Under The Starry Nitez!

Morley

2011-11-23T16:22:00.001-08:00

Morley is the guy putting up wheat-paste posters with phrases plastered on them, along with his own image, around the LA area. His posters are thoughtful, curious and almost evoke a sense of feeling like things don't have to so bad. Whereas many street artists choose to remain an anonymous mystery, Morley does the opposite. Not only does he include an image of himself on each poster, but takes to his blog to further discuss the process and even lists the location of each piece. Here, Morley discusses further some different aspects about street art.

1. How did you first get interested in art?

I suppose I got interested in art the same way as everyone else, through the things that entertained me as a child. Anything that gave my imagination fuel to explore the various recesses of my mind and the worlds that exist within them, would be quickly devoured by my young eyes and ears. Films, music, cartoons, comics- they were and still are a sort of relief from the drudgery of every day life. The difference between when I was a child and today is my reverence for such things. Being given the privilege to create anything that might give someone else a similar relief is a gift that I don’t take for granted.

2. How did you get involved with street art and what made you decide to start?

I was raised in Iowa City for most of my adolescence and had never heard of ‘street art’ until I moved to New York in 2000 to attend college at The School Of Visual Arts in Manhattan. I started to see work by people like Neckface and Shepard Fairey and became absorbed by the idea of creating art with the sole purpose of giving it away to anyone who noticed it. I was never interested in graffiti or tagging as much as I was in communicating an actual message. In speaking into the lives of a sea of strangers that might wander past. I began silk-screening slogans and quotes on to Contact paper that I would stick in subway cars and throughout the city. At the time, it still hadn’t occurred to me that this was ‘street art’ as the term wouldn’t gain traction until years later. When I moved to Los Angeles, I discovered a new breed of people I wanted to speak to. I returned to my goal of saying something encouraging, funny or relatable but as people travel in cars, I knew that I needed to go bigger. I started making posters. With that came the desire to add something that would give an identity to who the message was coming from. I thought that if I included a picture of myself, it would create a bond between the reader and artist. They would see the messages as coming from a kindred spirit, a friend. Things just started evolving from there.

3. How would you describe what you do to someone who might not grasp the concept or idea behind it?

It would depend on how much animosity they had towards people they view as ‘vandals’. In its most basic form, I’m just trying to leave messages for people to stumble over with the hope that it’s the kind of thing they need to hear. Whether it’s as simple as “I promise you you’re not just a waitress” or something a little more cerebral like “the curse of imagination is picturing the world as it should be”, my goal is always to inspire, encourage or commiserate with someone. In my mind, this is worth the negligible damage that wheat paste and posters could do to a piece of public or private property, but there are others who would disagree.

4. What do you feel is your main purpose behind your art?

I like to think, my art is a lot less about me than it is about the viewer. A lot of artists create from the desire to get it ‘out of their system’, others do it to educate or express their opinions. These are totally valid reasons to create, but for what I do, I believe the viewer is a most vital part of the process. It’s the viewer that gives the piece its significance by bringing their own lives to the experience. The degree to which someone relates to something I’ve written or which doors it unlocks in their memory is the only measuring stick to which I can rate a piece’s success. Since I’m not there for 99% of the interactions between someone who sees a poster of mine, I am afforded the luxury of assuming the best.

5. How do you feel about your art either being destroyed, torn down, buffed, etc. within an unknown time frame?

It can be bittersweet but I do my best to believe that my messages only stay up as long as they need to. That the people that needed to see it got the chance. On a financial level it can be frustrating to see a larger poster that cost 30 dollars to make only last a day on the street but it comes with the territory. On the other hand, there’s something sort of beautiful about the temporary nature of street art. That someone might see something of mine that’s gone the following day gives a value to the immediacy of a moment. I find that kind of fleeting beauty is often under appreciated.

6. How do you choose the spots for each piece to be put up?

There are always two major things you look for in a good spot- how many people will see it and how long will it stay up. Usually however much it has in one of those, it decreases in the other. For example, a spot on a rooftop might last longer but a lot fewer people will see it than an electrical box that’s right in front of their face. I generally go for the short-term spots that a lot of people will see. The other thing I try to gauge is how much damage I’m going to do on the spot. I never want someone to see a poster of mine and say, “What a nice sentiment… it’s such a shame he had to ruin that person’s store front to make it.” So I look for bored up buildings, public spots that aren’t going to incontinence anyone or advertisements.

7. What inspired you to come up with phrases and post those up, as opposed to another form of street art and will you ever go in another direction art wise?

The reason I was drawn to phrases was that I consider myself a writer first. I am passionate about the written word and the effect it has on people. The fact that it’s both specific and yet completely open to interpretation has always fascinated me. I enjoy the challenge of telling a little story in a single phrase or sentence, of getting across a profound idea in as few words as possible and letting the viewer fill in everything else with their own histories and perspectives. To that end, I still do my best to evolve as much as I can on a visual level. As that process continues I’m not really sure where it will take me but I always try to keep an open mind.

8. After you put something up, you'll take a picture and give some insight into it on your blog, while most street arts do not take that approach...What made you do this?

For me, the blog was an extension of putting myself on all of the posters. It was a chance to connect on a more personal and intimate level with the audience. Many street artists prefer a level of secrecy, mainly for self preservation, something I can appreciate- but for me, I wanted to do something different and, almost as an alternative to artists like Banksy, create a bond between myself and the people who like my stuff. Speaking into someone’s life requires both honesty and vulnerability and the blog gives me the chance to offer that.

9. How would you describe the phrases you use?

I generally use the term ‘slogans’. In the dictionary, a slogan is defined as: “A distinctive cry, phrase, or motto of any party, group, manufacturer, or person”… Or “a war cry or gathering cry.” I think those definitions suit what I do just fine.

10. If you could wheat-paste any one building, location, anywhere, where would it be?

The Great Wall of China. It would take a lot of paper and paste but I can’t imagine a more bad-ass spot in the world.

http://iammorley.squarespace.com/

LIGHTS

2011-10-25T02:46:00.003-07:00

Lights is a singer, songwriter, synth, guitar and keytar player based out of Toronto. With her mix of pop hooks blending and falling into place with a bit of razor-edged electro beats, Lights creates a dynamic combination of sounds on her new record, Siberia. Here, she explains and gives some insight into the world of Lights.

1. How did you get involved with music and what made you want to pursue it?

When I was younger and my dad used to play his acoustic guitar while I was trying to fall asleep, I realized the power of music to change your state of mind, and put me at peace. He started teaching me the basics on guitar when I was eleven and I went from there.

2. What's your earliest memory of music?

I used to have these tapes, these musical stories, about a songbook and his family that went on adventures. I believe it was called Psalty the Singing Songbook. I used put on my huge headphones and listen to the tapes and sing along. Those are probably the first songs I coherently memorized.

3. Who or what are some of your inspirations?

What inspires me varies from visual art, like fantasy art, comics or video game graphics, to good song writing to creative production. It can come from anywhere at any time, you just have to be ready to reign it in and turn it into something great.

4. What is the song writing process like for you and do you get something different out of writing certain songs?

I will either sit there alone with my acoustic and pen a song from start to finish in one sitting, which usually comes at a time when I need it the most. Or I’ll sit in a studio setting with a trusted co-writer and build up a track based on a vibe. Once most of the song is sonically in place and melodies begin to fall into the cracks, I’ll go off that night and write the lyrics. More recently though, with Siberia, a new dynamic was thrown in with Holy Fuck in the picture. Some of the songs came after we patched together stand-out parts pulled from jam sessions recorded right off the floor. Really cool and alive. Each song comes from whatever mood you’re in when it’s written, and the lyrics are pretty respective to the vibe of the song, thusly following suit. They’re all honest, all cathartic in some way. I’ve never written a great song and felt nothing. Those ones just get lost.

5. How do you think winning the Juno for best new artist and being on Last Gang Records has differed or impacted things for you?

The Juno came at an interesting time. I only had an EP out and I was just getting started. It was a real sense of acknowledgment from fellow Canadian music-minds. It gave me an encouraging boost and probably put a few more eyes on me. With Last Gang, it’s just a perfect match for where I’m at right now and the vibe of the new record. Here’s a label with some great, cutting edge, sonically creative music, like DFA, Metric, Crystal Castles, Chromeo. It’s an honor to be among them.

6. What is the best and maybe worst parts of touring for you and do you plan out and make an attempt to check out a certain place in the city you're playing?

The best part of touring is playing in different cities every night, seeing the reach of the music you’ve created even though you’re so far from home. That’s invigorating. Plus, knowing that every day you’re getting better at what you do. The worst part is probably that it gets exhausting after a while. You go hard and long every day. When we have time and are in a good area we check stuff out in the respective cities, but most of the time the venues are a ways away from anything of interest so we just lurk around the bus area.

7. Who would you like to collaborate with at some point?

In my experience so far, I’ve found that the best collaborations are the ones that had little planning, the natural things that just come along. I’m mainly just waiting to see what happens! Though I wouldn’t mind a sing-along with Celine Dion. That also kind of rhymed.

8. What do you think you might be doing if you weren't doing this?

Something graphically oriented probably, like comic illustration or game design.

9. What do you enjoy doing that's non music related?

See above! On the side I release comic-book inspired paintings. I’m taking computer science courses and learning to tattoo. I also watch B-horrors movies and love it.

10. What is something random about yourself?

I used to take pop-up book making classes when I was 12.

11. What are some bands you are currently listening to?

Radiohead, Mew, Bon Iver, Crystal Castles.

Some old favourites/favourite records?

Face Value by Phil Collins, Breakfast in America – Supertramp, Joshua Tree- U2, King of Fools - Delirious

Anything you're looking forward to being released?

The new Tomb Raider game and the upcoming World of Warcraft expansion, involving pandas. Possible Wonder Woman movie? Possible Warcraft movie?

Last cd/vinyl/digital purchased?

Bon Iver - Bon Iver.

Last movie you saw & show you went to?

“The Thing” (remake)

http://www.facebook.com/lights

Marksmen

2011-09-30T17:30:00.001-07:00

Marksmen are a four piece from Tampa. The band includes Matt Segallos - guitar and vocals, Chris Brickman - guitar, Glenn Espinoza - bass, and Reed Murray - drummer. Recently, Marksmen brought their blend of indie-alt-rock sound out on the road with Eisley. Here, Reed discusses a bit further about the band known as Marksmen.

1. What made you decide to start a band?

It was never my intention to start a band. I had always wanted to be a part of a project that I believed in and enjoyed playing drums for, but at the same time, the idea of being in a band left me feeling skeptical - it's rare to find other musicians who you completely connect with as people and also have the same musical vision as yourself.
Then Matt and Chris came along. They had been writing together for a short time and had the drive to start this band - a band they wanted me to be a part of. At first I declined due to my other commitments of school and work, but then I listened to various acoustic demos and I was on board.

2. How did everyone meet?

Matt and Chris originally met at a Sam Ash music store in Tampa and began writing together.
At this time, I worked at a Starbucks nearby. Matt and Chris were regular customers at the store. Eventually they heard I was a drummer and they asked me if I would be interested in starting a band with them and I accepted the offer.
I had met Glenn at a pizza place called Mellow Mushroom in Tampa, where he would usually be my server. I heard from friends that Glenn would be a great fit as a bassist, so I asked him and the four of us formed the band, Marksmen.

3. Who are some influences for the band?

I am personally influenced by the drummers of Radiohead, Death Cab for Cutie, The Killers,and Mew.

4. How would you describe the band and its sound?

I feel that we are somewhere between an indie and a rock band.

5. What do you find to be the most difficult thing about being in a band?

The most difficult thing about being in an unsigned band is touring. We've been lucky though, thanks to bands like Anberlin and Eisley, who had been kind enough to take us out to play shows with them in and out of Florida.

6. What are some bands you are currently listening to?

Lately I've been listening to Antlers, Bon Iver, the new Bright Eyes album, the new Thrice, the new St. Vincent, and the new Fleet Foxes.

Some old favourites/favourite records?

Some old favorite albums of mine are "Frengers" Mew, "Transatlanticism" by Death Cab for Cutie, "Clarity" by Jimmy Eat World, "Kid A" by Radiohead, "Parachutes" by Coldplay, "Continuum" by John Mayer, "Hopes and Fears" by Keane, "Beat Romantic" by Talkdemonic and "Sam's Town" by The Killers.

Anything you're looking forward to being released?

I'm very bad with remembering dates of when new albums come out, so there's nothing I'm looking forward to at the moment. I just picked up the new Feist album yesterday though, and I love it, which is the last CD I purchased as of late. Last cd/vinyl/digital purchased?

Last movie you saw & show you went to?

The last movie I saw was Synecdoche, New York and the last show I paid to go see was Death Cab for Cutie in Atlanta with Frightened Rabbit.

Geographer

2011-09-22T14:43:00.000-07:00

Geographer are a 3 piece based out of San Francisco. The band consists of Nathan Blaz on cello/electronics, Brian Ostreicher on drums/vocals, and Mike Deni on vocals/guitar,keys. Recently having wrapped up a tour with Ladytron, Geographer brought their blend of indie-synth-pop sound. Here, Mike gives a bit of insight into the band called Geographer.

1. Who or what are some influences for the band?

Radiohead, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Arthur Russell, Prince, Kate Bush, and Terry Riley are heroes of ours.

2. How do you think being San Francisco based benefits or maybe hinders being in a band?

Touring on the west coast is kind of rough. We've gotten used to 8 to 10 hours between shows being a routine drive. But as far as the scene itself, it's been very good to us. The blogs are very genuine out here. They seem to just want to bring people good music, rather than try to find something no one else likes so they can remain cutting edge. And the community is very tiny. It feels like a small town, in that everyone eventually winds up meeting each other. It feels good to know that you can go to a show alone and you'll bump into 5 people you know.

3. What is the songwriting process like for you guys?

I write the songs at home or at our practice space, and flesh them out the best I can. I bring it to the rest of the band and they give a sort of yay or nay on the song as a whole, and tell me which parts they like or don't like. Then I go back home and try to improve it while we all play it together to generate more ideas. It's sort of a war on two fronts like this until the song gets to a place we're all happy with. The lyrics are usually the last to fall into place. A kernel starts with the song, usually, but then it takes me a long time to finish them. Just jamming together and making weird sounds has also helped us expand our pallet. I'm looking forward to doing more of that now that we've finished the album.

4. Who would you like to work with if given the chance?

Nigel Godrich and Dave Fridmann. We have as much respect and admiration for them as we do for the bands they produce.

5. What is the best/worst part of being in a band?

Best: people screaming and clapping and dancing because of something that you made and that you love. Worst: not being able to listen to music the way I did before I stepped behind the curtain. Now I try to imagine the shape of the gears that make the engine work, rather than marvelling at its power and magic. If I hear a strange sound I have to hunt it like an animal, and I only feel better once I know how it's done. That's why I listen to so much old music, I think, because you can't touch Paul Simon. And that's no fault of your own. He's Paul Simon.

6. What would you be doing if you weren't involved with music?

I can't even think about that.

7. What are some bands you are currently listening to?

Prince, Here We Go Magic, Shabazz Palaces, Braids

Some old favourites/favourite records?

I love records from my youth, that my parents listened to. So Steve Winwood's "Back in the High Life," James Taylor's "Mudslide Slim and the Blue Horizon, Cat Stevens' "Tea for the Tillerman."

Anything you're looking forward to being released?

I'm looking forward to another Grizzly Bear record.

Last cd/vinyl/digital purchased?

Billy Joel's "Glass Houses"

Last movie you saw & show you went to?

Drive. It was so good. Made me wonder what makes movies good, but whatever it is, that movie had it. When I heard about that movie, before it came out, I watched all of Winding-Refn's movies, and they are very interesting but usually quite sickening. This one walked a nice balance of not making me feel like a freak for watching it while still exploring the violent fringes of being human.

Raw Geronimo

2011-09-21T01:54:00.000-07:00

Raw Geronimo is at the core of it Laena Geronimo. Having been a part of various bands, she got together 5 friends and began her current journey as Raw Geronimo. Here, Laena goes in depth and gives some insight into all things Raw Geronimo.

1. How would you describe this project and would you describe it as a solo effort, that turned into a full band?

The closest I've come to summing up our sound is: Jungle-Punk-Soul-Surf-Goth-World-Avant-Pop-Wildness... and I could keep adding hyphens for hours. Basically It's a very eclectically inspired, high energy set. Everyone has a different description for it. I haven't been sold on one yet. I suppose initially it was a solo effort- only because it was just me writing songs and recording them by myself with no specific purpose for years; I was reeeeally shy as a songwriter and kinda just kept it hidden away. Then something just clicked; I basically experienced a totally abrupt about-face early 2011 and suddenly became consumed with this mission to share my songs and to sing my heart out to the entire universe. There was never any question in my mind about whether or not to form a full band: the "band" is my natural habitat. No backing track can replace that camaraderie, not to mention the nuances of human musicianship. Each member adds their own personality to the mix and I believe in that whole heartedly. I think that the songs sound 10x better and more exciting now being played by the full band than they ever could have in my wildest dreams.

2. Where did the name originate from?

Well, I guess I should go ahead and explain my name first... If I'd been born a boy my mom wanted to name me Geronimo, inspired obviously by the great Chiricahua Apache Native American Chief. In 2009 I decided to streamline "Myers-Ionita" to something a little easier to spit out, and I couldn't turn down the opportunity to go with something really awesome and symbolic... The idea of summoning that "male" counterpart to Myself, along with the strength and prowess associated with that Name Itself felt right. I also love how the name is used in pop-culture when someone's jumping off a cliff or something...I kind of feel like everything I do has an element of that reckless faith to it. When I finally decided to bite the bullet in 2009 and put some of my own material out there online I did it as Raw Geronimo- a name I'd been dabbling with in journals n doodles; I liked the way it sounded and it seemed fitting since this was the rawest presentation of myself that I had ever made public; it really was very much a naked feeling- as opposed to always having been able to hide behind someone else's vision... Flash forward a year a half: I'd formed a band and they all liked the name. So it stuck.

