This
past week for me was a vacation from the dayjob, a lot of it was
spent relaxing and basically doing nothing beyond blog posts. Had
some drinks, caught up with people, got sucked into video games. Not to mention lunches galore that included getting a big red and white cake, that's another story to be told another day. But
eventually I knew I had to go out to cover a show this week. And damn
if I didn't pick a good one!
--- This past Wednesday at Club
Vegas, Radio Moscow and NAAM passed through town on their national
tour, barely surviving the weather and car trouble to make it in. But
opening the show (City Weekly sponsored no less) were the
Plastic Furs, as well as Spell Talk, who have changed their name
after nearly two years of being The Naked Eyes. I got a chance to sit down
and chat with Plastic Furs, and I'm currently getting Spell Talk's done via proxy as the band immediately took off on tour after playing (check back for them later). Not to mention a hefty load of photos for
you to check out over here.
The Plastic Furs
(Justin Langford, Bryan Mink & Stefanie
Marlow)
http://www.myspace.com/secondversesameasthefurs
Gavin:
Hey guys, first off, tell us a little about yourselves.
Bryan:
I'm a good man.
Justin:
I'm never bored. I always have something to do that I'm always trying
to finish. I've been listening to Gary Glitter lately at Bryan and
Stefanie's place. It's great.
Stefanie:
I love a good time. I'm a humanist and I'm very opinionated.
Gavin:
What got you interested in music, and who were some of your favorite
acts and musical influences growing up?
Bryan:
Music got me interested in music. Growing up, and a lot recently, I
listened to The Misfits at least when I really started to care about
it. I also had an affinity to 60's and 70's R&B like the
Ronnettes and the Supremes, etc. I can contribute that to my sister
Maurena. I still love that stuff.
Stefanie:
I have to agree with Bryan and say music got me interested in music.
There are so many different perspectives out there and so many
different ways to express them. I love the freedom that music allows,
and how it can influence and touch people. Music holds so many
meanings. Oh God...I can keep going...but I better stop.
Gavin:
How did you originally form the first incarnation of The
Furs?
Bryan: I
was 20 living in my apartment writing and recording songs by myself
on a 4-track and then randomly had the opportunity to play bass in a
band. Having no experience in the scene or in really playing music
with other people I decided to join, this band was called "Evolver".
Through this I met James Acton, who was the drummer at the time, he
and I quickly found that we had similar taste in music and through
spending time together and showing each other what we each had done on
our own four tracks, we decided to form a band.
Gavin:
What drove you to do more of the harder psychedelic rock, and how
was it for you creating that sound and making it unique to your style
of playing?
Bryan:
The heavier psychedelic music, more so the Neo Psych bands, is what I
was originally listening to and what I've always wanted to do with
what I was creating but didn't know how to get there. Considering
that I'm actually a fairly new musician. I've only been playing since
I was 19 or 20. Along the lines of making it my own and making it in
general, really just came with the experience that I was getting
along the way. I always felt that I could write songs and that I had
a certain way of writing songs that could maybe be compared to other
Psychedelic bands, but I felt and still feel that my style is
uniquely my own. It may not be the best, yet, but it is
mine.
Stefanie:
I can't speak for what drove Bryan to do heavier music, but I can say
that when we got together to play music that it was instant. The
emotions that came out. It was just heavier and more
meaningful.
Gavin:
What was the recording process like behind the Taste Blue album, and
what difficulties did you deal with along the way?
Bryan:
Well, for starters, none of us really had any recording experience,
but we had some idea of what should be done along the lines of how to
mic and we were fortunate enough to have some friends who had a
studio and would answer our questions. Those guys are Voxhaull Nova
at the Star Farm Studios behind Positively Fourth Street. It was still
pretty arduous because we had only one mic, it was my vocal mic and
it was a karaoke mic. We used that one mic to record the entire
album. Drums were done in three parts, where the drummer would play his
parts and his bass drum would be miked, then he would have to play
again with the mic hanging above him to get the toms and snare and
then we would mic the hats and the snare. That was the hardest
part.
Gavin:
How was the overall experience recording at Apricot and having the
chance to put a professional touch on the album?
Bryan: The overall experience was fine to me considering that I didn't have
anything to compare it to, but in hindsight it was really time
consuming and hellish, but I got a chance to play just about every
instrument on the album (minus drums - that was Keaton and James).
Recording with Justin has been far smoother.
Justin:
Actually, once the album was 95% tracked I had the chance to bring it
over to Great West Saloon (it wasn't easy for Bryan and I to get a
hold of the project files considering the band had just broken up)
and start mixing in additional vocals and percussion. Everything had
to be transferred over to another recording DAW (Nuendo 3), which took
a while. After that though, mixing went really smooth (even though we
burned out an amazing computer in the process). The whole idea from
the get go was to follow the Phil Spector "wall of sound"
mixing process, even though we kept the mix more traditional. We went
with a more modern master. Louder and pumpier to compete with most
albums coming out at the time.
Gavin:
What was the public reaction like to the album when it was finally
released?
