Radio Free Chicago

RFC Interviews: ibid.

ibid. is the musical output of strapping young Portlandian Gabriel Mathews. Splitting time between home, and Los Angeles, where he attends Occidental, his work bears the mark of a budding audiophile- the spacious, loose production is often as much the focus as Mathews' nocturnal crooning. It gives his songs a strange, off-kilter feel as if getting a brief, fogged glimpse into the world of someone with very different eyes than you. His EPs Bison and Missive are more industrious and pounding, but as his craft develops his physical form comes more and more into the frame- culminating in his most recent release, India Ink.

India Ink is spare and beautiful, often featuring only Gabriel, a piano, and a whole lot of room to muse or lament at your leisure. The difference between the reverbed-out layered vocals of a song like  "Two Years," (from Bison) and the softened creaking of Mathews' voice on India Ink opener "No Bones" makes it all the more affecting. Even a more bizarre and kinetic piece like "Worth" seems an inch a way from breakdown on an album this introverse.

Ibid. - No Bones

There's a ramshackled focus running high through this one-man project that's supes intriguing soooo we recently had a digital sit-down (no relationnnn!) with ibid./Gabriel Mathews!

Prepare for compound questions and answers!

An Interview With Sara From WOOM

The story of how I "discovered" this two piece from NYC was through a friend who, in every sense of the word, has devoted his life to music. So when I asked him what he was listening to blaring in the background his response was an intense mixture of pure exhilaration and panic. 

He told me he had a single track, but could not find anything else by this mystery band ... although there was a bartender who apparently held to coveted copy of the album. I boldly ventured into Swig (the bar) and snatched up what could be perhaps the most precious kept secret this city - nay, this country - has to know. 

WOOM, formerly members Fertal Crescent, are led by Sara on vocals and percussion and Evan on guitar. They have toured with such bands as Xiu Xiu and Deerhoof ... and recently released their album and Badabing records in July of 2010.

THIS YOU MUST HEAR!- But before you do, you should know a bit about the lovely and darling Sara, who I spoke to on a mid-winter dreary afternoon. 

Sara is a percussionist and vocalist. 

Evan plays guitar.

Sara resides in New York City, where I spoke with her via the telephone. She has a cathartic voice, lovely and inviting. 

Safe word?

Sara: Bologna.

So how did Woom come about?

Sara: Before Woom, I was in a band, Fertile Crescent. And after meeting and playing with Evan, we became Woom.

This is a signature question I like to ask all of my interviewees. What is your favorite kind of cheese?

Sara: I really enjoy those small, perfectly wrapped processed cheeses enveloped in wax. (Babybel) Their texture is really fascinating and the entire process of peeling and eating the delicious cheese is an experience like no other. There is something about the tactile nature, it is like a fetish object ... it's sexy.

Robots Vs. Dinosaurs?

Sara: Lately, I've been a brontosaurus with my four-year-old friend. So we have been eating leaves from trees and stretching our necks out, it has been a lot of fun. So I am going with dinosaurs.

Strangest Venue you've ever played?

Sara: We dont have a booking agent, so many of our shows have been pretty strange. One of the upsides is getting to play some interesting shows, one example is a show we played in Oakland, CA. We cave made out of paper; at the end of the night we all tore down the house and had a dance party with the paper structure crumbling all around. No one got hurt despite all the potential for paper cuts. 

If you had to carry 50 pounds of one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?

I would probably carry cotton candy. Light yet delicious.

Any records from childhood that inspired you?

My parents were school teachers, so our music collection was sort of small. But I would have to say Kraftwerk, Computer Love. 

 

If you were to write a book, what would it be called and what would it be about?

Sara: Well, I wrote a book of short stories when I was in school called "Stories to Read In-Transit." But I do enjoy to write. 

You have toured with several bands, namely Pit Er Pat, Xiu Xiu and Deerhoof. How was that?

Sara: It is great to play with friends, because you really learn a lot from them, and the experiences that you have differ and add a certain flavor unique from the others. We played with Pit Er Pat in Chicago, and recorded at their house in Los Angeles. 

When you go on tour, what is one thing you don't leave home with out?