3. When did you start playing music?

I'd say shortly post-womb? My parents are both very musical; my mom is a singer/songwriter from Romania who had a band (BABOOSHKA) that practiced in our living room when I was a kid and my dad is a drummer/percussionist (DEVO). We sang a lot; I was always surrounded by instruments- guitars, keyboards, percussion galore, sitars, flutes- you name it. Started studying violin in school when I was 10 and then seriously trained with private teachers and symphonies until I started touring with bands too much to keep it up. Played guitar in the jazz band in high school. Started playing bass when I was 18 in a band. So I mean, I dunno.

4. How do you approach different projects/bands?

With a smile haha. Playing music is the funnest most fulfilling thing in the world to me. I would rather work on music than watch tv or sit around a bar any day. Being in multiple bands, especially ambitious ones, does require a LOT of organization skills and also a solid understanding of priorities between everyone involved, but I enjoy playing different instruments and different roles in a band too much to have only one outlet for it all, at least for now. At one point back in 2007 I was playing in 5 different bands, all the while holding down a full time job. Playing music is seriously my passion, sometimes to my own detriment! I'm a full-on addict. I still play in 2 other bands and work other fun little projects in when I can, but really now with my baby Raw Geronimo to care for I've had to learn to be realistic about my time and turn things down a lot more often. I spend an enormous amount of time as the wizard behind the curtain organizing, conceptualizing, planning etc... It's very different when it's your own band; you can't just show up n wing it on the spot.

5. Who or what are some inspirations you either use or perhaps don't directly channel, but nevertheless look to?

As far as live performance goes- Iggy Pop is The Man- he embodies the maximum of the sort of energetic, uninhibited live performance that I love- also Jim Morrison, Ian Svenonious, Dante White-Aliano... I love a performer who gives it all to the audience, who's energy is so intense that it's contagious. On the more feminine side of that coin Kate Bush's dance and almost-pantomime performance style holds a very sacred place in my heart also. I actually studied ballet and other forms of dance for 8 years as a kid and have always interpreted music in a very physically expressive way. I also definitely admire her talent for balancing artistic freedom with pop relevance. Musically, In writing- it's just such a hodgepodge of everything I've ever heard that it's really tough to name names. I love to take extremely disparate influences and marry them all together... but it's more of a subconscious thing. More often than not my songs don't start out as just a chord progression with a vocal melody- I usually write as I record the demo, and each track dominoes the next. It's always a frenzy and never a systematic process of working in influences, which is why I generally only can name them in retrospect, usually when I'm attempting to describe a part to my bandmate who's about to play it... at practice recently I realized that the best way to describe how I was hearing the drums on Magnetic Love -which we just adapted to play live to celebrate the 'Faustine' 7" release- was: "TERMINATOR" haha

6. Who would you like to work with on some type of project?

Musically I would be in heaven to work with Brian Eno and/or David Bowie.

7. Having played with quite a few various bands, what kind of venue or setting do you prefer?

I like playing anywhere where a real connection between the performers and the audience can happen- sonically, visually, physically... A live show is about celebrating real humanity as far as I'm concerned. I do appreciate quality sound, and awesome lighting is always a plus... I mean it's hard to say. Honestly the funnest shows I've ever played have been in some of the most random places: on a speed boat out in the water with 80 people on board in Long Beach, a raging house party in Austin, The Botanique Rotonde in Brussels, a converted 2-story military bus in San Francisco... basically it's really wonderful when the sound is great, but the most important thing to me is that the crowd is feeling good and alive and having fun! The live show is all about raw energy and getting everyone to just go nuts with us. If we were somehow playing a show locked in a prison on death row to an audience that was just losing it having the greatest time ever- we could overthrow the joint or die; I'd go out smiling either way.

8. If it weren't for music, what else do you see yourself doing?

Pet psychic/masseuse. These are real jobs I am told.

9. Being LA based, where are a couple places you'd recommend to visit?

Well, The Observatory and The La Brea Tar Pits are wonderful. For food I love Sage/KindKreme, It's Thai Hometaurant, Paru's Indian, Canter's Delicatessen, In n Out, Two Boots Pizza... If you're lookin for vintage clothing definitely hit up Lemon Frog Shop and Squaresville. For live music I love The Echo, The Smell, The El Rey... but really there are so many venues and destinations... I would highly suggest picking up an LA WEEKLY and seeing what's going on; it depends so much on the interests of the visitor. If you're looking to check out the local music scene you should grab an LA RECORD or look them up online for sure. I mean personally, I would say skip the typical tourist spots. I've run into a lot of people while traveling who've visited L.A. and hated it- and I don't blame them; I personally find that most places that are considered L.A. "hot spots" are horribly superficial and I avoid them like the plague. But don't get me wrong- I LOVE L.A. One of my fave things about it is that here communities are more based on common interest than spatial necessity; the fact that the city's so spread out allows for these neighborhood cultural hot spots to evolve where everyone's pretty much on the same page. In a place so huge- I can walk down my street to the coffee shop and run into like 15 people that i know, mostly through music in some way. Pretty much everything i do and everyone I wanna hang out with is within like a mile radius. I feel at home on the East side: Echo Park, Downtown, Highland Park, Silver Lake, Atwater Village... where the gentrification hasn't fully taken hold yet- there's health food stores and nice cafes but it's still real and rough around the edges. It's actually really exciting over here right now; there is such a prolific and strong concentration of creative people who are truly supportive of each other- it's a palpable force. And then if you could use a break from the city there's more nature destinations tucked around than even I know what to do with- gigantic parks, mountain ranges, lakes, the ocean- and it's all so close. Home Sweet Home.

10. What are some bands you are currently listening to?

Current bands? The Abigails, Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti, Holy Roller, VUM, The Growlers, Deerhoof, The Black Apples, Jail Weddings, King Tuff, Devon Williams, Corridor, ... I hear my roommate Jada Wagensomer work on her songs for Brass Tax or Baby and Guy all the time which is awesome... but mostly what I've been listening to lately is a pretty vast variety of world music; Nigerian funk, Hawaiian lullabies, Romanian dances, Japanese Koto, Cuban calypso- you get the idea. I feel like there's an inherent honesty in non-westernized music and I love thinking about the arrangements, time/key signatures, etc and letting that sink into my subconscious, maybe to pop up later on in some form in my own music.

Some old favourites/favourite records?

Siouxsie and the Banshees "The Scream," Kate Bush's "The Dreaming" and "Never Forever," Suburban Lawns' small discography, Iggy and the Stooges "Raw Power," Sonic Youth "Dirty," The Slits "Cut," Patsy Cline "Greatest Hits", Television "Marquee Moon," CAN "Ege Bamyasi," Leonard Cohen "Songs From a Room," Brian Eno "Here Come The Warm Jets" and "Apollo: Atmospheres and Soundtracks," The Cramps "Bad Music for Bad People," Frank Zappa "Freak Out," Joy Division "Closer," The Velvet Underground "The Velvet Underground & Nico," Blondie "The Best of Blondie," Moon Dog (s/t,) Jefferson Airplaine "Surrealistic Pillow," Jane Birkin/Serge Gainsbourg (s/t,) Ethiopiques (Volume 1 and all the rest,) Adam and the Ants "Kings of the Wild Frontier," ABBA "Gold"..... this could go on forever... I've left out the overly obvious (at least to me) Beatles,Kinks,Stones,Bowie,Hendrix,Doors,Dylan etcetcetc

Anything you're looking forward to being released?

Well this may seem horribly self-centered, but I've gotta say that I am ridiculously excited about Raw Geronimo's "Role Play/Shot On The Spot" 7"-which is our first release featuring the full band- out in late Jan 2012... and even more for the future release of the LP that we just got started recording at Station House Studio here in Echo Park. I also can't wait for the Dante Vs. Zombies LP to come out in early 2012... To tell you the truth, I am so excited about everything that Neurotic Yell Records is putting out; the label was launched just this Fall 2011 and it's already off to a running start with upcoming releases scheduled throughout 2012 from some of my very favorite bands.... very exciting to be a part of it! Honestly I don't really go out of my way to keep tabs on what's going on in music outside of what I see locally. I suppose I spend too much time with my head buried in music that I'm actively a part of to care as much as I probably should about what everyone else is getting excited listening to? But it doesn't bother me much.

Last cd/vinyl/digital purchased?

My last record purchases have all been vinyl: VUM "Night Sun," George Danquah "Hot & Jumpy" (-African artist- released by Secret Stash just this year - they are putting out some verrrry cool stuff, check them out!) and an old, undated live recording from the Sahara Desert called "Desert Wedding," (-a sampling of the music that newly weds dance to in joyful and sometimes frantic celebration for an entire day without stopping. The last line of the notes on the back reads, "The desert may be bleak and bare, but the people and their customs are full of life and color." so good.)

Last movie you saw & show you went to?

The last movie I saw was an amazing film called "Double Indemnity" from 1944. The last show I went to (that I didn't play) was VUM at Echo Country Outpost, which was awesome.

Raw Geronimo's debut single "Faustine/Magnetic Love" is OUT NOW on Neurotic Yell Records and available worldwide (order here: http://neuroticyellrecords.bandcamp.com/album/faustine-magnetic-love) It's a translucent aqua vinyl and comes with a limited-edition 11"x17" full-color poster of the original artwork used on the album by Elon Etzioni and a digital download drop card featuring an additional song. You can check our insane music video for "Faustine" here: http://vimeo.com/32534551. Our follow-up 7" single featuring the full band line-up "Role Play/Shot On The Spot" on translucent red vinyl is available for pre-order now as well! (order here: http://neuroticyellrecords.bandcamp.com/album/role-play-shot-on-the-spot)

Keep up to date with the band by staying tuned to our Facebook band page http://www.facebook.com/RawGeronimo and you can also follow us on twitter! http://www.twitter.com/RawGeronimo

photo credit: Maraiah S. Tillett

L'Altra

2011-04-07T01:51:00.001-07:00

L'Altra are a duo made up of Lindsay Anderson and Joseph Desler Costa. Formed in Chicago and now based in Brooklyn, their sound is a blend of guitar, keys and a bit of electronic elements. Here, Joseph gives some background on the band.

1. When/where did the band meet?

--- Lindsay and I met the 1st day of college and began talking about putting a band together. We spent a lot of time just sitting around listening to music before the band became a reality in Chicago in the year 2000.

2. What was the inspiration behind starting the band?

--- There was so much music happening in Chicago in the late nineties and 2000's that it was impossible not to get swept up in the fever to make it. We began playing in our bedroom and I think that contributed to our softer sound. We also deliberately did not want to be come a math rock kind of group. Our focus has always been expressing what we feel and our obsession with this kind of 'romantic' idea... We always were listening to music from the UK and really identified with the shoe-gaze aesthetic of close your eyes and play...

3. How would the music best be described as and was this a deliberate sound that was created?

--- I guess I would call what we do 'dream pop' or 'soft indie jams' Nothing we do is deliberate, though I think our aesthetic definitely developed over the years. We definitely think through everything we do, from the songs, to album covers etc. We also developed these characters we become on our albums, I think we have been playing the same characters since the beginning and each album is like an exploration of these characters and their relationships.

4. Where do you see yourselves as a band within the multitude of various others bands and where do you hope to go from here?

--- I have a really hard time understanding where we fit in. I know that we are either loved by people or easily shrugged off... Our music is intimate and does not always get through. When it does get though I think it really gets through. Telepathic is our 4th album as a band, I think we're really lucky to have survived and keep releasing albums. I think we'll continue to write songs and just do what we do. Obviously we hope to reach more and more people, but in the end its not something we can worry about.

5. Who would you like to work with, given the chance?

--- Dream scenario: I'd love to do an record produced by Daniel Lanois, Nigel Goodrich, or John Hughs(Slicker)

6. What are some bands you are currently listening to?

--- Anna Calvi, Benoit Pouilard, Tamryn, A Classic Education, Gram Parsons, Ariel Pink, Echo and the Bunnyman...

7. Some old favourites/favourite records?

--- Ride, Nowhere The Cure, Disintegration Love and Rockets, Earth Sun Moon

8. Anything you're looking forward to being released?

--- La Sera (katy from Vivian girls side project) and the Captain America movie ( I love stupid super hero movies!)

9. Last cd/vinyl/digital purchased?

--- Deerhunter, Halcyon Digest. Its a beautiful and understated record.

10. Last movie you saw & show you went to?

--- Last Movie: Greenberg with Ben Stiller (Super depressing!) Last show: British Sea Power at Music Hall of Willamburg(Super Loud!!)

http://www.myspace.com/laltra

Men

2010-12-30T04:21:00.001-08:00

Brooklyn based band Men, is the new musical project of JD Samson, from Le Tigre as well as Peaches' band, along with Michael O'Neill and Ginger Takahashi, both from Ladybug Transistor. Blending dance music with social and political issues, Talk About Body is Men's debut. Here, JD gives some background into the band known as Men.

1. What was the motivation in starting the band?

i just didn't want to stop making music. i had all these ideas in my head about new ways to do things sonically and what kind of a space i wanted to create with my art. so once i met the right people to do that with, i tried to build and build until i got to a place of feeling safe enough to put it out into the world.

2. How did the band form?

the band began as a dj project/ remix team/ and original music project that was comprised of me and jo from le tigre. i was also working with ginger and michael and emily on another project called hirsute. the two bands kind of got married and jo and emily left to focus on other parts of their life. then the rest of us forged ahead and made this record.

3. Where do you draw inspirations from for the lyrics and music?

we just write about things that we feel. i think sincerity is really important for me. we are political queers and we aren't really afraid to talk about that or any other aspect of our lives. we are inspired by our peers. their art. and how the rest of the world lives in their bodies.

4. Having been in other bands and such, what can you use or take over with you now with this band?

well i have learned a lot about the music industry. the business of making music. i have a fan base of amazing people who are dedicated to coming back to see me in this project and i feel really lucky and happy to have them.

5. Who would you choose if you could pick anyone to work with?

i would love to work with david byrne. or joan armatrading.

6. Is there something specific you would want the audience to take away with them after a show?

i want them to feel refreshed. like they just had a salt scrub and a major eucalyptus bath or something. and that they want to hug their friends. deeply.

7. Besides anything music related, what is something that occupies you?

hmm. i like to cook. i like to run. i like to make our costumes? i am also a dj.

8. What else could you picture yourself doing other than this?

not much really. i wish i had become a doctor. i could be a manager for a band or do something in the industy i guess. but i don't think i would like it.

9. What's a random thing about you?

i have vitiligo. just a little bit. inside my nostril and on my eye.

10. What are some bands you are currently listening to?

midnight magic, kim ann foxman, creep, tanlines, patti smith

Some old favourites/favourite records?

bohannon- don't stop the dance neutral milk hotel- in the airplane over the sea built to spill-perfect from now on

Anything you're looking forward to being released?

new hercules and love affair record.

Last cd/vinyl/digital purchased?

anika (from bristol)

Last movie you saw & show you went to?

last movie i saw was catfish, last show i went to was lcd soundsytem/ hot chip

myspace.com/men

Apache Beat

2010-11-10T19:55:00.001-08:00

Apache Beat, the five piece based out of New York, is compromised of Phillip Aceto (guitar/vocals), Michael Dos Santos (bass/vocals), Ilirjana Alushaj (lead vocals), Christina Aceto (synthesizer/piano), and Neil Westgate (drums/percussion). A mixed fusion of a variety of sounds, Apache Beat blend together experimental tones to form their own unique sound. Their album, Last Chants, was released in October. Here, Mike describes the formation of the band, as well as other aspects surrounding the band known as Apache Beat.

1. How did the band come together and what's a bit of background on the band?

Phil & I have been friends for a long time. We were both fans of each other’s bands and often spoke about getting something together. He was in a great group called Blue Sparks and I was helping them out on bass before they broke up. Phil knew Ili and had the idea of getting the three of us together for a musical collaboration. We hung out a few times and worked on some music, it was promising. I think we had ideas for a good 10 songs or so. We even had a tentative name “Drowners” after the Suede tune. The sound was also more noisy and experimental. We did this a couple months or so then drifted off into other projects and put the collaboration on the back burner. About a year later, Phil started getting together with Ili to demo some ideas on his four track. This produced a couple songs, “Babylon” and a very different version of “Blood Thrills.” He pulled his sister into the fold then I started showing up again and asked Neil if he’d be interested in drumming. Neil and I have known each other since we were kids and played in all sorts of bands together. Noise, prog, gutter punk, free jazz, power pop, you name it. So he was a perfect fit. Phil & I had another thing going at the time called “Ahoi.” There was one song I had written for the tentatively titled Drowners project that carried over into Ahoi’s catalogue. Phil wrote lyrics and named it “The Apache Beat.” Ili saw this on a set list and suggested it as our band name. Everyone immediately dug it. We were big advocates of the Rother/Dinger thing and Klaus referred to his Motorik Beat as The Apache Beat so it was also a nice nod to one of our heroes.

2. What sparked your interest as far as starting up a band?

We never really intended on starting a band. We just wanted to get together and mess around. Have fun, make some noise and see what would happen. The more we got together it just evolved into something we wanted to take further with each other.

3. How would you describe the band?

We don’t really have a set formula I can dissect. Our writing is all a bit stream of consciousness and our sound is always changing. Even after songs are recorded they often transform dramatically. As soon as we’re comfortable we usually get antsy and start looking for new ways to do things. We’re into elements that contradict one another, combining sounds and styles that shouldn’t work on paper.

4. What's some inspiration for the band as a whole or that you draw upon?

Inspiration seems to come from all over the place with us. It depends on our moods or where we’re at on a given day. Musically, I’m sure we unconsciously draw on all sorts of stuff. Our influences are across the board.

5. What do you hope to achieve with the music and where do you see yourselves among other bands?

We’re interested in threading new territory. We have no interest in trying to mimic or fit in with what our contemporaries are doing. I’d like to keep pushing our own boundaries and stay out of a comfort zone. I feel we haven’t remotely tapped what we’re capable of doing with Apache Beat so I’m excited at the possibilities ahead and where we could take our sound. I’ve been listening back to some improvisations we’ve done over the last few months as well as a couple demos I recently made and think the next batch of songs are going to be something to look forward to.

