Tuesday, July 27th, 2010
We had a chance to catch up with The Shants from Oakland, CA. Check out their music here!
http://www.myspace.com/theshantsmusic
What’s the origin of the band name?
The Shants has taken on new meaning as we’ve grown into the name. It started as a reference to something that is antiquated and has fallen out of use in everyday life, but is a very strong statement (the contraction for “shall not”) or something that is awkward and probably a poor choice for most people (those short pants that only bike messengers can pull off). Then we discovered that its also British slang for a drunk person, or a verb meaning to get drunk… which applies to more than a few of our songs. In the end, it has different meanings for each of us – there is no right definition. Sam insists that it means “shit pants”.
How long have you been all been playing? Self-taught?
We’ve all been playing since we were teenagers. Carver and I are self taught. Sam has been playing pedal steel for 10 years, but sometimes takes lessons from a gentleman in the South Bay to stay sharp.
Who are your major influences? Any major comparisons to certain bands that your music may receive?
Our influences differ: I listen to a lot of folk & blues like Nick Drake and RL Burnside. Carver listens to a lot of soul (like Sam Cooke), but he also works at Rasputin so he hears all the new indie stuff before it comes out. Adam is a big jazz buff – he loves the work of Peter Erskine and Brian Blade. Sam mostly leans towards country in all its colors, from Buck Owens to Son Volt.
We get compared to folks like Josh Rouse, Richard Buckner, Iron & Wine, Son Volt.
How long have you all known each other? How did you meet? When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?
Last summer, I started writing songs after a creative hiatus. Sam and I go to the same gym. We had both been “retired” from live music for 5 years or so. I brought a handful of songs to him, just to have something to jam together with… as I am generally not good at singing other peoples’ songs. That handful of songs quickly grew into a few albums’ worth. Carver came through mutual friends in bands like Treluna, Port O’Brien, Grand Lake. Adam found us the old fashioned way – Craigslist. Ahem.
Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?
Our demo EP, Russian River Songs, was released on a micro-label based in Portland called High Scores & Records. They generally do digital-only releases, but they do some vinyl and tape as well. Its an eclectic mix of sounds that’s really refreshing. We’re a member of BMI.
What can you tell me about your instruments? What made you choose the instruments you have now?
I tend to be attracted to instruments that have some kind of severe flaw. I’m not sure what that says about my subconscious. My main guitar is a 1953 Harmony Archtop – the kind of guitar one might have ordered out of a Sears catalog. The wood is paper thin, and it has been through some real shit. I found it in a junk shop in New Orleans. It had a makeshift bridge made out of piping and some glued together nickels. Its beat up for sure, but it sounds sweet when it wants to. Carver plays a vintage Peavey bass, which is only because his Fender was stolen from the alley by the Hemlock Tavern a few years back. I don’t know what kind of drums Adams plays, because he’s always changing them. Sam plays a double-neck Emmons Lashley LeGrande II pedal steel with a C6 neck. Hauling that thing around is like pushing a Buick up a hill with only 3 wheels.
Where have you performed? What are your favorite in the Bay Area? Anyone I should talk or speak to so that their venue/open mic/project can receive more exposure? Do you have any upcoming shows?
We tend to play regionally more than in Oakland: Sacramento, Chico, Sonoma County, Davis. We haven’t played in the Bay Area enough to really have a favorite, but if we had to go on the basis of the sound setup and staff, it’d be a tie between the New Parish and the Hemlock.
What albums are you currently listening to and would like to recommend?
Sam listens to Son Volt’s Trace a lot. Carver and I love the new Beach House record.
Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?
We have a core set list of 10 songs that we sometimes augment with new stuff, or random covers like Fleetwood Mac’s Dreams or We Drink on the Job by Earlimart. I’m kind of a nerd in that I prefer to have our setlists typed and printed before each show, when possible. Part of it is practical (I have horrible vision in the dark) and part of it is because I’m over-organized.
What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs?
Our songs seem to center around a few themes: long drives, South Louisiana, longing, the various towns we visit. Most of them are letters to places or people that we care about.
Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
It’ll start with a song fragment, which usually come to me as I am walking around Oakland or San Francisco. I’ll take that fragment to the guys during practice (usually before I have all the lyrics or song title down). The guys throw their individual flavors in… Sam usually brings the slow, sentimental-yet sorta indifferent vibe. Adam brings a pretty laid back, lazy and sunny beat. Carver is all about melody and groove. The result is a pretty even mix of our respective colors and textures, based on where we grew up and how we look at music.
