Thursday, July 29th, 2010
Artist: Tre Burt Myspace: www.myspace.com/treburt
Please list the name and respective instrument of each band member.
-Tre Burt: Vocals, Guitar, Banjo, Uke, Piano -Mallory Gee: BGVs, Piano, Shakers -George Rios: Percussions
*How would you describe your music? Do you ever receive any comparisons to certain bands? Who are your major influences?
I describe my music as storyteller-folk with an emphasis in scenic indie. But yeah I’ve gotten a few comparisons to Brett Dennen,Damien Rice, Jack Johnson, and Sufjan Stevens…which happen to be most of my major influences ha. But I also really dig Dylan, Springsteen, Bon Iver, Broken Social Scene, The Most Serene Republic, and Andrew Bird. But I really respect Broken Social Scene’s ability to keep everything fresh and creative. You won’t find a single song of theirs that sound like the other, which is what I strive for the most, among other things. Besides their last album…that one headed south in my opinion.
*How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?
I’ve known Mallory since high school. I used to play her my new songs to get her opinion till one day I found out she has a freakin’ amazing voice, so naturally I asked her to join my little project. It’s actually pretty funny how George came into the picture. I was supposed to play this gig in Davis and the manager already had two solo acts going and wanted to close with a band (myself). At the time I didn’t have a band, but Mark Geary (a friend of Damien Rice) came out from Ireland and was on the bill so I was determined to find a drummer for the show. After weeks of trying to find a drummer, I heard George play with this band at a show I was doing one night, and no doubt it was amazing enough to catch my ear. So I talked him into doing the show with me and the rest is history.
*When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?
I started out writing music by myself about 3 and a half years ago under the name “Mister Winter”. Shortly after I dropped that name to start another project with a friend called “The Noble Shy”. It didn’t take too long to figure out that the band wasn’t going to float, so finally in mid 2009 I went solo again to “Tre Burt and a Big Gust of Wind” where soon Mallory and George became the “Big Gust of Wind” part. We are all inspired by creativity and the idea of creation. Having a central focus of inspiration makes it easy to mesh our abilities.
*Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?
No I don’t have a record label or belong to any music organizations, it’s too complicated of a time in my life right now to belong to a label. But hopefully the near future holds some prizes.
*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 a style/model/brand/color preference?
Whatever’s cheapest, man. Any instrument that comes my way that doesn’t sound too bad I’ll use. I got lucky on my guitar though, it was a gift so it’s pretty nice. It’s a standard electric acoustic Yamaha. My banjo is another gift that my friend’s father got from a garage sale in the 70’s. It was pretty trashy but I saw that thing as a jewel and fixed it all up, gave it new strings, polished it and now its good as new. And recently I just bought a new ukulele that I found at a music store in Mexico. It cost $55, but I saw the same exact one in America for $132…awesome, right?
*Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
I’ve performed at just about every venue you can think of in Sacramento. My favorite venue however is Sophia’s Thai Kitchen in Davis and Luigi’s Fungarden In Sac. Least favorite…probably coffee shops. Those damn espresso machines throw off the mood. Also the Artisan in Orangevale, CA. That place is very awkward. As for upcoming shows, I’m going on KDVS and KSSU radio soon for a couple of radio shows. I’m also hosting an annual house show that I have called “The Fire-Side Show” on July 18th. Autumn Sky and I are mostly likely touring this summer with Katie Costello up to Seattle and back.
What albums are you currently listening to and would like to recommend?
I’m currently listening to Bon Iver’s side project, “Volcano Choir”. But I can never get tired of The Most Serene Republic’s “Phages”. Sickest EP ever. Lastly, Kevin Drew’s “The Spirit if…” and Sufjan Steven’s “A Sun Came!”. I recommend all those albums if you are looking for creativity.
*Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?
I’m always eager to play my new songs for crowds to get a vibe of the song. Right now I’ve been playing “Music From the House Next Door” a lot, which is a fairly new song. Very seldom do I play cover songs on the count of that I really don’t know that many.
