RFC Interview: Pale Young Gentlemen

Coming from Madison,WI, our dear neighbors to the north, Pale Young Gentlemen are ready to deliver their brand of classical inspired pop romps to the masses. We couldn't be more excited to have them stop off at the Hideout this Monday (11/5) when they join The Panda Band for another edition of BANDWIDTH. Their fantastic self-titled, self-released album is a surprising treat, the downside is that it's only 30 minutes long and leaves you wanting more. Much has been said throughout the blog-o-sphere, in regards to their talent and musical creativity, I can only add that the raves and reviews are justly deserved. With their intelligent blending of witty pop, early rock theatrics, a lush string section, and a Balkan flare, PYG creates stikes the listener as something that must be experienced in a live setting in order to be fully appreciated. RFC recently sat down with Michael Reisenauer, lead singer/songwriter of Pale Young Gentlemen, to pick his brain about the band's history, influences, and more.

Download: Pale Young Gentlemen - "Clap Your Hands"

Your music is very theatrical, where do you pull influences for the music you create? What styles of music and art are you drawn to for inspiration?

I guess the most obvious influence is Bowl of Fire-era Andrew Bird. Late-60's David Bowie stuff like Hunky Dory was pretty theatrical as well. Songs like "Velvet Goldmine" and "Oh! You Pretty Things". Lyrically, my biggest influence is likely Randy Newman records from that same era (12 songs, Live, Creates Something New Under the Sun). A few Tom Waits records--Blood Money, Rain Dogs. 

Tell us the history of Pale Young Gentlemen, how did it all come together as it stands today?

Matt (brother + drummer) and my friend Brett (guitar on record- now bass guitar) started playing around together a couple of years ago. We bought a drum set and luckily Matt had the capacity to learn how to use the thing.  Eventually we started playing around Madison as a three-piece whereupon we gained more members/instruments (Andy Brawner on bass and Liz Weamer on cello).  So we went in the studio and recorded. Since then we've bulked up the string section, bringing us to our current lineup.

The response to your self titled debut has been quite positive, I know it will end up on my top 10 of 2007 list, are you pleased with the response so far? Is a second album in the works?

Well, thank you. Yes, we've been fairly lucky so far. Some nice reviews, etc. A second album is certainly in the works...for the last month I've been kind of holed up in my apartment trying to finish it.  As for plans, we're just trying to branch out around the Midwest. A label would be nice, too.

I have read and heard from some Madison fans that your live shows are pretty amazing. How do you approach performing live?

Well, I don't know, really. We not really trying to "put on" a show...we have no costume changes, on-stage projections, or anything like that. I guess we just have a good time performing the music. I also think that the music itself plays a large part.  It's pretty high-energy and semi-danceable.

Speaking of dancing, in Chicago people don't dance at shows often enough. Any suggestions?
Drink specials.

Last question, What are you guys currently listening to right now?

Well, a friend of mine gave me some early Nilsson stuff- which is fantastic. Though I lost interest in them for awhile- the new Radiohead album is pretty amazing.

Awesome! Thanks for your time, Michael.

You can check out Pale Young Gentlemen when they open for The Panda Band at the Hideout on this Monday, Nov. 5th and pick up their Self-Titled debut album in person!!