Inciting Tight Mosh Pits (While Rocking in Crocs): THICK Hit the Press Room on June 8

To start, when you’re asked to do an interview by a band who dub themselves “Croc Rock” in their Instagram profile, you take that interview.

Creeping up on a decade of existence, New York-based pop/punk trio THICK (made up of vocalist/guitarist Nikki Sisti, vocalist/bassist Kate Black, and vocalist/drummer Shari Page), is set to embark on tour, which will commence at our very own Press Room on Thursday, June 8. The Rodeo threw a few questions at the ladies of THICK and, in return, fielded responses which are up for consumption below…

Granite Rodeo: Alright, let’s get this right out of the way… “Croc Rock.” I can’t tell if this is a joke or the stuff of legend. I guess it could be both. BUT, where do you stand on this footwear? I legit ask people interviewing for a job at my place of employment how many pairs they own with no preface at all…

THICK: CROC ROCK!! We stand behind this 100%, but it took some of us a while to come around… It wasn’t until the release of the platforms that we fully succumbed to the comfort of Crocs. They help with our overall musical performance and health on tour.

Granite Rodeo: How many jibbitz are too many jibbitz?

THICK: Four.

Granite Rodeo: Sport mode or casual?

THICK: One of each.

Granite Rodeo: Legends. Okay, moving on… Let’s trace some roots. How’d THICK come to be? Why’d THICK come to be?

THICK: THICK became a band because of Craigslist. It was created as a counterpoint to the music scene at the time, which was predominantly men. We wanted to see more women on stage, so we got on stage ourselves.

Granite Rodeo: This music is fun. Which, I imagine, is why you do it. Which, in essence, means you’re winning. But, anyhow, why music? Why do seek it? Why do you create it?

Black: It makes me happier than doing anything else. Music as a form of expression has always really resonated with me, it has a way of reaching out and connecting with whatever you’re going through. Eventually, it became my favorite way to express myself.

Sisti: It was something I’ve always wanted to be a part of. I love the community that it brings together, and it just feels so good to physically experience the release of energy on stage or at someone else’s show; it’s so visceral.

Granite Rodeo: Who and/or what inspires your approach to the pop-punk you’re slinging?

THICK: Our 15-year-old emo selves.

Granite Rodeo: It’s been just about a year since your latest record, “Happy Now,” dropped. What were your goals for this album? How’s the reception been?

THICK: The goal is just to continue creating. Everything kinda happens so fast; we can’t believe it’s already been a year. The reception has been great! Every show we are surprised at people singing lyrics to different songs. We love seeing our music resonate with people.

Granite Rodeo: What do you hope people take away with them when they experience the music of THICK? What do you get from making this music?

THICK: Joy and a sense of hope. Even when we are singing our heavier songs or angry songs, it’s delivered with a tone of resilience and a “we got this” attitude.

Granite Rodeo: You’re starting your tour on June 8 in New Hampshire. Why? (Don’t say “routing.” Make us happy now…)

THICK: We love Portsmouth! And we love the Press Room. The staff and people who come to the shows are always so supportive; it’s a great way to set the tone of tour. If it were up to us, we’d play the whole tour in Portsmouth, NH.

Granite Rodeo: You’re playing the Press Room. Great, welcoming venue. Little tight for mosh-pitting though. What excites you about the gig? What do you appreciate about being able to bring your show from town to town?

THICK: We love the tight mosh pits. Those are our favorites! We love seeing the community grow each time we pass through. New fans, old fans, it’s so cool that everyone is a part of this with us.

Granite Rodeo: Is it weird to step out onto a stage to a sea of strangers’ eyeballs just standing there, staring at you?

THICK: We are used to it now. Constant eyeballs the whole show.

Granite Rodeo: What’s the best part of living in a van?

THICK: Pumping gas, gas station food, traffic, and van therapy. Best place to exist, hands down.

For more information, visit www.pressroomnh.com and/or www.thick.band.