25 August 2006 -

EXCLUSIVE Interview: I Am The World Trade Center
Chuck Norton, DeadJournalist.com

Formed in New York City, in 1999, by Kindercore Records co-founder Dan Geller and his then-girlfriend Amy Dykes, the Athens, Georigia-based duo I Am The World Trade Center is seven years into a productive and influential musical career that has seen the band's success paired with numerous personal challenges. Known for fun and energetic live performances and a penchant for covering '80's classics, the band became a staple of the Athens music scene.

With Dykes providing most of the vocals and Geller creating the disco-influenced synth-pop, the band first performed in 2000 at SXSW. In 2001, the band released their first album, Out of the Loop. Despite the end of their personal relationship, Dykes and Geller continued performing and recording together. In 2003, the band released its second album, The Tight Connection.

A dispute between Kindercore Records and its then partner The Telegraph Company, caused the band's 2004 release, The Cover Up, to be released on Gammon Records. The album received praise (including a 7.1 from Pitchforkmedia.com) with tracks such as "No Expectations" and "Going Underground" highlighting the album.

The band was dealt a significant blow in April 2004 when Dykes was diagnosed with cancer and endured several complications from her chemotherapy. Luckily, by the end of the year, her cancer had gone into complete remission and I Am The World Trade Center began performing again.

The band continues to perform and provide remixes for other artists. But the future of I Am The World Trade Center is uncertian. Geller, who is a biochemical engineer, also DJ's regularly and is also involved with several other musical projects. Dykes is in the process of moving to the west coast to get her PhD.

For more information on I Am The World Center, visit their Web site: www.iamtheworldtradecenter.com or their MySpace page at: www.myspace.com/iamtheworldtradecenter

Dan Gellar took time out of his hectic schedule for this exclusive interview with DeadJournalist.com.

What led to the formation of I Am The World Trade Center?

DG: I was recording a bunch of songs on my laptop in our tiny Brooklyn apartment around 1999. I needed someone to sing, so I put Amy's vocals on a track and everyone seemed to love it, thus the band was born.

What steered you into the music industry?

DG: I always was intrigued by music and wanted to be a part of it. I started a record label and several bands to have fun and the industry part sort of just followed. Amy was forced into it by me and finally now admits she enjoys it as much as I do.

What artists influenced you most musically?

DG: New Order, Saint Etienne, The Smiths, The Stone Roses and The Jam.

Have the personal challenges of the last several years affected the group?

DG: Yes, it has made it difficult to write new songs since we are no longer trapped in a house together.

What is the future of the band?

DG: Amy is moving to Corvallis, OR to pursue her Ph. D. I am staying right here in Athens, GA. Future shows will be played by one or both of us flying in for the gigs.

Are you working on a new album?

DG: Yes and no, there are a ton of songs ready to go, but none of them have lyrics. Whether this will be a world trade album or a different project remains to be seen.

As performers, what is the most important aspect of a live show?

DG: Entertaining the crowd is what it is all about. Upbeat songs and TONS of energy are the most important things for us!

 

I Am The World Trade Center - "No Expectations"