By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
April 9, 2004
Since making its mark on the New York music scene 14 years ago, Versus has been a staple in the rock community. Led by brothers James and Richard Baluyut, the band is known for their gorgeous harmonies, tight rhythm section and wicked sense of humor. James Baluyut took a breather from rehearsal to chat with us about the Cubs, the Gallagher brothers and his guilty pleasure.
Last good movie you saw: “City of God” was incredible.
Book you’re recommending: The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami.
Where you’ll go if you get a chance to sightsee in Chicago: Harold’s Chicken Shack, definitely. I’ve never been.
Best advice you ever got: Making art is more important than making money.
Worst advice you ever got: Making art is more important than making money.
Bands that annoy you: That’s how you get in feuds — I’m not answering that.
Bands that amaze you: I got to catch a couple songs of The Darkness recently — that whole phenomenon amazes me.
Best way to stay in shape on the road: Stop drinking. Stop eating fast food. Eat only one meal a day.
Most underrated band: There are so many — but one band I think is criminally underappreciated is True Love Always. Another is Pale Saints.
The lesser of two evils — Britney or Christina: Christina, but that’s only because I don’t have a shot with Britney.
Worst job you ever had: I was a dishwasher in high school, which was OK but it rendered my hands useless. I canvassed for Greenpeace in college, which does wonders for one’s self-esteem.
What you’d be doing if you weren’t in Versus: I’d probably start a band and call it plus/minus.
You and your brother Richard — more like the Gallaghers (of Oasis) or the Bee Gees in temperament: I suppose we used to be more like the Gallaghers, what with the fighting and all, but nowadays we’re both just like Gallagher — we like to smash watermelons with sledgehammers.
Who you’d want to play you in a biographical film about Versus: Well, it’s hard to say — there aren’t a lot of Filipino-American actors out there. But I would definitely want my voice to be done by James Earl Jones.
Three things you can’t travel without: Eyeshades, earplugs and my Beatles CDs.
Favorite sport (to watch or play): Hockey
What’s your guilty pleasure?: I drank a Zima once and thought it was OK.
