Anamanaguchi [Official Site, MySpace] is perhaps the rarest thing today in indie music: they are original. And not the “we are experimental because we make horribly grating noises that nobody else has ever heard before” kind of original. No, Anamanaguchi are the kick ass sort of original. 8-bit arena rock power pop original. Combine Weezer with an old Nintendo and some Red Bull sort of kick ass.
The band was awesome enough to sit down with Radio Exile at Vassar College a short while back. What transpired was entertaining to say the least. Among other things, we talk about aliens who come to their shows, the Hudson Valley, and how Bear Hands are a bunch of assholes for backing into their car 15 minutes earlier.
Read on. …read full article…
Podcast: Download | iTunes | Twitter | Friday Only Podcast | Facebook
Put It In Your Ears contains immature humor in downloadable form three times a week. The music shows will be posted to Radio Exile on Friday afternoons. It’s hosted by Radio Exile staff member Rob Blatt and Gavin St. Ours from The Gavin Show.
Discussed: Music from We Swim You Jump, Three Sisters and King Tut. …read full article…
In our rush to crown the next LIFE CHANGING Grizzly on the Radio(head) Fleethunter Projectors band we often overlook some of the best bands around us. We tend to over look the unassuming nice kids from down the block making perfect pop music for the flashy, the loud, or the experimental. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin is, in my mind, one of the best bands around today. I don’t think there has been another band this decade that I just plain ENJOY more and that I listen to on a more regular basis. I’ve written about this before the more I think about it the more I think it’s true. There is not a band I enjoy more, both on record and live, than SSLYBY.
Phil Dickey, singer/songwriter/drummer/guitarist/really cool guy, of Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin was awesome enough to answer some questions for Radio Exile recently.
How is the new album progressing? Do you have anything you can tell us about it, like a title, track list, release date?
Kind of slow. We’re all writing songs and practicing them at Will’s new house. I wish I could tell you some interesting things about it. I think we’re going to record in a real studio this time. …read full article…
I’ve seen the Rural Alberta Advantage [MySpace] live twice now in the past two weeks (and this is obsessing over their album for the past four months) and more than anything, I’m convinced I’ve been watching one of the best bands in indie music today. It stuns me that more people are not attune to these Toronto imports; the only explanation I can offer up is that most people just have not yet been exposed. In my mind, this is virtually the only reason somebody could not be in love with the RAA.
Check out Radio Exile’s Exclusive Interview with RAA “after the jump” …read full article…
Seattle-based indie poppers Telekinesis [MySpace] were kind enough to sit down with us for a few minutes after their Wednesday show at Mohawk. The band, whose upcoming albums drops April 7th on Merge Records, talked about the Olympics, Death Cab For Cutie, Phil Collins, and George W. Bush.
Video of the interview “after the jump” …read full article…
Keeping true to their namesake, Bell X1 has, yet again, broken the barrier of musical complacency with their upcoming release of Blue Lights on the Runway. The album’s vivid lyrics weave in between well-paired piano and guitar, much like on Flock. Blue Lights…, however, picks up where Flock left off by introducing a more prominent electronic character into the equation. Individually the songs may (at first pass) appear to be more simplistic than the ethereal-laden songs that you’re used to, but collectively it makes the album stylistically complex. And wonderful. It is also worth noting that the vocals fade out and resurface with the ebb and flow of the album’s soundscapes, impressively.
The album is set to drop stateside sometime in early March, and, much like the pastry that the band would like to be, Blue Lights… is a tasty treat. Read on to hear their thoughts about their latest release. …read full article…
No, no, I wish it were our interview, however, since we still didn’t get a review copy of Grand (which came out yesterday), I don’t really think that we have “pull” or “juice” with their marketing team. That hurts.
Here is a pretty good interview with Matt and Kim [Myspace] in which they “discuss recording an album in Matt’s childhood bedroom, being Brooklyn’s go to party band, the writing process, and their brand new album Grand. ” If only the interview were ours *le sigh*.
Yeah, that was me sighing. In French.
