Hiya Alex, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
Thanks for having me.
Tell us a bit about where you are from and how you got into music.
I grew up in a small town north of Moline, Illinois, and I live in the Quad Cities now. The first album I bought was Candyass by Orgy. It made me want to play and write music. From there I found bands like Deadsy, then worked backward to The Cure, Joy Division and New Order. One band and genre led to another, and I’m still following those hundreds of connections nearly 30 years later.
What’s the live music scene like in the Quad Cities right now?
It’s pretty mixed. You’ll find punk, metal, indie and experimental bands sharing venues and audiences. I like that there isn’t one sound everybody is trying to fit into.
Anyone we should be looking out for, besides you?
King of the Weirdos and Halfloves are playing our album release show with us. We’ve also played with Nonnie Parry, Strange News and Mirabilia, who are all worth checking out.
What are your thoughts on all this talk about “indie poo” going round social media?
I’ve completely missed that one, so I probably shouldn’t pretend to have a strong opinion on it.
What’s the biggest thing you hate having to do to showcase your music?
Most of the promotion, honestly. I’d rather spend that time writing, recording or playing. The hardest part is telling people they should listen to us without sounding like we’re congratulating ourselves. But people do need a way to find the music, so we do the work.
What are your ambitions for the band?
To keep finding time to write together, make records and play shows. We’d like the music to reach people who connect with it, whether they’re down the road or on the other side of the world.
What’s your view on the music industry today?
It’s good that we can make and release a record ourselves. It also means there’s a lot to do once the music is finished. I try to keep my attention on the parts I can actually control: the songs, the shows and how we present the band.
What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned recently as you progress with your music?
How much work comes after you finish recording. The artwork, videos, physical release, booking and promotion have all taken real time. It’s made me appreciate getting back into a room together and just playing.
What’s currently in your ears and on rotation?
Lately it’s been Within the Realm of a Dying Sun by Dead Can Dance, Songs of Faith and Devotion by Depeche Mode, and Resurrection Through Carnage by Bloodbath.
What was your worst experience on stage? Any funny stories to share?
Nothing disastrous enough to make a good story, thankfully. We may have to rehearse an accidental-looking stage mishap just so I have an answer when we get this question again.
Any fun stories from life on the road?
The moments I remember are usually after a show, when we’ve loaded everything out and are trying to find somewhere that’s still serving food. Usually lots of dumb inside jokes that are funny to us but wouldn’t be funny in this interview response. Plus, I don’t remember any of them.
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
“Lost Literature” comes out October 2, along with a video. It started with a bassline that runs through most of the song, and everything else gathered around it. It ended up being one of the more immediate songs on Lions and Ore. The album follows on November 6.
What was the recording process like?
We recorded the album with the same setup in my basement. “Lost Literature,” “Derelict Crawl” and “Snakes and Toads” all began with basslines, with the rest of each song developing from there. Ross Mixes mixed the record and Michael Briggs mastered it.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
There’s probably a small thing I could keep adjusting if I let myself. But I wouldn’t reopen it now. It feels finished, and I’m ready for people to hear it.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Lions and Ore is out November 6. We’re playing the album release show that night at Raccoon Motel in Davenport with King of the Weirdos and Halfloves. Thanks to anyone who gives the new songs some time.
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