*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 actually use an app on my iphone to write my songs…Just kidding. I’m too poor to own an iphone. Anyways, I write my own songs. It’s what I love most the music making process. I find myself writing about discovery/self-discovery a lot. That, or stories about other people. Fictional stories that probably reflect a little of my own feelings into them.
*Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
On any ordinary day, I’ll be having a conversation with someone or listening to someone speak, and eventually they’ll say a couple of consecutive words that catch my interest. Once this happens, I’ll write said phrase down on my arm and save it for a future song title. Next, I’ll be messing around on my guitar and eventually stumble upon a part I like. I’ll play through that a couple of times and a melody will pop in my head along with a set of random words or phrase. And sometimes I’ll build the song entirely off that phrase. I usually drive out somewhere to write songs, somewhere secluded. I’ve written 98% of my songs at night under the moon.
*What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
Our rehearsals are pretty chill. We’ll just play through a set-list for a show coming up or any other song that we’re not completely polished on. We usually practice twice a week due to personal complications so for the most part they are pretty spontaneous.
*How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
It has evolved tremendously. My abilities at the guitar have increased, which enables me to play more intricate and detailed songs. Also, my voice has seasoned throughout the years, letting me have a wider range and singing my own style.
*What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
Right now, the biggest challenge is that we are all splitting in different directions very soon. Mallory is moving back to Utah and I’m moving down to San Fran in a couple of weeks. Unfortunately the current band is breaking up and I’ll have to find new musicians. But when I do, the challenge will be overcome.
Do you get nervous before a performance?
Oddly enough, I only get nervous when I play in front of the people closest to me. Large crowds or strangers are no problem…but close friends…damn.
Were you influenced by old records & tapes? Which ones?
Dylan’s “Blood on the Tracks” and “New Morning” are amazing.
*What’s your ultimate direction for your band?
Touring around different and foreign countries, meeting new people, and sharing music. Ideally, that’s all that I could ask for.
*What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
Keep in mind of why you started your band, and what you want to do with it. A band is not a band without direction.
*How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
I’ll be posting my music on the web as soon as I stop procrastinating. But for now, the best place to listen to my music is this place:www.myspace.com/treburt
Which famous musicians do you admire?
Thom Yorke for doing everything by himself, Damien Rice for his humility, Kevin Drew for his creativity, and Bob Dylan for his tenaciousness.
*Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
Yes of course. Brian Parkhurst for recording all of my earlier stuff for free, and letting me borrow his loop pedal all the time. Wesley Jensen and the Wildcats for recording my ep, “Paraplui”, for dirt cheap. My brother, Joseph, for getting me into music and getting me into the guitar. And to all my friends who give me criticisms and suggestions.
*Any last words?
In a quote from Almost Famous: “I dig music”.
Wednesday, July 28th, 2010
We had a chance to catch up with The Famous, from San Francisco, CA! Check out their video and an interview below!
What’s the origin of the band name?
‘The Famous’ is the name of a dry goods store in Central Texas that my family operated in a small town called Marlin. We’re talking from the ‘20s to the early ‘80s.
In our own way, we try to pay homage to life in small towns in America, and also to help folks remember that there was a time before Wal-Mart ran Mom and Pops out of business in agricultural areas across the country.
There have always been strong communities of people working together in our country and we try to tell those stories.
How long have you been all been playing?
The band’s players have all been lifelong musicians. Vic our lead guitarist can play anything, any instrument, he’s outstanding. G.D. our
bassist toured for years in a very successful punk rock band and brings a true pro experience to the band. Our drummer Chris is the backbone. My background is with storytelling.
Who are your major influences? Any major comparisons to certain bands that your music may receive?
Since we are something of a marriage between classic country and punk rock… we are definitely influenced by the likes of Buck Owens, Johnny Cash, X and The Pixies. People say they hear Rev. Horton Heat, Social Distortion, Old ‘97s, Modest Mouse influences… and they’re right.
How long have you all known each other? How did you meet? When did you form your band?
