work on putting the song parts together/ How do Eric and Jeff work out/divide their guitar parts?

Prickett: They had at least an idea of what they were going to play from their times of getting together.  Sometimes Jeff's parts weren't fully determined until we hit the record button, which is a true testimony to the greatness of his playing. As far as who did what, they pretty much had it figured out, and the rest fell into place.

CF: What input/influence did you have on PACIFICO's sound and direction/ what "vibe" were you going for?

Prickett: Being an outsider, I get to put in a view that is more objective than if I was one of the songwriters.  So when I heard a twinge of a possible direction that a song could go in that would be different or unexpected, I would say so.  Also, I wanted to record everything much more clearly and cleanly than California, so that the 'sound' would appeal to a wider audience.  Arrangement-wise, we went for a more pop-solid sound.  The main goal, as always, was fun.

CF: What progress have you seen in the band since the early days?

Prickett: The band has grown immensely in confidence, in song-writing, recording and mainly live.  And there is a more all-around participation in everything.  It has been my joy to see this development.

CF: If you don't mind talking about it: Why did you end your involvement with the Lassie Foundation?

Prickett: When we started to make the record, I did not feel that my bass playing was going to be up to par for the songs/style--they needed someone who was creative and could really play.  I also knew that time-wise I wouldn't be able to commit to playing live as much in the future.  jason-71 came in and gave the songs a new breath and creative dimension that everyone agreed was far and above what anyone could have even dreamed.  He blew our minds and caused us all to say 'that's
amazing!' (truman voice)

CF: What musical projects (or otherwise) are you involved with currently?

Prickett: I play guitar for mike knott, and have begun various song-writing ventures.

CF: What was the first band you ever played with and who have been your inspirations on guitar?

Prickett: The first band I ever played in was 'the club' when I was 14 and I only knew a few chords.  My main guitar influences would have to be:
                        Billy Duffy (the Cult)
                        the edge (U2)
                        Dave Navarro (Jane's Addiction)

My main inspiration for playing guitar at all was the first album by the band 'Boston'.  I was 7 years old and the sound really got me.