6. Who would you like to collaborate with at some point?

Mostly friends from other bands. There are a couple engineers I’d be interested in working with as well. Collaborating with John Zorn, Harold Budd or Kevin Shields would be pretty amazing. Daman Albarn too.

7. What would you say is something important/useful you've gained so far by being involved in music?

I’ve had the opportunity to work with some great people whom have broadened and enriched other aspects of my life. I’ve had the luxury of traveling the world and seeing places and experiencing cultures I would not have otherwise. I’m very grateful for that.

8. Besides music, what is something else you might be doing?

Music does take up a large chunk of my time. It seems like I’m always performing or collaborating with someone when not working on my own projects. Outside of music related things, I’ve been writing a lot. Revisiting some memoirs and trying to get motivated to focus on several stories I’ve had floating around upstairs for a while. If I’m in town I’ll often check out exhibits, galleries, shows, etc. Depends what’s happening. I’m also getting more interested in amateur photography. I’m by no means a pro of any sort; it’s just something I like to experiment with. I collect old photos and prints. When not tied down I try to travel. Even if I just head upstate for a couple days and get lost in the forest. It’s inspiring.

9. What are some favourite, local spots that you would recommend for a visit?

Bruar Falls & Glasslands are good spots. Coco 66 and Cameo Gallery are nice spots as well.

10. What are some bands you are currently listening to?

I’ve been listening to Samhain all day! November Coming Fire & Initium are perfect for this kind of weather.
I think the new Warpaint album is really good. Undertow is awesome. I like the latest Deerhunter, they keep getting better. “Lisbon”, The Walkmen’s latest release is great. Dinowalrus have been writing some fantastic tracks and Translations, a new band from Brooklyn are tops.
Been playing some older LP’s too. Like George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass, Jon Hassell’s Vernal Equinox and these psychedelic Belly Dance comps I recently found. There’s some intense music on those compilations.

Some old favourites/favourite records?

Man, I could go on forever…
Some favorite records:
De Frank Professionals: Jamaican Sounds
Jeff Tago: Self Titled
The Manson Family Album
La Dusseldorf: Viva
Vis-à-Vis: Passage to Paradise
U-Roy: Love Is Not a Gamble
African Brothers International: Osekufuo
Solomon Ilori & his Afro Drum Ensemble: Self titled
Another Green World
Return of the Giant Slits

Favorites in general:

Velvets, Can, Akwaboa, Francoise Hardy, Neu!, Faust, Iggy, Lush, Neil Young, Antena, Moondog, The Misfits, Mulatu Astatke, The Vaselines, MBV, The Raincoats, Roxy Music, tons of 50’s/60’s gospel, doo-wop & rock ‘n’ roll.

Anything you're looking forward to being released?

The new Brian Eno record. The track “2 Forms of Anger” is kind of great. I love how that end section comes out of nowhere. Sounds like a cross between Neu! and Eno’s classic “Third Uncle.”
I’m also looking forward to The Psychedelic Aliens and Marijata reissues.

Last cd/vinyl/digital purchased?

I’ve actually never purchased music digitally before. I just realized that, weird. The last record I purchased was False Lover by Pat Thomas & the Sweet Beans.

Last movie you saw & show you went to?

I really don’t go to the movies much. Maybe once a year. I watched Rosemary’s Baby the other night. I love that film. Great soundtrack. In regard to shows, saw both School of Seven Bells and Prince Rama (whom we’re playing with tonight) last Saturday. They were both great. Both bands have a spiritual vibe that translates with me.

www.myspace.com/apachebeat

Rooney

2010-08-25T01:36:00.000-07:00

Rooney, the Los Angeles based band made up of Robert Schwartzman (vocals/guitar), Taylor Locke (guitar/vocals), Ned Brower (drums/vocals), Louie Stephens (keyboards/vocals), and new bassist Brandon Schwartzel, released their latest record earlier this year. Their third record entitled - "Eureka", was self produced and released by the band. They had free reigns to take control of the direction of the album and steer it in any which way they wanted. Eureka was the outcome and here Ned explains a bit about the making and creation of the album.

1. How was the process different this time around, compared to previous albums?

when we started making eureka, we decided to try our hand at producing ourselves. we had collected a large amount of equipment and a lot of experience over the years so we set up our own studio and cut the song "i don't wanna lose you." we had already tried it with 2 different producers but we liked our version the best. that was the closer for us and from that point on we just kept plowing ahead. it was literally the 5 of us working together with no outside help or input up until the mix stage.

2. What kind of approach did you take, knowing that you had pretty much full control over everything?

we wanted to make a record that expanded on the pop rock sound we had already established while also experimenting with some new sounds and influences. we also worked hard to keep our quality control standards high even though we were working on our own. we tried to keep the production on the natural sound but also make a record that sounds contemporary and high-fi.

3. Were there certain things you had in mind or planned out to try out for the new record?

we wanted to meld the different styles of recording we had learned from the other producers we've had the good fortune to work with. sometimes the previous recordings would sound too raw or too processed and we were searching for a middle ground. we wanted to be able to hear all the band member performances and i think that really comes across. as far as songs, we have all gotten into some of the more jazzy rock groups from the seventies like steely dan. we knew we would try some things along those lines...."stars and stripes" and "only friend" are in that realm. we also chose moments to break away from the more conventional song structures which was fun for us.

4. What do you feel you learned most, after having completed recording?

we learned to always strive for the best performances when tracking a song and really think about how the pieces will all fit together. although artists now have the ability to make every track "perfect" as far as pitch and time, you really do lose that human quality if you overuse the technology. we also learned you don't need a giant studio with every trick known to man to make a great record....you need the songs and the performers first and foremost.

5. What things do you look for or use while writing for inspiration, influence, or ideas?

most of our songs are about relationships but there are some other topics of interest on this new record. "Stars and Stripes" is about humanity, "Holding On" is about our life as a band, and "The Hunch" is about intuition. I like to keep my channels open when reading or walking around and always be open to new ideas whenever they may strike...I think the others feel the same.

6. What direction would you like to see the band going in?

I would like to see us increase our output to an album a year. it's a real possibility now that we have the ability to make the albums when and where we want. I love hip pop music and wish to keep expanding upon it.

7. What are some things (besides music) that take up your time?

I enjoy cooking, gardening, cocktails, and spending time with my family.

8. Is there someone you'd like to work with at some point?

I'd love for Rooney to record a song or album with Jeff Lynne. We are all huge fans and have been since starting the band.

9. What's one random thing about yourself?

I'm a friendly optimist.

10. What are some bands you are currently listening to?

The Kinks, Carney, Jellyfish

Some old favourites/favourite records?

All the Beatles albums

Anything you're looking forward to being released?

new mike viola album Last cd/vinyl/digital purchased?

The Like/Release Me

Last movie you saw & show you went to?

Grown Ups....worst movie of all time.

www.myspace.com/rooney

Shout Out Louds

2010-07-06T01:32:00.001-07:00

The Shout Out Louds have a new record out titled "Work", their third full-length (following Howl Howl Gaff Gaff and Our Ill Wills) produced by Phil Ek. The greatest difference in the new album is that, “there is a relaxed, more stripped-down feel to this one that we were never interested in before,” says Bebban Stenborg, keyboardist/vocalist.

“Our intention[was] to be extremely focused and professional – to just let ourselves disappear into the work on the album. But in reality we did what we always do: piss about, take long lunches and put a lot of the organization side of things in Phil’s hands. We’re strangely immature sometimes. We love to have babysitters for everything, except finding good restaurants. We can do that all on our own,” Stenborg shares.

The rest of the Swedish band consists of Adam Olenius on vocals, Ted Malmros on bass, Carl von Arbin on guitar and Eric Edman on drums. The five-piece has a pretty routine way of songwriting.

Stenborg explains, “Adam usually brings a more or much less finished idea for a song and then we take it on as a group from there. We’re all very involved, but Adam is usually the mastermind.”

When asked to name some of their favorite places to perform, Stenborg is a bit hard pressed to narrow the list down.

“There are too many ... New York never fails us, Toronto is amazing for after-parties. Bologna, and Italy in general, is magical.”

Being on the road has its excitement: “The things we all look forward to aside from playing the actual shows is all the food, eating out every single day, and with all the great food in the world ... sometimes we’re so focused on where to eat we forget that we’re supposed to be working.”

It also has its downsides: “What I personally don’t look forward to is bus life, living in such close quarters and struggling to get a minute to shower somewhere ... eeek.”

Looking ahead to the future, Stenborg shares that they’d like to work with “Jay-Z, our top choice for anything right now. Or Gail Simmons of Food & Wine Magazine – what a cutie.”

http://www.myspace.com/shoutoutlouds

Reni Lane

2010-07-06T00:28:00.001-07:00

From Oregon, to Virginia, and now New York based, Reni Lane is a singer-songwriter-performer wrapped into one. Mixing pop, rock, and alternative, Reni's music is a blend of all things free spirited. Here, she talks about just some of the ins and outs and what influenced her brand new album, "Ready."

1. What influenced you to get into music?

For me music has been something transformative and magical. It started with Disney movies and classical music and I learned that with the right soundtrack I could put myself into any storybook I wanted. I think that's why music is so powerful and amazing - it can take your away from your troubles, change your mood, and lift you up. Music for me really hasn't changed, I still am like that little girl trying to make the perfect soundtrack to my life.

2. What is your earliest memory of music?

Probably watching a Care Bears musical movie in my underwear while my Mom worked at her sewing machine. Apparently I was a big Care Bears fan - not that far of a jump to the Disney movies I guess.

3. What are some artists and/or bands that you either took influence from, or inspired you in some way?

I am inspired by PJ Harvey for her guts, Neil Young for his stories, Regina Spektor for her humour, Joni Mitchell for her soul, and David Bowie for his attitude.

4. What is your method of writing - the sitting down and waiting for it happen technique or the more random, sudden strike of inspiration style ... ?

My method is WRITE EVERYTHING DOWN NO MATTER WHAT OR YOU'LL LOSE IT! At the moment I've got about 40 juicy iPhone voice notes waiting to be explored. Most of it will be bad but it'll be worth it when one of them is good.

5. How has being signed to Linda Perry's Custard Records been? Have you directly worked with her on anything?

We wrote "Drive," a song from my new album "Ready," together with my producer David Pattillo. For me, that was a really exciting moment. Sometimes I forget how well-known she is because to me she's Linda who calls me "kid," cracks jokes, and gives me advice about rock n roll and life. But she takes her work very seriously and has given me some very good insight into what it truly means to be an artist and what you stand for. That has been a huge blessing for me so early in my creative career.

6. Who would you like to work with in the future?

Oh god, I have no idea. Anyone and everyone, it's all a learning experience to me.

7. If you weren't doing this, what do you see yourself doing instead?

I would be an insane homeless person.

8. What are some interests/hobbies outside of music, or things you look forward to doing on days off and/or during free time?

I like to enjoy an old movie and then teach myself the theme song or "single" from it. I like taking walks to strange places, vintage, aliens, weird religious prayer cards...I also love Ted.com and cool brainy things that people are doing to save the world. I also have been known to appreciate really gross candy.

9. What is something random about yourself?

I'll give you ten: have you not seen 10 Random Things About Reni Lane? (www.renilane.com/10things).

10. What are some bands you are currently listening to?

For some reason I was on a big Mozart kick the past two days (I watched one of my favorite movies, Amadeus)! But more modern bands? Hurricane Bells, Longwave, Nightmare and the Cat, and as far as oldies go right now it's the The Turtles, Joni Mitchell, Judy Garland, and Frank Sinatra.

Some old favourites/favourite records?

Contrary to all the interviews I read about other artists, my parents never properly introduced me to much rock 'n roll as a kid, but I was lucky that two of the first albums I stole from their collection were Elvis' Christmas Album and Tom Petty's "Wildflowers."

Anything you're looking forward to being released?

The next Bat For Lashes and Radiohead album. Of the latter, it's almost as exciting just hearing how they'll release it.

Last cd/vinyl/digital purchased?

I bought "Rumors" while on the road just to have it on my phone because my laptop kept dying in the van. "Dreams" and "The Chain" are two of my all-time favorite songs.

Last movie you saw & show you went to?

Yesterday I watched Casablanca just before going out to see Angela McCluskey perform at Bardot in Hollywood. Her voice and the club's decor made me feel like I was my own character in the sequel to the movie. The whole experience was sublime - you have to see her live cover of "Don't Explain" with her husband Paul on piano.

http://www.myspace.com/renilane

Jason Boesel

2010-02-10T22:08:00.001-08:00

Jason Boesel, is the drummer for the likes of Rilo Kiley, Bright Eyes, and Conor Oberst and The Mystic Valley Band. Now he is guitarist and singer for his self titled solo project. The music weaves in and out with some resemblances to the bands he has previously worked with, while straying away very naturally into his own sound. There are songs that remind you of sitting on the beach and songs that would fit nicely on a road trip. Here, Jason was kind enough to explain a bit about the process leading up to the making of 'Hustler's Son.'

1. How did this solo project come about?

I started writing songs a while ago. After playing them for friends and being encouraged, I started to set my sites on recording a record. I did it!

2. How would you explain the difference between working solo as opposed to working with a band?

Well, there's no one else to put up with. There's also no once else to help. No one to count on but yourself. If the song sucks, there is only you to blame.

3. Did you have a certain sound you were going for or even didn't want to veer too much towards?

I don't know if there was a specific sound that I was going for. I sort of had a way I wanted to make the record and I thought that that way would lead to a sound that I liked. I think it did.

4. Being known as a drummer, how did switching to the guitar differ in the process?

It didn't feel that different, actually. Whether I'm writing the song and singing it, or just playing drums, I think of songs in the same way. I think I will feel the biggest difference when I start performing the songs live.

5. Did you have songs already written before starting the project, or did it all come together once you decided on doing an album?

I had some song written before I seriously started considering recording an album.

6. Where do you draw your influences from?

I draw my influences from all over. Music, photography, experience, etc…. I love great song writers like Bob Dylan and Townes Van Zandt, and I also like great music, like Reggae music, that just elicits a feeling. There's so much to be influenced by.

7. What are your expectations for this project as a whole?

My expectations are pretty limited. I wanted to release my record, play some shows and see how it goes. So far, so good.

8. What do you enjoying doing on your time off?

I love reading, playing tennis… I don't have much time off. There seems to be some music that needs playing.

9. Who is someone you'd like to drum for?

I would love to drum for Taylor Swift or the Killers. I would love to play drums on a Nigel Godrich record, or a T Bone Burnett record, too.

10. What are some bands you are currently listening to?

I'm not really listening to any bands. There's a song by band called the Pioneers that I've been listening to a lot. I think it's on the soundtrack to a movie I've never seen. Some old favourites/favourite records?

Blood on the Tracks is my favorite record. Appetite for Destruction is a flawless record. Slint's Spiderland is an old favorite. PJ Harvey Dry is great, too. The drums on that record changed my life.

Anything you're looking forward to being released?

I don't know what's coming out. I try not to stay apprised of future releases.

Last cd/vinyl/digital purchased?

The last record I bought was my own. It's a tradition.

Last movie you saw & show you went to? I saw Crazy Heart and really liked it. It would seem that Jeff Bridges is the real deal.

Jason Boesel 2010 U.S. Tour Dates:
02-05 Santa Cruz, CA - The Crepe Place
02-06 San Francisco, CA - The Rickshaw Stop
02-08 Portland, OR - Mississippi Studios
02-09 Seattle, WA - Tractor Tavern
02-12 Minneapolis, MN - The Triple Rock Social Club
02-13 Madison, WI - Der Rathskeller, University of Wisconsin
02-14 Milwaukee, WI - Turner Hall Ballroom
02-15 Rock Island, IL - Daytrotter Presents at Rock Island Brewing Company
02-16 Chicago, IL - Double Door
02-17 Columbus, OH - Rumba Café
02-18 Cleveland, OH - Beachland Ballroom
02-19 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom
02-20 Allston, MA - Great Scott
02-21 Burlington, VT - The Monkey House
02-23 Arlington, VA - IOTA Club and Café
02-24 Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's
02-25 Charlottesville, VA - The Southern
02-26 Louisville, KY - Zanzabar
02-27 Nashville, TN - Mercy Lounge
02-28 Atlanta, GA - Eddie's Attic
03-02 Little Rock, AR - Sticky Fingerz Chicken Shack
03-03 Oklahoma City, OK - The Conservatory
03-04 Dallas, TX - The Cavern
03-05 Houston, TX - Rudyard's
03-06 Austin, TX - Emo's
03-09 Phoenix, AZ - The Rhythm Room
03-10 San Diego, CA - The Loft at UCSD
03-11 Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour

http://www.myspace.com/jasonboesel

Best Coast

2010-02-10T02:19:00.000-08:00

Based out of Los Angeles, Best Coast is Bethany Cosentino and Bobb Bruno. Blending vintage sounds of the 50's & 60's and girl group tones, creating the setting for a sunny, lazy day at the beach type vibe, Best Coast's music is highly mellow and laid back. Here, Bethany describes some of the things that make up Best Coast.

1. Is the full length completely finished being recorded...and what was that process like?

Yeah we finished all of the tracking in like a week and a half. It was really stressful and tiring, especially because we had such a short amount of time—but it was really fun, and probably one of the coolest experiences I have ever had in my life.

2. How would you describe Best Coast to someone unfamiliar with the music?

I think I said once “it’s like stoned love letters to an imaginary boyfriend” which is basically true.

3. Being in other bands before, how do you feel that has helped with this band?

well best coast is really different than any other band I have ever been in, but I guess I learned to be less nervous when performing, and to just have fun with it.

4. Do you feel that moving to NY, the end result helped you in starting Best Coast, or do you think that would of happened either way (at some other point.)?

yeah I really believe that I wouldn’t have started this band if I hadn’t of moved to new york. I mean really, moving there is what made me realize how much California means to me. I would never have experienced a real winter, which means I never would have turned to a band like the beach boys to get me though a crazy snow day.

5. What motivates you to write and play?

Just day to day life pretty much.

6. Having mentioned 50's/60's groups, the beach boys, etc., are there specific songs that stick out or you referred back to during writing?

I don’t really think there are specific songs—it’s more the sound in general that inspires me.