Check out this rad interview “after the jump” …read full article…
Recently, our very own Tom Williams got to sit down with Andrew Hoepfner from Brooklyn’s Creaky Boards [Myspace] to discuss the success of their latest album, Brooklyn Is Love, the awesomeness of Brian Wilson and this whole Satriani-Coldplay-Creaky Boards saga. Here’s what Andrew had to say:
Tom Williams: You reference a muse in the title of one of your songs but from listening to the album, your muse seems to be less of the traditional lover and more Brooklyn/life in New York. Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Andrew Hoepfner: Unfortunately, I must admit that most of the stories on Brooklyn is Love are of the traditional lover variety. It seems the city metaphor makes the album appear like it is about something bigger. Thank goodness!
A lot of songwriters gravitate towards expressing personal stories about themselves and their experiences with love. That instinct was guiding me for a long time, too. But releasing this record feels like the end of an era to me. Now I’m sick of autobiography. I’m gonna try to turn my eyes to the outside for a while.
Check out more of this exclusive interview “after the jump” …read full article…
Last week, Radio Exile’s Jon Sevastra had an opportunity to sit down at the IFC corporate offices (in the conference room of all places – “indie conference room?”) with New York rockers ZO2 [Official Site, Myspace] to discuss Z Rock [IFC Site] their new TV show on IFC, the state of arena rock, touring with KISS and Poison, TV theme songs and more.
Z Rock airs Sundays at 11:30 PM ET only on IFC.
Come check out more after “the jump” …read full article…
In this episode of Soundloading Audio, I call up Shawn M. Smith, editor of RadioExile.com (this site right here. That’s right, you’re reading what is essentially a feedback loop), and discuss how Radio Exile came to be, why it’s a good idea to write for a professional blog rather than your own, how strange it is that Best Buy has vinyl, and what the challenges and perks are of leading the charge in the indie music blogosphere.
Click here to listen to the podcast (or right-click to download it).
Or listen and subscribe in iTunes.
This week, I called up YouTube sensation and Super Bowl contest winner Kina Grannis on how she feels about being an internet celebrity, the Digg song, becoming famous as an indie singer, recording new material, and what she’d do if YouTube disappeared.
This week Éisee heads down to the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto to spotlight one of the great unsigned bands in the indie Toronto scene, Beth in Battle Mode [Myspace].
Subscribe to Soundloading in iTunes
Soundloading Official Site
This week on Soundloading, we sit down and speak to the awesome Toronto indie group Foxfire [Myspace].
Soundloading – Episode 3
This week on Soundloading Audio, Chinese Democracy gets leaked and the feds get involved, the Polaris Music Prize is announced in Canada for greatest records of the year, and an interview with blogger Hank Williams about fairness in the new digital marketplace.
On Sunday, May 4th 2008 at the close of the last performance of a three day New England swing in Long Island, NY, I sat down with Seemless [MySpace] frontman Jesse Leach [MySpace] to discuss the future of the outfit, the future of the music business and other musical adventures. …read full article…
The majority of us tend to glorify high school, do we not? As evil as kids can be, there is a certain pang when we reminisce about the days of walking across school grounds, biking to the local candy store, and pushing the parental limits of freedom on a regular basis. Imperial Teen [Official Site, MySpace], though they are slightly more seasoned than one would normally expect from a band with such a tag, encapsulates a feeling of youthful suburbia, a luxury that we can’t appreciate until we’re doing our own grocery shopping and getting quotes on heating oil. They capture this especially in their song, “Shim Sham,†from their recent fourth release The Hair The TV The Baby & The Band. Their sound is like a good Veruca Salt (if that was possible) mixed with Weezer riffs. It accomplishes the fun that it sets out to create. And now, a bit about the song from band member Lynn Truell.
Holly Perry (HP): What’s the story behind “Shim Sham?”
Lynn Truell (LT): Shim Sham is a ‘made up’ club name referring to a place in Reno, NV, where I went to a LOT of punk rock concerts in my teens. It was not called that, but I just used name because there is a Breeders poster in our practice place from a show that the Breeders did at that club, which is in New Orleans. It sounded cute/cool for a lyric, so we just went with it.
The song is basically about my mid-teen years, before I moved to San Francisco; the things that I did with my friends, Helen and Jone, who were in my first band, The Wrecks (and of course, Jone is also in Imperial Teen now). It is also a comment on my suburban punk rock experience, and a coming of age type of sentiment, as well.
HP: What do you dig about this song?