I’m taking the easy way out… we met 7 years ago, but the story is best told here…
“You can pound your fist on my front door / But it’s been too long, I don’t need you anymore.” Laurence Scott sings the opening line of “Better Things,” from the Famous’ 2005 debut Light, Sweet Crude, like he really means it. He might be singing about an old lover, an old friend — heck, even an old car — but the line could just as well be a kiss-off to the staid country and Americana his band seems all too happy to leave behind in a cloud of dust.
Mix that with the exhaust fumes of a 1965 Ford Galaxie — the four-wheeled talisman that led to the formation of the band in 2003 when Victor Barclay (lead guitar, vocals) spotted Scott (lead vocals, acoustic guitar) and his ride outside a Bay Area laundromat and remarked that he owned the very same car — and you get an idea of what the Famous is all about. To put it another way: take the ‘50s-era country of Hank Williams, Sr. and filter it through ‘70s punk rock, ‘80s psychobilly, and ‘90s post-punk. You’ll find yourself staring eye-to-eye with San Francisco’s own “Pixies in a cowboy hat.”
The band’s latest, 2010’s Come Home to Me, finds Scott and Barclay refining Light, Sweet Crude. They’ve perfected their signature
raw-country-meets-post-punk sound while maturing some of the more manic elements that made their debut such a bold statement.
Do you have a record label?
We self release our albums as Leading Brand Records. (the alternative to the alternative)
Where have you performed? What are your favorite venues in the Bay Area?
Bottom of the Hill, Café Du Nord and Thee Parkside have become our true homes in the Bay Area. We play all around Northern California, but those San Francisco clubs are home. We’ve also played festivals in Colorado and NXNE in Toronto.
Coming up on August 27th, The Famous open the show for SF honky tonk stalwart Red Meat’s CD Release Party at Café Du Nord.
What albums are you currently listening to and would like to recommend?
We’ve been listening mostly to bands we’ve played shows with recently including Drag the River, The Toadies who have a brand new album ‘Feeler’ and the NickelSlots, a very cool band we played with at their hometown club, Old Ironsides in Sacramento.
What are your rehearsals generally like?
We rehearse at least once a week and it is usually a five-hour session of working on new songs, a few classic country covers and staying sharp on our songs.
What’s the ultimate direction for the band?
We hope to keep finding audiences and bands who appreciate our approach and want to join in at our shows.
What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
It’s really simple… just have fun.
Tuesday, July 27th, 2010
We had a chance to catch up with The Shants from Oakland, CA. Check out their music here!
http://www.myspace.com/theshantsmusic
What’s the origin of the band name?
The Shants has taken on new meaning as we’ve grown into the name. It started as a reference to something that is antiquated and has fallen out of use in everyday life, but is a very strong statement (the contraction for “shall not”) or something that is awkward and probably a poor choice for most people (those short pants that only bike messengers can pull off). Then we discovered that its also British slang for a drunk person, or a verb meaning to get drunk… which applies to more than a few of our songs. In the end, it has different meanings for each of us – there is no right definition. Sam insists that it means “shit pants”.
How long have you been all been playing? Self-taught?
We’ve all been playing since we were teenagers. Carver and I are self taught. Sam has been playing pedal steel for 10 years, but sometimes takes lessons from a gentleman in the South Bay to stay sharp.
Who are your major influences? Any major comparisons to certain bands that your music may receive?
Our influences differ: I listen to a lot of folk & blues like Nick Drake and RL Burnside. Carver listens to a lot of soul (like Sam Cooke), but he also works at Rasputin so he hears all the new indie stuff before it comes out. Adam is a big jazz buff – he loves the work of Peter Erskine and Brian Blade. Sam mostly leans towards country in all its colors, from Buck Owens to Son Volt.
We get compared to folks like Josh Rouse, Richard Buckner, Iron & Wine, Son Volt.
How long have you all known each other? How did you meet? When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?
Last summer, I started writing songs after a creative hiatus. Sam and I go to the same gym. We had both been “retired” from live music for 5 years or so. I brought a handful of songs to him, just to have something to jam together with… as I am generally not good at singing other peoples’ songs. That handful of songs quickly grew into a few albums’ worth. Carver came through mutual friends in bands like Treluna, Port O’Brien, Grand Lake. Adam found us the old fashioned way – Craigslist. Ahem.
Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?
Our demo EP, Russian River Songs, was released on a micro-label based in Portland called High Scores & Records. They generally do digital-only releases, but they do some vinyl and tape as well. Its an eclectic mix of sounds that’s really refreshing. We’re a member of BMI.
What can you tell me about your instruments? What made you choose the instruments you have now?
I tend to be attracted to instruments that have some kind of severe flaw. I’m not sure what that says about my subconscious. My main guitar is a 1953 Harmony Archtop – the kind of guitar one might have ordered out of a Sears catalog. The wood is paper thin, and it has been through some real shit. I found it in a junk shop in New Orleans. It had a makeshift bridge made out of piping and some glued together nickels. Its beat up for sure, but it sounds sweet when it wants to. Carver plays a vintage Peavey bass, which is only because his Fender was stolen from the alley by the Hemlock Tavern a few years back. I don’t know what kind of drums Adams plays, because he’s always changing them. Sam plays a double-neck Emmons Lashley LeGrande II pedal steel with a C6 neck. Hauling that thing around is like pushing a Buick up a hill with only 3 wheels.
Where have you performed? What are your favorite in the Bay Area? Anyone I should talk or speak to so that their venue/open mic/project can receive more exposure? Do you have any upcoming shows?
We tend to play regionally more than in Oakland: Sacramento, Chico, Sonoma County, Davis. We haven’t played in the Bay Area enough to really have a favorite, but if we had to go on the basis of the sound setup and staff, it’d be a tie between the New Parish and the Hemlock.
What albums are you currently listening to and would like to recommend?
Sam listens to Son Volt’s Trace a lot. Carver and I love the new Beach House record.
Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?
We have a core set list of 10 songs that we sometimes augment with new stuff, or random covers like Fleetwood Mac’s Dreams or We Drink on the Job by Earlimart. I’m kind of a nerd in that I prefer to have our setlists typed and printed before each show, when possible. Part of it is practical (I have horrible vision in the dark) and part of it is because I’m over-organized.
What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs?
Our songs seem to center around a few themes: long drives, South Louisiana, longing, the various towns we visit. Most of them are letters to places or people that we care about.
Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
It’ll start with a song fragment, which usually come to me as I am walking around Oakland or San Francisco. I’ll take that fragment to the guys during practice (usually before I have all the lyrics or song title down). The guys throw their individual flavors in… Sam usually brings the slow, sentimental-yet sorta indifferent vibe. Adam brings a pretty laid back, lazy and sunny beat. Carver is all about melody and groove. The result is a pretty even mix of our respective colors and textures, based on where we grew up and how we look at music.
What are some challenges you may face playing at a new venue and not knowing what the sound will be like?
We’re lucky in that we’re a pretty versatile band, as far as gear goes. We’re generally pretty quiet, but can be loud if we need to. We play a lot of different venues, from clubs to house shows… so as long as they have some sort of PA, we’ll be fine. A floor monitor is always nice, but we’re not picky.
What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
We generally practice once a week. We generally run through our set twice, work on a new song or two, then knock off around 1030pm and get pizza & beer at Lanesplitters on Telegraph, which is down the street from our practice space…. That seems to be our routine.
How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
We started playing these songs in a very straightforward, simple way. As we have grown as a band over these 10 months or so, we began to really explore the space in the songs… either by playing less and allowing more breathing room, or by extending other passages to allow for more dynamics.
What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
Its been pretty easy for us, really. One aspect of our band is that all of us work full time and have busy lives, so we have come to an agreement that, yes playing music is a lot of fun, but we each have responsibilities and loved ones that we’d like to spend time with. I feel we have found a really great balance… or often merge the two when we can. That becomes a real problem for bands who don’t understand what is really important in life.