7. Who would be your dream tour and/or collaborator?

Best coast on tour with Fleetwood mac and Stevie nicks would sing all of the backup vocals and play tambourine.

8. Being a huge backer & defender of CA/LA, what are some of your favourite things to do, or places you like to visit?

i spend a lot of time at my house, and in the neighborhood I live in. I really just like to go to thrift stores, and eat Mexican food, haha! I mean the beach is awesome—but I live pretty far away from it, so I don’t go much. The best beach though is el matador in Malibu. There are the coolest rocks and caves!

9. Besides music, what else takes up most of your time?

hanging out with my cat, hanging out with my friends, weed, Mexican food, TV—haha, I’m a simple girl.

10. What are some bands you are currently listening to?

Peter & Gordon, beach house, neil young, the paramount’s, patsy cline, look blue go purple, the ramones.

Some old favourites/favourite records?

“tusk” Fleetwood mac, “flamingo serenade” the flamingos, “summer days (and summer nights!)” the beach boys

Anything you're looking forward to being released?

I’m looking forward to hearing the new wavves record, as well as the new abe vigoda record. This awesome band in LA called DUNES too is doing a EP this year on Mexican summer—I can’t wait to hear it.

Last cd/vinyl/digital purchased?

The everly brothers “songs our daddy taught us”, todd rundgren “hermit of mink hallow”

Last movie you saw & show you went to?

“Sherlock holmes” (it sucked)—last show I went to was abe vigoda in LA, and I’m going to see them tonight too—obviously I’m obsessed.

http://www.myspace.com/bestycoasty

Tearist

2010-01-21T04:22:00.000-08:00

Tearist are a two piece, Yasmine & William, based out of Los Angeles. Angular and varied, their sounds curve and weave, creating a distinct, reverberating sound. Here, Yasmine does some explaining on the background and relationship that is Tearist.

1. What is the origin of the name of the band and how was it thought up?

We are inspired by movements (w/in art), and I wanted what we were doing to be a movement specific to us… b/c it was. I, also, was known for coming to practice with bags of torn pages that I would tape together to make up the lyrics for our songs… b/c I would write things and tear them when I would get bummed… also, b/c I'm melodramatic and am drawn to the way sadness looks- aesthetically. Totally healthy. Great for loved ones. "Tearist" is, also, how my dad says "terrorist" due to his intensely Southern accent. Being born half Iranian and having lived there with my mother during the Iran/Iraq war… I was quite familiar with the word at a young age- often being referred to as a foreigner in both Iran and America. We felt that TEARIST was strong and represented so much of who we were… as people wanting to create something that we didn't understand- a movement of our own … all the way as far as down as to the clothes we were wearing being almost always torn- most often circumstantially.

2. How did the band form?

Will made me a vegan milkshake when he worked at this ice cream place. I had my microcassette recorder with me and was like "Sir, the milkshake you made me was delicious. What was your inspiration behind this milkshake?" etc… I interviewed everyone and was pretty annoying during that microcassette phase I assume. (It was at a show.) Then, we met a year later. I sang and danced in front of he and his friend Marcus (both ex-Silver Daggers) I did a mashup of "smell yo dick" and "slob on my knob" at this horrible party. like did a full performance and made them listen to me sing ringtones in a corner. The next day he and I went downtown and sat in this weird park and I noticed this rusty train car thing, and I was like "I wish we could just plug in on top of that thing and play a show." It was at that moment - we decided to become a band... I even have the picture of the train car thing.

3. Who is involved and what is the background of the band?

The band is me, Yasmine Kittles, and William Stangeland Menchaca. Will- self taught. To me is what makes playing with him so amazing… from heart and hearing as opposed to being taught what's the "right way" makes you fight for the songs- it's your style- it's your child… that may sound ridiculous but I really feel like it's our baby. I was in musical theatre and choirs throughout grade school. Then, my lungs collapsed (actually 3 times) and my voice kind of got deeper... and I had to relearn how to sing. I play instruments... but only how I hear them. I am strongly against musical training... as I expressed. Should be innate and honest and personal to how you experience and feel the instrument. Other than that the background is that train car thing and just wanting to plug into it and I wanted bang on the rusted metal really badly.

4. What other projects have you been involved in prior/currently?

William was in Silver Daggers, and he is, currently, in Showgirls and XEZ (which is he on bass, me on vox/guitar and Marcus Savino on drums). I have been in various bands that I felt didn't "represent me"... have done studio stuff- singing on the last Spoon album "Ga ga ga ga ga…," Trail of Dead's "The Century of Self," Jeppe (side project of Junior Senior), and lately contributing to the newest Former Ghosts recordings with Freddy Ruppert.

5. How would you describe this project?

I would describe it as Will and I. We have no idea what it looks like or sounds like to people. I can never describe it… wouldn't know how. And we're pretty into that.

6. What is something you are looking to achieve with this band?

We just want to be in this band. (And we, also, want 3 trophies, 2 medals- one gold, one bronze, and a gift certificate to Friday's for us and all our friends to enjoy good eats for up to one full year.

7. What else do you see yourself doing, besides something music related?

I want to finally get my preaching license. I see myself meeting Elton John and wearing the same outfit. So bummed. I want to get a boob job with all the money I make from the band… then, I want to undergo a very public breast reduction. Like as a "fuck you" to the man. I want to be sponsored by Starbucks. I really like what they do over there. Not a joke. I love you Starbucks… with all that I am. Will wants to be sponsored by New Balance . He's been thinking about running a lot lately and wanted them to buy him some shoes. He wants them to make him some tiny shorts too, but don't say I told you.
Sidenote: I have been acting and doing performance pieces my whole life, and I am currently starring in a film with Laura Silverman that is headed to Slamdance mid January. I, also, have a project with Eric Wareheim called IN LUST. We make videos and music. We are working on our next video now.

8. Who are some people that you consider influences or inspirations?

The KLF, Marina Abromovic, Antonin Artaud, Genesis P-Orridge, Blixa Bargeld, Laurie Anderson, Guy Debord, Baudrillard, Pina Bausch, Sue Tissue, Joseph Beuys, the song "Smell Yo Dick" by Riskay and all things R. Kelly (especially "Real Talk"), oh! and the cows on Sesame Street that sang that "Wet Paint" song. That was my jam.

9. If you could pick anyone, who would you choose to work with?.

Will. truth.

10. What are some bands you are currently listening to?

-Bad pop songs that I make Will learn, so we can do duets in the car. -My friends' bands that I am extremely proud of such as Former Ghosts and Abe Vigoda. -And the sound of my dad texting me every 15-20 minutes to tell me how good he and my mom think Friday's is.

Some old favourites/favourite records?

Yasmine:
New Values The Dreaming Betty Davis s/t 1/2 Mensch

William:
Christ- The Album The Feeding of the 5000

Anything you're looking forward to being released?

The West Memphis Three

Last cd/vinyl/digital purchased?

Yasmine: Pictureplane "Goth Star"- I was so excited about the song, and I couldn't wait for him to get to his computer to send it to me.

Last movie you saw & show you went to?

Former Ghosts at The Smell and Abe Vigoda at Echo Curio

Movie:

Squeakquel.

http://www.myspace.com/teariststst

The Cinematics

2009-12-02T03:43:00.001-08:00

The Cinematics are a four piece from Glasgow, Scotland. With swirling guitars and a pulsating rhythm section, they create a dark, yet hopeful sound. The band consists of Scott Rinning on guitar & vocals, Adam Goemans on bass, Ross Bonney on drums, and Larry Reid on guitar. Their latest album, Love and Terror, blends their previous albums' resonant tone as well as a rawer, more emphatic sound. Here, Scott and Larry give a closer look and divulge into the process of making the record.

1. How would you describe the new record compared to the last?

Scott: The songs are more lyric-based and it overall sound is much raw and, we feel, more honest than that of Strange Education.

2. Was there a specific sound you were looking to create with this record?

Scott: We just wanted it to sound like the four of us in a room, playing the songs. The first album was recorded with some well-respected producers- Stephen Hague and Simon Barnicott- which was a great experience, but this time round we wanted the album to sound less polished and more transparent. I think we achieved it.

3. What is it you try to achieve within a song or during the process up until the final result?

Larry: We produced the last album ourselves, so we were in complete control from start to finish. Generally, I try to keep the songs sounding as energetic- even violent- as possible.

4. What is the band's process in songwriting?

Scott: It varies. We tend to write separately and then bring our ideas together. We each have pretty strong ideas, individually, as to how we want the songs to sound. We all joke about Adam’s love of funk and soul, and I remember one argument in the studio ending with someone shouting at Larry “look, the world doesn’t need another Jesus and Mary Chain record!” It can be difficult trying to keep everyone happy, as they try to pull songs in different directions, but I think the end-result is worth the friction.

5. Do you use anything specific for inspiration to come up with a riff or lyric?

Larry: I think this is a very personal record, so most of the lyrics are based on our own experiences in the last year and a half.

6. Who have been some bands who have influenced this band?

Scott: We’re all into very different music. Adam and Ross like soul and funk music, as well as Jimi Hendrix, Michael Jackson and anything with a groove. Larry likes Bob Dylan!
Larry: ... and all sorts of other stuff... the Jesus and Mary Chain, My Bloody Valentine, Neu!, Can, the Smiths and the Clash.
Scott: I like music with great vocal performances... Scott Walker, Jeff Buckley, Echo and the Bunnymen. There are some bands that we all agree on, though, like Radiohead and Talking Heads.

7. If you were not in a band, what do you see yourself doing?

Larry: I’d be a cowboy.
Scott: I think I’d be either a shoe-maker in Italy or a forester in Canada.

8. What is something non music related that takes up your time?

Larry: Right now I’m decorating my flat.
Scott: I’m trying to save the honey-bee populations of the west end of Glasgow.
Larry: And I think all of the band members spend a lot of time reading.

9. What direction do you foresee the band taking and where would you like to see yourselves, within the multitude and array of various artists?

Larry: We’re going to record the next album very soon. So far, the songs are sounding wildly different- there are lots of different instruments and we’re taking a different approach to writing. We try not to think about other bands- we just want to make the best and most honest music that we can.

10. What are some bands you are currently listening to?

Scott: In the tour-bus, we listen to Wild Beasts a lot, as well as other current bands like the Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Phoenix, A Place to Bury Strangers and A Sunny Day in Glasgow.

Last movie you saw & show you went to?

Larry: We had a day off on the last tour, so Scott insisted that we all go to the cinema. We watched Where the Wild Things Are, which is supposed to be a film for children. It was ok, but the whole experience was altogether a bit trippy, as we were the only people in the cinema and we had been drinking cocktails all afternoon.

http://www.myspace.com/thecinematics

io echo

2009-11-18T03:16:00.001-08:00

IO Echo are a band based out of Los Angeles (with the occasional Brit [who also plays bass for The Big Pink.]) Mixing together dark, pulsating sounds, encircled by an eerie texture, creates the haunting music of IO Echo.
IO Echo are IO on vocals, guitar and keyboard, Leopold Ross on guitar, and as part of the live band : Paul Rinis on drums, Aram Kirakosian, and Salvatore Romano on tambourine and keys. Here, IO herself delves further into the mystery that surrounds all things IO Echo.

1. Would you consider io echo a solo project?

io echo is the collaboration between myself and Leopold Ross. As time has elapsed we have begun collaborating more with the band.

2. What is the background of the band and how was the band started?

Leopold and I met at a seance. I raised him from the dead and he followed me home. I was thinking about starting a band at the time, so I told him he might as well make himself useful if he was just going to be hanging around. Leopold said that Jimi Hendrix had showed him the basics of guitar one night when they were chilling in hell, and that was that.

3. Where did the name originate and does it have a concrete meaning?

We wanted something abstract and not attached to any time period.

4. What sparks or influences the songwriting?

Colors, love, perpetual motion, feeling depressed.

5. If you weren't involved with music, what do you see yourself doing?

I'd be a murder detective. I watch a lot of First 48.

6. Having already played with some cool bands, who would you really like to tour with?

They're all dead.

7. Is there or do you have a certain way you approach working on a song?

Usually I'll get an idea in my head while in transit. Then I'll bring the idea to Leopold or he'll bring an idea to me. We get in a fist fight until something comes out of it that we both agree on.

8. Being based in Los Angeles, where are some of your favourite places/venues/shops?

The bat caves in Bronson park, Umami Burger, Shintaro.

9. Where do you come across bands or artists that are new to you?

Friends, general exploration.

10. What are some bands you are currently listening to?

Our tour mates right next month, The Big Pink. Also the XX.

Some old favourites/favourite records?

Aphex Twin, The Cramps, Jonathan Fire*Eater and not just cause they went to my school.

Last cd/vinyl/digital purchased?

I bought the D'Angelo song Brown Sugar because we want to cover it.

Last movie you saw & show you went to?

I saw Book of Eli in the cinema because Leopold from my band and his brother Atticus and sister in law Claude wrote the musical score. The last show I went to was Julian Plenti.

http://www.myspace.com/ioecho

Peter Bjorn and John

2009-09-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

Peter Bjorn and John are a Swedish band formed in Stockholm, named after the band members: Peter Moren - guitar/vocals, Bjorn Yttling - bass/vocals, and John Eriksson - drums/vocals. Peter Bjorn and John's sound borders on lo fi and indie, and blends various sounds to make up their own, and with an upcoming album being released early next year (March), Peter was kind enough to share some insight into PBJ.

1. How would you compare the music scene in Stockholm to another major city and what would you say are the differences?

Peter: Stockholm is relatively small, so everyone knows everyone and there are a couple of places where most of the concerts take place. But maybe that's true for most cities? Still its a pretty diverse scene with a lot of different styles, freejazz, heavymetal, folk, indie etc. Since it's the biggest city in Sweden people move here from other places so it's a good mixture of people with different background as well.

2. Would you say the new record is more experimental than the previous records? How was your approach different this time around? Was there any kind of planning that differed from the past?

Peter: Do you mean "Living Thing" or the one we are just finishing for a release early next year? If you mean the new yet untitled 6th record, I would say it's less experimental and concentrates more on capturing how good a live band we have become. Most of the songs are recorded straight ahead live with guitar, bass and drums and most of the overdubs have been vocals, guitars and percussion. So it's a bit of a more straightforward pop/rock-band-record than "Living Thing". And it's very energetic. But we still cover a lot of different styles, like punk, power-pop, folk-rock, shoegaze, manchester, rockabilly, psychedelic, old school r'n'b, glam, pubrock. We are always eclectic even when we try to be simple.

3. What do you feel is important to convey in music?

Peter: Energy, honesty, good songwriting and lyrics, swing and soul!

4. Are there any particular things you get inspiration from to write a song? What do you do if you hit a wall and get stuck somewhere?

Peter: I get inspiration from everything. Everyday life, relationships, art, books, politics, history, movies, food. Music of course. Anything can inspire. But if you are stuck a good title is always the key. If you have a title, you can always spin the rest of the lyric around that. And I have an easier time theese days to start with the lyric and then work out the song.

5. With Bjorn producing other bands, how do you feel that benefits this band or otherwise?

Peter: His knowledge from working with other bands obviously helps, especially technically. But we all have experiences from other things that help the band, John with his classical background, me with soloprojects and liveshows. The downside might be that Bjorn is always busy with other things.

6. Would you rather be a support act or headline a show and why? What do you feel are the main differences from a band's point of view?

Peter: I always prefer being headline. When you are a supportact you feel stressed to finish on time and you can't play all the songs you want too. Also it's harder with technique to be a support. The mainact always get a longer soundcheck and decides things. But sometimes I've been doing supportshows as a soloact, all by myself with a guitar and that can be really nice if the audience listen, 'cause it's less complicated and more suited to a short show.

7. Where is your favourite place to play?

Peter: 9.30 Club in DC is a nice club, great room and great people working there. For a small club, Mercury Lounge in NYC is great. Herrgården in Linköping is a small Swedish student venue where audiences often are great.

8. What do you enjoy doing while on tour or something you try to get around to and also something while not touring?

Peter: I love walking around new cities, taking in the sights and architecture and obviously I love great food and restaurants. An artmuseum or two is nice as well if you have time. Small book, record or clothesstores I also like to visit. Actually I like the same thing while at home. Taking long walks and eating nice. Maybe I'm a bit more into nature then I used to be, so Stockholm is perfect that way, very green and never far to the countryside or the sea. I'm a countryboy at heart, from a really small village in rural Sweden.

9. What is something you would tell people to do or some place you would tell people to visit while in Sweden?

Peter: I always tell people to go on a boattrip to the archipelago outside of Stockholm. Amazing and beautiful! And also while in Stockholm, take a trip around Djurgården. It's a bit upperclass maybe, but heck it's still wonderful

10. What are some bands you are currently listening to?

Peter: Of the new stuff I really like Avi Buffalo, the latest Caribou-album, Harlem, Fresh & Onlys, Papercuts, the latest MGMT, Sonny and the Sunsets, Smith Westerns, a lot of lo-fi-american stuff, especially SF-based.

Some old favourites/favourite records?

Peter: Well I just rediscovered The Beatles! No kidding! I owe them everything, but I know them too well to have been listening to them a lot since my early twenties. But especially the early albums like "A Hard Days Night" and "For Sale" feels superfresh to me now. I'm not particulary keen on "Abbey Road" or "Sgt Pepper", that's a bit boring. I like pop and rock'n'roll!! Also I did me some listening on the early Elvis Costello-albums from ca. 1977-1981, which is also stuff I loved as a teen. So I guess I'm looking backwards to my roots a bit at the moment. The Jam I also rediscovered. And old indie like House of Love. And I've been into to all kinds of vintage soul for the last couple of years. Booker T., Smokey Robinson, William Bell, O'Jays, Meters all that stuff. There's a collection of Souther Soul called "Take me to the River" which is amazing. Go-Betweens I always recommend, especially "Before Hollywood". And Tim Hardin always works, his first two records I have on one cd and whenever I put that one I feel comfortable and at home. Only good songs. Leonard Cohen as well. Also the early Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Little Richard, Larry Williams, Screamin "Jay" Hawkins. Rock'n'roll!!

Anything you're looking forward to being released?