LT: I originally wanted to write about the absurdity of the cultural phenom of the likes of Paris Hilton and Britney, like, why do we care so much, what are they really representing for themselves and others? But then I just got caught up in what and who had an impression on me when I was younger.
HP: What do you want your listeners to take away from Imperial Teen?
LT: Just enjoy our music because we sure do.
Imperial Teen – “Shim Sham” [mp3]
Well, look no further. Each week a song that was previously featured on one of Broken Dial’s weekly mp3 mixtape is carefully selected, the band contacted, and the meaning delivered to you, the curious fan. It’s just one more way for you to connect with great music.
Dazed and Confused glorified frying like piggies, beatings in baseball field parking lots, and Matthew McConaughey leering at underage girls. The thought of the film being remade for today’s society is disturbing (because it is a modern classic), however, if it is remade, this song is a must for the soundtrack. “Wear ‘Em Out” off the latest release (Wildfires) by The Mohawk Lodge [Official Site, MySpace] has a carefree early nineties rocker feel with a free love message. In addition, the melody and vocals cleverly “wear out” as you near the end of the song. But if you really want to know what it’s all about, here’s a bit about the song from band member Ryder Havdale.
Holly Perry (HP): What’s the story behind “Wear ‘Em Out?”
Ryder Havdale (RH): The initial seed for Wear ‘Em Out came about from the paranoia of disease that can happen after making love with someone new, but the song totally changed from that to more of a “love the one you’re with” vibe.
HP: What do you dig about this song?
RH: I’m just stoked it got recorded. It was one of those songs that wasn’t really working until we went in the studio and wrote the ending and arrangement lakeside before going in and immediately recording it. Watching Dan (Handsome Furs) record the background vox was really inspiring. He has an amazing voice. He was sick but still came down to the cabin and sang. Awesome!
HP: What do you want your listeners to take away from The Mohawk Lodge?
RH: “Wear yourself out on the ones you love.” I’d hope people enjoy the record and if so, that they burn it for their friends!
HP: What are you currently listening to?
RH: The last two albums to grace my record player were Bruce Springsteen Born to Run and Smog Natural Bridge. My last two iPod listens were the National and Octoberman Run From Safety.
The Mohawk Lodge – “Wear ‘Em Out” [mp3]
We’ve all wondered, and, speculate as we may, we never truly know the meaning, lyrically or musically, behind a song from a band we love. We often have to rely on the occasional liner note explanation, the random mentioning in an interview, or roadie rumors to surface to gain any sort of insight or understanding into the mind of a band.
Well, look no further. Each week a song that was previously featured on one of Broken Dial’s weekly mp3 mixtape is carefully selected, the band contacted, and the meaning delivered to you, the curious fan. It’s just one more way for you to connect with great music.
“Tied to Nowhere,” from The Antiques’ [Official Site, MySpace] recent Sewn With Stitches, is magnetic. It is a song that pumps you up on your morning commute and simultaneously leaves you questioning everything from personal life ambition to why you decided to go with an iced latte. It has an anxious, Brit feel, and it introspectively examines something that we can all relate to: not relating. And now, a bit about the song from vocalist and songwriter, Gregory Svitil.
Holly Perry (HP): What’s the story behind “Tied To Nowhere?”
Gregory Svitil (GS): Lyrically, “Tied to Nowhere” is about not having a place that is a comfortable fit mentally or emotionally, and the resulting state of occupying a sort of no man’s land somewhere between despondency and personal ambition. When I wrote the song I was living in a fairly monotonous and very self-absorbed way, and as almost anyone can certainly attest to, the more routine these types of habits become, the more of a task it can be to break out the everyday-is-the-same mindset.
The title is, on one hand, a reference to feeling caught in a place or a way that is totally unfulfilling. On the other hand, the main idea is that there’s bound to be another way or an alternate plan. I was having some pretty ill-timed instances of insomnia, which eventually led to songs being written, which in turn led to the notion of forming the Antiques and gradually bringing these songs out of my bedroom, my reasoning being that I wanted to document them in some way rather than simply allowing them to passively disappear.
Musically, the song was written in the same way that almost all of my songs are, which is that a vocal melody and words occurred to me, and then a simple chord progression was built around it.
