Saturday, June 11th, 2011
Location: Sacramento, CA
Genre: Folk
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Download/Purchase: on iTunes!
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Tuesday, May 31st, 2011
This is a video we filmed with Sister Crayon at Bottom of the Hill. Enjoy this acoustic version of their song In Reverse.
Friday, August 20th, 2010
Myspace: http://myspace.com/seaofbees
Twitter: http://twitter.com/seaofbees
What’s the origin of the band name? Have you changed the band’s name before?
Well? I played in my hometown Sacto, California and I would usually do a lot of house shows.. and for a good time I would call myself SEA OF BEERZ. But it was only because my friends and I were just having a nice time. I was in a band at the time called Find Me Fighting Them for realz so SEA OF BEES wasn’t something I was totally ready to focus on.
How long have you been playing? Self-taught?
Several Yrs, to this day.. Thank You, Self Taught.. I mean I am no Van Halen or any of that sort of shit, I have never been really into covering songs and learning that way. I learned by just listening and watching. I learned my first song when I was 16 it was Forth Figure who was a local band. “oh my God You turned your eyes.” Steph this girl sang it and her brother played acoustic I wanted to be that good someday.. so I tried.
Who are your major influences? Any major comparisons to certain bands that your music may receive?
Oh god I love Jeremy Enigk, I heard of him through my old best friend at the time, her boyfriend was real into him. So I fell in love with Enigks passion and fire in his voice. He is like a mystic to me. I get Kate Bush dunno her.. uh portishead dunno them, some other people I just don’t no.. kinda don’t care.
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?
Well? I just started playing with this girl and now once in awhile a band. I met James Neil the drummer through my producer and friend John Baccigalupppi from (TAPE OP). James came in on last minute days for 2 hours and did fast one to two take tracks pretty rad dude.. he’s a machine!
Bryce is my friend who works with John Baccigaluppi he makes “THE BRYCE TUBE AMPS.” We became good friends and he volunteered to help out.
Amber was a sweet meet.. John heard about her through some friends and she sang in a band called “Spider Silk Dress.” John thought it would be awesome to have her help out.. She was perfect! Now we are like doing the duo thing.. Experimenting!
FRIENDZZZZZZ.
What can you tell me about your instruments? What made you choose the instruments you have now?
Experimenting, John would let me record my skeletons of the songs then we would just use most things we were curious about. Like John would suggest things and I would try them and we would work them out dynamically on the songs… PRETTY AWESOME TO TRY NEW THINGS!!!
Where have you performed? What are your favorite venues in the Bay Area?
I dunno so many places already… Plus I forget so quickly..
Uh.. Bottom of the hill.
the woods in oregon.. uh
thats all i remember :: ) for now.
What albums are you currently listening to and would like to recommend?
Beach House
What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
Sex, drugs, Love, alcohol.
What inspired you to write “Wizbot”?
Oh love and not getting what you want.. or feeling you will never be happy cause you cant have it, cause you were told it was wrong? yes this.
What inspired you to write “Gnomes”?
My friends Jo and Alexa they are like my muses. they are fairy tale creaturez.
Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
Experiences. life.. love. things above.
How has your music evolved since you first began playing music?
I’ve learned what I want and don’t want. DYNAMICS.
What has been your biggest challenge as a musician?
Getting over myself.
What are your future plans for your music?
Helping people and standing up for what I love and believe in. Live life and inspire.
What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
Don’t try so fucking hard and do what you love. Be honest, be true… just be yourself.
READ TAPE OP!! THEIRS SOME COOL SHIT IN THERE.
Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
TAPE OP AND CROSSBILL RECORDS AND RIOT ACT MEDIA!!!!!!
Any last words?
I love kitties.
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”.
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