Peter: I love the swedish singer-songwriter Anna Järvinen and hear she is working on a new one.

Last cd/vinyl/digital purchased?

Peter: I believe it was Woods "At Echo Lake". And a box of Philly Soul from the 70's, the Gamble-Huff-productions, amazing!!

Last movie you saw & show you went to?

Peter: Last movie was Claire Denis fantastic "White Material" and last show the crazy sweet Sthlm performance-art-band Sir Eric Beyond and The Avantgarde

www.myspace.com/peterbjornandjohn

Woah Hunx

2009-08-06T22:31:00.001-07:00

Los Angeles based three piece Woah Hunx consists of Katherine Petersen - vocals, (Dirty) Preston Olson - guitar and Jonathan Harry Weinberg (Matzah) - drums. Putting together their sound, the end result is a blast of frantic noise ready for any party. Here, the band discusses the ever pressing issues that may be on any and everyone's mind.

1. Where is everyone from?

Preston: I am from Moorhead a small town in Minnesota right next to Fargo on the border of the state. Sounds horrible, but it wasn't that bad. Our high school football team was Moorhead Spuds. A spud is a potato, so our mascot was a guy in a big potato costume.

Katherine: I've been to Moorhed with Preston...the high school mascott is actually a guy in a Preston costume. He's just being humble. Oh, I'm from sunny so cal.

Matzah: I'm from Los Angeles.

2. How did you get interested in starting a band?

Matzah: Everytime we'd get drunk together, we'd joke about doing it. One day, we finally did it.

3. What was the process like to form the band?

Preston: It was great. We initally jammed out in Matzah's bedroom. Katherine would be bouncing on the bed yelling without a microphone and I was playing out of a dinky little practice amp using a sliver of a CVS member card as a pick. Matzah was playing a haphazardly put together drum kit all jammed into the corner of the room. Actually, we still aren't too far off from this scenario.

KP: It's all true I was there.

4. Who are some bands or artists that may of influenced your decision for the direction of the band?

Preston: For me, Jesus Lizard has always been a big influence, but also a vast array of friends bands that you go to see and then play with and all kind of evolve together.

KP: Honestly there was no conscious decision in terms of a concrete direction. We generally just write songs we like to play and that we figure we'd like to see preformed, there aren't really rules or even guidelines regarding style in our song writing. Sometimes it will be a turn of phrase from a Magnetic Fields song or maybe a hip hop beat I hear on the way to practice. But mostly it just dumb noodling round and a lot of "hey that sounded cool do it again" and thats pretty much how we started in our "direction"

Matzah: My dad, Daniel Noel Weinberg.

KP: I mean it was Matzah's dad

5. Besides the band, do you guys have other jobs?

Matzah: I work for a hip hop website.

Preston: I raise money for independent films, its a company I own with my brother. It is also my job to party, kind of. Like Spuds MacKenzie.

KP: I'm super rich I don't have to work. Uh JK i gots two jobs and pretty much no days off. They're not interesting.

6. What is something you guys do in your spare time?

Preston: Read and drink.

Matzah: Work, hang, complain, watch movies, play in a couple other bands, I put out other bands records on my label I Hate Rock N Roll, and Preston and I have a night every Wednesday at the Cha Cha here in Los Angeles with Keith Morris called Forming.

KP: (see above...no days off) Most of my spare time is spent um playing in Woah Hunx....YEAH!

7. What is your reaction when an audience isn't responsive?

Preston: Its to get hammy and chat them up, much to Matzah's dismay.

KP: We're pretty hammy anyways but yeah me and P ham it up, Matzah pouts.

Matzah: I pout.

8. What are some bands you are currently listening to?

Preston: Strange Boys, Audacity, Mika Miko, Tweak Bird...

Matzah: The Anasazis, Strange Boys, Christmas Island, Sandy City

KP: dittos on both fronts. The Audacity record is well pretty nice. I'm also finally into Scott Walker, I'm slow.

9. Some old favourites/favourite records?

Preston: Dinosaur Jr., Sonic Youth, Kinks, CCR, Biggie Smalls.

Matzah: My recent faves are Hubble Bubble, The Ronnettes and Go Betweens.

10. Anything you're looking forward to being released?

Matzah: Christmas Island LP, The Anasazis 7" and Dr. Dre's Detox

11. Last cd/vinyl/digital purchased?

Preston: It actually was my friends comedy album. His name is Matt Braunger and his album is called Soak Up The Night

Matzah: The Ronnettes Greatest Hits Volume 2 - it was pricy, but totally worth it. And the new Davila 666 LP.

12. Last movie you saw & show you went to?

Preston: Bruno and I haven't been to a show in awhile that I didn't play. Maybe it was the I HATE ROCK AND ROLL and Videothing 4th of July BBQ with Strange Boys, Graham Forest, Abe Vigoda, to name a few. Good times.

Matzah: We played a party a few days ago? I was also at Bruno with Preston.

KP: Somehow we have got to play with a lot of my favorite bands like Har Mar, The Audactiy and the Anasazis so yeah it's nice to play a show and then be psyched to stick around and watch your buddy's bands play that you actually really love. We're playing with NODZZZZ next week and I would be headed to that whether or not we we're playing. Lucky me! Oh and I saw Year One and Ice Age 3 double feature at The Point drive-in theatre in Danville PA.

http://www.myspace.com/woahhunx

An Horse

2009-04-30T03:50:00.001-07:00

Kate Cooper and Damon Cox make up the band An Horse from Brisbane, Australia. Mixing their blend of guitar and drums to craft songs that become ingrained in your mind, their style mixes in with different influences to create a soundtrack of the summer (winter or fall.) Kate was kind enough to take some time out to chat and discuss all things An Horse.

How would you describe the music scene in Brisbane compared to the US?

"Brisbane is a really small city, and has a very strong community; that's what Damon and I love about the states, it's really big and in the US you can tour and tour..."

Were there any other names for the band floating around?

"We didn't even think about it, it was good, we didn't have to have one of those -what should we call the band things." It was a name Kate used for solo shows around Brisbane.

Both Damon and Kate's previous bands had already broken up giving them the time to begin An Horse as more shows were being lined up as well as being asked to do the Tegan and Sara tour.

What is something valuable you learned or picked up along the way that you can use with the band now?

"To be honest, everything I learned about touring I've kind of learned in the last year. Touring in Australia you can tour 3 or 4 days; you could do a two week tour but they are really hard to do because you go to all these rural and outback places and it's kinda not worth it. I've really just learned from touring in the states."

Their former practice space was located in the record shop Kate and Damon both worked in. "The record store was a pretty cool practice space and soundproof and amazing." So nobody actually found out that you guys were practicing down there? "We were very diligent about hiding our stuff and putting everything back the way it was."

Previous jobs?

Damon worked in a pet store. "He got bitten by a rat, that's my favourite story." Kate used to teach media and journalism at a university in Brisbane among other things.

What made you decide to play music in the first place?

When Kate was 15, she went to "a really boring strict all girls school", and got taken out of school one day by her parents to go to a Rolling Stones concert. "I couldn't get a day off to save myself, if I was dying they'd still let me go to school, so the fact that they pulled me out of school was a really big deal. And I just remember watching the Rolling Stones and thinking this looks way more fun than sitting behind a desk. I actually believe my parents regret it deeply, but they're kind of coming around now."

What was the best part of making this record?

"The record was made in two parts, we made an ep, then we went to the label and they said we want some more. So we went again in a different session and made more. The first time we recorded, we knew each other very well when we made the first ep but still getting to know each other I guess kind of musically and we'd never been away together; we had to go away and stay at a studio. That was really exciting, I remember the first night actually staying in the same place away from home. It was just really nice to go, it's like an hour and half west of Brisbane, and to just hang out and make a record and feel really comfortable. And the second time was awesome again, I feel like it's a spiritual home out there or something, we hung out, no pressure, but we did have people that we could send stuff to or they could comment on it and send back. So that was kind of cool. The fact that we got to even go back and make the rest of the record is pretty exciting."

Were there any certain albums you listened to during the making?

"There were records we definitely referenced, but I think at the time I was listening to all the Silversun Pickups records, I remember talking about that a lot."

What is your favourite thing about playing live?

"I like playing every night, I love playing with Damon. I think we play really well together and it feels really comfortable.

Where do you come up with lyrics?

"I dont think there is any one way that it happens. Sometimes I sit down and play, I like to be by myself and play, sometimes I'll be driving along or doing something else and I'll think about something or I'll read something usually, and that'll kind of stick around in my head and comes back to me."

How was playing Letterman, were you guys suprised about being asked on that early in the band's inception?

"It's suprising, to say the least. We'd heard along the grapevine that there was a possibility we could be doing it in a few months, Damon and I kind of laughed about it, thought that was pretty funny and how hilarious that would be. Then we got a call or email just as we were entering Canada saying that Letterman had been confirmed so basically we only found out 3 days beforehand, which is just fine, i didn't want to be having to think about it for weeks and weeks out, 3 or 4 days to think about was more than enough. But it was heaps of fun, it was a lot of fun."

What do guys like to do in your free time or on days off?

"When we're on tour and we have a day off usually we sleep because we need to catch up. And we eat, eating is a big deal for me. Once we're caught up on everything Damon and I plan to watch a whole lot of movies. Also swimming.

What's something you miss most about Australia or look forward to when you get back home?

"I miss my niece, I miss her a lot, that's probably it. I don't miss a whole lot also I've been there for so long that it's really refreshing to be elsewhere. I guess I miss my family, my friends, I miss having breakfast at some of the spots I used to have breakfast at and I miss going to the beach a little bit. It's always there and it's not that far away, technically..."

Is there an item that you can't get in the states that you miss?

"There are a few things actually...This is going to sound cliche a little bit, but I did actually bring vegemite with me. There's this throat gargle that's like magic, you gargle it when you're getting a sore throat and it kills everything. You know what? American chocolate is very different than Australian chocolate. I eat a lot of chocolate, so I'm trying to adjust." Is it a good different or a bad different? "I don't enjoy American chocolate as much, I have to be honest. I think it's because you guys use corn syrup and we use sugar, I'm not sure, I'm trying to get to the bottom of it. ..but it just tastes different. Also it might be a temperature thing, like you know it's really hot at home, it affects the chocolate, i don't know! I mean I'm adjusting!

Best show seen:

"I feel like every time on tour with Tegan and Sara, I don't always watch the bands we're playing with every night, but every night I watched their set. The way they perform and the way they write songs, every night they would blow me away; I'm sure one of them is one of the best shows I've seen." Playing her first solo show as An Horse, Kate says opening for Katie Davidson was another, "The show was absolutely mind-blowing, the way she handled the crowd and the sound of her voice." "Also! The Silversun Pickups played in a mall as part of a music celebration we have - The Valley, which was packed and people were hanging over the sides of the balcony and that was amazing and they played really well. And I've since spoken to the band about the show and they said it was one of the best shows they've ever played."

What was the last show you actually paid to get into:

"My mom took me to see Neil Young for my birthday and she paid for those tickets, but its kinda shitty because the day of the show our record label in Australia rang us up and said they have a whole bunch of Neil Young tickets you guys wanna go? And Damon decided to go and his tickets were right at the front and I had to sit with my mom because she saved up and was really excited and I had to pretend that it was amazing, but it was a good show.

What are some bands/artists that you're listening to lately?

Silversun Pickups, Julie Doiron, Trail of the Dead, Telekinesis, Kevin Devine.

What are some old favourite albums?

"Lately in the van we've been listening to a lot of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Tegan and Sara, The Frogs, we've been listening to a lot of audio books, also been listening to Nina Simone and just this morning Damon put on Billie Holiday, very varied. All our favourite records are so hard to nail down, so many of them. Oh, and the Gaslight Anthem."

What was the last movie you guys saw?

"When we're flying together we like to watch films at the same time, so we time it so it plays together that way it's like a shared experience, we watched - I don't even know what its called (Flash of Genius-ed.)- it's like the story, it sounds really boring but it's amazing, but it's the history or the story of the guy who invented the intermittent wiper on cars, who got ripped off basically, it's really good. Before that it would of been something in the cinema and I have no idea what it was I cant even think - oh I think it was maybe was Vicky Christina Barcelona. I'd seen everything in the cinema so I just went to watch that over and over again because I liked it.

The difference between US and AUS coffee?

"In Australia you can only get espresso pretty much, they don't do black coffee. It's a lot stronger at home." So what is your favourite? "At home i would say a flat white, i guess the equivalent would be a latte. Or a long black."

http://www.myspace.com/anhorse

Sebastien Grainger

2009-04-08T21:26:00.000-07:00

Previously one half of Death From Above 1979, Sebastien Grainger is now following his name as his new(er) moniker. With a diversion from previous sounds, the solo material takes various twists and turns, with a positive end result. Here, Sebastien discusses some of what went on during the process.

1. How was the transition going from DFA1979 into your current band and was it a natural progression?

The transition began the moment i decided i didn't want to do DFA anymore. I had this hazy vision of what kind of an artist i wanted to be, and i felt like i needed time to develop that vision. My whole approach to music and art has always been from a humble perspective. I always feel like I'm learning. The flip side of that is that i never feel like i've arrived. Sebastien Grainger & The Mountains is/was my statement of what i think a rock band should sound like. My next approach will be drastically different, but as an artist i feel like i'll be able to maintain my "vibe".

2. Would you consider Sebastien Grainger & The Mountains to be more of a collaborative process or a more solo project?

Sebastien Grainger & The Mountains was my conception of a rock and roll band. But you can't execute a rock and roll band without a band...The songs and record were mostly written after already having picked the members and played with each other for a while, so there is nothing inauthentic about it. It is/was my statement of rock and roll. I consider it a solo project, but it would never have worked out in the same way without Nick, Leon and Andrew. Their contribution to the live show and to the songs they play on on the the record cannot be understated.

3. Going from drums in DFA1979 to guitar now, what is your instrument of choice?

Do i have to choose?

4. How do you start the writing process of a song? Do you use a specific piece of equipment?

It depends on the song. Sometimes it starts with lyrical idea, then i try to find the instrument that compliments the concept. Sometimes it starts with a bass line, or a guitar part or a drum part or a piano part. It's really up to the song.

5. Having been on Last Gang records and now on Saddle Creek records, was there any reason for not staying with Last Gang?

For DFA, Last Gang was our Canadian label and Vice was our American label. For this project, Outside Music did the Canadian release and Saddle Creek did the American one. When i started working on material for a record i Last Gang offered me a deal that wasn't right for me at the time. The terms were no right. So, i decided to create new partnerships. Also, the record i was working on seemed like an orphan...like it had no home, and Saddle Creek in the states offered it a nice comfortable place to stay. Labels are pretty much all the same anyway...broke.

6. I had read somewhere that said you guys knew DFA had a certain shelf life so in regards to that, did you have your next band in mind as far as the kind of music and direction you would want it to go?

I believe i answered that in an earlier question. Though with DFA, we were aware of that there was a limit to our creativity together within our (self-imposed) confinements. But we also knew that the music would last. It amazes me the impact we had and continue to garner. We're entering a weird stage with people's memory of the band...We were just a regular band, doing what bands do and got lucky in our trajectory that lots of people were able to hear us...I've been called a living legend to my face...haha, i'm only 30 dudes! The thing with all that is that i remember how it actually was...i remember that it was special...but my perspective was that it could've been a lot better...we just didn't have time....we decided to do things then just did them...no time to waste. I

7. Being co-owner of Giant Studios, how did that benefit you in the recording process or otherwise, and what can you share about the studio?

It's a beautiful facility that i'm proud to be a part of. It was nice to share the studio with Metric as they were making their new record (which turned out REALLY great). I was in there alone alot of the time, so it was nice to benefit from what they were doing in there. They'd leave on a Friday and i'd come in on a Monday and all the pre-amps and compressors would be dialed in perfectly and i could just go to work. So many great bands and producers have been working in there in the past couple of years it's kinda mind boggling.

8. Where do you feel you draw inspiration from for your songs and do you aim to address any specific topics ever?

I get inspiration from other songs, books, movies, and my friends. Sometimes i write about dreams and those are somehow always the best, so i'd like to stick to that.

9. Who would be your ideal tour-mates?

The Strokes.

10. What are some bands you are currently listening to?

Scott Walker (3,4), The Walker Brothers (Night Flights), Nile Rogers, Arthur Russell,

Some old favourites/favourite records?

The Boss "Born to Run", "Born in the USA", The Walkmen "You & Me", Jay Reatard "Blood Visions"

Anything you're looking forward to being released?

Where The Wild Things movie. And the new Charlotte Gainsbourg record.

Last cd/vinyl/digital purchased?

CD was Karen O and The Kids. Vinyl was the Flashdance soundtrack for the heavy Giorgio Moroder content.

Last movie you saw & show you went to?

Last movie was Paranormal Activity last band was Fever Ray.

http://www.myspace.com/sebastiengrainger

photo credit: Eva Michon

Broken Spindles

2009-03-15T15:15:00.001-07:00

Joel Petersen, aka Broken Spindles, is one fifth of The Faint. Broken Spindles was originally started as a favour for a friend, who had requested instrumental music for a video project. Now with five albums and a second part to the last album Kiss/Kick, entitled Kiss/Kick Addendum, here Joel shares some insight into his project - Broken Spindles.

1. When was Broken Spindles formed and how did the project come about?

check the bio for this one, it goes into it pretty specifically. (( check out brokenspindles.com ))

2. How do you approach this project differently than you do with a band environment/setting?

i try to not dwell on the small stuff for too long, i want broken spindles music to feel free and true. i find that if i start to spend too much time on the minor details, i lose track of the song and the moment i am trying to capture. feeling and expression are the most important things.

3. What is the process of creating a song for you, what kind of approach do you take?

i tend to write the song first with some simple guitar chords and then move over to working in pro tools when i start to work out drum and bass ideas. once those are solid, i add all the little fun things to help keep the song moving along. but in general, it goes song first, then groove, then accents.

4. Is the music something you looked to create specifically, or did it grow naturally?

naturally. any time i have tried to push something out, it has sucked.

5. What would you say is the difference between Broken Spindles and the Faint?

intent.

