Oleander - Thomas Flowers
By: Dominick A. Miserandino
DM) Is there any correlation between your last name and naming the band after a shrub?
TF) At the time that we named the band Oleander, we didn't take into account the fact that my last name is Flowers. It wasn't until it was brought to our attention that we realized the correlation, so it was just a coincidence.
DM) What track on this album are you most proud of?
TF) "How Could I?" If you listen to the lyrics, you'll understand.
DM) What is the story behind the song "Why I'm Here"?
TF) It's a question I sometimes have to ask myself. I tend to write songs to give myself advice and remind myself where I've been--and where I don't ever want to be again.
DM) When did you first learn to play guitar?
TF) It's still a work in progress. I've known how to use the guitar to write songs for a few years now.
DM) What are the differences among the three albums Oleander has released?
TF) Five songs and a whole lot of production.
DM) What's your songwriting process?
TF) Well, I pick up the guitar, and there usually is something there waiting for me. I obsess on it for a week and then bring it to the band.
DM) What type of music did you listen to when you were growing up?
TF) Mostly AM radio and Motown.
DM) What can your fans expect from your live show?
TF) Biting heads off bats, snorting lines of ants--oh, wait, that's Ozzy! We just give everything we have every night and hope that it translates.
DM) What do you do to relax, outside of music?
TF) Hang out with Grandpa, play with Samantha (my Dalmatian), and take hot baths.
DM) Is music your whole life or have you had a "back-up career"?
TF) Music is not my whole life, it's just a huge part of my life. I can always go back to bussing tables, yeah right!!!
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