HP: What do you dig about this song?
GS: The song as a whole is highly motivating to me, and I think that the recorded version captures the energy and the feeling that I wanted to convey. It’s a fairly succinct piece of music at a little under two minutes long, and we recorded all of the instruments and the vocals with a single microphone and in very few takes. I wanted it to sound as spirited as possible, and I hope that we’ve accomplished that.
HP: What do you want your listeners to take away from The Antiques?
GS: I don’t have any particular hopes for what people who hear the songs might take away from them, but it does mean a great deal to me anytime someone is affected by them in a personal way.
HP: What are you currently listening to?
GS: “Miss America” by Mary Margaret O’Hara, “Double Nickels on the Dime” by the Minutemen, “The Midnight Sun” by Screen Vinyl Image, and “Vol. 2″ by Scott Walker.
The Antiques – “Tied To Nowhere” [mp3]
We’ve all wondered, and, speculate as we may, we never truly know the meaning, lyrically or musically, behind a song from a band we love. We often have to rely on the occasional liner note explanation, the random mentioning in an interview, or roadie rumors to surface to gain any sort of insight or understanding into the mind of a band.
Well, look no further. Each week a song that was previously featured on one of Broken Dial’s weekly mp3 mixtape is carefully selected, the band contacted, and the meaning delivered to you, the curious fan. It’s just one more way for you to connect with great music.
My job is a simple one: to find the best bands going and bring them to your attention. Realizing this, I felt have been slighting you, the Broken Dial reader, by not telling you about Champollion [Official Site, Myspace]. Having first witnessed the power of Champ at a show in NYC’s own Tap Bar, I was blown away not only by the awesome tunes, but by the spellbinding live show. Champ doesn’t just play a show for you, they perform for you. Their show, which features dancers, lasers, good music and wacky projections, is simply a must attend for all lovers of music. So enamored, I approached the band to sit down and chat with me about their current projects. Luckily for me (and you) the band responded and I had the chance to sit down with Juan Pieczanski (guitars, synth drums, vocals) and Jeff Curtin (lead vocals).
This is a transcript of our adventure together.
Broken Dial: Hey Guys. First of all, thanks for taking the time to do this interview, I really appreciate it. Now I know this a rather predictable opening question, but could you tell me a little bit about the history of the band?
Jeff: There is a strong DC contingent although we didn’t all know each other growing up. Alex (Sheermanpower – bass) and I played together in high school and Juan and Samer (Remas – drums) did as well. Juan and I set ourselves up to do this in a house in Park Slope and when the music was ready, we brought everyone together. Now most of us live together in the house.
Broken Dial: Cool. That’s not all the members of the group, right? In the videos and photos I have seen of your live shows I noticed dancers, crazy projections on the wall, a fog machine and much much more. It seems their are a lot of people working on the project. Exactly how many people are involved in making Champollion come to life as a live show?
Juan: There are 7 in the band, and our projectionist, Dan. Our 5 dancers came through our choreographer, John Heginbotham, who dances with the Mark Morris Group. Pat Young, our director helped us bring people in for all aspects of the show. There are about 20 people involved overall.
Broken Dial: I know this all too well, but what should people expect from a Champ live show when they buy a ticket?
Juan: You can expect live-feed projections, a big (loud) band, a custom light show (we bring our own lighting rigs to clubs), and a group of sick dancers. You can expect to be fully entertained, and you will leave with 2 theremin lines, 3 hooks, and 2 guitar riffs stuck in your heads until you pass out that night.
Broken Dial: That is sure what I got when I saw you guys. Speaking of that, what first inspired you to create such a unique and awesome live show? Was it any of the great rock operas/musicals like Rocky Horror, Tommy, The Wall or Body Rock (you probably haven’t seen Body Rock but if you love bad movies its a must see)?
Jeff: We like break dancing movies and I did see Body Rock and Breakin’ in school. We learned a lot about the intense face-off moment from them and have brought what we can of that into Champ – you know that moment when nothing matters except the feeling of your sweatpants against the concrete and the angle of your hat…that’s Champ. Some of the more unbelievable rock musicals are The Apple and Xanadu. They both use the music industry as a backdrop for the story, which is what it is, so we set our show in space.