Sara: Well this is not one thing I leave with, but I always get a bag of spinach while on the road. Since it is so difficult to eat healthy, it really comes in handy.

What is the worst advice you've ever been given?

Can I tell you good advice? I am paraphrasing my friend Gregg from Deerhoof. He said basically, "As an artist, you should really just show up and it would dissolve all that initial shame you may feel." So his advice has given me a lot of courage as an artist to just go with that initial creative impulse.

WOOM: Click to download

 

Q&A with Zelienople... RFC Thinks You Should Know

 

I went to see Zelienople play at the Abbey Pub ... And needless to say their music is as challenging as it is breathtaking. I asked the Chicago-based band a few questions, and here is what Mike (Percussionist) had to say:

First question ... Most important, is why?

Mike: Because it feels good.

Now for the safe word …

Mike: To keep from sinking into a sludge of depression and self-loathing.

Favorite/least favorite cheese? (for the cheese-enthusiast)

Mike: Whatever’s being offered (I’m an omnivore, or rather a scavenger).

Robots or Dinosaurs?

Mike: Dino-bots

Strangest venue or gig you’ve ever played?

Mike: Hmm, don’t really have one. Maybe Monkeytown in Brooklyn where we were placed in the center of a room where people were dining. I somewhat felt like I was intruding. Very Kubrick-esque.

How did you begin your career and who were your influences?

Mike: Career? My influences are too vast and wide to mention on one page. Let’s just say from Sun Ra to Roscoe Holcomb - Kim Seok Chul to Slayer - Haitian Voodoo Drumming to Led Zeppelin - Brian Eno to Merzbow.

What is the most memorable concert you’ve ever attended?

Mike: Master Musicians of Joujaka at The Vic in '95 and Slayer at Aragon Ballroom in 2006 ... oh, and most definitely my very first show - Echo and the Bunnymen and New Order at Poplar Creek in '87.

What are a few items essential to your “tour survival kit”?

Mike: Mallets, small gongs, wire brushes and a baby sock for the kick drum beater.

What are you listening to now?

Mike: Korean Shaman music (Chae Jeong-Rye).

What is the worst advice you’ve ever been given?

Mike: Take lessons before you attempt to play the drum set.

If you were to communicate using one word what would it be?

Mike: Transcendence.

Can you dance? If not what is your day job?

Mike: I call it dancing, but to others it may look like an epileptic fit.

What can we expect from the band in the future?

Mike: Another song-based album on Type, another conceptual instrumental album on Under The Spire, a solo album from Matt on Under The Spire, and a solo album from myself on Digitalis. Maybe another Tuma/Weis album too.

Anything else you want the people to know? Or not to know?

Mike: We’re old dudes with families and we don’t venture out into the night very often.

 

All I Want Is Calm

from their album Give it Up

Colin Huebert of Siskiyou: The Interview

Siskiyou - Siskiyou

It is an album of desire, composure and grace, as it tears at your heart strings, softly at times. Its melodically transitions accumulate like folds of luscious thick velvet layered upon a long winding wooden floor. There is simple imagery that in its essence is integral and lighthearted, though has peaks and valleys that bemuse you.

Great Lake Swimmers former members branched off and patiently learned to record and create their debut self-titled album, which was released on Constellation in the Fall of 2010.

The band is a collaboration of Colin Huebert and Erik Arensen; Peter Carruthers and Shaunn Watt joined the band to play the songs live, but have since become institutions. The band name was inspired by the Northern California mountain range, Siskiyou.

Colin currently resides in Vancouver, which is where he was when I spoke with him over the phone (from, get this, his land-line! How about it?) on a cool Saturday afternoon.

http://siskiyouband.com/listen/

 You can trust that Constellation Records will get it right, about over 100% of the time, and Siskiyou is an example - and, ahem, may I be so bold to say a testament to that?  Colin himself enjoys the artists on the label; Pat Jordache, Godspeed You Black Emporer, Colin Stetson and Do Make Say Think ... just to name a few. Here is a video courtesy of Constellation, The Land by Siskiyou

This Land - Siskiyou from Constellation Records on Vimeo.

