The Bay Area Native

Artist: Not An Airplane
Website: www.notanairplane.com

What’s the name of your band? What’s the origin of that name? Have you changed the band’s name before?
We are “not an Airplane”. It actually is a Guided By Voices reference.

*Please list the name and respective instrument of each band member.
Nick Shattell – Vocals and Guitar
Daniel Edward Harris – Guitar, Banjo, Resonator, and Vocals
Jared Neilson – Upright Bass, Violin, and Vocals
Chris Haupt – Drums, Banjo, and Vocals

*What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?
We like to say that we are Indie Country, but we were never very good with genres. Americana seems to cover a lot of bases.

As a songwriter I have had so many influences over the years, but ones that stand out would definitely be Jeff Tweedy (Wilco), David Bazan, Bob Dylan, and Hank Williams. Those guys have all impacted the way I approach songwriting in a major way.

*How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?
We all know each other just from being part of the same local scene in Modesto, CA for so long. Daniel and I used to run an open mic together there for a while, Jared was in the first band lineup of not an Airplane, and Chris used to play drums in numerous bands I used to go watch play. Modesto has a great scene of supportive and talented musicians. We have all known each other for years, and around February of 2009 circumstances lead us to be playing music together.

*When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?
I started not an Airplane around 2007 or so and at first it was just me and my acoustic guitar. Eventually we formed a three piece that included Jared on bass. Then in early 2009 Jared and I began talking about approaching what we were doing a bit differently. Jared went out and bought an upright bass, and I began playing with Daniel Edward Harris for fun and talking to him about what we wanted to do with not an Airplane. Then when I found out Chris was back in Davis, CA I called him up. Everything really just fell together and it has been awesome.

*Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?
No.

*What can you tell me about your instruments? (i.e., Are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play with whatever’s available? What made you choose the instruments you have now? Was it cost or was it astyle/model/brand/color preference?
I actually found my acoustic guitar on the road in Astoria, OR. This local guy named Dallas had owned it for 40 years, and he gave it to the local shop to sell for him. I went in and played it and had to have it. Later that night at our show, Dallas came out to say goodbye to his guitar and hang out with us. It was an awesome way to acquire something I want to tell my stories with, especially cause it has so many stories itself.

But really we will play whatever is available. We just like to play music.

*Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
We have performed all around California, Washington, Oregon, Utah, Colorado, and here and there. We have a lot of favorite venues and places to visit, but our true favorite spots are the places where there is a sense of community. Some communities are bigger then others, but whenever we find a place where musicians, promoters, venues, and fans are all working together to show their love for new music and art, we feel right at home. We have a lot of upcoming shows all over the West Coast. Check out our show calendar for more info: http://notanairplane.fanbridge.com/tourdates

What albums are you currently listening to and would like to recommend?
I have been listening to the Beatles “Rubber Soul” more then anything lately. I am in love with that album right now. I also spend a lot of time listening to David Bazan’s record from last year “Curse Your Branches”. Early Bob Dylan stuff like his “Live 64″ album, and I will always find myself listening to all of Wilco’s records, and any Hank Williams I can get my hands on. I feel a little behind on the new music this year, but that just makes me excited to go out and find what I have been missing.

*Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?
We primarily perform all the songs from our May 11th release “Things and People”. We also play a few older songs that we never recorded, and we are always working on new stuff.

*Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
I write all the songs in terms of lyrics, melody, and basic structure, then I bring them to the guys and we piece them together completely as a band. I just write what I want to say whether I know it or not. Sometimes the words just come out and sometimes I have to carefully think them out. They deal with everything surrounding my life and are always changing over time. Sometimes even the meaning of the songs themselves change for me over time.

*Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
Usually I bring a song to Daniel first, play it for him and we decide what instrument might be best for him to play live on that song. Then we will try it out with different things and start writing out some of his parts, and he might even start singing some harmonies. Then we will bring it to a full band practice to get Jared and Chris’ input on the song and any parts we are questioning. Jared will start throwing in harmonies places to see how they sound and Chris will throw in his input about it as well. Sometimes the song just comes together and we are all happy, and other times we will spend hours reworking and trying different things before we get something we like.

*What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
We get together at least once a week to play music. We spend a lot of the time working on new stuff these days, but we always play everything we know just to stay fresh and see if any new ideas get sparked during those songs. We don’t really have a set time every week, and we kindof take it on a week by week basis. We try our best to get together as much as possible. Practices themselves are pretty relaxed. We set up everything in Jared’s house and sing songs and just hang out.

*How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
We have definitely become more accustomed to working with each other so I think our music has evolved in a way that we are getting better at highlighting our strengths as a band. We are still discovering what our sound is every day and with every new song.

*What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
I think the hardest part about being an independent band is doing everything on your own. You learn a lot along the way by trial and error and it can be frustrating, monotonous, and painstakingly boring at times, but you have to book shows, you have to promote them, you have to do all the networking you can, all while finding time to practice, write, record, etc. It helps when you meet other hardworking people and you learn from each other. It is a learning process, and there really is no set way of doing anything. There is no rule book so you feel lost sometimes.

Do you get nervous before a performance?
There is a comfort zone that I get into when playing music, especially with these guys. The only time I am nervous or feel uncomfortable is between songs. Then I get intimidated by all the people in front of us. When we are playing the songs though I feel right at home.

Were you influenced by old records & tapes? Which ones?
Many. I still have a small vinyl collection and love to sit down and listen to them when I have the time to just sit back and enjoy listening to some music. Old records are the best, the artwork, and the clarity of the sound. One of my first true loves when it comes to music.

*What’s your ultimate direction for your band?
Just to keep writing together and making the music we want to make. Music we love to play and hope that people will love to hear.

*What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
Work hard at developing your art to where you want it to be. Be confident in what you are doing, but check your ego at the door. And most importantly, help each other out. It is all about maintaining a sense of community. Get involved.

*How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
We have our main website (http://notanairplane.com) which is sort of a hub of information with links and whatnot. You can hear ALL of the tracks from our last album on both our facebook page (http://facebook.com/notanairplane) and our myspace page (http://myspace.com/notanairplanemusic). The best way to keep in touch with us is to join our mailing list or just “like” us on Facebook.

Which famous musicians do you admire?
I will always have a deep-rooted love for Jeff Tweedy, Hank Williams, David Bazan, Bob Dylan, and the Beatles. These people have helped shape me into the songwriter I am today. But I really do admire anyone that has worked hard to reach any level of success with their music. It is a lot of work and I respect and look up to anyone who has the passion to do it.

*Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
Every single one of our friends, family and loved ones have been there for us and myself since the beginning. Always pushing me to be better and encouraging me. And of course all of the listeners. I cannot express in words how it feels to have someone want to hear a song I have written or when someone connects with me on such a personal level.

All pics by Douglas Holcomb of Nine By 9 Photography http://nineby9.com