Today we find out all about American Television as vocalist/guitarist Steve Rovery takes on our A-Z challenge!
A song that made you want to make music?
Joan Jett – Bad Reputation
Best rider you have had?
Cupcakes at 9:30 Club with catering during sound check
Craziest moment in the band?
I think the first time we played FEST in Gainesville, FL, it was really fulfilling to set a goal from day one and finally hit that goal.
Deepest lyric one of your songs features?
In our new song, “Witches!,” the line “we are the products of the witches they could not burn.” It’s meant to convey the strength passed down through generations of non-conformists. That you cannot eradicate the will to question the status quo.
Easiest song you wrote?
New Generation from our last album, SCARS. Start to finish, it was written in an airplane seat.
Favourite song in your set?
Right now, I think it’s This Is Hell.
Guest you’d most like to feature on your record?
Probably Ian MacKaye. That would bring me right back to where my love for punk rock began.
Hardest thing about being in a band?
For us, it’s managing personal, work, and band life. Keeping those things balanced and giving each the right amount of attention is hard sometimes.
Interesting fact about one of your members?
Chris does show and event production for a living, so he always geeks out on tech specs and poking around backstage.
Jokes you have in the band?
One time during load out from a club, I clipped the top of a trash can while carrying my amp out. It was full of like 300 empty beer cans, and it poured out onto the sidewalk. The bouncer looked at me with a death stare. I offered to clean it up. He just wanted me gone. All I could say was, “sorry about your trash can.” And it came out real timid and dorky. The guys say that to me all the time when I mess something up.
Key to writing a song?
In our songs melody is paramount.
Longest distance you’ve travelled to play a show?
We drove to Montreal to play Pouzza Fest
Most inspiring musician you’ve experienced?
I love a good stage performance. The Dirty Nil can make a 200 capacity club feel like an arena.
New band you’d recommend?
Check out our friends, The Iron Roses and 40 Reps.
Opening for this band would be ideal?
Face to Face
Place you’d most like to tour?
California. 2026?
Quote that you’d like to pass on to our readers?
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. – Wayne Gretzky” – Michael Scott
Reason for the title of your forthcoming release?
We want You Are Not Alone to be a bright spot for people who are exhausted by the daily barrage of hate and ignorance and need songs to remind them You Are Not Alone – in being angry. In needing an escape. In needing community.
See us live at?
12.12 Tysons, VA @ The Vault
The old days of music were better than the current, do you agree?
I think we are seeing the inclusivity in punk rock now more than ever before – No racism, No sexism, No homophobia. The current community doesn’t stand for that shit and we won’t either. So I vote current. But more people should get their asses out to shows.
Unusual merchandise?
AMEOWican Television cat stickers were a hit. Who doesn’t like a good cat pun?
Variations you’d like to do on one of your songs?
Someone should slow them way down and do a lounge cover. I nominate Richard Cheese.
What do your fans mean to you?
We talk to everyone we can at a show. I like that they feel connected with us. It’s an amazing feeling to see those people return to shows and know them and give them a hug. What is it that Olive Garden says? When you’re here, you’re family. That’s the vibe … maybe we need breadsticks at the merch table?
X-rays or any treatments needed for band injuries?
Nope.
You’re late for a show, whose fault is it?
Some say Edwin is still showering at a hotel.
Zoo animal that best describes the personality of your band?
We are like an alpaca. Bouncy occasionally aggressive and we probably need to be sheared.