Saturday, November 27, 2010

THE JIST WITH MARISA DEMARCO

Marisa Demarcood of Ya Ya Boom took the time to answer a few questions before the release of their 4th record debuting tonight at the launchpad 9pm.  I'm soooo gonna be there,  are you?


how did you come up with the name of the record? 

There's a song on the disc, the heaviest song maybe, and the chorus goes "little birds, pelting down, punching holes in my balloon heart." My sister Monica (bass) was listening to rough mixes of the album and made some art. The heart/bird imagery grabbed her, and her work that day became the album cover. So, Balloon Heart.

Overall, the songs have a lot in them about household objects: telephones, lamps, beds, lawns, fruit, sprinklers, dogs, etc. None of that really lent itself to an album title, and I was a little stumped. So I'm glad Monica latched on to that more fanciful metaphor.

It's a good title though, too, because this is admittedly my heartbreak album lyrically. I've always tried to avoid writing about luuuv. It seems so easy to veer into that awful, cliche, whiny territory. Plus, I think it's cool for a woman to sing about something other than romantic relationships and waiting around for the rebel in the leather jacket or whatever. (I'm in the Motelles, too, and some absurd percentage of our cover songs are about waiting around for guys with good hair to walk us home.) 

But last year my love life consumed my attention whole, and I was only peripherally aware of things like working and eating and whatever. And it's all I could write about or think about for many moons, so that's this disc. But I tried to keep it specific, and write about those angles that you don't hear about in songs constantly: the disassociated heartbreak, the ghosts on the lawn, how you can do your best and still fail. 

I promise this album is pretty rawkin' though, too. It's not all weeping household objects

how long did this record take to write/produce?

Since the dawn of time. A variety of elemental and environmental factors had to align just so to produce these people who made this album. 

No, it's hard to say. I think we started recording a year ago, but we write continuously. We write as a band, so it's a long process, but I think that's what makes us interesting. Our divergent musical tastes create a tension that becomes our sound. I should note that on this disc, Monica did some really excellent writing. She has an amazing ability to build chord structures. We certainly all participated, but she did great work
 
 and where did you have it recorded?

We recorded bits in Carlos' (guitar) living room, some in Jarvis' (drums) bedroom. I did some tracks in Carlos' closet. We did one take live in the lobby of the Alibi. Manny Retinger of Ubik Sound let us set up camp in his studio for some of my vocal takes as well. The impressive thing is that the album sounds whole, and it sounds good. Carlos did an fan-farking-tastic job recording, mixing and mastering the thing. DIY, baby! 


with all the bands you are in, when do you find time to practice?

People always ask me that, but there's time. Some weeks, I have band practice every day after work, and multiple shows each weekend. But I don't have kids or pets, and I only kind of like watching TV. 

Some of the projects: Milch de la Maquina, Death Convention Singers and my solo project (Bigawatt) only play out a few times a year. Others—Ya Ya Boom, The Jeebies and The 5-Star Motelles—practice and perform more regularly. 

Really, though, how can anyone NOT be in 10,000 bands. I'm in a ton, and I have ideas for 20 more. There are so many great musicians out there to work with. I can just see them, these pending bands, you know? Before they exist, I can imagine them, and then after a lot of visualization (and coordinating everyone's schedules and drinking beers together), they are made flesh.
 

you're also playing the low spirits super awesome acoustic nemesis show.  have any songs picked out?

Yeah. I knew what song I would have to do before I even signed on. "Figured You Out" by Nickelback. It's so damn misogynist, and it's sung by my least favorite kind of human being: the d-bag dude who wants to psychoanalyze and degrade his ex-girlfriend to prove his intelligence and masculinity. I HATE the song so much, I tried for two hours to find a song I disliked more just so I wouldn't have to do it. Nickelback is in that particular genre of soft rape rock that people who buy pre-torn jeans unite around. 

