Whether they like it or not, Long Island New York's From Autmn To Ashes is lumped in with the burdgeoning hardcore scene even though their sound transcends any one particular musical genre. Metal core, punk rock, hardcore, screamo - whatever you want to call them, there's no denying FATA are making quite a name for themselves in the underground scene. After flirting with major label stardom, FATA landed on indie Vagrant Records, and are now touring the country with labelmates Alkaline Trio and Reggie & the Full Effect. Smash Magazine had a chance to speak with FATA guitarist, Brian Deneeve, and Brian had the unfortunate opportunity to answer some random questions.

1. Let's talk about the state of hardcore punk these days. How do you feel when you seen bands like Thursday and Thrice, to name a few, on major labels and MTV?
I think it's great. It's wonderful. People tend to believe that this sort of music should stay underground, but you know, if it pays the bills, then I say more power to them.

2. Now, I know you guys had been in talks with major labels before you signed to Vagrant. What's the story there, and how did you land on Vagrant?
Varant just ended up being better for us. Things were going well with the major, but it all kind of fell apart at the last minute. When that happened, Richie [from Vagrant] called us almost the very next day and told he'd sign us immediately. He'd been a fan for a while, and we'd been talking to him a little anyways, so it all just kind of worked out.

3. Are you allowed to tell me what major label you were close to signing with?
Actually, I don't know if I am, so I won't say.
Editor's note: Sources close to Smash Magazine have told us that the major label in question was Island Records - who went on to sign both Thursday and Thrice - however, as of press time, this was still unconfirmed.

4. So, then, would you sign to a major if the opportunity arose?
If the deal felt right, yeah.

5. Not that you're from California or anything, but how do you feel about Governer Arnold Schwartzenegger?
We think it's funny. Most peple don't know this but Arnie's first movie was Hercules Goes Bananas in New York, and we think that movie's hilarious.

6. But do you think he has any business in office?
Absolutely not. I'm quite sure he was elected simply because people know who he is.

7. You've played Las Vegas a few times. How do you feel about Sin City?
I love it because everything that your Mom wouldn't approve of is ok in Las Vegas. Drinking, partying, women, whatever. And that's great.

8. Do you and the rest of the band drink? And if so, what's your drink of choice?
Well, I drink any chance I get [laughs], and my drink is Tanqueray and Tonic. A couple of the guys in the band, and a couple of crew members don't drink though.

9.Do they give you shit about it?
No, they laugh at us. They laugh at what asses we make of ourselves.



10. You guys toured with Cave In. What was that like?
It was incredible. I love those guys...I've loved the band for a long time. And they're such cool guys. We had a great time.

11. The last show in Vegas, the kids weren't really into them. Did you notice that?
Yeah, and it's sad that the kids wouldn't open their minds a little and try to experience something a bit different. They really are a great band.

12. I heard Cave In just dropped off the tour. What happened there, and is there any bad blood between you all?
Oh no, no...absolutely not. Their label had plans for them to tour Europe or something. It was strictly scheduling matters that caused them to leave the tour. No bad blood or hard feelings at all.

13. OK, people who get band logos tattoos on their bodies. Cool or kind of creepy?
Well, I have a Rush tattoo, so I can't say much. But I think the band has to have been around for at least 25 years or else it's totally not cool. A Morrissey tattoo is the one exception.

14. Do you have a Morrissey tattoo.
No.

15. Planning on getting one?
Nope.
Well I won't tell you about ANY of my tattoos then.

16. #1 band, living or dead, that you'd kill to tour with?
Vince Neil era Motley Crue.

17. How come?
Did you read the book [The Dirt: Confessions of The World's Most Notorious Rock Band]? Ha ha ha. Pantera would be cool to tour with, or David Lee Roth era Van Halen.

18. Tell me your top 5 albums of all time.
Oh, that's tough. Do they have to be in order? Rush Hemispheres, Billy Joel 52nd Street, Earth, Wind, and Fire Greatest Hits, Pantera Far Beyond Driven, and Billy Joel Turnstyles. Wow, not at all what I expected.

19. Top 3 or 5 books.
Women by Bukowski, Ed Gein - Psycho [the biography of Ed Gein by Paul Anthony Woods], and any short stories by Edgar Allan Poe

20. Top 5 films of all time.
Shawshank Redemption, The 'Burbs, Any Monty Python film, Blazing Saddles, and Top Gun [laughs].

21. Really? Top Gun?
No, wait, change Top Gun to Cocktail. Because I'm such a huge Tom Cruise fan.

22. Really?
No, but I like to pretend I am.