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
Thursday, June 3rd, 2010
Website: http://www.myspace.com/chelseawolfe
What’s the name of your band? What’s the origin of that name? Have you changed the band’s name before?
chelsea wolfe is my name and the name of this project. it’s a solo project at heart but i currently have four bandmates. we play under the name chelsea wolfe and the death
*Please list the name, age, school, and respective instrument of each band member.
chelsea wolfe – guitar/vocals etc, kevin dockter – guitar, drew walker – drums, addison quarles – bass/tape noise, ben c. – juno
*What genre of music do you consider your work to be?
goth-folk-experimental stuff; spiritual realm funeral songs; psychedelia without the drugs
*How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?
kevin has been with me for a while. i met drew at a house show not long after i had started praying for a rad drummer. he gave me a sweatshirt cause i was cold. he later introduced me to addison we all started playing together in an overheated garage. magic. i met ben c. on tour in LA, he was playing in a friend’s band and now we’re very close. he started playing in the band with us a few months ago. i love all my bandmates, i’m lucky to be playing with such great and talented humans.
*Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?
right now i have an LP coming out on Brooklyn-based Pendu Sound. Todd from Pendu Org puts out lots of cool noise music and many other interesting things. the LP, “the grime and the glow” will be out in a few weeks and is available online for pre-order at: http://pendusound.com/releases/psr-0040/
*Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
i don’t play too often. trying to break that habit. i get a little overwhelmed, but once i get into the groove of playing shows i never want to stop. i don’t have a favorite or least favorite venue yet. i like big, industrial spaces and galleries and also appreciate really nice venues with great sound systems. pehrspace in LA is a rad little venue, also the smell. i got to play in some cool spaces on tour in europe last summer like an old nuclear factory in estonia with amazing natural reverb and a converted wooden church-attic in finland. one of my dreams is to do a tour playing only at converted cathedral/church/funeral home spaces !
What albums are you currently listening to and would like to recommend?
my friend jessalyn recommended william basinki’s disintegration loops to me so i’ve been droning out to those recently.
*Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?
i have a cover of “you are my sunshine” .. recently we’ve been playing a 6 song set that has the first song off “the grime and the glow” LP (“advice & vices”) and the five songs that are going to be on the new EP we’re recording during the next couple of weeks.
*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 the songs and then we hash them out together as a band to play live. for the new EP i’ve been flooding my mind with apocalyptic literature and themes and intense visuals. of course the topics change as you live and grow and find different and new inspirations, but themes of death and spirituality have always fascinated me, even as a little child.
Do you get nervous before a performance?
not before. during.. only if there are technical difficulties or i get strange energies from the audience
*What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
try something new
*How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
soon my new album will be out on a record with a digital download. hopefully it will be more accessible in the near future.
Which famous musicians do you admire?
ever ray, bjork, old country musicians like hank williams sr and johnny cash. vladimir vysotsky was incredible. musicians who pour their soul into their art and musicians who make honest and timeless music.
*Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
i’m very grateful for anyone who lets us stay at their house on tour, comes to or promotes shows, collaborates with me artistically, helps spread the word of the music, and so on. anyone who allows the music in and really understands. and my friends who still love me even though i’m a social hermit.
Thursday, June 3rd, 2010
Local Artist: Sister Crayon
Location: Sacramento
Website: http://sistercrayon.net/
What’s the origin of the band name? Have you changed the band name before?
The name of our band is Sister Crayon. About three years ago, I started the project under the name of Silent and Clementine. I played solo for a while under that name but always felt that I was going to change the name…and about a year later, I did. I was drunk one night in S.F. and was writing a letter and I signed it Sister Crayon. I had no idea where that name came from but figured that I liked it, so it stuck. I felt like that name had the attitude that I was looking for at the time.
What are the respective instruments for each band member?
Sister Crayon is: Terra Lopez, Vocals, loop samples. Dani Fernandez, MPC 1000 + Microkorg. Nicholas Suhr, Drums + percussion. Genaro Ulloa, Keys.
How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?
We have been a full band for little under a year now. The band came in stages. I was solo for about 2 years and then I met Dani and we clicked. We both wanted to make some trip-hop/hip-hop songs…I wanted her to put beats over the songs that I was making with my classical guitar. Some how it worked. Genaro then joined after about 6 months of just Dani and I. And then we met Nick. It all came together eventually.
What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?
Trying to find a genre for us is sometimes a bit frustrating. We’ve had people say trip-hop, hip-hop,electronic all the usual ones. I think we usually just go with either trip-hop or electronic…? I prefer just saying manic and letting it go from there. I think manic is a much better description. As far as influences, I think we all range from very different places, musically. But the main ones that we all agree on and get a lot of influence on are a lot of old jazz, oldies, 50′s music. I personally am obsessed with Jeff Buckley and Quwalli music. I’m all into that right now.
What inspired you to make music together?
I think that what inspired us to make music together is that it all happened so naturally. We’ve all been in bands before and things didn’t work out so well. I think when you finally meet people that you can connect with on a musical and non-musical level, songs just happen. The connection has to be there though. It can’t be forced. If it’s forced, it won’t last.
