2011-08-05

I saw Chalkies‘ brand of punk rock at The Chop Shop, a new venue in NoDa. While this was my first time for both the band and the venue, I hope to see a lot more of both of them.

Singer Mark Lynch generously answered my questions via e-mail.

Q: You’re well known for playing bass in a number of Charlotte bands and for producing some excellent records locally; however, with the Chalkies, you’ve thrown away the bass (or, as one wag suggested to me, they’ve taken it away from you) and you’re out in front singing. How is that working out?

Mark Lynch and Shawn Lynch

It was scary at first. I had done a little singing before but this was a big step. I never really intended to be the “front man”. We were kicking around song ideas and I kept bringing in songs and one thing led to another. I’m having a blast. I’m still trying to figure it out, but so far so good. Sorry to disappoint the “wag”, but I still play bass with Temperance League.

Q: When you’re writing songs for Chalkies, how do they come together?

Darrin Gray

There is no set process. I write all of the lyrics and most of the melodies and just bring it in to the band. There have been a few songs where one of Shawn’s riffs inspires a song. Shawn Lynch is really the band leader. He helps my ideas come alive. I don’t really think I could do it without him. Darrin Gray (drums) and Eric Scott (bass) are just as essential to the “Chalkies sound”. I don’t think anyone in this band has ever suggested anything to anyone else. It all just seems to work in a real organic way.

Q: The band has been together for six months or so and you sound like you’re really hitting your stride. What comes next for Chalkies?

Shawn Lynch

I don’t know. We have no lofty goals. We’ve all done this enough to be pretty realistic about its prospects. We’ll keep playing shows locally and maybe take some short jaunts around the the Carolinas. I suppose we will get into the studio at some point, but there’s no rush.

Q: What’s the worst gig you ever played?

Mark Lynch

That’s a tough question as I’ve played a lot of gigs, but there is one that comes immediately to mind. I played a show not long ago with Garrigan where I totally screwed the pooch. I had played an out-of-town show the night before with Temperance League where everyone in the band got food poisoning. After a fitful night of little sleep, we returned to Charlotte. I had to work prior to going to play with Garrigan. I was spent. I decided it would be a good idea to take a “stimulant” or two about two hours before the show. About 30 minutes before the show I was still feeling tired, so I took another. I nearly passed out on stage. I stood there like a zombie and more or less just held the bass and moved my hands around for the last part of the show. It turns out that what I thought was a stimulant was actually a barbituate. I’m still embarrassed about that night.

Q: I know you are involved in dog rescue in Charlotte. What’s special about Project HALO and what keeps you involved?

Eric Scott

My girl, Jill is a big Project HALO fan and is on the board of directors. We adopted our dog, Dash (the three-legged wonder) from there. They are very personable and down-to-earth. And because they are small, you can really see the effects of your efforts on their behalf.

Related posts:

1. Temperance League at Plaza-Midwood Pig Pickin’