Bryan:
Great. The reviews were very complimentary. The public response was
surprising as well. Our album release show was, I think, sold out and
I didn't even know we had that many "fans". The album sales
from that night alone paid for all the pressing, and the shirts.
Everything. I was definitely shocked when basically every day when I
would turn on KRCL I would hear one of our songs playing.
Gavin:
Throughout time you've had lineup changes, going from a five piece
to a trio. Was it an issue keeping the group together through
transitions? And how did you finally arrive at the current lineup and
name change?
Bryan:
What group? I'm the only one left. It was more annoying, and that's
about it. I always knew that I was going to be making music with or
without anybody. My drive was there and my drive is still here and if
anyone wants to play too, then great. We can play together. Regarding
the new lineup, the last three piece I had (including Stefanie Marlow,
the current drummer, and Matt Hill the previous bass player) was
reaching the end and we now needed a new bass player. Justin
Langford, the current bass player, was a good friend and already
involved on the recording mixing end of the band. He had shown some
interest in playing and I really wanted him to play as well. That's
how we have the lineup now. Pertaining to the name change, we had
already been thinking about changing our name considering the other
"Furs" bands that had existed and do exist. I also wanted
something that described the music that we were making better and
where I was personally. Plastic Furs describes us to a tee.
Gavin:
During this time, how was it recording the self-titled EP, and what
were the differences between this one and the full length?
Bryan:
It was easier, but different. Considering the difference in members
and the new style of music. That's about all I can say.
Stefanie:
The self-titled EP was my first REAL experience recording. I had a
good time with it. Writing and playing is a creative process, but
recording is a whole different creative process in itself. You really
have to paint a picture through audio and it's difficult to do that
without the visual, but at the same time it's very
satisfying.
Gavin:
Last year you were one of the finalists for the CWMA's. What was
that experience like for you guys and seeing the support you had from
the scene?
Bryan:
It was good. I really enjoyed it. I think I saw some write up or
picture of us every week in City Weekly issues last year, and
everyone started to take us seriously instead of some fledgeling
psych band.
Stefanie:
I think I went into it very shocked. I mean we had been together for
about six months and we were on the stage with a band that was already
signed (Neon Trees). I'm very grateful for the support that we had
from the local scene, but I kind of feel that the support we had then
had a lot to do with the previous lineup since we were so
new.
Gavin:
How did the opportunity come about to do the video for “Slide”,
and what was it like filming that?
Bryan: The filmmaker is Justin's roommate (Kathy Nation) and she was
interested in making a film for the X96 Film Festival, and Stefanie
and I were interested in acting in it. That was really difficult
considering that I had never acted before and I had dedicated myself
to doing the best I could. Which required me getting fairly involved
in the movie emotionally.
Stefanie:
I was just there. Kathy would need an extra person and since I was
always around it was more so coincidental that I ended up in
it.
Gavin:
Currently you have a brand new album in the works. How is that
process coming along and when can we expect that out?
Justin:
It's going pretty smooth as of now. Releasing the EP has slowed us
down a little bit. It had to be a final mix and master while the
other songs are being held off. We're holding off for a couple months
to finish tracking. We plan on spending a lot of time on the mix.
What you hear live is just about what to expect from the
album.
Stefanie:
I think right now, we are looking at September/October as the release
date.
Bryan: I
hope it will come out around then. I make no promises because it
doesn't need to be out by a certain time and I'm going to make this
the best album that I can.
Gavin:
Are there any plans to tour afterward or mainly playing gigs for
now?
Stefanie:
We do have plans to tour, but since our album is coming out near
winter time they'll be more weekend tours and then a bigger tour in
the spring.
Gavin:
Going state-wide, what are your thoughts on the local music scene,
both good and bad?
Bryan:
I really love the scene, but I don't think there are enough people
making music. And by making music I mean making alternative,
subversive music. Utah is infamous for making emo and metal bands,
and making A LOT of those types of bands. I just want more diversity.
Some of the most interesting music that's coming out right now from
this scene is from the "older" group, and there's a huge
gap between them and the younger scene. There aren't many young bands
that are making alternative music. Besides that I love the
scene.
Gavin:
Is there anything you believe could be done to make it bigger or
better?
Bryan:
Just give it time. Its grown drastically in the last two
years.
Gavin:
Aside yourselves, who are your favorite acts in the scene right
now?
Justin:
Ian Moore (formerly of the Astrals) is forming a new project. It's
70's glam rock so watch for it. And Vile Blue Shades.
Bryan:
Vile Blue Shades, Coyote Hoods, Red Bennies, The Devil Whale. There's
tons of great bands out here.
Gavin:
What's your opinion on the current airplay on community radio these
days and how its affecting local artists?
Bryan:
Well, truthfully I don't listen to that much radio besides NPR but I
will say that regarding Jamie Gadette and Brad Wheeler's show on
KRCL, I think they're amazing. Their mixes are great and the artists
they choose are choice. They're doing a great thing for the local
community.
Stefanie:
I'm definitely impressed with KRCL. I came out here from LA and their
local station was more show-offy and NOT local. The variety of music
that you get from KRCL is very rare.
