RFC Interview: The Changes

Friday night at Double Door, The Changes return to Chicago to officially celebrate the release of their debut full-length, Today is Tonight, released last month on Drama Club Records. RFC recently caught up Changes vocalist/guitarist Darren Spitzer via email to discuss the new record and what's in store in the future for these local boys done good.

How does it feel to finally have your official full-length debut done and on the shelves?

The "on the shelves" part is the funniest. Rob and I called record stores in Hollywood last night and they have our record. We were giving each other "hi-fives".

Dave was quoted as saying, "the album took a long time and nearly destroyed all of our lives." Exactly how bad did things get and what were some of the biggest obstacles you faced? Was there a turning point or breakthrough that got you through it all?

It got really bad, then suddenly, it got really good. Then it got so great. Then it seemed like all was lost. Now suddenly we have a show on Friday. ;)

Four things seem to always pop up when people write about The Changes: Chicago, The Sea & Cake, Lollapalooza 2005 and some reference to late 70s/early 80s pop. Discuss…

We are from Chicago, so everytime anyone talks about us they will say "The Changes from Chicago". I'm cool with that. We were the one unsigned band at Lollapalooza in 2005, so anyone who writes about us will say "The Changes were the only unsigned band at Lollapalooza". I'm cool with that. We listen to Sea & Cake music a ton and have tried to incorporate that sound into what we do, so when people hear us they'll say "sounds like Sea & Cake". I'm cool with that. We have recorded songs in the studio that give off this 70s/80s thing up to this point, so when people listen to our recordings they'll write "reminds me of 70s/80s." I fucking hate that...'cause it's true.

How did you guys form/get together in the first place? How was the name "The Changes" chosen?

We came together the way best friends do. And then we chose the name The Changes...cause we just wanted to do something crazy.

Besides Chicago, where have The Changes been getting the most attention? How are you guys dealing with your current "buzz band" status?

The Changes are getting the most attention from our friends. They are always asking things like, "how are you?" or "can i see you sometime?".

What have you guys been listening to lately?

Marc Cohn. Bob Seger. That kinda shit. We're about to go on the road!

Anything else we should know?

Something drastic is coming up.

The Changes CD release party Friday night at Double Door starts at 9pm with openers Tally Hall and Brigton, MA.(21+)

Download: The Changes - "When I Wake"