We're also doing "Like a G6" and a Limp Bizkit track. My sister hates that G6 song, but I love hip-hop and would (not so) secretly like to be a rapper, so I don't mind it. 


other than at shows, where can you buy the record? 

Well, it will be on CD Baby, on iTunes and in all the local shops. We just got it in Wednesday, so it won't be there yet. Give us a week.  

what do you think about digital music downloads?

Awesome. And if you make a good enough package, people will want your CD and merch too. But really, at this level, I just want people to hear us. As many people as possible. 
 
Since myspace isn't what it used to be, what social network site do you're fans respond to the most? 

FaceSpace, of course. But I think that's on its way out, too. Give it a couple more years, and then we'll have something else. Maybe direct friending and IMingimplanted in your eyeball.  

The drink tickets are mainly for the specials and well drinks,  what do you get with yours? 

Cape Cod. Or vodka and soda with lime and bitters.

Any plans to go on the road anytime soon?

Hell yeah! We went out some last year, but we'd really like to do some extensive touring in 2011. 2011! We're good on the road. It's a fun time. And it's the best way to travel. 

Thursday, November 5, 2009

I DIDN'T REALLY MOVE WITH MARTIN STAMPER








It's been a while since my last post, and it comes to us from Martin Stamper of Fast Heart Mart.  I had originally lost this interview and just recently found it in one of my folders. 



Was music a part of your decision to leave?


I really did not leave. I had to go on a vision quest and I will return. I love the Albuquerque scene. It's like ancient Egypt isolated for 3000 years without outside influence.... sort of?

 What do you miss most about Albuquerque?



It's cheap and Sunny.


Do you Visit? if so how often?

I have not been back in 2 months. 


Virginia is a long drive from Albuquerque, how long did it take? and what did you listen to on your way there? 


It took me 5 days and 70 gallons of veggie oil. I listened to the wind and Elvis when I went to Graceland.


where are your favorite places to play in your new city?


Farmer's markets. I'm learning banjo.



Do you have any songs about Albuquerque/NM?

Yes. Lots. "Cheap and Sunny",  "What to do in AL-bu-quer-que", 
"The White Man Stole This Land", "New Mexico", and probably others I'm not thinking of at the moment. 

 What was you last show like in Albuquerque?

Hazy.

Name a band you miss from Albuquerque?

The Handsome Family, The Old Main, Of God and Science, A Man About A Horse, Selsun Blue, Choke Cherry Ranch, Rob Nakai's various projects, Young Edward, way too many to mention and I hate forgetting to mention my favorites, but I always do. 

Name a band you are now turned on to in your new city?

None in the city. "The Virginia Ramblers" and "Hackensaw Bays" are in Virginia.

Ever plan on Returning?


YES; YES; YES; YES



Fast Heart Mart will be playing a show in Albuquerque (his first here in 6 months) on Saturday Night December 19th at 11 PM at The Guild Cinema 3405 Central NE before the midnight movie World Premiere of his New Zealand Tour Rockumentary titled "Put Me On An Island"! There will be a matinee showing of the film the next day, Sunday December 20th at noon. The admission for Saturday night is $7 and Sunday is $5. Both are all ages events.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

THE SHOWS I KNOW & MOOD SWINGS WITH BOBBY



This weeks post is a two-for-one deal.  I sent Bobby of Shoulder Voices two interviews to fill out, and he was happy to participate.


What are you thoughts on house parties? 


Are fun and sketchy.

Coffee shops? 



Are hangouts for pretentious losers.

Theaters? 



Are for movies if you are straight, and for plays if you are a gay.


Bars? 


Are much better now without the smoking, thank you very much.

Battles of the bands? 



Are for kids

Art spaces? 



Are worse than coffee shops.

Record Shops? 



Are there any left? If so, good luck with that.

Festivals? 



Are usually not run very well.

Open Mics? 



Fun! fun! fun! till the sound guy takes the microphone away.