6. Being involved with a band as well as a solo project, what are the benefits of each and which do you prefer?

doing solo stuff feels freer and faster but being in a group can be good when things are really clicking. ideas can go farther than they could by yourself.

7. What is your favored type of venue to play?

small with no neon beer signs or tvs.

8. Given your choice, who would you like to work with?

anyone who has great ideas.

9. You've remixed some tracks for other artists, how do you select the tracks to remix?

i try to let the band pick what track they would like remixed. i find that when i pick the track it always ends up being difficult to finish but when someone else picks it, i can just be free and do what comes naturally. expectations are a bitch.

10. What are some bands you are currently listening to?

brian mcbride, and eluvium are my current favs.

Some old favourites/favourite records?

sonic youth - daydream nation fugazi - red medicine my bloody valentine - loveless etc.

Last cd/vinyl/digital purchased?

i am a pirate and haven't purchased any music for a little while.

Last movie you saw & show you went to?

i am watching a movie right now, it is called 'ladies and gentlemen, the fabulous stains'. it isn't too good.

http://www.myspace.com/brokenspindles

Tilly and the Wall

2009-02-22T06:15:00.001-08:00

Bright. Colourful. Fun. Tilly and the Wall, the five piece based out of Omaha are compromised of Kianna - vocals/bass, Neely - vocals/bass, Derek - guitar/vocals, Jamie - tap dancer/percussionist and Nick - keyboards. Mixing harmonies, beats, and melodies, Tilly and the Wall create a dynamic sound that is perfect for singing (or shouting) along to, tunes that are wrapped with ample amounts of exhilarating energy. Here, Kianna shares some details surrounding the wonderful world of Tilly and the Wall.

1. Did you always have the intention to use tap dancing as a form of percussion or incorporate it into the songs somehow?

Not really, it's just something Jamie had done in prior bands and used at the first Tilly practices to keep a beat. We never really discussed it but it just stuck! It was totally meant to be... kismet.

2. Team Love and Saddlecreek records both seem like very tightly knit and nurturing labels; how has that been working within that environment?

It has been totally awesome! Team Love is the most artist friendly label ever. They let us do whatever we want and trust in us. We are very lucky to call them home.

3. How did Tilly and the Wall first form and what other bands were you in prior to this one?

Well the boys had just moved to Omaha from Atlanta and was hanging out working on songs with Jamie who had befriended them. Jamie and I had been writing songs together too ever after our other band broke up. So we just decided to all work together! Then we called Neely because we wanted harmonies and wanted another female singer, we just knew she would be perfect! And then we were Tilly!

4. What is the songwriting process like for you guys or does it usually vary?

Most times one person will write a song and bring it to the rest of the band. Then everyone starts working on it together. We all really understand each other really well and can kind of feel what each other's songs are asking for. It's great because that's how they end up a Tilly song and not a Kianna or Nick (or whoever) song!

5. What are some things you like to do after a show or on days off?

On our days off on tour we LOVE going to the movies together! Especially if there's one out that we have all been excited for! Ones I remember are The Dark Night and The Black Pearl, the Pirates movie! Actually, we cherish these things like you couldn't believe cuz they are so rare and we don't mess around. I bitched out some teen brats' parents at the Pirates movie because their girls wouldn't shut up when the movie started and we were all so pumped about it! HAHAHA!

6. Who would you like to collaborate with?

I think I can speak for everyone when I say Missy Elliott or Michael Jackson.

7. What is your favourite thing about touring? Least favourite?

To me, the best thing about touring is playing the show. That one hour makes all that driving and heavy lifting worth it. Also, those are the worst parts... the driving all day and the loading in and loading out again at 2 a.m.

8. You're known for your happy, fun, bright overall presence...how important is that to convey? Also, where do you usually find/look for your outfits? Are there any particular style 'icons' you look at for inspiration?

We don't make a conscious effort to BE fun or whatever but we just HAVE so much fun doing what we're doing that we can't help it! I will however say that when the band first started it was clear we weren't interested in making sad folk songs... I personally look to my friends for inspiration regarding looks. My friend Peggy Noland is a designer in Kansas City and she makes all of my stage costumes. She always has amazing ideas and I trust her crazy ass! She knows I will wear anything!

9. Who and/or what are some influences or inspirations for the band?

We are all so different it's insane but we all find inspiration from daily life and everything contained in it. It's hard to be specific but anything from a book or a story you hear on the news can spark inspiration. As far as influences, I would say most music you hear sticks with you somehow... subliminally sometimes!

10. What are some bands you are currently listening to?

Currently I am listening to Fever Ray! It's Karin from the Knife's solo project and it's just as haunting and beautiful as the slower songs the Knife had. Also, can't stop listening to the new Animal Collective... I generally get really obsessive about repeating albums I love. This is the case with both of these albums!

Some old favourites/favourite records?

I love listening to old Of Montreal records and reeeally old Desmond Decker records! The Israelites is BANGIN'!

Anything you're looking forward to being released?

The new Grizzly Bear! I can't wait!!!

Last cd/vinyl/digital purchased? I got a cd of a band called Borg from my favorite mail order site/store AquariusRecords.org. It is pretty good! Also, just ordered Night Control's new cd from the same website! That site offers the most incredibly honest reviews and also streaming songs from the artists they carry.

Last movie you saw & show you went to?

Last movie I saw was Coralline in 3D! I went to it two days in a row because I could not get over how trippy and beautiful it was. It was even better the second time.

http://www.myspace.com/officialtillyandthewall

Wintersleep

2009-02-01T01:48:00.001-08:00

A five piece from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Wintersleep are made up of Loel Campbell - drums, Paul Murphy - guitar/vocals, Mike Bigelow - bass, Tim D'Eon - guitar/keys, and Jon Samuel - keys/guitar/vocals. Meshing the heavy with the light to find the right amount of each colliding together, Wintersleep's music can start off in one direction, while smoothly leading up to another by the end of it. This mixture forms their sound to balance out what doesn't go missing within their music. Here, Paul delves into Wintersleep's core for a bit of insight.

1. How do you feel/think being from Halifax differs or compares in terms of the setting and interaction with other bands, than say more mainstream or popular Canadian cities such as Montreal , Toronto or Vancouver ? Or do you think there even is a difference music wise?

Halifax has a bit more of an insular music community than those other cities I think.. Kinda keeping to itself a bit but I think not necessarily in a bad way.. I think it is a good city to develop in as a band/human... People care about local things generally whether it is local food or stores or bands or local art, etc.,, I think the music scene is a bit closer knit because of that general mentality. A hard part about it is that it is kinda isolated from the bigger touring circuit [ Toronto , US ] so Halifax bands don't tour as much as they probably should or would if they lived in a city like Montreal or Toronto or Vancouver .. It's that damn 12 hours between here and Montreal !! Rrrg.. :)

2. Obviously you know/are aware you won the Juno for new group of the year - how was that and did it change anything for the better or worse?

I think it has only done good things.. A nice way to get acknowledged..

3. Who are some influences for the band?

I think we are really influenced by our friends and families and great bands [from Halifax and beyond:)], good books.. Nice landscape.. Touring..

4. How is the songwriting process like for you guys?

We all write parts and bring them to the jam space where they either become something great or get chewed up and left for dead, a pulpy and indistinguishable mess.

5. Do you find it difficult to adjust to life on the road and touring and then getting off tour and heading back home?

It is actually quite difficult to find a balance depending on the length of tour. I think the hardest thing is not really having a home base.. I don't really feel like there is a place I actually call home. Enter the violins upon sad bastard staring into his laptop at 7:38 am just yearning for a home:)

6. How do you describe your music to someone who doesn't know or hasn't heard it?

It's just delicious. Like the best apple you've ever eaten.

7. Where do you find out about new music/bands?

Mike Bigelow tells me about every band I'll ever wanna hear. My brother Mike is also a good source.. Loel..

8. What are some bands you are currently listening to? El Perro Del Mar, Handsome Furs, Dog Day, John Lennon Plastic Yoko

Some old favourites/favourite records?

Love Tara Eric's Trip, Green Mind Dinosaur Jr.. Buddy Holly Greatest Hits, Johnny Cash,, Hank Williams, also greatest hits.. Neil Young Harvest. Sonic Youth Washing Machine

Anything you're looking forward to being released?

Too much

Last cd/vinyl/digital purchased?

Damien Jurado Caught in the Trees, White Birch Come up for Air

Last movie you saw & show you went to?

That Benjamin Button movie

http://www.myspace.com/wintersleep

The Whispertown 2000

2009-01-03T08:55:00.000-08:00

With their free flowing melodies and harmonies, The Whispertown 2000 are a four piece based in Los Angeles; made up of Morgan Nagler, Tod Adrian Wisenbaker, Vanesa Corbala, and Casey Wisenbaker. They mix retro classic sounds with a twist of folk to create their own sound. Their first album - Livin' in a Dream was released in 2006, while their current record - Swim, was released in 2008. Morgan was kind enough to take some time to give us a peak into The Whispertown 2000.

1. How is a song created and what sort of approach do you take?

Usually, I write the song on guitar and bring it to the band, where it then tuns into what it is by everybody's shaping and morphing.

2.Do you prefer to play to a smaller or larger audience or venue?

I like a little room packed in where I don't know anybody.

3.Having known Blake and Jenny, what kind of advice did they give you as far as writing and preforming goes?

Well it was Jenny that somewhat insisted that we move forward and unlock our dreams, as she's done in all aspects of my life, and both her and Blake have been extremely supportive .. Just do it

4.Who are some people or bands you look up to as inspiration or influence?

Jenny Lewis, Bob Dylan, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, Benji Hughes, and Bill Murray

5.What do you enjoy most about performing, or even least about it?

I enjoy feeling like the soundtrack and connecting to people, I do not enjoy messing up and if no one likes it. :)

6.How did Whispertown 2000 start?

Jenny insisted I started performing and brought Tod and I together, the 3 of us played a few shows together, then Tod and I continued acoustic through mountain and valley and ended up in a family affair with Casey, Tod's brother on bass, and Vanesa Corbala singing harmoniously, getting tambourine bruises.

7.On the road, what did you discover that you weren't quite aware of before?

California really has the best produce.

8.Do you do much preparation for a show?

Most prep work goes into writing and arranging new stuff, then we just need a run through or 2 :) So we think..

9.Who would you like to go on the road with?

Bob Dylan, The Black Lips, Dr. Dog, The White Stripes, Lucinda Williams...

10.What are some bands you are currently listening to?

Benji Hughes, The Black Lips, and The Staple Singers

Some old favourite records?

John Prine-John Prine, John Prine,-The Missing Years,Tom Waits- The Early Years Vol. 1 and 2, Built to Spill- Perfect From Now On, Townes Van Zandt- Flin' Shoes, Paul Simon- Negotiations and Love Songs

Anything you're looking forward to being released?

Michael Runion's new record

Last vinyl purchased?

Neva Dinova- You May Already Be Dreaming.... a diamond in the rough

Last Movie you saw and show you went to?

Role Models, She and Him

www.myspace.com/whispertown2000

Mika Miko

2009-01-03T08:54:00.000-08:00

Infusing sounds and clashing noises, Mika Miko are a five piece band based out of Los Angeles California. The band includes guitarist Michelle Suarez, bassist Jessica Clavin, drummer Seth Densham, and duel vocalists Jenna Thornhill (also saxophone) & Jennifer Clavin (also guitar). Their music combines influences and beyond to create a wild ride of ruckus. With a new album to be released soon, Michelle took some time to answer some questions about what makes up Mika Miko.

1. Can you tell us how the band came about, where everyone is from and the drummer changes..

The band came about in 2003, sometime. We are all from southern California. Our dummer...is new! And a boy. It's a boy!!!

2. Who or what are some influences for the band?

We all really appreciate music. All of us have different influences: people, music, food, clothing, books, etc.

3. What is the songwriting process like for you guys?

Usually one of us comes up with a riff and we piece it together at practice. Piece by piece, brick by brick.

4. What is your favourite song to do live and why?

I like doing Business Cats because sometimes people know the words and it's really something to see people sing along.

5. How would you describe the band to someone who had no idea what you were about?

I hope that they would believe me when I said...A PARTY! AN AWESOME PARTY.

6. Besides this band, are you involved in different projects?

I think we are all doing our own thing. It's a mystery. I do not really know my bandmates.

7. What's the best & worst part of touring?

Sometimes, the worst makes for a great story. And the best is when you have enough money to go eat at a restaurant together and brush your teeth in the restroom.

8. Apart from the band, what do you do for fun, do you have separate jobs?

We do all kinds of things. Some of us are working outside of home, and some of us work from home.

9. Are Mika Miko currently working on any new material?

We are releasing a new record very soon. Mayish, I believe. It's getting mastered today.

10. What are some bands you are currently listening to?

Currently, I am listening to Stickmen with Rayguns.

Some old favourites/favourite records?

Old favorites....Misfits. Definitely.

Anything you're looking forward to being released?

The Remo Voor 7". I heard it's going to be really good.

Last cd/vinyl/digital purchased?

I got a copy of the SCREAMERS demos LP with red ink, not blue. But really the last record I bought was for someone else. For Jennifer's birthday, I gave her a Barracudas record.

Last movie and/or show you saw?

Last movie I watched was Beethoven's 2nd. It was really retarded but cute. I also just started watching Lost and it is REALLY COOL!

myspace.com/mikamiko

The Octopus Project

2008-10-12T22:10:00.000-07:00

The Octopus Project are a four piece band made up of Josh, Yvonne, Toto, and Ryan. Blending contrasting sounds, experimental noises, and various instruments, The Octopus Project create a fun and happy atmosphere. Known to switch instruments around, their music encapsulates tiny melodies bursting with fervor. Josh was kind enough to share some info on the band from Austin, known as The Octopus Project.

1. How did the band come together and where is everyone from?

Yvonne, Toto, and I have known each other since we were 18, and were in bands together throughout college. Yvonne and Toto grew up in Houston, and I lived there for high school. Ryan grew up in Austin. Around 1998/99, we (Yvonne, Toto, and I) were all going to college at UT in Austin, and playing together in a band called Hidden Speaker. The band was led by a friend of ours. He wrote most of the music, and at some point we decided that we wanted to break out and do our own thing. So, we quit that band, and formed our own. Ryan joined up with us last year, and it’s been great!

2. For anyone who may not be familiar with the music, how would you best describe the style?

Loud, fun, and colorful.

3. Was it always your intention to be an instrumental band? Have there been considerations to add vocals at some point? Do you also feel there may be limitations with mainly being instrumental?

We never really made a conscious decision to be primarily an instrumental band. We just started writing songs, and let them develop naturally. We definitely weren’t concerned with singing. Instrumental bands weren’t as popular back then as they are now – I think Tortoise was really one of the only big ones. But, it just felt right. The songs that we were writing felt finished, so we never really talked about it. However, we’ve never ruled out vocals. We don’t have any rules in this band. We just take things as they come. And, lately we’ve written a few songs with vocals. The last song on our most recent record has the three of us singing on it. We also put out a single in the UK earlier this year which has two vocal songs. It’s pretty exciting to have a different tool to use, but I don’t think we’ll end up making every song have vocals. We’ll see! As far as limitations… I don’t think there are any. If anything, being instrumental opens up a million new avenues.

4. How did the name come about and do you have a set meaning behind it?

The name comes from a little-known experiment performed by the Japanese government in the 1950’s. I think it was called “Tako Kei Kaku,” which translates to The Octopus Project. But, basically, the army was attempting to build an enormous, robotic octopus (similar to a submarine) that could make manned missions to the bottom of the Marianas Trench. The details are fuzzy, but something went horribly wrong with the experiment, and the government abandoned the project after the robot was lost deep in the ocean.

5. Who or what have been some influences for the band?

It’s kind of hard to pinpoint because we’re always listening to so many different things. But, generally, I think we all like stuff with a little bit of grit on it. – sounds that have a personality. We have a tendency to be drawn to stuff that sounds interesting or exciting. I think that the best combination is amazing sounds + great music. Sonic Youth, Satyajit Ray, Madlib, Alice Coltrane.

6. What was the experience like working with an outside producer for the current record as opposed to primarily working on it your own?

It was definitely different from how we’d worked in the past. It was really fun, but also tough sometimes to find the bridge between our two ideas as to how things should work. We were coming from an unstructured, anything goes recording style, whereas Ryan Hadlock came from a very structured, professional world. We chose him because we wanted that mix of a crazy yet professional sounding record. And, I really like the way it turned out.

7. Do you guys ever just improvise on a song while playing live?

We have a bit of improvisation, but for the most part, things are pretty laid out. Many of our songs are played to sequenced beats and sounds, so it’s hard to change things around in the middle of a song. Some songs are loose, though, and we like to just see what happens.

8. How long does it take to get the stage prepared with all the decorations, etc...and do you feel that it is part of the overall setting of the music and goes hand in hand in a way?

We’ve gotten the stage setup down to a science, and it doesn’t take long at all. Touring so much, you have to be as efficient as possible. It’s taken us a few years to get it down, but lately we’ve figured out a good way of doing things. Most of our decorations, etc. are either built-in to our gear, or are things that can just be thrown up at the last minute. I definitely feel like our stage decoration goes hand in hand with our music. We’re all extremely excited about making things, and love any opportunity to get crazy. Being in a band is an amazing opportunity to let your imagination run wild visually as well as musically. But, being in our band specifically, I feel like we tend to veer toward sounds that are more colorful, or themes and ideas musically that might evoke certain visual themes and ideas to pop into your head. To me, the music and the visuals are all a part of the same entity.

9. If there was one person you could work with, who would it be?

Werner Herzog.

10. What are some bands you are currently listening to?

Other than the previously mentioned folks…. Clipse, The Tammys, Caribou, Fela Kuti, Deerhoof, all of the Stones Throw stuff, lots more.

Some old favourites/favourite records?

We’re all totally obsessed with the Beatles and Led Zeppelin.

Anything you're looking forward to being released?

I just got the new Deerhoof and Dead Science records, and they’re both pretty stellar.

Last cd/vinyl/digital purchased?