 

1. Now for the safe word….(in case you don’t want to answer any questions, useful)

skate board

2. Favorite cheese?

Brie is my favorite

3. Robots or Dinosaurs?

Dinosaurs, stegosaurus is my favorite...

4. Strangest venue or gig you’ve ever played?

It was in Jackson, Mississippi, at a hot dog restaurant. It was infested with man-size cockroaches.

5. How did you begin your career and who were your influences?

Erik and I were (Erik still is) playing in Great Lake Swimmers until it became less enjoyable for me due to busy schedules. I learned how to record with two cheap microphones, recruited a few close friends, namely Erik Arnesen, and released the album on Constellation just recently. In the fall, we will release a new record.

Aside from music I do some tree-related work, and some urban farming. At the urban farm we mainly grow sprouts - sunflower sprouts, pea sprouts - in Vancouver. At the other farm (in the interior) there was much more land to grow every vegetable imaginable. Erik plays in Great Lake Swimmers and teaches ukulele to kids.

6. What is the most memorable show you’ve ever attended?

It would have to be The Flaming Lips performing Zaireeka in Austin, Texas. There were 40 boom boxes and they brought up 40 people from the audience.

7. What are a few items essential to your “tour survival kit”?

Sleeping pills. 

8. What are you listening to now?

Damien Jurado. St Bartlett, his latest release.  

9. What is the worst advice you’ve ever been given?

If you avoid something it will go away. 

10. If you were to communicate using one word what would it be?

Motherfucker. Two guys communicated using just that word on  “The Wire”. It was quite successful.

11. Can you dance?

Yes. Mmmhmmm (Matter of Fact tone).

12. Anything else you want the people to know? 

Our cat Pixie is an aspiring accountant. She is currently doing our taxes.

 

 Please note: This is not an actual picture of Pixie, she preferred not to be photographed.

The Mutts - An RFC Interview

In the basement of Double Door, I had the chance to sit down and ask The members of The Mutts a few questions twenty minutes before they went on stage...

So, The Mutts...

Mike: I have never really explained the band name before, this is an inaugural explanation... combination of liking dogs and making a living walking dogs.

First question... Most important, is, why?

Mike: Because it’s out there

Safe Word?

Chris: Booger

Favorite/least favorite cheese? (for the cheese-enthusiast)

Chris/Mike: Gouda
Bob: Well, I am a vegan... so least favorite might be the cheese that smells kind of like feet.

Robots or Dinosaurs?

Dinosaurs (collectively)

Strangest venue or gig you’ve ever played?

All: The Mutiny... not that it was strange... more cool than strange

How did you begin your career and who were your influences?

Chris: I was in a few bands before the Mutts (i.e. The Hush Sound) and we all just sort of met up and rocked out.

What is the most memorable concert you’ve ever attended?

Chris: The Roots at Depaul, outdoors in the pouring rain.
Mike: New Kids on the Block, my sister dragged me there when I was 8, my first concert I ever attended.
Bob: My first concert was Filter. Also Cornelius.

What are you listening to now?

Archie Powell and the Exports, Sting, Tom Waits and NPR, Big Science, Pillars and Tongues, American Football.

Old records/music that influenced you?

Bob: The first record I remember digging on as a kid was Weather Report's Birdland.  I was kind of obsessed with Jaco Pastorius' bass in the title track.  I also really liked Joe Venuti and John Barnes live at the Concord Music Festival for some reason.  I was 5 or 6.  Who knows? Haha.

What is the worst advice you’ve ever been given?

Chris: When someone handed me some peanut butter and said “Eat this, you’re not allergic.”

If you were to communicate using one word, what would it be?

Chris: Aghhh (with some silent J’s)
Mike: Meow
Bob: Yum

How do you make those wicked guitar riffs, is it a gift or did you learn from some venerable teacher?

Mike: My piano teacher from age 7 to 13 was a 6'7", 300+ pound Hungarian man named Janus Zemzars.  He had a booming voice and had to duck to get through the practice room doors at the Arts Center back in Ashtabula, OH.  It was terrifying to imagine going to a lesson unprepared.  But he was really a nice guy, who just happened to make a grand piano look like a toy (like a real-life Shroeder from Peanuts).  I loved learning gypsy Tarantellas, Muzio Clementi sonatas, and heavy Tchaikovsky compositions.  I accidentally lift riffs from that stuff on occasion.