In our next interview, Bobby spills on songs that conjure his emotions, in this weeks segment called "mood swings" 


Tell me the songs that make you




Laugh: most WEEN songs


Cry: The Beach Boys


Lazy: anything by Low, Slowdive, Mojave 3, Luna,


Try: two words, MARK MALLMAN


Happy: The Monkees


Sad: Unit 7 Drain


Angry: Pink Floyd The Wall


Glad: anything by the Gingerbread Patriots






Wednesday, September 23, 2009

THE JIST WITH NOELAN RAMIREZ








This is my second in-person interview, and it comes from Noelan Ramirez.  The interview took less than two minutes, because I ran out of questions to ask, and the launchpad was closing .  Noelan is currently the drummer for bands The Lowlights, The Fire Season and Bellemah.  The Lowlights are about to put of a full length album avalible september 28th on Darla records 




What bands are you in now?


Bellemah, Lowlights. and the Fire Season.


The new lowlights album is about to come out.  are you excited?


I am very excited.  I think it been a year and a half of recording, another year and a half of mixing, re-mixing, doing over dubs, chewing my nails and waiting for it to come out. It's finally coming out September 28th


Damien (Lowlights front man) moved to Los Angeles, do you guys still work on music?


I just visited Damien a month ago and we hung out. We took a little road trip to San Fransisco where we worked on music, Banjos, saw, all kinds of different instruments, hopefully I'll be going back soon.  We talk about once every other day or at least once a week.


Lowlights working on new material?


We haven't really discussed it yet. He has invited me to go out there anytime I want to start working on new material,  hopefully playing some shows here too.  


You have three bands and run a business, When do you have time for yourself?


I own one business (Owl Greens Music) where I usually go from 11 to 5 everyday, then I either go to The Black Bird Buvette or to The Launchpad. So i don't know, somewhere in there I'm able to squeeze in some personal time, but really I don't have much time.  I Golf, on Mondays I usally go to the driving range from eight to ten.



THE JIST WITH MARK E MOON









I sent Mark a Myspace message last night with questions about him and his music. Mark can be found in local bands The Hollow Lines, The Booty Green, Mark E Moon and  front man for Mei Long (before they broke up),


Here you are folks, short and sweet, mark e moon gives us the jist


what are you currently listening to?


Listening to Harmonia and Tangerins Dream's "Phaedra" at the same time. Links up perfectly!


If you could add one instrument to your band what would it be?


Little Phatty moog which is $1000 and way outta my range...


Your in multiple bands.  Is it hard to schedule practice?


Nope. I edit film and become dad at will...


how did you come up with the name hollow lines? mei long? and booty green? Mark E moon?


The Hollow Lines is a conversation/drug reference. Mei Long is the first dinosaur bone. The Booty Green is Sly Stones lime green cadillac.  Mark E Moon is a Television LP.


Name a couple of disbanded Albuquerque bands you would like to see reunite. 


Jealous Gods, Smoke Rings, Mei Long


Is stage fright a problem?


Yes. I like bourbon.


Name a dead musician you would like to see live.


John Lennon and Sky Saxon


what kind of movie do you see your music being the soundtrack to?


Vanishing Point


When's the record coming out?


Hopefully soon! SEAN WHERE ARE YOU?


Downtown usually gives the bands free drink tickets,  what do you order?


Makers Mark.


any weird show rituals?


We kiss a cross before every show...God sail with us and all who sail with us!!!! sailors rule.

MOOD SWINGS WITH DAVID JORDAN






laugh, cry, lazy, try, happy, sad, angry, glad.   


These are the topics of todays post, which come to us from David Jordan of Yeti Hands.  This new segment focuses on a list of songs that we associate with these certain emotions. Here is Dave's list of songs that have that affect on him.   


Laugh:


cap'n jazz - "take on me" - tim kinsella tries so hard to hit those high notes, tries so very very hard. it rules.