Broken Dial: Speaking of the show, could you tell me a little bit about is the concept behind it?
Jeff: Sure. The story is about Champollion, a primary figure in future mythology. He’s a watchman of a spaceship that is on a multi-generational mission to recolonize the human race. His extraordinary power of mind allows him to track radio signals from earth’s past and keep the ship on course using his machine friend, the Sabien. This is the story of how Champ’s obsession with a unique signal causes him to leave the ship.
Broken Dial: Sounds like some awesome stuff. Have you put any thought into putting out a record? Or would it be too hard to fit your live show into an album? Maybe what you could do is a make a film, that way you could incorporate all of the wild elements of your show along with the kick ass music. Or maybe when you buy the album you receive a free fog machine and at least one dancer to help capture the Champ live experience at home. What do you think?
Jeff: We’ll be recording over the next few months at a new studio our friend Shane Stoneback and I set up in Dumbo called TreeFort. We’ve made demos and have had good time to put the arrangements together live, and that will make our direction clear going into the recording,
although the album will have a character independent of the show. It will be a studio album with the benefit of having been live tested. We’re ready to surprise ourselves with it. The music was made to stand on it’s own. We’ve talked about doing a DVD of Champ eventually, once
the show settles into place. We’re still trying things out.
Broken Dial: We have spoke a lot about the visual elements of your live show, but what are some of Champ’s main musical influences? I know its kinda of a tough question, but I just figure the kids should get a taste of what your listen to.
Juan: As a challenge, I’d like people to dig up the influences themselves, there are lots and lots in there. I will admit to being influenced heavily as a guitarist by J Mascis and Ira Kaplan, as well as the DC hardcore scene. And Jeff is definitely influenced by music he grew up singing in church, as well as the old-time girl groups like Patience and Prudence.
Broken Dial: I think thats the right way to approach things. But for what its worth, I am a huge fan of Mascis, Kaplan and the whole DC Hardcore scene, and I think that is a perfectly awesome sounds that influence your tunes. No wonder your music is so good. Is their a future for Champollion? To clarify it to a boring human resources/high school guidance counselor question, where do you see the band in 5 years time?
Jeff: It’s important for us to keep moving and not get hung up on a project for too long, so I expect we’ll have a few more things going by then, but who knows.
Broken Dial: Speaking of other projects, are you guys involved in any bands outside of Champollion? In kind of a related question, is Champ just a side project for fun or do you plan on really taking it out on the road? Or would you like to keep it more of a local phenomena?
Jeff: We plan on doing more as Champollion outside the show. Soon we’ll play parts of the show along side our other material. We’d like to bring the show around, although it’s a lot of people to take out. Right now the show is built to be set up quickly because we’re preparing for the Fringe. If we went out with it, we’d probably arrange something special for that situation.
Broken Dial: Do you have any interesting live show stories?
Juan: Not yet, let me answer that after we go on tour and come back torn to bits.
Broken Dial: Well, alright, I’ll hold you to that. If you don’t mind let’s take a break from talking about Champ as a band. I would like to just ask some quick little questions that are all about you. Here is something I ask of nearly everyone I interview: What music are you listening to nowadays?
Juan: I’ve been listening to a lot of Dinosaur Jr and The Cure lately, not sure why but it’s sort of my own nostalgic music from when I was younger. I’m not that into current music, I guess I live in a fantasy past or something. Jeff and I listen to a bit of Brian Wilson, too, as well as a lot of Bobby Conn stuff. I love Holly Golightly and Jon Spencer, and of course Floyd and Sparks. Oh, and a TON of Yo La Tengo, particularly old shit like Electropura. That shit’s the best.
Broken Dial: I am the exact same way. I found myself in college really drifting backwards as opposed to forwards like everyone else. I really got into Camper Van Beethoven, Lords of The New Church, Durruti Column, Big Dipper and tons of other stuff people don’t seem to care about as much as they should. Anyways, before I get on a tangent let me ask you something else. What are some of your favorite films?
Juan: I just watched McCabe & Mrs Miller, it was amazing.
Broken Dial: I’ll have to add that to my Netflix list. That is one of the Altman films I have been meaning to see but I never really got around to. Thanks for reminding me about that. Anyways, Juan, I hear that you perform quite a fine community service for the kids of Brooklyn by putting on shows in your basement. Could you tell me a little more about that?