Have you ever considered touring with some strange band whose sound is polaropposite of your own? if you had to choose what would it be?

Mike: Yes - either Sigur Ros or Dream Theater. Or both!

Best part of the sandwich?

Mike: The Crust

Bob: The sandwich is all about the hot giardiniera, available only at the Subways in the Midwest.  tastes like home.

 

 Terranaut

 From their album The Tells of Parallels

Republic Of Lights, An RFC Interview

  Musicianship does not require sunglasses, Jonas Brothers’ good looks or sexy dance moves, although it doesn’t hurt to have such blessings...

The challenge in keeping up with a band of men, and a lady (who is not on bass), is to keep their undivided attention. Because, well, let’s face it bright lights and loud clashes doesn’t faze a rocking crew... and it always helps to know that the band whose music makes you swoon is simply a few kind, genuine and interesting friends just doing what they love. Republic Of Lights is
Alan, front man with the smoldering eyes of a young teeny-bop’s sex dream... who can- if you convince him to take off the shades- sit down and have a dignified conversation and rock out on guitar and belt out some ballads.
There is Brian, the soft, persuasively sarcastic guitarist and hilarious pup that can really shred it up on stage...
Greg, the keyboardist with fabulous fashion sense and a sweet smile and
Rosie math-minded music babe with sweltering guitar chops to spare

The Pica Beats- Interview with Ryan Barrett

First question... Most important, is, why?

I am always asking myself why, so I suppose my answer would be why. why squared.

Now for the safe word….

Houseplant

Favorite/least favorite cheese? (for the cheese-enthusiast)

My favorite is either feta or goat cheese; I can't say I have a least favorite cheese. Probably mozzarella, even though I love pizza, I do have some lactose issues. 

Robots or Dinosaurs?

Dinosaurs, plesiosaurus. It was my favorite as a child. I think I still have a scale model of one around somewhere.

 

 

 

 

Strangest venue or gig you’ve ever played?

I can't really specify a particular one, but usually the strangest gig's are the awkward and uncomfortable ones; where you want to leave as soon as you show up.

The featured track on your album, beating Back the Claws of the Cold, is Poor Ol' Ra; what song would you say is your favorite from the album?

I would have to say Martine, As Heavy Lifter it is an instrumental track. I have been working on a new EP that are all songs like that, I have been listening to a lot of bali music lately.  

(A side, Ryan plays guitar and the sitar... which gives the album such a heavy resonance... in every sense of the word)

What is one thing you won't leave behind while on tour?

My glow in the dark yo-yo, it' is a great substitute for smoking right before I play a show.

An Interview with The Kopecky Family Band

An Exclusive Interview with the Multi-talented, well-versed 7 piece band from Nashville, TN. 

Sitting in the basement of Schuba's eating Chipotle and chatting it up with the seven members of The Kopecky Family Band.

Their safe word:

BANANA 

Robots or Dinosaurs

 
(Discussing amongst each other...)

'Are they fighting each other?

You could program a robot to be a dinosaur...'

What is the strangest venue you have ever played?

Kelsey: Oh, definitely a wedding, where we played Butterfly Kisses. (Gabe follows with a lovely sample...)

How did you all begin? Influences:

Gabe: Kelsey and I started the band. We played our first show at a school sponsored clothing store. 

Kelsey: Gabe and I met through mutual friends in college, I invited a group of people over for game night; I heard Gabe play the guitar and I was like, I want to play music with this guy. We started writing together on Halloween, and finished our first EP in a week.

Gabe: Influences: Cake, Menomena, Pedro the Lion, James Taylor, Radiohead...

Corey: When I was in middle school I was into hard core music. Now I am more into Modest Mouse, anything with mice in the name.

Ben: Anathallo

Most memorable concert you have ever attended?

Gabe: Radiohead, Steve and I share a birthday, and we went to see them live.

Steve: Yeah, that had to be one of the best shows I have seen.