Do you have a record label?
We are currently on Manimal Records, a really amazing small label based in LA. They have been amazing supporters of us and will be putting out our debut album in the Fall. We love Manimal..man, they have been so supportive and have helped us meet some really incredible people and artists.
Tell us a little bit about your instruments
We basically use whatever instruments we can afford. Ha. I mean, really we do. I just happen to use Korg and Boss for a lot of what I do and so does Dani. I love the Boss Loop Pedals, esp. the 20XL because you can store loops. Some of our songs are loop based so it comes in handy for sure. I also love love love the Korg Kaos pad. I’ve been using it for years for vocals and effects and it’s been pretty reliable so far. Dani uses the Akai MPC 1000 and it’s a beast. That thing has been really reliable so far. Genaro uses a lot of vintage keyboards and that always helps bring in different elements for the songs.
Where have you performed?
We play a lot of shows in Sacramento. Sacramento has been a constant source of support for us. We love playing Luigi’s FunGarden over there and The Press Club. In S.F. we love playing the Rickshaw Stop and in LA-The Echo is probably the dopest venue we have played at there so far. We still have a lot of growing to do. Maybe one of these days we will play some bigger venues but so far, these venues are great sounding and they treat us well.
Some shows that we have coming up are in S.F. (June 17th at TRIGGER for a Harvey Milk Benefit and Bottom Of The Hill july 29th). We will also be playing the Land of Nod Festival in Jackson, Michigan July 23rd with a crazy lineup (Of Montreal, Dr. Octagon, Qbert, etc).
What albums are you currently listening to and would like to recommend?
Oh man…album recommendations? An album that i’m always listening to is Jeff Buckley’s “Grace” record. It’s fantastic. I study that over and over and I’m never tired of it. Seriously, “Mojo Pin” still gives me chills every time and I swear, I’ve listened to it hundreds of times. Something newer…I love the new Flying Lotus album “Cosmogramma”…I love him. His music is so innovative and just great music for tour trips. I also adore 50′s music, any lowrider compilations as well. You can’t go wrong with those. But yea…”Grace”…man. That record is perfect.
Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?
We play most of the songs that are going to be on our record. We don’t play any covers live but we have covered “The Bewlay Brothers” for an upcoming David Bowie tribute record that Manimal will be putting out in September. We are also working on some oldies covers that we will be recording soon.
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?As far as the writing process goes…it’s all over the place. For most of the songs on this record, Dani and I wrote most of the main melodies. The older songs…”Here We Never Die”, “(in) Reverse”, “I’m Still The Same Person”, etc. For the newer songs that will also be on the record, we all wrote them as a band. It was great to have everyone in on it and write as a full band.
The theme throughout this full record ranges from Jean Genet and Fernando Pessoa (my favorite writers)…some songs are about my girlfriend. This album is basically just about being manic and trying to do what needs to be done in order to get through the day, to be honest-hence the album title “Bellow”.
Do you have a set time each week in which you practice
We practice pretty regularly. Right now we practice and play shows about 2 times a week. We are just now getting our own practice space so soon, we hope to make it a 4 to 5 times a week thing. We just want to get better and write more.
How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
Our music has evolved a lot since first forming. It was such a quiet experience when it was only me. And people were supportive but I always heard a lot more behind those songs. When Dani came along, she provided the percussive element that I was looking for. When Genaro came along, he provided a lot of the textures that we wanted. When Nick came along, he just brought a new element that we needed- an intensity. I feel that we are a lot more intense live than ever before. That’s all we want. To play live and to show what we are passionate about. I think live we do that.
What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
I would tell other bands just starting out to just stay focused. It can be a bit overwhelming at times…trying to book shows and get your music out there. But if it’s important to you, than you will do it. Just stay focused and write.
What has been your biggest challenge as a band?
I think the biggest challenge as a band that we have had to face is just finding out finances for doing what we want to do. Being in a band full time while also trying to balance day jobs can get pretty hectic but we are starting to balance it and figure it out. It’s getting there.
Which famous musicians do you admire?
I’ve already gushed over Jeff Buckley but honestly, he’s by far my favorite singer of all time. He had so much range and passion-no one else compares. He’s my favorite artist. I also love Elliott Smith, Ella Fitzgerald, Bille Holiday, Patsy Cline, The Roots, A Tribe Called Quest, Sigur Ros, Voices Voices. I look up to all those artists.
Were you influenced by old records & tapes? Which ones?
I worked at a record store for 4 years when I was younger so I was paid to explore music, basically. I fell in love with old records and tapes…man. I could go on for days. I love love love Duster Bennet. He is one of my favorite blues musicians/singers ever. I also love Robert Johnson, Coltrane, Charlie Parker…Little Charlie…But I really love Duster Bennet. He is my favorite.
What’s your ultimate direction for your band?
I think that all that we want to do as a band is tour our asses off and work hard. We want to play and hopefully people will continue to be supportive. We just want to work hard and get our name out there. If people come to shows and listen to what we are doing, even better.
Any last words
Thank you for the support and for the interview. We really appreciate it.
All images unless otherwise noted by Josh Johnson: http://anomie1.com/josh/
