Garrett Whitlow: Having seen you guys live on several occasions and listening to Long Arms to Hold You, I must say that it’s very impressive to learn that most of these songs started off as solo acoustic numbers. The band has a unique chemistry that makes it seem as if the album was written by a five or six piece all along.

James Menefee: Those songs were written at a time when I was at a nadir in regards to my self-worth and self-confidence as a writer and performer. River City High was on a de facto hiatus after we tried to regain the lost ground that was ripped out from under us when we went to Canada to record what was supposed to be our major label debut. I went into the studio sheepishly with some songs that I was afraid to record on an instrument I was afraid to play, and I was hoping at best I would have a nice-sounding demo to take home. Then I decided to layer more things on the initial tracks. It’s a testament to the talent of the people involved that it all blends so well. Everyone had such great ideas that I didn’t have to say much. I was very much present, but it was more of what I like to call a “hands-on hands-off” kind of a deal.

GW: Speaking of River City High…you guys toured quite extensively. Any plans of taking Long Arms on the road?

JM: River City High once played 250 shows in one year. We did it for bragging rights I think, although at the time we felt like we were fighting for a cause; however, that much time being on the road took a huge toll on us. I wouldn’t trade the stories for the world, though. I do think that Long Arms will try to do things a little differently because we are SUPPOSED to be learning from our past mistakes at this point, right?

GW: There’s an awful lot of smiling going on when you perform. What are you usually thinking about?

JM: Playing in a band isn’t the worst thing you can do with your night, so there’s that, which is genuinely exciting. For me it’s usually “Man, it’s really hot up here, I hope I don’t pass out and embarrass myself,” or things like “I’m really out of tune” and “Should I have had Chipotle before I got up here?”

GW: Do you find it easier/harder playing bass and singing (RCH) or guitar and singing (LA)?

JM: Great question. Playing guitar lends itself more to accompanying a lead vocalist. The up stroking strum aspect of the guitar just goes great with singing, which is why there are so few bass player vocalists. I liked playing bass and singing because I kind of felt that I was part of an elite club whose chief operating officers were Paul McCartney, Phil Lynott and Rick Danko (ok ok ok Sting is there too).

GW: As a key player in Richmond bands for many years now, what are your thoughts on Richmond’s music scene in 2010?

JM: Most of the people that are dissatisfied with things in general and are just projecting that on the present, while seeing the past with those rose-colored stage dive glasses that also magically fill your nostrils with that mid-90’s Twisters smell of vomit and sweat (I’m painting an awesome picture of punk in the 90’s). Those were great times, and I’m so lucky I was around for those years. Things have changed, yes, but I bet if you honestly went looking for that scene spirit, you would find it in a basement, a dark and dirty club, in a fanzine online or printed or on a record - places it has always been. Those will always be the glue that holds together a scene.

GW: My final question. Any song by any artist you wish most that James Menefee wrote…what is it?

JM: I automatically wanted to pick a favorite Bowie, Neil Young or Nick Drake song, or “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys, but then I just thought those songs are so perfect the way they are I just couldn’t be anywhere near them; conversely, if I happened to be in say Limp Bizkit and I had written “I Did It All For The Nookie” I could have brought it to band practice one day, started to teach it to Fred and the guys and then I could decide it wasn’t working, breaking practice up early and effectively stemming the tide of rap/funk metal for all of humanity. So I guess instead of “Pink Moon” I pick “Nookie” so I can be a martyr. You’re welcome!