Some tour Guide Essentials:

Gabe: Well we had our trailer stolen, so we can't bring a whole lot, so now it is basically two buckets and two benches, so it is all ass to ankles right now.

Worst advice you have ever been given?

Markus: We were told to get rid of three or four of our members, because we would never make it with seven.

If you could say only one word, what would it be?

(Collectively at first there were many beeps, boops and finally they decided upon a clever form of communication. SOS.)

All: Morse Code... 

Can you dance? Any hidden talents:

Gabe: (motioning to Corey) Can this guy dance!? I spun him on gravel, he is a trooper though, for being so delicate, we call him Baby spoon and Bread crumb, two of the many nicknames Corey has acquired.

Corey: I like Bread Crumb the best I think.

Gabe: Hidden talents? I can pack the van really well. And Marcus can smoke A LOT of cigarettes. 

(Marcus sort of shrugs, I ask him what kind he smokes, Marlboro Menthol Mediums)

What can we expect from you guys in the future?

A lot more music, We have a split seven inch coming out February fourth, and we are doing SXSW. We'll be around as long as we are playing music and being friends. 

Have a listen and FALL IN LOVE with their melodies.

 

 Birds

From their album "The Disaster"

Click on the album (left), to download/purchase/stream the entire album

<--- <--- click click

 

 

Oh and did I mention they put on an incredible live show!? Here is a little taste...

RFC Interview: Gayngs!

Earlier this month I had the honor to speak with Ryan Olson, the genius and leader of the Midwestern supergroup that is leaving mere bloggers to Prince hushed and entranced over Relayted. With its soothing sax whispering sweet nothings in your ear, accompanied by Justin Vernon, Maggie Morrison, Zach Coulter, and Dessa amongst (18) others, the 69 beats per minute magnum opus to 10cc's "I'm Not In Love" is about to hit the road for the first time. September 29th, Milwaukee swoons and succumbs at Turner Hall. September 30th, Chicago's inner fire is rekindled at the Metro.

Gayngs - Faded High

What are your feelings about taking Gayngs out on tour and into the wild?

I think it'll be pretty wild. It'll be fun as hell to see these folks again, to basically try to recreate or reinterpret the album.

I noticed you'll have about ten or half of the members. What can people expect then compared to the album (which had 23 members involved)?

It'll be pretty right on. We've only played it once before and it was with everybody. I think that when trying to get everybody to play, it suffered in band quality-ish. A ten-piece will be easier to wrangle. We'll pull our stuff together a lot more easily and be a little bit tighter, which will be nice. We'll do some covers. Glasser, as I can tell, will be amazing. So that'll be fun.

Getting to Relayted, were there certain people that you wanted on the album?

Yeah. Some of those folks that I hadn't recorded with that I wanted to, and a lot of those people that I had recorded with who I knew they would have a great time doing these things. That's basically how it went down.

Did anyone approach you that you hadn't thought about?

RFC Interviews Music/Food/Travel Journalist Kara Zuaro

Kara Zuaro author of "I Like Food, Food Tastes Good (In The Kitchen With Your Favorite Bands" has been quite the inspiration to me; as a writer she has been innovative in mixing all the ingredients that make for a perfect recipe of music and food, enriching the reader with laughter and insight into all of ones' pleasures. I got the chance to ask her some questions about her career and inspiration.

 

Radio Free Chicago: A little background, Kara, how did you begin your career as a music/food/travel journalist? And who were you influences?

Kara Zuaro: I guess I my career started when I was editor of my high school newspaper -- or rather, when I got in a fight with the principal of my high school about some controversial articles that she wouldn't allow us to run.  The morning I resigned from my post as editor-in-chief and
cut the rest of the day of school marked the beginning of my career in journalism.

In college, I was lucky to be a part of an amazing staff at Notre Dame's Scholastic magazine, and I interned for CMJ during my summers at home in New York.  I wrote my first music reviews and interviews for CMJ, and when one of my CMJ editors got a job at Citysearch, she let me write some restaurant reviews so that I could get paid AND get some free food out of the deal.  I had a couple of secretarial day jobs after college, but my freelance work for Citysearch eventually helped me to get hired at Epicurious.  Epi assigned me my first food and travel features.

