They're described as "rock solid songwriting. A passionate commitment to music that makes a difference and the chops to pull it off. With a name as evocative as their music, The Shore is a richly talented young quartet whose seamless ensemble sound welds a rich mix of influences. From Neil Young to Coldplay to the Verve, The Shore brings it all together in a grand musical vision that is reminiscent of the best that rock can be while remaining utterly innovative and original. The Shore is an album that celebrates the enduring values of heartfelt songwriting and consummate craftsmanship in a collection of songs that seems certain to land The Shore a place among the very best of tomorrow's rock originals." The Shore's front man Ben Ashley took some time from his current tour to answer some questions for one times one.

Interviewer: Jason Hall

First I wanted to congratulate you on the success of your debut. Seems like you guys really came into the spotlight in the past few months, has it been hard adjusting to all that?

Thank you! It hasn't been too hard to adjust, we're just happy to play our music so whatever comes with it is fine with us.

Where did you get your band name and what's the meaning behind it?

We got it from Carl Sagan's "Cosmos" where he says we are living on the edge
of the cosmic shore.

When did you all come to California? Any embarrassing, out of your element, stories?

Everyone is from California except me...I'm from Philadelphia and took the Greyhound bus from Philly to LA...I guess that's embarrassing enough.

I saw that you're influenced by The Beach Boys, what do you think of Brian Wilson finally finishing Smile? And do you think today's technology has improved it or taken from it somehow?

I'm happy that Smile is finally released because it's one of my favorite records although I wished the rest of the band had a part in it...I still prefer the old (bootleg) recording.

I also saw that The Byrds were an influence, are you more influenced by their earliest works or more by when Gram Parsons entered and the band made a shift into country? And were you into The Flying Burrito Brothers with bassist Chris Hillman and the country trends that followed?

We're into both phases, both the Gene Clark early Byrds and the Gram Parsons later Byrds; they were both huge influences. Also, we're big fans of the Burrito Brothers...Mostly though, we're more into the late 60's early 70s material.

What are you listening to right now?

Broadcast, The Clientele, Scott Walker, The Gene Clark solo records

Your debut has a lot of positive, heartfelt sentiments and seems to be really well-received. Do you think modern music has been lacking in that?

Absolutely, that's what we're here for...to bring back the old ways of emotional, soulful music.

How has your first tour promoting an album been?

Well, this is our 3rd tour, and it's been uplifting to see the crowds grow more and more and we are receiving a more and more positive reaction from people that have taken in our record.

What was the strangest thing you've seen on tour, and where was it?

We saw a decapitated deer by the hotel driveway in Cambridge Ohio...very
disturbing...

With the tour and your new found fame, have you had a chance to come up with any new material for another album? If so, when might we expect to see one?

Yes, we've come up with enough material for a whole new album and then some. As far as anyone hearing it, we'll do a new song here and there live, but
we've only just begun touring on this record.

-Jason Hall 12/03/04