CD – The Paris Sisters, “The Complete Phil Spector Sessions” Vinyl – The Kinks, “Lola versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One” and John Cale, “Paris 1919” Digital Purchase – Deerhoof, “Offend Maggie” and Dead Science, “Villainaire”

Last movie and/or show you saw?

Movie – ‘Hausu’ Show – ‘Mad Men’

http://www.myspace.com/theoctopusproject

The Faint

2008-09-06T20:58:00.001-07:00

The Faint are compromised of Joel Peterson, Clark Baechle, Dapose, Todd Fink and Jacob Thiele; and within that combination, juxtapose their music just as so. Their latest and current release - Fasciination, displays their mixing and fusion of different styles, into creating a sound and style all their own. Jacob was cool enough to take some time out to share some insight into the band from Omaha, known as the Faint.

1. How was the entire process of this album different from the previous albums?

We combined methods from all our previous albums, starting first by simply playing the songs and then realizing that we could do more by recording the songs as we went, once the studio was finished. The end result is something we're very happy with, and I think we've come closer to creating a scientific method for making music than on previous records.

2. What do you feel the (major) differences are between the last records compared to the new one?

The sound of the record is different because we made it ourselves. Doing this also allowed us the chance to experiment a lot more, like trying different keyboards for each part and declaring one superior to another! I think the lyrics are a little more straightforward.

3. What brought on the label change or made you guys leave your old label and release this new record on your own? Was blank.wav started as a result?

We knew we wanted to do something different for this record, and after doing almost everything else ourselves, it seemed like the right time to finally release our own music on our own label. So yeah, I guess it was started as a result. Hopefully one day we can put out other people's albums as well!

4. Being on your own label, what have been the biggest differences you've encountered?

Well, there's nobody to blame but ourselves when things don't go right! I suppose in many ways, it's the same as being on another label. We hired the same publicist, we hired radio people and all that too.

5. Would you consider the band an electronic(a) or dance band? Or how would you define or describe the band?

Kind of both. We don't really try to define ourselves by genres. When we meet somebody on a plane or somewhere who has no frame of reference we say that we're an electronic rock band that plays danse music for punks.

6. Do you have a favourite city to play, and what makes it a favourite?

We don't have a favorite city to play. Of course playing our hometown, Omaha, is a lot of fun, but it's always hellishly hot in the venue we play there! It's always fun to revisit a city we've been to before, but we also like to play new places.

7. What do you find to be the best/worst thing about touring?

Being away from loved ones is the worst. But meeting new people and seeing the world are the best! Also playing shows is lot of fun.

8. What's your favourite song to do live?

It used to be Paranoiattack, but lately it's probably Psycho because I get to do a wild keyboard solo in the middle of it.

9. Who and/or what have been some influences for the band?

Right now we're writing an article about Aphex Twin. He's always inspired us in different ways. Old punk stuff like Wire and old new wave stuff like the first couple Human League albums. We're big fans of bands that play by their own rules like Fugazi and Sonic Youth as well.

10. What are some bands you are currently listening to?

My favorite new band is probably Late of the Pier. I saw Midnight Juggernauts at a festival in Ireland and they were great!

Some old favourites/favourite records?

It's been fun revisiting Aphex Twin's catalog. I like David Bowie a lot. The Kinks, T. Rex, Brian Eno.

Anything you're looking forward to being released?

Hmmm. I'm looking forward to our next single, Mirror Error, because we're hoping to get some great remixes!

Last cd/vinyl/digital purchased?

I bought a Konono No 1 12" that has some locked grooves on it. Pretty rad stuff.

Last movie and/or show you saw?

The last movie I watched was "We Jam Econo" the Minutemen documentary. I had seen it before, but we were all watching it on the bus because some people hadn't seen it. It's great!

myspace.com/thefaint

photo courtesy of Bill Sitzmann.

Cut Copy

2008-08-08T19:01:00.001-07:00

Four years in between their last record - Bright Like Neon Love, and with their current album - In Ghost Colours debuting at #1 on the Australian charts, Cut Copy are getting set for a co-headling tour with label mates The Presets. Cut Copy are a 3 piece from Melbourne made up of Dan Whitford, Tim Hoey, and Mitchell Scott. In Ghost Colours mixes and blends alternate genres; beautifully, intersecting sounds, cutting back and to from distinct combinations of melodies and most of all makes you feel like you're floating through crystal clear air. Dan was nice enough to give us a bit of details about what makes up Cut Copy.

1. Do you ever feel the need or get in the mood to mix up or change a song while or right before playing it?

We have a pretty short attention span for our own music so we often perform different versions of our songs or different arrangements. I think it's good for our fans too particularly when it comes to older songs that people have probably heard us perform already. Sometimes you'll be performing at a more high energy dance even so you'll take songs more in that direction and sometimes it's more of a noisy guitar driven punk version of the cut copy experience. Also I think audiences dont always want to hear you replay songs exactly the way they are on your album so they feel like they've seen something that is unique for them.

2. What's the best part about playing live?

Playing live is a great immediate way to interact directly with fans. It's also a great way to get a workout.

3. Do you get new ideas for sounds and music while playing, or does it happen at random times? And do you get the sound you're looking for or have in your mind down exact when recording or even demo-ing?

Usually new ideas for sounds or music come when listening to other music or doing something completely unrelated like looking in a bookstore. I kind of feel like our music is such a product of our influences and musical experience that I could almost dissect each song idea by idea and tell you exactly where they arrived from. But I dont think originality in the purest sense really exists, it's more about how you put the things you like together to make your own music.

4. Was there a different approach or one intentionally taken for the new record?

There wasn't a direction we had in mind at the outset. But in general I think we're exploring how pop music can unify the most disparate types of music. We love tangerine dream and neu and ciccone youth and francois k and terry riley but then we also love the doobie brothers, E.L.O, the eagles and chic. For us making music is like navigating across different ways of making pop music, whether it's with a synth, a guitar or a choir. Even the most experimental music can have pop elements to it and I think that's what we find the most exciting.

5. What is/are the main instrument(s) used to get the basis of a song or does it vary?

We never seem to start writing a song in a set way. It really is quite random what we work with.

6. Do you get to go see as many shows as you would like to, besides Festivals you're on? Or do you have the opportunity to dj as much?

We still DJ quite a lot because we often will spin records after we play shows or when we have a night off playing live. Because we're music fans before considering ourselves musicians it's something we love doing. The only downside of touring so much is that we dont get to see the number of shows that we'd like to. When we were a band just playing in melbourne we would be out seeing bands almost every night of the week. But now it's a bit difficult because most nights of the week we're playing shows! But on the upside we have had the chance to see some of our heroes on our tours, like Daft Punk and My Bloody Valentine.

7. Speaking of dj'ing, do you have a particular way of picking tracks for mixes?

We approach our DJ mixes very similarly to writing songs. It's not so preoccupied with style but more with melody and tunes. Like the original balearic DJs, as long as songs can somehow work together that's all that matters. I love the idea that you could put grauzone next to riot in belgium or fleetwood mac next to lifelike and still make it work, still have people dancing and going crazy. I guess we play the kind of music we'd like to hear on the dancefloor; fairly ecclectic but still a party.

8. Do you have a favourite city/venue to play? A favourite to watch another band?

We loved playing at the bowery ballroom in new york. It's a good intimate venue but great sound and just feels nice to hang out there. We've also seen a few gigs there including Guided By Voices second last show which was a long, memorable (and drunken) performance. Its hard to pick a favorite place. There's usually at least a couple of great venues in every city.

9. Who's been a favourite as far as tourmates goes? What's a favourite thing to do after a show and/or with time off?

It seems like a lot of bands have become our good friends after sharing a tour together. But I think we'd have to say our oldest friends Midnight Juggernauts and The Presets are our favorites to tour with. We started out touring together in Australia (sometimes playing only to small audiences) but it feels like as a result we've bonded like brothers.

10. What are some bands you are currently listening to?

john forde
doobie brothers
phil collins
mercy arms
nick straker band

- Some old favourites/favourite records?

klf-chill out
elo-time
chic-soup for one
bwh-stop/livin up
avalanches - since I left you
malcolm mclaren - duck rock
ariel pink's haunted graffiti - the doldrums

- Anything you're looking forward to being released?

our third record.

- Last cd/vinyl/digital purchased?

baciotti - blackjack & dennis wilson - pacific ocean blue

- Last movie and/or show you saw?

i just saw a documentary on the life of Arthur Russell at the Melboure film festival. He was quite an intriguing guy.

myspace.com/cutcopy

Pin Me Down

2008-04-30T04:02:00.001-07:00

Named after a text message from Russell to Milena, Pin Me Down is compromised of Russell Lissack & Milena Mépris. Based out of New York and London, they mix in a variety of influences to get their futuristic mesh of electronica-crashing-into-pop sounds. Here, Milena gives us a little taste of Pin Me Down.

1. How did the band come about and was there an instant direction you both knew you wanted the sound to be headed?

Milena Mépris: I met Russell when my former band Black Moustache opened up for Bloc Party in New York. He shared my amp for the show, so we met as a result and hit it off immediately. He saw my band’s set and liked my playing and pink Gibson SG guitar, so we became friends from there. We started sending songs we liked back and forth, and then some of our own music, so the next natural step was to collaborate on something… Initally we just played Weezer songs, but the first 2 songs we ever wrote actually made it on to our record. It was pretty amazing! Russell liked my voice and exposed me to a lot the 80s stuff he’d grown up with, like Cyndi Lauper and New Order. I already liked artists like Madonna and Prince, but we went in a naturally more pop direction, I guess because both of our main bands were heavier.

2. Being based in different cities, how do you work on the songs and does that method have its advantages?

Initially it was difficult because we’d record everything on my digital 8-track which was hard to do since Russell was rarely in NYC, but then we both got laptops and learned how to use ProTools and that allowed Russell to record tracks wherever in the world he was and he’d email his ideas to me to write to. It was a long process but also quite exciting to receive new songs in your email inbox each morning… it was almost like we were communicating in a language that we only had access too. As the songs progressed and matured, we decide we wanted to record them properly and share them with our friends.

3. Coming from different bands, how do you approach this project differently, if at all?

For me, I see Pin Me Down in part as routed in fantasy. I can be completely over the top with this band and chose not to take myself seriously. One of our main objectives was to make sure that we had fun and that people had a blast listening to the songs. I think we can naturally mesh a lot of genres because of different influences Russell and I individually have, and then we bounce off of ideas/references we have in common. I think we can incorporate unreal images into our sound. My stage get-up will reflect this…. I feel bad for the boys, they have to wear jeans and t-shirts…boring.

4. What have been some influences for this band and influences that you had before the band started?

For PMD, the influences are Cyndi Lauper, Kate Bush, Madonna, Prince, New Order, Depeche Mode, Weezer. Individually we like different things. Russell loves the Smiths, Radiohead and Suede, whereas I am coming from the 60s and the 90s, so anything by the Beatles, the Zombies, or Nirvana floats my boat.

5. Can you describe the band in a sentence?

Ummmm how about this… I’m being creative Imagine the girliest rock warrior ever throwing herself off a cliff but instead of crashing, she lands on a cloud made of glitter….and levitates.

6. I heard that Milena was one of the two female guitarists used as the basis for the girl guitar player character in the Rock Band video game...how was it being involved with that?

Yeah, Rock Band was a fun experience, and a big work out too. I had to audition for the part and thrash around with a guitar. When we actually taped it, they put me in this black, super tight body suit that had silver sensors all over it. They put sensors everywhere from my face, to my hair, to my shoes, to my guitar, and these sensors were how they captured my movements. The game is interesting because the movements we did corresponded to set timings – a metronome at several different speeds that work for all the songs, surprisingly not the specific songs in the game. You’d be surprised how much energy is required. They’d let me rock out for a minute or two and throw myself on to gymnastic mats and jump around with a guitar and after a little bit later I’d be out of breath and covered with sweat. All the really girly movements are mine. It was pretty funny to see the footage of my rocking sessions back because they’re really quite feminine.

8. The first single will be out in May as well as some European tour dates; will there be an album released shortly after and any additional dates to follow?

We’re taking it one step at a time, releasing the first single “Cryptic” and its remixes in June, launching the PMD live show, playing our first UK dates in May and during all of this we’re in the midst of making plans for our next single and album.

9. Besides anything music related, what do you look forward to doing when you get the chance/time for it?

I am sort of a workaholic. I recently realized that there is very little time when I’m not doing music-related things, but then again, that comes with being a “musician,” and it’s the life I chose to pursue. That said, I love to stay in and watch foreign films and go to art galleries, enjoy nice weather, drink frozen margaritas with my friends in the summer, play with animals, travel, cook, rummage through thrift store bargain bins for my newest, craziest stage costume, try to take a day off every week.

10. What are some bands you are currently listening to?

Umm.. I am into Queens of the Stoneage, Spoon, Tegan and Sara, Mew, The Duke Spirit, Emily Haines (solo) and her work with Metric, Kings of Leon, anything Jack White does.

Some old favourites/favourite records? Russell and I love Prince Purple Rain, 1999, Smashing Pumpkins Siamese Dream and Gish, Radiohead Kid A. I am a huge Nirvana and Hole fan. I love David Bowie, Patti Smith, Dylan Bringing It All Back Home, Rolling Stones, the first two Pretenders records.

Anything you're looking forward to being released? I am a huge Secret Machines fan, so I am looking forward to hearing their new record also record #4 by Kings of Leon and the new My Morning Jacket too. THE NEW WEEZER ALBUM too.

Last cd/vinyl/digital purchased? The new Breeders record

Last movie and/or show you saw? Movie: Lust, Caution by Ang Lee – absolutely amazing!

myspace.com/pinmedown

The Stills

2008-04-30T04:01:00.000-07:00

The Stills, made up of Tim Fletcher - vocals/guitar, Dave Hamelin - vocals/guitar, Liam O'Neil - keys, Olivier Corbeil - bass, and Julien Blais - drums; are a band from Montreal, who are set to release their third lp very soon (august 19th). Tim took some time out in the midst of mixing and mastering of the album to share some info. on some topics revolving around Montreal and The Stills.

1. What is the meaning behind the band name; was it something that sounded timeless, and does the meaning change for you from time to time? Were there any other names considered? Are all the band members from Montreal?

The name The Stills was chosen for us by a friend who was a small star of the New Ethiopian Cinema in the late 1980s. He got into a pretty heavy scene though, in New York City, and died pretty young. But he loved movies, especially American Film Noir of the 50's, maybe more than we loved him. And so I suppose the meaning is constantly shifting in accordance to what every frozen moment that is significant to us feels like. But then, we are all from here, except for Julien who was born in the far north of the province of Quebec, the son of a lighthouse owner on a small island in the St. Lawrence River, where the water is brackish and filled with royal blue ice.

2. Having recorded a couple tracks in French, do you prefer to record in English or French? Would you consider doing a whole album in French? Is there a difference when it comes to actually playing in either language?

There is no difference in playing songs in French. The only one we perform at this time is Retour Á Vega. It is a song composed by our very close friends Pierre-Alain Faucon and Felix Trenton Trenton, de Chinatown. We might consider an album in French - but it's irrelevant because it will never happen. So, no. And a moving song is just that in any language.

3. In between the first and second records, there was the lineup shift; with the original guitarist leaving and Dave switching from drums to guitar, what was the decision for Dave to do so instead of finding a new guitar player?

It was always meant to happen, we simply had no man or woman to bash drums mad in the beginning, and now we have a hot-blooded son-of-a lighthouse-owner who acts likes he was born and raised in the jungle by banshee cannibals, and smashes like he was in Hell.

4. Comparing the first two records, they do seem different, but after a few listens, they sound relatively similar in a good way; as Dave had mentioned -playing the songs live from the 2nd record, they sounded as if they could have been on the first... Was there something(s) in particular from the first record that you tried to consciously stray from and avoid? And is there a song you don't like performing?

We never try to avoid or stray from our path. No artist ever does. You go with what comes to move you, with what presents itself to you. We place flagpoles where we were meant to, and you never know where that will be. Now we will have three, and they will only begin to delineate our territory. The world is getting too small, you have to mark it beyond your share and further.

5. How has being on a tight knit label such as Arts & Crafts, differed from your previous label?

It hasn't differed greatly at all. Arts&Crafts is composed of people so close to us as to have been already considered family before the signing. Vice Records is also family to us, and we will always love them and be thankful for the opportunities and support they provided us. We've been excessively lucky with both through times of light and times of darkness.

6. Did you take a new or different approach going in to record the third record, or even before actually going into the studio? Has the writing process been different for this record as well?

Again, you can't do anything else than take a different approach, since everything changes. It will always be that way. This album came during travels separately and then fully crafted together wherever we were given instruments and the room to do it. Wherever we happened to be, whatever substances were native.

7. Were you guys listening to certain bands/sounds/etc. for inspiration? And who has been a steady inspiration?

It's always shifting, it's always moving, always melodies and moods here and there, in your head, people bring us back tapes of Malaysian radio stations, Singapore, etc.. full of crazy kids making weird songs and sounds, rich, poor, seriously. Everything at the end is hard to make out through static but think about how much is actually in there.

8. What is the biggest difference to you on the upcoming record? And how do you see it being perceived, or is that important at all, to some extent?

Certain angers and weird drives to it that have become more+more prominent. What you go through always shows up in what you create, can't really help it, even if you try to run the record sounds like what you run from. It doesn't matter what you do, it will always shift. So then we make this for ourselves, but to show others.

9. What's your favourite city or venue to play in? Do you have suggestions on where to check out while visiting Montreal?

You can find something amazing anywhere. Seriously anywhere. I bet some people love playing to their people in Baghdad Hell, and I bet those people love hearing them back, in bombed out nothing-fucked backyards. That's hope, and that is good. Istanbul, very amazing. Mount Fuji, Jyukai woods, magnetic poles reversed, lots of sun-blocking-sheet cults, suicides, lost Mastercards, old girlfriends in there. In Montreal, find some friends and go do mushrooms in Parc Lafontaine and tell me that wasn't Jean Leloup you saw drunk on the little island there in the middle. Singing songs asleep.

10. What are some bands you are currently listening to? Some old favourites/favourite records? Anything you're looking forward to being released? Last cd/vinyl/digital purchased? Last movie and/or show you saw?