Juan: I do this show called “Juan’s Basement,” and I convince bands like Menomena, Dr. Dog, The Willowz and Jesse Sykes to play sets for me and my friends in the basement of our Brooklyn house. It’s kind of amazing that the show has come as far as it has. Coming up we have Josh Ritter and some more local NYC bands we’re friends with like Vampire Weekend and Die Romantik. It’ll be interesting to see where the show goes in the next year or two. You can get stuff from the show easily by searching online, on Stereogum, Pitchfork, YouTube, etc.
Broken Dial: Sounds like great stuff. If I am ever in your neck of the woods I will be sure to check out whats going on in your basement. Before you go, could you tell the good people of the world when and where you guys are playing next? I figure that we have spent all this time talking about how wonderful you guys are, that the people should go and experience it for themselves.
Juan: We’re setting something up in July for the band alone. And we’ll be playing Crashin’ In with Anamanaguchi at Galapagos on August 31. Otherwise we’ll be focused on recording and the Fringe. (Side Note: Since this interview was completed, the band have announced another live show at New York City’s own Trash Bar on July 21st)
Broken Dial: Awesome. Yet another reason to attend what is to be a sweet show. You can definitely count me in for that one. Anything else you would like to share with Broken Dial? Anything else you want to plug?
Juan: I think that’s it! Thanks!
Broken Dial: No thank you. I’ll be seeing you in guys in August. Also, drop me a line when that record of yours drops.
Juan: Will do.
There is no shame in admitting my unrelenting soft spot for the melodic charm of girl groups (past and present). In fact, my self-diagnosed infatuation led to the discovery of Oakland’s own the Hot Toddies (MySpace). Complete with infectious sing-along melodies and sharp wit, the spunky NorCal quartet creates an overly addictive brand of naughty bubblegum pop. Their debut LP, Smell the Mitten, will be available July 20th via Asian Man Records (in-store release is September 11th). So in anticipation of the forthcoming record and Northwest tour, the band granted Broken Dial a brief snapshot of their world.
Elie Z. Perler: Before we begin, I would like to thank you for your participation in this interview for Broken Dial. Please introduce yourselves to our readers.
Erin: We are the Hot Toddies, an all girl rock band from Oakland, CA! Heidi Bodeson sings, and plays both bass and guitar; Jessica Wright plays the keys, guitar, and sings pretty harmonies; Sylvia Hurtado pounds the drums; I sing, and play both guitar and bass.
EZP: So how did the four of you collectively become the Hot Toddies, and why did you choose that name in particular.
Erin: The Hot Toddies formed in 2004 while relaxing on a beach in Mexico, heavily under the influence of Tecate and tequila. Heidi and I began writing songs, and Jessica and Sylvia joined the band in the fall of 2005. Together we are a fun loving group of girls from Oakland, who play and sing charmingly about being bad. We chose the name “The Hot Toddies” after one of our favorite alcohols – whiskey.
EZP: Whiskey’s always a good selection. And while we’re on the subject, care to share other drinks of choice?
Erin: [Laughs] It would probably be easier (and shorter) to tell you what we don’t like.
Jessica: Vodka Red Bull
Sylvia: Whiskey!
Heidi: Southern Comfort
Erin: Gin
EZP: Yeah, I’m also not the biggest fan of gin. But it’s awesome how you so candidly broadcast your love of drinking.
EZP: How would you characterize your sound, and who are your biggest influences?
Erin: Our songs sound like happy times! We have pretty varied influences though, such as the Beatles, Weezer, the Beach Boys, Mates of State, Green Day, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Dance Hall Crashers, Journey, and Spinal Tap to name a few.
EZP: Wow, quite bizarre to hear Spinal Tap and the Beatles mentioned in the same group of influences! Being a huge Beatlemaniac myself, I am curious to know which of their albums is your favorite.
Jessica: Abbey Road, especially the second half.
Erin: Rubber Soul (also Abbey Road).
Heidi: The White Album a.k.a. The Beatles (also Rubber Soul and Abbey Road).
Sylvia: Who the hell are the Beatles? Go Sabbath!
EZP: Right on! But choosing a favorite Beatles record is tough business. I would also say Abbey Road, with Rubber Soul a close second.