What are some challenges you may face playing at a new venue and not knowing what the sound will be like?
We’re lucky in that we’re a pretty versatile band, as far as gear goes. We’re generally pretty quiet, but can be loud if we need to. We play a lot of different venues, from clubs to house shows… so as long as they have some sort of PA, we’ll be fine. A floor monitor is always nice, but we’re not picky.
What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
We generally practice once a week. We generally run through our set twice, work on a new song or two, then knock off around 1030pm and get pizza & beer at Lanesplitters on Telegraph, which is down the street from our practice space…. That seems to be our routine.
How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
We started playing these songs in a very straightforward, simple way. As we have grown as a band over these 10 months or so, we began to really explore the space in the songs… either by playing less and allowing more breathing room, or by extending other passages to allow for more dynamics.
What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
Its been pretty easy for us, really. One aspect of our band is that all of us work full time and have busy lives, so we have come to an agreement that, yes playing music is a lot of fun, but we each have responsibilities and loved ones that we’d like to spend time with. I feel we have found a really great balance… or often merge the two when we can. That becomes a real problem for bands who don’t understand what is really important in life.
How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
You can find us on iTunes, Myspace, Facebook and YouTube. We also keep a Tumblr blog which we update pretty regularly from the road:theshants.tumblr.com
Pictures by Shannon Claire
http://shannonclaire.b-sideimages.com/ and Lauren Wiest
Thursday, July 22nd, 2010
Johanna of First Aid Kit was nice enough to take some time to answer some questions about their music, future plans, and some of their major influences. If you haven’t heard their magnificent cover of Tiger Mountain, Peasant Song by The Fleet Foxes yet, be sure to search for it on Youtube. They are playing Bottom of the Hill on October 3rd!
What’s the origin of that name?
When Klara was 13 she started thinking about making music, inspired by Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes. She looked through an English dictionary and randomly found the word “First Aid Kit”. She liked it and went with it. When we formed a band together we decided to stick with it. We want our music to be a consolation for people. A plaster for the soul.
Have you changed the band’s name before?
No. We wanted to be called “Yellow Bird” for a while, but we found out that there was another band called that.
How long have you been playing? Self-taught?
Klara – guitar. Klara has been playing since she was 13, so for 4 years. She is self-taught, but got a little help in the beginning from our father who is a professional guitarist.
Johanna – keyboard and auto-harp. I have been playing keyboard and autoharp for 2 years. I’m self-taught.
Who are your major influences?
Bright Eyes, Joanna Newsom, Leonard Cohen, Simon & Garfunkel, Townes Van Zandt, Devendra Banhart, Bob Dylan, Karen Dalton and many more.
Any major comparisons to certain bands that your music has received?
We’re often compared to the Fleet Foxes. I think the main reason is that we did a cover of their song “Tiger Mountain Peasant Song”, but also because of the importance of harmonies in our music. We are also compared to Alela Diane a lot and I can definitely see similarities there.
When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?
We formed in 2007. Klara had been writing some songs under the pseudonym “First Aid Kit” on Myspace that year. I recorded harmonies for the demo of her song “Tangerine”. She really liked what she heard and we decided to make music together after that.
Do you have a record label?
Yes, we have our own record label called Jagadamba. We have licensed our music to the British label Wichita Recordings.
Where have you performed? What are your favorite venues?
We’ve performed a lot in Europe – Scandinavia, the UK, Germany, France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Spain, Italy etc. We also recently did a tour of the US. Our favorite venues are many. Among others, we love The Union Chapel in London, King Tut’s in Glasgow, Södra Teatern in Stockholm and Tavastia in Helsinki.
What albums are you currently listening to and would like to recommend?
Stars and Angels – Turid, Have One On Me – Joanna Newsom, Album II – Loudon Wainwright III.
Which songs do you perform most frequently?
Hard Believer, I Met Up With The King, You’re Not Coming Home Tonight
Do you ever play any covers?
Yes, we play Tiger Mountain Peasant Song by Fleet Foxes and Still Feeling Blue by Gram Parsons. We also perform Universal Soldier by Buffy Sainte-Marie sometimes. We love playing other people’s songs.
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?
Some songs are written by Klara only. Some songs are written by the two of us. We want to tell stories with our songs. Common themes are love, relationships, nature, religion. I have no idea if these topics will change, let’s wait and see. We write whatever feels good in the moment, we don’t really plan what to write about.
Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
The music-making process is very difficult to describe. It’s often very spontaneous – a songs just “pops” up in our heads.