I continued to write about music on the side while I was at Epicurious, and that's when I collected all the recipes for my indie rock cookbook, "I Like Food, Food Tastes Good."  The cookbook includes a bunch of stories about bands and food, and when I was writing them, I re-read Michael Azerrad's "Our Band Could Be Your Life" and "Nowhere To Run: The Story of Soul Music" by Gerri Hirshey, which offers a personal look at the lives of people like Otis Redding, James Brown, and Aretha Franklin.  I consider myself more of a music fan than a music critic, and those two books helped me find my voice.

What is the most memorable concert you’ve ever attended?

Gosh, probably Paul McCartney at Madison Square Garden in 5th grade. I remember the room getting darker and this small riser magically lifting Paul and his piano as he played "Fool on the Hill" -- I still get goosebumps thinking about it.  I also remembering asking my dad why the people sitting next to us were smoking such funny-smelling cigarettes.  He gave me a brief and alarming description of what it meant to "get stoned," and explained that we didn't need to smoke marijuana to have a good time.  Pretty awesome setting for a don't-do-drugs speech!

What are a few items essential to your “tour survival kit?

Sleeping bag, pillow, ear plugs, sleeping mask, phone with internet access, facial cleansing wipes, aspirin.  Some dudes have no trouble sleeping splayed out on a stranger's couch without a sheet -- but I need to be wrapped up in something when we sleep.  If I can create a little nest for myself, I can sleep on any floor, anywhere. (A little whiskey before bedtime helps, too.)  Nowadays, your phone provides every map you'll need.  And the cleansing wipes mean you can wash up even if you can't get near a sink or shower.  The aspirin is not only to ease your own pain but also to aid your grouchy hungover bandmates. Bring a lot. I like Excedrin Migraine.

RFC Interview: Eyedea & Abilities

In late July, I got the chance to see Eyedea & Abilities at the Bottom Lounge. It was a hell of a show. The first act Educated Consumers (a DJ/MC combo, like the headliners) were wry and workmanlike. It was a well enough start to the evening, but then hometown hero Psalm One absolutely took over the proceedings with her dexterous, jubilant set promoting her new release Woman At Work. Her's was certainly my favorite of the night but Kristoff Krane also proved to be extremely talented and magnetic. He ran his set like he was all the kids' favorite youth minister at Bible Camp, getting into the crowd, hushing us with "come on, y'all"s when he had something important to say, and goading us into a frenzy with competitive chants. 

I feel like Eyedea has a rep for being a serious and mysterious MC, but his set also proved to be ecstatic all the way through. He gesticulated and seethed through knotty verse after knotty verse till I thought he was going to pass out. The crowd was happy to oblige his requests for jumping contests during the early songs, and was properly blown away when Abilities took the spotlight for a showcase of his (fucking insaaaane) DJ'ing skills.

The night- which capped with all the performers back onstage for a freestyle cypher that used beats from classics like Ye's "Get Em High" and friggin' "What's Your Fantasy"- was way more fun than any underground rap show has a right to be.

Before the set I got to interview Eyedea (aka Michael Larsen) about his inspiration, his (many) ongoing projects, and a super rad dude named Michael Gaughan.

Droidcast: Underwater Whale Talk With Freelance Whales

A Conversation with Jacob Hyman of Freelance Whales on the Value of Busking and the Admirable Musicianship of J. Tillman

Lucky for me, I had the chance to interview the drummer for Freelance Whales, Jacob Hyman, last Thursday. It was my first ever band interview and phone interview and, like, my 6th interview of all time... so of course I made a few mistakes. The major flub was sitting next to the window in my apartment outside of which the Red Line train passes nearly every five minutes. This made transcribing the interview like interpreting Morse code... underwater. Despite the grueling activity, and to save you the trouble of hearing it yourselves, I completed the task! Oh yeah, and, I promised him I wouldn't post the audio.

And now that I've made a flurry of admissions, I will also confess that, through the process, I found myself rewinding the tape over and over again,  asking a lot of questions: "Did he say Judah was listening to 'Darth Vader' when he wrote songs for the first album? or 'Stars'? In this case, I went with the logical choice-- but ears can be deceiving.

