Interview with Peter Fancher, February 23, 2018

Partial Transcript: '75, I came to college...

Segment Synopsis: Fancher talks about his decision to attend the University of Georgia as a New Jersey native. Fancher talks about his time living at Lipscomb Hall, which was known as the "artist dorm" around the time. Fancher describes the town of Athens during his time at the University and recalls how there was an underdeveloped music scene around the mid '70's.

Keywords: Lipscomb Hall; New Jersey; University of Georgia; music

Partial Transcript: And keg parties! Everyone went to keg parties...

Segment Synopsis: Fancher talks about some of the social hubs of UGA during the mid 1970's which included keg parties and the smoking area at the Main Library. Fancher recalls how he came to be involved in the music scene of Athens, Georgia. Fancher explains some of the interactions he had with prominent bands like the B-52's and R.E.M. as a pizza delivery man.

Keywords: Park Hall; The B-52's; University of Georgia (UGA); keg parties

Partial Transcript: Spencer, Spencer Thornton who went on to L.A....

Segment Synopsis: Fancher talks about how the alternative culture of the Athens music culture emerged during the late 1980's. Fancher describes his experience at the concerts of alternative bands such as The Stranglers and R.E.M.. Fancher talks about one of his favorite bands during the early 1980's, which was called Now Explosion.

Keywords: Chameleon Club; Now Explosion; R.E.M.; Spencer Thornton; The Stranglers

Partial Transcript: Can you talk about how you started...

Segment Synopsis: Fancher talks about his decision to start playing music for himself, after leaving school in 1981. Fancher recalls his audition with the band, The Restraints, and his negative impression of the band leader. Fancher talks about his decision to start a band in Athens, Georgia.

Keywords: Atlanta, Georgia; Joy Division; R.E.M.; The Restraints; guitar

Partial Transcript: She was dancing to the music...

Segment Synopsis: Fancher talks about the process of building a band, and how he eventually came to name the band Club Gaga. Fancher explains that the band continued its performances from 1983-1984, until one of the members quit. Fancher talks about the process of recording their band's music.

Keywords: 40-Watt Club; Club Gaga; Songbird's Studio; recording

Partial Transcript: We made our own covers...

Segment Synopsis: Fancher talks about the process of creating album covers and cassettes for their band, Gaga Club. Fancher describes an interaction he had with one of the members from the band Happiness. Fancher recalls some of the memories he has about band members.

Keywords: 40-Watt; Gaga Club; Happiness

Partial Transcript: Cause he knew I wanted recording equipment...

Segment Synopsis: Fancher talks about his decision to open a recording studio. Fancher recalls some of the challenges he experienced with running his recording studio, which lasted from the mid 90's until 2006. Fancher talks about his band, The Side Effects and his recording experience.

Keywords: Morton Theater; The Side Effects; Victor Chesnutt; recording; recording studio

Partial Transcript: Going back to the first chapter...

Segment Synopsis: Fancher talks about some of his recording experience with bands in Athens, including the Glands and Two-Bit Street. Fancher describes the recording process, and some of the innovations he added to his recording process to make it go smoother.

Keywords: Double Thriller; Dough Stanley; Pretty Marina; The Glands; Two-Bit Street

Partial Transcript: Not making money often made it...

Segment Synopsis: Fancher recalls his favorite part of the recording process, which was being allowed to edit music. Fancher explains his decision to close down his recording studio due to financial constraints. Fancher describes some of his interactions with the late musician Vic Chesnutt.

Keywords: Vic Chesnutt; recording

Partial Transcript: You know, I'm sure he's telling me...

Segment Synopsis: Fancher relates some of interactions he had with the musician Vic Chesnutt. Fancher and the interviewer speculate the reason behind the breakup of the band, the La-Di-Das. Fancher talks about the frustration Vic Chesnutt felt after a car accident which left him paralyzed.

Keywords: 40-Watt; La Di Das; Vic Chesnutt

Partial Transcript: I think most people that commit suicide...

Segment Synopsis: Fancher summarizes his time living in Athens, Georgia during the musical surge of the 1980's-1990's. Fancher talks about the musical stages of Athens, GA. Fancher recalls the Stitch Craft musical festival which took place in Athens, Georgia during the 1980's.

Keywords: Club Gaga; Stitch Craft; Vic Chesnutt; underground

Partial Transcript: Before bands, there was a party...

Segment Synopsis: Fancher describes a common practice venue for the bands around Athens, Georgia. Fancher explains how the rise in popularity of the Athens music festival, Stitch Craft, caused its demise, as the increase of attendees led to increased liability on the part of the hosting party.

Keywords: Club Gaga; Patty Smith; R.E.M.; The Replacements; keg parties; performing