What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
When we were only a duo performing live our rehearsals were more spontaneous since we could rehearse at home whenever we wanted. Now we have to set up certain times each week when we practice with our drummer at different rehearsing spaces.
How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
I feel that our music is always evolving, I hope it is for the better. I don’t know how our it has evolved exactly, it’s hard to tell. I know we have become better singers and I’m better at harmonizing now than I was in the past.
Were you influenced by old records & tapes? Which ones?
Yes, we love old American folk like The Carter Family, The Louvin Brothers and Bill Monroe. We also love Swedish 70′s music like Turid and Anders F Rönnblom.
What’s your ultimate direction for your band?
We don’t really have an ultimate direction or a set goal. We just wish to be able to continue making music for as long as possible. We hope to make music that we and other people can enjoy. It’s that simple.
Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
Our parents, without them we would not be here. They are incredibly supportive, both financially and emotionally.
Any last words?
World peace.
First Aid Kit US Tour
9/30 – Seattle, WA – Vera Project
10/1 – Portland, OR – Doug Fir Lounge
10/3 – San Fransisco, CA – Bottom of The Hill
10/4 – Los Angeles, CA – Largo at the Coronet
10/5 – Los Angeles, CA – Echo
10/9 – Austin, TX – Austin City Limits
10/11 – Nashville, TN – The End
10/13 – Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall
10/15 – Toronto, ON – El Mocambo
10/16 – Montreal, QC – Le Divan Orange
10/17 – Allston, MA – Great Scott
10/19 – Philadelphia, PA Johnny Brenda’s
10/20 – Washington, DC – DC9
Friday, July 2nd, 2010
By Elsie Campisi
*Please list the name and respective instrument of each band member.
Autumn Sky, as herself, playing guitar, ukulele, autoharp and the occasional everything else.
*How would you describe your music? Do you ever receive any comparisons to certain bands? Who are your major influences?
It’s retro-inspired folk-pop, the kind that’s designed to put a smile on your face. I hear a lot of comparisons to bands like A Fine Frenzy, She & Him and Regina Spektor. I’d like to think that everything I listen to, see and enjoy influences me a little bit, but I’d like to give major shout outs to my musical heroes: June Carter Cash, Edith Piaf, Billie Holiday and The Supremes.
*How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?
I’ve been playing shows for four years, I met my guitar when I was fifteen.
*When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?
I started playing as myself, or at least professionally, about four years ago now. Just little gigs, like coffee shops and open mics. And then I just kind of caught the bug. It was so much fun for me, and so inspiring. Every show was like a new adventure.
*Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?
I’m currently signed to Cinemalight Music Group.
*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 think if I ever got a new guitar I’d stay within my Taylor and Martin love affair, but I have toyed with the idea of getting a Gibson. I think they’re lovely guitars. And someday I’d love a pale turquoise electric Stratocaster, but alas I think that’s just a wish at this point. My ukuleles have been pretty inexpensive up to this point (ie, pretty cheap,) but I still like the sound of what I’ve found with Makalas. I don’t have a lot to work with in the money department, so I find what works and if it doesn’t, I make it. And my Autoharp is just something that was given to me by a friend when I told him how much I loved June Carter (thanks, GP!)
*Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
I’ve performed in so many places, especially in Sacramento. I don’t think I have any least favorites, but I know that True Love Coffeehouse, Luigi’s Fungarden, Old Ironsides, Beatnik Studios and The Boardwalk will always hold a bit of my heart.
What albums are you currently listening to and would like to recommend?
I’m listening to a lot of Donovan right now, he’s kind of my musical crush at the moment. I like how we are both swayed to right happier tunes, it makes me feel less like a gigantic nerd. I’m also listening to Nighttiming, by Coconut Records. Jason Schwartzman really makes me smile and he’s got such an early for catchy, indie pop melodies. His songs make my heart sing.
*Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?
I play Rockets!, Bad Blood, Chocolate, Katie, You’re A Hero and Thanks, Mr Skerzick a lot. I feel like, at this point in my musical life, those are kind of the standards. They’re older, which means that more people have heard them, and it’s fun to get everyone involved at a show with a song they’ve grown to love. I do like to play covers; I bust out Ooh, Child by The Five Stairsteps and Leaving on a Jet Plane by John Denver every so often, and lately I’ve been working on covers of Catch The Wind by Donovan, and As Tears Go By by the Rolling Stones. And no set play list for me — I would be bored in three shows and would immediately want to quit. Changing up the set list is a must for me because I have a lot of new songs, all the time, and I like to give them breathing room even if they aren’t on an album yet.