So... I'll make you a deal: I'll send this to Jacob when it's posted, and allow myself this ample excuse to make corrections if there's anything I've translated incorrectly.  I don't think it's too far off, but I want to be honest here... I'm only part whale.  

Freelance Whales - Generator 2nd Floor

RFC: Other than being busy, has much changed since you guys started getting a lot of attention?

JH: Well, I’d say, we have been really busy. We used to practice twice a week for about 8 hours, and we haven’t really had a chance to really grind it out and practice in the studio for a while, we’ve been riding it out on the road instead. But things have definitely got more intense at some point, I think. We had 6 weeks off just now between tours and it’s the first time we’ve been home in about 6 months. It was nice to get home and relax and calm down, but it's been difficult to motivate ourselves to really do any hard work.

RFC: Understandable. Have you guys written any new songs, individually, or for the band since "Weathervanes"?

JH: We are working on a new song write now. I’ve written a few, personally, but I don’t know that they work well with the band—though they could eventually be adapted. We’ve been playing a song for a while that Chuck wrote, called “Rise and Shine,” we’ve been playing it at shows. So we’ve been toying with that one for about 6 months. And there is another one Chuck wrote that we will hopefully be recording some time in the fall.

RFC: Cool.

JH: Yeah.

RFC: So, as far as I’ve read, you guys started out pretty organically, playing outside in subway stations and on street corners. Did you guys ever make money “busking”?

JH: Oh sure. We made a little bit of money. When we first started out in the studio in Queens, we used the money we made busking to pay for the studio. It wasn’t very much money but if we went out two or three times, it would easily pay for a month’s rent. Which was nice, then we didn’t each have to pony up money. We were at a point when none of us were really working, we were just waiting for things to get moving. But that wasn’t the original goal—it was so we didn’t have to annoy our friends to come to shows. It was like, this is a way to get free advertisements to shows. There was one show we played in Brooklyn, where 15 people came up to us afterwards and said that they’d seen us playing on the street and they liked what they heard so they came to the show. And we realized this was an original marketing idea. And that’s what it was, and then it became sort of a practice stage for us, where we could really hone our vocals and rearrange the songs for that performance stage, re-interpret songs that were already written. 

RFC Interview: Bear Hands

Bear Hands recently stopped by Chicago, opening a sold-out show for Scotland's We Were Promised Jetpacks. The Brooklyn band melds maracas, African samples, and percussion with early Ted Leo and Tapes 'n Tapes rhythms that reinforces the indie rock revival in that concrete New York jungle. RFC was thrilled to speak with bassist and percussionist, Val Loper, on the SXSW experience, what's bubbling in Brooklyn, and festival atmospheres.

RFC Interview: MMW's Chris Wood

Together now for nearly two decades, experimental jazz trio Medeski, Martin and Wood continue to push the boundaries of their collective sound in surprising new directions. Renowned for their improvisational dexterity and expansive musical vocabulary, the band's exploratory live performances have always been central to their creative process. For their latest project, The Radiolarian Series, the band reversed the usual recording cycle, challenging themselves to compose and develop three albums of new material through a series of tours before entering the studio. Released throughout 2008 and '09, the resulting Radiolarians albums are infused with the energies and influences of the trio's long experience traveling and creating music together.

Medeski, Martin & Wood - Undone

Medeski, Martin & Wood - Trinity Workshop Improv

RFC Interview: Wax Tailor

Before Schubas, Wax Tailor's music came to attention to me while sitting at a microbrewery café years ago with soulful cuts crafting a smooth trip-hop and hip-hop combination not heard of since Madlib's Blue Note foray. While one is established, the other is rising with his unique blend, evoking a sound reminiscent more of Portishead than any other hip-hop producer. Utilizing jazz instrumentals, strips of film dialogues, and vocalists from around the world, Jean-Christophe Le Saoût has been building upon his firm French foundation with a featured track on the recently limited released film, Paris, from Cédric Klapsich. Hot off the presses of his third album, In the Mood for Life, Wax Tailor recently had his first Chicago show accompanied by a flutist, a cellist, Mattic, and Charlotte Savary.