How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
You can find us on iTunes, Myspace, Facebook and YouTube. We also keep a Tumblr blog which we update pretty regularly from the road:theshants.tumblr.com
Pictures by Shannon Claire
http://shannonclaire.b-sideimages.com/ and Lauren Wiest
Thursday, July 22nd, 2010
Johanna of First Aid Kit was nice enough to take some time to answer some questions about their music, future plans, and some of their major influences. If you haven’t heard their magnificent cover of Tiger Mountain, Peasant Song by The Fleet Foxes yet, be sure to search for it on Youtube. They are playing Bottom of the Hill on October 3rd!
What’s the origin of that name?
When Klara was 13 she started thinking about making music, inspired by Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes. She looked through an English dictionary and randomly found the word “First Aid Kit”. She liked it and went with it. When we formed a band together we decided to stick with it. We want our music to be a consolation for people. A plaster for the soul.
Have you changed the band’s name before?
No. We wanted to be called “Yellow Bird” for a while, but we found out that there was another band called that.
How long have you been playing? Self-taught?
Klara – guitar. Klara has been playing since she was 13, so for 4 years. She is self-taught, but got a little help in the beginning from our father who is a professional guitarist.
Johanna – keyboard and auto-harp. I have been playing keyboard and autoharp for 2 years. I’m self-taught.
Who are your major influences?
Bright Eyes, Joanna Newsom, Leonard Cohen, Simon & Garfunkel, Townes Van Zandt, Devendra Banhart, Bob Dylan, Karen Dalton and many more.
Any major comparisons to certain bands that your music has received?
We’re often compared to the Fleet Foxes. I think the main reason is that we did a cover of their song “Tiger Mountain Peasant Song”, but also because of the importance of harmonies in our music. We are also compared to Alela Diane a lot and I can definitely see similarities there.
When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?
We formed in 2007. Klara had been writing some songs under the pseudonym “First Aid Kit” on Myspace that year. I recorded harmonies for the demo of her song “Tangerine”. She really liked what she heard and we decided to make music together after that.
Do you have a record label?
Yes, we have our own record label called Jagadamba. We have licensed our music to the British label Wichita Recordings.
Where have you performed? What are your favorite venues?
We’ve performed a lot in Europe – Scandinavia, the UK, Germany, France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Spain, Italy etc. We also recently did a tour of the US. Our favorite venues are many. Among others, we love The Union Chapel in London, King Tut’s in Glasgow, Södra Teatern in Stockholm and Tavastia in Helsinki.
What albums are you currently listening to and would like to recommend?
Stars and Angels – Turid, Have One On Me – Joanna Newsom, Album II – Loudon Wainwright III.
Which songs do you perform most frequently?
Hard Believer, I Met Up With The King, You’re Not Coming Home Tonight
Do you ever play any covers?
Yes, we play Tiger Mountain Peasant Song by Fleet Foxes and Still Feeling Blue by Gram Parsons. We also perform Universal Soldier by Buffy Sainte-Marie sometimes. We love playing other people’s songs.
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?
Some songs are written by Klara only. Some songs are written by the two of us. We want to tell stories with our songs. Common themes are love, relationships, nature, religion. I have no idea if these topics will change, let’s wait and see. We write whatever feels good in the moment, we don’t really plan what to write about.
Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
The music-making process is very difficult to describe. It’s often very spontaneous – a songs just “pops” up in our heads.
What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
When we were only a duo performing live our rehearsals were more spontaneous since we could rehearse at home whenever we wanted. Now we have to set up certain times each week when we practice with our drummer at different rehearsing spaces.
How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
I feel that our music is always evolving, I hope it is for the better. I don’t know how our it has evolved exactly, it’s hard to tell. I know we have become better singers and I’m better at harmonizing now than I was in the past.
Were you influenced by old records & tapes? Which ones?
Yes, we love old American folk like The Carter Family, The Louvin Brothers and Bill Monroe. We also love Swedish 70′s music like Turid and Anders F Rönnblom.
What’s your ultimate direction for your band?
We don’t really have an ultimate direction or a set goal. We just wish to be able to continue making music for as long as possible. We hope to make music that we and other people can enjoy. It’s that simple.
Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
Our parents, without them we would not be here. They are incredibly supportive, both financially and emotionally.
Any last words?
World peace.
First Aid Kit US Tour
9/30 – Seattle, WA – Vera Project
10/1 – Portland, OR – Doug Fir Lounge
10/3 – San Fransisco, CA – Bottom of The Hill
10/4 – Los Angeles, CA – Largo at the Coronet
10/5 – Los Angeles, CA – Echo
10/9 – Austin, TX – Austin City Limits
10/11 – Nashville, TN – The End
10/13 – Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall
10/15 – Toronto, ON – El Mocambo
10/16 – Montreal, QC – Le Divan Orange
10/17 – Allston, MA – Great Scott
10/19 – Philadelphia, PA Johnny Brenda’s
10/20 – Washington, DC – DC9
Friday, July 2nd, 2010
By Elsie Campisi
*Please list the name and respective instrument of each band member.
Autumn Sky, as herself, playing guitar, ukulele, autoharp and the occasional everything else.
*How would you describe your music? Do you ever receive any comparisons to certain bands? Who are your major influences?
It’s retro-inspired folk-pop, the kind that’s designed to put a smile on your face. I hear a lot of comparisons to bands like A Fine Frenzy, She & Him and Regina Spektor. I’d like to think that everything I listen to, see and enjoy influences me a little bit, but I’d like to give major shout outs to my musical heroes: June Carter Cash, Edith Piaf, Billie Holiday and The Supremes.
*How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?
I’ve been playing shows for four years, I met my guitar when I was fifteen.
*When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?
I started playing as myself, or at least professionally, about four years ago now. Just little gigs, like coffee shops and open mics. And then I just kind of caught the bug. It was so much fun for me, and so inspiring. Every show was like a new adventure.
*Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?
I’m currently signed to Cinemalight Music Group.
*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 think if I ever got a new guitar I’d stay within my Taylor and Martin love affair, but I have toyed with the idea of getting a Gibson. I think they’re lovely guitars. And someday I’d love a pale turquoise electric Stratocaster, but alas I think that’s just a wish at this point. My ukuleles have been pretty inexpensive up to this point (ie, pretty cheap,) but I still like the sound of what I’ve found with Makalas. I don’t have a lot to work with in the money department, so I find what works and if it doesn’t, I make it. And my Autoharp is just something that was given to me by a friend when I told him how much I loved June Carter (thanks, GP!)
*Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
I’ve performed in so many places, especially in Sacramento. I don’t think I have any least favorites, but I know that True Love Coffeehouse, Luigi’s Fungarden, Old Ironsides, Beatnik Studios and The Boardwalk will always hold a bit of my heart.
What albums are you currently listening to and would like to recommend?
I’m listening to a lot of Donovan right now, he’s kind of my musical crush at the moment. I like how we are both swayed to right happier tunes, it makes me feel less like a gigantic nerd. I’m also listening to Nighttiming, by Coconut Records. Jason Schwartzman really makes me smile and he’s got such an early for catchy, indie pop melodies. His songs make my heart sing.
*Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?
I play Rockets!, Bad Blood, Chocolate, Katie, You’re A Hero and Thanks, Mr Skerzick a lot. I feel like, at this point in my musical life, those are kind of the standards. They’re older, which means that more people have heard them, and it’s fun to get everyone involved at a show with a song they’ve grown to love. I do like to play covers; I bust out Ooh, Child by The Five Stairsteps and Leaving on a Jet Plane by John Denver every so often, and lately I’ve been working on covers of Catch The Wind by Donovan, and As Tears Go By by the Rolling Stones. And no set play list for me — I would be bored in three shows and would immediately want to quit. Changing up the set list is a must for me because I have a lot of new songs, all the time, and I like to give them breathing room even if they aren’t on an album yet.