*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 everything, the music and the lyrics are just by-products of my over active imagination. I feel like when I first started I wrote love songs a lot. But I’ve really pushed myself over the last year or so to become a stronger songwriter and not just rely on romanticism. I’m more than just romantic, anyway! I’m fun, I’m a deep thinker, I can be strongwilled and I have a sarcastic sense of humor. I really want to give those facets of me a turn as well. And yes, I certainly hope that they change over time. I think my songs will follow the pattern of my growth into further maturity, hopefully becoming more mature, too. Not more boring, mind you; just more enriching and captivating and better constructed. Anyway, I hope so. Fingers crossed.
*Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
I usually work on a lot of songs all at once. I keep a little recorder by my bed and one in my purse in case I think of something while I’m dreaming or while I’m on the go, and I always have something to write with and write on. My songs take a few weeks to think of, but only minutes to get on paper. I generally am stuck on an idea or a riff for a long time, and then one day inspiration will hit me and I’ll have it down very, very quickly. I kind of look at it like “creative pregnancy,” where the idea has to take some time to grow into a song.
*What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
I rehearse whenever I have time to take out my guitar and play. I always practice before shows, and I warm up right before getting on stage so that my fingers are used to the picking patterns I play in some songs. But I’ve never put a marker on my calendar and gone “this is the day I practice.” It’s just whenever the spirit moves me.
*How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
I feel like it’s gotten much more audience involved, and that’s wonderful. When I began it was much more about me, and I got tired of that after awhile. Being able to talk to and laugh with the audience while you’re both enjoying music is a lot more enriching than just being stared at for an hour. And it’s definitely gotten more defined. When I started I feel like, musically, I was all over the map. One song was blues, one song was jazz, one song was pop. Lately I feel like everything I write has a lot more in common with the rest of my work, and that’s a nice change cause now I don’t have to worry about coming across as a bipolar folk-pop songwriter. And the songs I write now are more mindful of my voice, too. I’m a trained jazz singer, and I like songs that give me room to not just say words, but really sing.
*What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
The schedule is really grueling, and it always has been. Now that I’m older I have a lot more responsibilities and jobs, and balancing my shows with all of that has been a feat. Every so often I just break down, I get so tired and stressed out, but then my shows always pick me right back up. I think that’s how you know you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing; I really look forward to playing, and it re-energizes me completely.
Do you get nervous before a performance?
You know, from a girl who used to have stage fright, I actually don’t. I’m much more anticipatory than nervous!
Were you influenced by old records & tapes? Which ones?
I worshipped Diana Ross when I was younger, listening to the oldies station. And I grew up listening to Cat Stevens, Carole King, John Denver, and Bob Marley. Even now I think my main influences are people who were big names in their day, but not so much anymore: June Carter Cash, Edith Piaf, Billie Holiday, Linda Rondstat, Marianne Faithful, Santo y Jonny, The Beach Boys, Peter, Paul and Mary…the list seriously could go on forever. Records are very nostalgic and romantic to me and the above mentioned are absolutely beautiful.
*What’s your ultimate direction for your band?
I want to keep making music that makes people smile and dance and love eachother. Music has been such a gift to myself, and it’s only fair that I should pass that on to other people. If that takes me bigger places, that’s wonderful; I can share this with so many people. But if not, at least I spent my life on something that made a positive change in the world, even if it was only for an hour’s set.
*What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
Be true to yourself, there is only one in the world and there never will be another. Don’t let other people tell you how to be or what to write about. Remember that what you make comes from a pure source — yourself! — and everything you do will be authentic.
*How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
My first album, All Which Isn’t Singing, is available for sale on Amazon.com and Itunes. 
Which famous musicians do you admire?
Connor Oberst, Ryan Adams, Regina Spektor, Kate Miller-Heidke, Kate Nash and Brett Dennen are doing some good things in the music world.
*Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
My friends and my family and my fans, of course. I love you guys, thank you.
*Any last words?
If it makes you smile, take it and run.
Find more music by Autumn Sky at the following links:
http://www.myspace.com/autumnskymyspace
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Autumn-Sky/34014118758
http://twitter.com/autumnskymusic
http://www.youtube.com/autumnskymusic
All pictures by Elsie Campisi of Tuff Teal Photography
Wednesday, June 30th, 2010
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.
YouTube Embed: No video/playlist ID has been supplied
*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