EZP: My first exposure to the Hot Toddies was on Seattle radio station KEXP. How has that station helped your career?
Heidi: We have a huge boner for everyone at KEXP, and we’re pretty sure it’s mutual. So when we get together we make sweet love to the city of Seattle.
Jessica: [Laughs] No seriously, after they played our songs on the radio we went up to play and had a great show. It was really fun because so many people came!
EZP: Your debut record, Smell the Mitten, is slated to drop in mid-July. How have fans reacted to the new material at shows? Is there anything you would like to “leak” regarding its release?
Sylvia: We don’t keep secrets. We let it all hang out.
Erin: If we had a secret though, it would be the hidden track on our album. It has a lot of bad words in it. Don’t play it for your mom.
Sylvia: My mom thought it was hilarious!
Erin: My mom probably won’t. But people have been really excited about our album! Of course, they probably wouldn’t tell us if they weren’t. Anyway, we’re really excited and that counts too, right?
EZP: Without a doubt. If you’re not pumped about creating music, then what’s the point? But let’s talk more about your shows. Any strange occurrences or memorable shout-outs from belligerent bar denizens?
Erin: Not particularly at shows. We tend to be slightly liquored up as well. I remember one show in Modesto where the crowd started a dance circle with the tambourine. That was awesome. Heidi’s dad got in there dancing too! Another time, Sylvia was rock-ognized (v. to recognize a rockstar in public) in the shoe department at Target, and that was pretty crazy. Her friend was like, what the hell, are you famous or something?
EZP: Take us through the songwriting process. How does it usually work?
Erin: We like to write songs while we’re really happy, which usually involves sunshine, booze, and an acoustic guitar.
EZP: An excellent combination. And clearly the formula proved successful with “Seattle,” a witty tune that is bluntly sexual in nature. What is it about the city that prompted you to pen a tell-all ode of sorts?
Heidi: Mostly it was the Space Needle, it was really big. Also the fact that it rhymes with so many naughty words.
“Seattle” – Live @ the Mustang Club
EZP: Your label, Asian Man Records, specializes in Ska/Punk. When can we expect a B-side punk track? Everyone has aggression to vent.
Erin: Wait for the album 
EZP: What is your reaction to the wealth of comparisons to sixties-era girl groups? Is it bothersome, or do you take it in stride?
Jessica: I don’t think we really listen to most of the groups we’ve been compared to, so it’s not like they’re a huge influence.
Erin: Yeah, I don’t even own [music by] any of the bands we’ve been compared to. However, I’ve always liked oldies, so I don’t mind the reference. My favorite [comparison] was when someone told us we sounded like the Beach Boys mixed with Ween!
EZP: Like you, I was raised with a steady diet of classic oldies. But that couldn’t stop me from purchasing Motley Crue’s Dr. Feelgood, which was the first cassette I bought with my own money. What was the first album you remember buying?
Sylvia: Kris Kross. I thought they were cute. I think I was one of them for Halloween one year. My pants were backwards.
EZP: I think everyone went through that phase, but too many are unwilling to admit it. As for current music, name some bands you are listening to these days.
Erin: The Decemberists, The Advantage, Joanna Newsom, The Magic Numbers, Rilo Kiley, Tim Armstrong, The Blow, Raconteurs, The Shins, The Scratchies, Two Seconds
EZP: Thanks again for your time, girls. I now leave you with the final word.
Erin: Thanks so much for asking us to be on Broken Dial! We’re really excited for the new record. It definitely shows more of the new stuff we’ve been working on.
“Jaguar Love” – [mp3]
Video Hook-Up: The Lonely Island - "Boombox" (feat. Julian Casablancas)
Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti Reveal First 4AD Single
If You Want Free Music, You Can Go Masterbeat
The National Debut New Song on Jimmy Fallon
Video Hook-Up: She & Him - "In The Sun"
Video Hook-Up: Lil Wayne & Eminem - "Drop the World"
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club visit Dirty Laundry TV
Radio Exile is a work of love and devotion to this glorious, bloggy hype machine that can elevate the artists we love to stars. Consider this a sampling of what you "should" be listening to, and if you like what you hear, buy the albums and support the careers of these artists.
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