Current hearings: Ethiopiques. Dice The Boss. The Eternals. Lola Vs. Powerman. Looking forward to new Sam Roberts album yes.
Last album purchased = GZA The Genius, Liquid Swords.
Last movie seen: Chungking Express, fucking genius beautiful, and Apocalypse Now Redux, again, best movie ever. But Chungking Express, go watch it!

myspace.com/thestills

Young Galaxy

2008-03-01T01:34:00.001-08:00

Young Galaxy, are a band originally from Vancouver (Stephen Ramsay & Catherine McCandless), officially forming after the completion of the self titled record, and are now based out of Montreal, where they met the rest of the band to be (Stephen Durand, Stephen Kamp, Liam O'Neill). Their sound is a mixture of melancholy, clashing with dreamy undertones and lush melodies. Stephen (R), was kind enough to give us some details into the creative process of the band that is known as Young Galaxy.

1. So you were Stars touring guitarist? For how long? How did you get involved with Stars? I know the whole Broken Social Scene/Arts & Crafts label is very involved/tight knit with each others bands, have you played with BSS?

I toured with Stars for almost two years in support of the "Set Yourself On Fire" album. I was close friends with Torq Campbell of Stars' wife for many years before we started hanging out with them in Vancouver on a regular basis. He asked me to join after many whiskey-sodden nights together. I have never played in BSS - I would say standing behind the drum riser with a tambourine doesn't really count!

2. How was Young Galaxy formed? Was it a side project during the time you were in Stars? Was that the deciding factor in leaving Stars, or was it a more open door policy..where you could work around tours/shows?

Stars was a full-time commitment. Young Galaxy was my focus from well before my time in Stars, but it was mostly just a bedroom computer-based project. There was no band. I had no experience prior to playing in Stars of being in a proper band, so I knew touring with them would be a crash course in whether I really wanted to get serious about forming a band around my own music. Stars supported me in my project and I gave them my time on tour. When it came to leave, they were very understanding. They are still great friends of mine.

3. What was the original formation of the band? Was it a 2 piece originally?

It was Catherine and me only to begin with. The record is essentially us and Jace Lasek and Olga Goreas of The Besnard Lakes messing around in the studio, with other people just dropping in and lending a helping hand when it was convenient for them. We formed the band after the record was made.

4. Where is the band from? Is everyone based out of Vancouver? Was the move to Montreal imperative for the creative process and/or otherwise?

Most of the band are from out west, I'm from Nanaimo on Vancouver Island and Catherine is from Vancouver - but we all met in Montreal with the exception of Catherine and me. I think the move was essential. I didn't know anyone in Vancouver who was doing music other than as a hobby. It's expensive, and the neighbourhoods are spread out there. Here, the cost of living is lower, the musicians all live relatively close together and all the facilities and venues are much closer together as well. People actually go to each others' gigs here. It's a very supportive, vibrant community in my estimation. It's inspiring to be around musicians of all types who are actually making a go of it - you end up becoming valuable resources to each other. In the end, whether you love their bands or not, you end up respecting people for having made the decision to come here in the first place. It's an inspired environment.

5. You'd mentioned some of the songs were written 4-5 years ago, was any of it changed or completely scrapped to fit what you may of been feeling at the time? How was the songwriting process, did the band contribute with it as well, or did they join once the record was already completed? And if that's the case, how do you feel they could have contributed had they been involved at the time?

Some of it changed in the studio, for sure. For instance, 'The Sun's Coming Up...' ended up being very different from the early version, which was much faster and groovier. It was Jace who suggested we slow it down and play up the melancholy in it. We loved the result. The album was made based on the demos, so there was very little rehearsal time put in before we recorded. Our motto is 'by any means necessary', so we used a lot of tricks and layers and things to make it sound as dense and epic as a band that had been together for years. That was the goal - to make it sound sophisticated despite the limitations of not being a band at the time. As I said, the band joined after the record was made, but had the band been involved, I imagine it would have yielded different results. We would have done a lot less looping and Pro Tools editing - it would have sounded that much more organic.

6. What was the difference in recording the EP as opposed to the full length album?

Two of the songs off the EP were from the album. The only track that wasn't, 'The Golden Coin', was done in Vancouver on my very first studio demo in 2003, so it represents a totally different time and place musically for me. I had yet to get most of my 'chops' playing live with Stars, and Catherine had only just become involved in the project recently, so her contribution was very small then.

7. What are some influences that you feel may of reflected the tone of the record? And some maybe not necessarily considered influences, but bands you listened to during the process?

I think the goal was to create a hyper-creative studio environment first and foremost, where we could do away with the conventions of the regular band approach. We did lots of noise experiments.. so in that regard we looked to bands like My Bloody Valentine as an influence, but never overtly. It would have been a waste of time to recreate what they did, we wouldn't know where to begin in the first place! We listened to a lot of psych music - Jace and I would compile what we were listening to and bring it into the studio for listening sessions. There was a lot of Aphrodite's Child (Vangelis' first band), Skip Spence, Moby Grape, Can, David Crosby and Tusk-era Fleetwood Mac - older stuff. We wanted to infuse our poppy-ness with otherworldly weirdness.

8. How did so many Steve's get involved with Young Galaxy?

Why, I went to the annual Steve Convention held in Las Vegas each Spring. Surely that's obvious.. Haha!

9. What's the best part of touring?

Being out of your comfort zone is the best part. You experience strange things on the road when you are in tune with that. It is unfortunately the best part and the worst part of touring! It is good to be thrust into present-mindedness as a general rule, but having few real responsibilties from day to day can be challenging. There is always a fine balance to be struck when touring.

10. What are some bands you are currently listening to?

Cass McCombs' - Dropping The Writ
Selda Bagcan - Selda album
Anything by Baxter Dury - particularily Flooshow
Studio - Yearbook 1
The Happy Mondays - Bummed
The Mary Onettes - S/T

Some old favourites/favourite records?

Talking Heads - Remain In Light Neu! - Neu! 2
Roxy Music - Avalon
Bruce Springsteen - the song Badlands (devastating!)
John Cale - Vintage Violence
J.K.&Co. - Suddenly One Summer
Ian Matthews - Journeys From Gospel Oak
The Black Angels - Passover
The Bardots - Eye Baby
Aphrodite's Child - 666
Skip Spence - Oar

Anything you're looking forward to being released?
New Spiritualized album

Last cd/vinyl/digital purchased?
Can't remember - it's been a long time!

Last movie and/or show you saw?

There Will Be Blood - genius, in a weirdly unenjoyable way...

http://www.myspace.com/younggalaxy

You Say Party! We Say Die!

2008-02-18T13:33:00.001-08:00

You Say Party! We Say Die! are a 5 piece, self described dance-punk-new wave band, who formed after it was too cold to take their bike gang out on the streets in Abbotsford, British Columbia. They self released an EP; Danskwad, followed by their first full length album - Hit The Floor!, and most recently, after signing with Paper Bag Records - Lose All Time. Their music is an exciting array and blend of spastic eruption of wonderful and striking noise. YSP! WSD! are: Becky Ninkovic - voice, Krista Loewen - keys, Derek Adam - guitar, Devon Clifford - drums, and Stephen O'Shea - bass; who was nice enough to give a bit of insight into the band that is - You Say Party! We Say Die!

1. How did the band start, where did you all meet, & where is everyone originally from?

the band started in abbotsford back in december of 2003. The story goes "it was raining and too cold to ride our bikes in winter so we ended up in becky's basement and decided to start a band". I can confirm that that story is true. eventually the line-up changed as we toured more and more. everyone from the original band is from abbotsford, all the replacements are originally from abbotsford. we're keep it suburban as best we can.

2. What were you doing before the band and/or inbetween shows, recording, etc..?

we all had regular jobs and attended university. whether it was a pizza place, or a grocery store, or a book warehouse. whatever you could find to get by.

3. How did you come up with the awesome name? Were there any other names just as good in the running?

no one ever find this funny, but we do...the answer to how did we come up with the band name..."we thought it up". it was our second pick after the girls didnt feel comfortable telling their parents we were a band called "the clap".

4. Who/what are some influences on the band?

i joke around these days about have wanted to rip off the international noise conspiracy.

5. You're banned from entering the US for awhile...because of not having visas while crossing? What is the story behind that? And i'd heard you've done it a few times before? In retrospect, does it seem like a big deal?

this is a crappy deal for us, but more a crappy deal for americans that want to see us live. we didnt have visas when we crossed. we applied but were denied. we had played down in the states prior to being banned. just got unlucky i guess....
it's a big deal and a small deal. and a middle sized deal too. but it's definetly not a meal deal. it didn't come with fries.

6. What if any, was the major difference in recording the 2 albums, or even the EP?

LINE-UP CHANGES! everyone loves different members. especially us for some reason....

7. Are you working on new material currently?

no. no, we're totally resting on our laurels. everyone says yes, so i'm gonna say no. hahahahaha. seriously no

8. What is the favourite song to do live?

mine is "giant hands". sadly i think i may be the ONLY person, band and audience that does. oh well.

9. What is the best thing about touring?

an abundance of country side! so many highways!

10. What are some bands you are currently listening to? i just finished listening to a new band from toronto called "lioness"

Some old favourites/favourite records?

it's not old, but it's still a favorite. sigur ros - ( )

Anything you're looking forward to being released?

the lioness EP and the new Cancer Bats record.

Last cd/vinyl/digital purchased?

i bought a used copy of orchestral maneuovers in the dark's dazzle ships

Last movie and/or show you saw?

i just watched quadrophenia on joox. i just watched season 1 and the first 11 episodes of season 2 of 'hereos' in a week. again on joox

http://www.myspace.com/yousaypartywesaydie

Matt & Kim

2007-12-28T02:50:00.000-08:00

Matt and Kim are a duo based out of Brooklyn. Mixing drums and keys, their sound is a blend of careless, yet energetic; frivolous, yet totally enjoyable noise. Formed not so long ago, their first release was the ep titled to/from, followed by their self titled full length. Their shows are lively and they share the same unwavering enthusiasm, as evidenced by Kim below. So without further ado, give yourself a chance to get to know Matt and Kim!

1. Where did you guys meet & how long after did you form the band?

matt and i met 5 years ago in brooklyn. we started playing music together about 3 years ago. I had never played drums before but loved watching drummers or anything beat related, and matt had never played keyboards before but he found a really cool one in his neighbor's garage, we were working on all kinds of other things together (art, films) and we just work well together.

2. You're known for being and having a fun party vibe..how do you balance that out with being taken seriously, or is that not much of a factor/important?

I really don't care if we are taken seriously or not. I think too many bands are trying to be on stage with a "cool face" it looks as though they aren't having fun. Why would you do it if it wasn't fun. We really love to play and i think it shows in our shows.

3. When did you start touring and what was your approach? Did you find it difficult booking the first shows?

We started touring a year after we started playing. I guess the approach was to just do it. A lot of people don't understand you can just go and do it! We have a lot of friends that tour and we reached into some of their contacts and through the internet got some more. I booked all of our tours for the first 2 years. It got to a point that we were touring so much that i was booking tours while on tour. It became too hectic. Last January we got a booking dude! It has given me my life back! ha. Yea i guess that is one thing people should understand before they start booking a tour. It is a lot of work.

4. Is it hard to adjust once you get off tour?

sometimes. I usually get home for about a week... sleep a lot, catch up on all the emails and myspace messages i couldn't answer when we were on the road, meet up with friends and then start getting the itch to go back on tour. Matt just sleeps! He feels like he needs 10-12 hours of sleep a day which he doesn't get on tour. I know it is ridiculous! He thinks he is going to live forever if he does this. I use to sleep 6 hours a night before we met. I miss that!

5. What's the biggest surprise you came across while touring?

I guess one of the biggest surprises would be that this is a small world. I guess we realized that when we got overseas and we met alot of people who knew people we knew or saw us in the U.S. To us overseas was just this fictional place on the internet. We never thought we would start touring there.

6. You've mentioned you learned your instruments for the band..so did the band start off as a bit of a side project at first? How long did it take to get a hang of the drums & keys enough to record anything and what was the most challenging part of all of it?

Ha ha... well we first just started it because we wanted to learn our instruments and it was a good way to get us both to practice. We never thought it would be come what it is now. Shit i didn't ever think anyone but matt would hear me play the drums. It took a ton of practice... i still think we are learning our instruments! I guess we record our EP a year after we started playing. I really don't know what the most challenging part of it was...I guess playing live was pretty challenging. I mean we fuck up a lot and you never want to do it infront of people. We are really good at laughing at ourselves so i guess that helps! ha ha

7. Did you completely give up your jobs to take on the band full time? And if so, how much of a risk did you consider that to be, or did you consider it a risk at all?

Yea we haven't had real jobs in about... gosh it is all blending together. I can't remember when i was working last. I think it was about a year and a half ago. I was a nanny and my bosses were great about letting us take time off to tour but then we started touring so much that it wasn't fare on the kids i was watching. I guess because we were always on the road it didn't feel like such a risk. We do work twice as much on the band then any other job we have had. It is crazy how much time goes into a band that isn't playing your instruments.

8. I've heard you guys both have a background in art; what medium of art do/did you work in? Have you been able to use it much for any aspect of the band?

Yea matt and i met at art school. Pratt Institute! (i would say it is the best art school out there... if anyone is thinking about it!) I studied illustration and matt went for film. After graduating i was doing more fine arts stuff. Matt worked on different film jobs. It does work for the band too. We design most of our shirts, stickers and buttons. I did our album cover and matt worked on our video. Now that we are taking a break i would like to get back to making more work. We shall see... depends how long the break is.

9. What bands or artists (or anything else for that matter) inspired you (possibly) to start the band?

I don't know what really inspired us... well matt was in a lot of bands before we were a band. He use to have political punk bands when he was in high school. We also were always going to shows. I think we both love music.

10. What are some bands you guys are currently listening to? Some old favourites/favourite records? Anything you're looking forward to being released? Last cd/vinyl/digital purchased? Last movie and/or show you saw?

Right now as i am writing this i am listening to young joc. We listen to alot of top 40 hip hop! umm i will give you a list of awesome bands people should check out.
The Death set (we are going to go see them play tonight)
No Age
Dan Deacon
Japanther
Parts and labor
Best fwends
Totally Michael
Meneguar
The Mall
Abe Vigoda
Mika miko
xbxrx
dj venom (that is my brother! he is amazing!!)
underground railroad to candyland
against me!
dynamite arrows
gerty farrish
the midnight prayers
flosstradamus
shit... i could really keep going. oh and this is no order... ummm shit last thing we bought... kanye west, 50 cent... we had to support them both, young joc, the first against me album... our disc was scratched to all hell... ok and the last movie we watched... well in a theater it was the darjeeling unlimited. We don't go out to movies often. That shit is expensive. The last movie we rented was... Reno 911! Oh and we are really into renting the show "how i met your mother" That show is hilarious!

And an extra note from Kim:
So i collect Rhode Island quarters. I grew up in R.I. I have about 572.. i think. I am going to collect them all. So if anyone finds a RI quarter i will trade you a regular quarter for it!

http://www.myspace.com/mattandkim

The Raveonettes

2007-12-28T01:26:00.000-08:00

The Raveonettes have a new record out - Lust Lust Lust, following 2005's Pretty In Black, & the first two; 2002's Whip It On (the one recorded in b flat minor, with all songs under 3 minutes), and 2003's Chain Gang Of Love (also all under the 3 minute mark, but in the key of b flat major). Deriving their name from a combination of 60's girl group, The Ronettes, and a Buddy Holly tune, the Raveonettes are a Danish two piece made up of Sune Rose Wagner and Sharin Foo. Their sound is a mixture of vintage garage rock, blended with something you might hear in a spaghetti western; perhaps Robert Rodriguez/Quentin Tarantino-esque. Either way, here's a bit of a glimpse into their elusively mysterious world, courtesy of Sune.

1. Sune has mentioned that he hates touring- why?


The monotony of traveling every day can be quite uninspiring and bland.

What are some examples of why one might despise touring so much?

Read above.

Does Sharin feel the same way?

I'm sure everyone does every once in a while.



2.  What would you say is the best thing about touring?

Visiting great cities and meeting interesting people and of course make
people happy with great music.

Is there a city you look forward to playing in?

I love so many cities berlin, london, nyc, paris, etc...



3.  Since you live in different cities, where and how often do you
rehearse?

We usually rehearse 2-4 days before tour start.



4.  I heard that in the late 90's Sune moved to NY, Las Vegas, LA, & Seattle, before moving back to Denmark...
is this true? And if so, what area of Seattle was this? Where did you like best?

I lived on suquamish island and in the greenwood area right down the
street from mills burger. I liked nyc the best which is why I have moved
back there. There's a certain electric energy for the soul you can't
find anywhere else.



5.  What would you say is the best way to describe your style, either
musically or otherwise?

Pure r 'n' r wth a twist. I think we manage to capture the cool
elements of an otherwise tiresome genre and turn it into something very real
and true.



6.  How would you say your first band- Psyched Up Janis compares to The
Raveonettes?

It doesn't except for some nostalgic moments.



7.  How does the songwriting usually go.. is it one who might write
lyrics and the other music for a particular track & vice versa or is it a
collaborative process much, or...?

I write everything. I send the songs to sharin to get her opinion.



8.  What earlier jobs did you guys have?
Was there a favourite (apart from the band)?

I have cleaned public bathrooms, worked as a bicycle repair man and as
a photographer assistant.



9.  How often do you go back to Denmark?

Usually for xmas. Other than that only when we play shows.

What would you say are some cool places to check out that you might
recommend, or some places you guys make sure to visit when you're back?

Some good restaurants for sure but the city in general is very old and
pretty.



10.  What are some bands you are currently listening to?

The sadies.

Some old favourites/favourite records?

Too many to mention les paul, dion, jody reynolds, santo and johnny,
etc...

Anything you're looking forward to being released?

Our new album.

Last cd/vinyl/digital purchased?

The sadies

Last movie and/or show you saw?

The sadies

www.myspace.com/theraveonettes

just a test...

2007-12-06T00:50:00.000-08:00

ah testing, testing, testing - 1,2,3!