Cry: 


penfold - "i will take you everywhere" - this song always hits hard at the low times in my life. it gives me that dropped feeling in my stomach even when i'm feeling good.

Lazy: 


anything by pavement. 

Try: 


glassjaw - "tip your bartender"/"mu empire" - these two songs are a killer psych up combo, great opening tracks. it makes me ride my bike really fast.

Happy: 


the weakerthans - "aside" - this is one of my favorite songs of all time. it's a song about being flawed, run over, and slightly broken. but being proud of your battle scars. 

Sad:


I can't decide, so i'll name two. the beatles - "eleanor rigby"/mono - "yearning" - eleanor rigby is one of the saddest songs of all time. paul mccartney gets a bad rap, well, for basically not being john lennon. but lennon never wrote a song as affective as this. and mono, UGH, i think being japanese gives this band some post rock superpowers. i defy anyone to see this band play this song live and not be blown away. 

Angry:


 i can't think of anything in particular. but you know when a band is totally awesome, and you love them to death? and then they put out an album that just sucks and you can't get into? yeah, that makes me angry. 

Glad:


my chemical romance - the black parade lp. yes, that's right. my chemical romance. why does this album make me glad? well, because of it's association with eyeliner, i avoided it for many many years, but lo and behold, it's actually a really good album. so i'm glad i finally decided to check it out.



You can catch Yeti hands live at The Launchpad on October 16th with the Oktober peopleBellini, and Grave of nobody's darling 









Wednesday, September 9, 2009

THE JIST WITH NATE SANTAMARIA


This post is my first in-person interview, and was super stoked it was with Nate Santamaria of Excalico.  Nate performed live yesterday at the launchpad with Yourself and the air, Mark E Moon and Bellemah to which Nate played a awesome set.   After the show, and with plenty of Miller High Life in my tummy I approched Nate while he was loading his gear.  We had both had a little too much of the creature, and with my trusty I phone slured a few questions in his direction. 


So Nate,  I understand that you changed your band name to excalico. why is that?

 
Some asshole, whoever copyrights shit, took every spelling of calico possible.  I was at a show and this guy Bud Melvin who's in a bunch of great bands said "you should change your name to Excalico", and I said "that's a fucking great idea",  Because you know there are so many bands out there that are "ex this, we use to be this". So I decided I used to be Calico. Now I'm Excalico.  So fuck it.

Your the front man for The Oktober People,  why did you start Calico?

I started Calico because I've been prevalent in the fact that I love pop music, and for some reason pop music has a bad name.
 The Oktober people doesn't want to play straight up pop music, but that's not a bad thing that they don't want to play pop music, that's fine, but I do.  I also gained an affinity for loop sampling and building my own song live, which is the funnest thing in the whole world,  and sometimes I fuck up, you know? and shit happens.  So next question.


What kind of drinks do you prefer when your playing a show?

I prefer whiskey on the rocks, Jameson I guess, and Tecate is always cool. but who cares about drinks?   I care about drinks when I'm nervous, I have this bowel thing going on,  sometimes I get to a bar an I'm like "Man I have to take a big ol crap",  And it sucks because my bowels act up when I get to a show and think "OH man I have to crap in this bar?  God This Sucks".

How often do you practice in Excalico as opposed to The Oktober People?

About the same amount,  but if I'm practicing for Excalico It's usually for six or seven hours.  It's pretty tedious, I get there around noon or something and leave at seven, but if I smoke or drink I'll be there longer.

Do you prefer House shows, bars, all ages shows, or theaters?

I guess I prefer house parties the most because it's kids, it's devious, and everyone is breaking the law

What kind of crowd are you looking for?

Where everyone is breaking the law.

How did you come up with the name Calico?

I heard a song by a band that I really liked  and I thought they sang a certain lyric,  and I was like "Calico yeah, Come on Calico".  They weren't singing  that lyric.