*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 everything, the music and the lyrics are just by-products of my over active imagination. I feel like when I first started I wrote love songs a lot. But I’ve really pushed myself over the last year or so to become a stronger songwriter and not just rely on romanticism. I’m more than just romantic, anyway! I’m fun, I’m a deep thinker, I can be strongwilled and I have a sarcastic sense of humor. I really want to give those facets of me a turn as well. And yes, I certainly hope that they change over time. I think my songs will follow the pattern of my growth into further maturity, hopefully becoming more mature, too. Not more boring, mind you; just more enriching and captivating and better constructed. Anyway, I hope so. Fingers crossed.
*Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
I usually work on a lot of songs all at once. I keep a little recorder by my bed and one in my purse in case I think of something while I’m dreaming or while I’m on the go, and I always have something to write with and write on. My songs take a few weeks to think of, but only minutes to get on paper. I generally am stuck on an idea or a riff for a long time, and then one day inspiration will hit me and I’ll have it down very, very quickly. I kind of look at it like “creative pregnancy,” where the idea has to take some time to grow into a song.
*What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
I rehearse whenever I have time to take out my guitar and play. I always practice before shows, and I warm up right before getting on stage so that my fingers are used to the picking patterns I play in some songs. But I’ve never put a marker on my calendar and gone “this is the day I practice.” It’s just whenever the spirit moves me.
*How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
I feel like it’s gotten much more audience involved, and that’s wonderful. When I began it was much more about me, and I got tired of that after awhile. Being able to talk to and laugh with the audience while you’re both enjoying music is a lot more enriching than just being stared at for an hour. And it’s definitely gotten more defined. When I started I feel like, musically, I was all over the map. One song was blues, one song was jazz, one song was pop. Lately I feel like everything I write has a lot more in common with the rest of my work, and that’s a nice change cause now I don’t have to worry about coming across as a bipolar folk-pop songwriter. And the songs I write now are more mindful of my voice, too. I’m a trained jazz singer, and I like songs that give me room to not just say words, but really sing.
*What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
The schedule is really grueling, and it always has been. Now that I’m older I have a lot more responsibilities and jobs, and balancing my shows with all of that has been a feat. Every so often I just break down, I get so tired and stressed out, but then my shows always pick me right back up. I think that’s how you know you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing; I really look forward to playing, and it re-energizes me completely.
Do you get nervous before a performance?
You know, from a girl who used to have stage fright, I actually don’t. I’m much more anticipatory than nervous!
Were you influenced by old records & tapes? Which ones?
I worshipped Diana Ross when I was younger, listening to the oldies station. And I grew up listening to Cat Stevens, Carole King, John Denver, and Bob Marley. Even now I think my main influences are people who were big names in their day, but not so much anymore: June Carter Cash, Edith Piaf, Billie Holiday, Linda Rondstat, Marianne Faithful, Santo y Jonny, The Beach Boys, Peter, Paul and Mary…the list seriously could go on forever. Records are very nostalgic and romantic to me and the above mentioned are absolutely beautiful.
*What’s your ultimate direction for your band?
I want to keep making music that makes people smile and dance and love eachother. Music has been such a gift to myself, and it’s only fair that I should pass that on to other people. If that takes me bigger places, that’s wonderful; I can share this with so many people. But if not, at least I spent my life on something that made a positive change in the world, even if it was only for an hour’s set.
*What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
Be true to yourself, there is only one in the world and there never will be another. Don’t let other people tell you how to be or what to write about. Remember that what you make comes from a pure source — yourself! — and everything you do will be authentic.
*How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
My first album, All Which Isn’t Singing, is available for sale on Amazon.com and Itunes. 
Which famous musicians do you admire?
Connor Oberst, Ryan Adams, Regina Spektor, Kate Miller-Heidke, Kate Nash and Brett Dennen are doing some good things in the music world.
*Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
My friends and my family and my fans, of course. I love you guys, thank you.
*Any last words?
If it makes you smile, take it and run.
Find more music by Autumn Sky at the following links:
http://www.myspace.com/autumnskymyspace
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Autumn-Sky/34014118758
http://twitter.com/autumnskymusic
http://www.youtube.com/autumnskymusic
All pictures by Elsie Campisi of Tuff Teal Photography