Gavin:
What's your take on file sharing these days and how it affects you
as musicians?
Justin:
I truthfully am all for it. Look for the new album on The Pirate Bay
the day that it's released.
Bryan:
No take. I don't really care. Give it all away for free for all I
care.
Stefanie:
Diddo.
Gavin:
What can we expect from you guys over the rest of the year?
Justin:
Great shows. The album release should be really awesome.
Bryan:
Some of the most interesting shows and music you've ever seen. It's
already noticeable how much better the music and live shows are. Just
wait, you're all going to love it.
Stefanie:
It's just going up from here.
Gavin:
Is there anything you'd like to plug or promote?
Bryan:
Nope. Thanks a lot Gavin!
Stefanie:
Gavin, you've been amazing. Brad Wheeler's show on KRCL is always
great. Support your local vendors. Do what makes you happy and have a
good time...all the time!
Justin:
Always great seeing your face at shows man! Let's grab a beer
sometime.
Spell
Talk (Sam Harper, Jared
Phelps, Andrew Milne and Dyrt
Roe)
http://www.myspace.com/spelltalk
(For
this interview, the band chose to answer as a group)
Gavin:
Hey guys, first off, tell us a little about yourselves.
ST:
We are from Ogden.
Gavin:
What got you interested in music, and who were some of your favorite
acts and musical influences growing up?
ST:
Back in the day, we started playing together and with who ever. It
felt good.
Gavin:
How did you all get together and form The Naked Eyes?
ST:
One person two phone calls.
Gavin:
What was it like originally as a trio developing a more soul
influenced kind of rock and bringing that sound out to our
scene?
ST:
The music just flowed. When we started The Naked Eyes. All we had to
do was remember the songs. It felt natural to play and share with
others.
Gavin:
Almost immediately you started recording the Free & Easy
album. What was it like recording that album and the issues you ran
into while laying it down?
ST:
Smooth. We recorded Free
& Easy in two days, live
session style at Mojo's Cafe in Ogden.
Gavin:
What did you think of the public reaction to it when it came
out?
ST: We
had a release party in Ogden and all our pal's came out to support
us. We couldn't ask for more. Our friends are way RAD!
Gavin:
What was it like for you going out on tour so soon and getting the
chances to play bigger local gigs like Earth Jam and Uncle
Uncanny's?
ST:
It was great. We had so much fun at Uncle Uncanny's, everybody
should take that trip. And it's always cool to play In the park.
thanks to Earth Jam we get to experience playing in the park with
many great musicians.
Gavin:
How was it coming back and recording the Sleep
Talk EP with Justin Langford,
and what was it like compared to the full-length sessions?
ST:
Actully we recorded that before we went out so could have new
material to share with people on the road. The Great West Saloon was
cool because we recorded one instrument at a time. It pushed us to
really know what was going on with our music. It challenged us to do
our best. I don't think any of us knew what was going to happen. I
hope "completely amazing" sums it up for you. We had fore
shows, spent $599 and came back with one dollar we all signed and
have hanging on the wall at our head quarters.
Gavin:
How did the decision come about for Dyrt Roe to join the group, and
how has his addition affected the music?
ST:
Any one who knows Dylan, knows he loves to play music. We meet him
threw two lovely Russian babes who put us up for a few weeks when we
got back from tour. Hence the move to SLC. Dylan inspired us back to
the roots. and he plays a pretty mean harp. We love him like a
brother.
Gavin:
What was your take on playing for SLUG's
Localized showcase and getting that kind of recognition?
ST: SLUG
is the shit. No doubt about it. That was the most people we have ever
played for and you can't go wrong doing a show with The Tiny Lights
and Blue Sunshine Soul. it's was one my personal favorite
shows.
Gavin:
This year you won the CWMA's as the top band. What was the entire
experience like for you guys, and what's your reaction to having that
kind of support from the scene?
ST:
The CWMA's were amazing, it was great getting to play The Depot and
meet so many new people. Thanks to everybody who participated we had
a good old time.
Gavin:
You've recently changed your name to Spell Talk. What brought on the
change and how did the new name come about?
ST:
We change the name after a year and a half of debate because Naked
Eyes is already a band with a big hit."Always Something There To
Remind Me". So to avoid confusion and or a very possible law
suit.
Gavin:
You also have a new album just barely release at the show called
Ghost Rider.
How was it recording this one, and how would you compare it to the
sound of the first?
ST: Ghost Rider
was recorded at KRCL and it was totally satisfying from top to
bottom. We toned everything down featuring simple percussion,.
Acoustic guitar, slide guitar, organ and harmonica. When we found out
they were offering us the tracked out raw recording. We knew just who
to call for mastering.
Gavin:
On top of that you're about to head out on tour again. Tell us a bit
about the trip you're taking.
ST:
Ah, yes, the tour. We were lucking enough to be ask to open up for
Imaad Wasif and Dead Meadow. A couple of days later Imaad called and
asked us if we wanted to meet him in Nashville to finish out the tour
with him and his band. We dropped every thing we were doing outside
of the band and realized this was the opportunity of a life time. And
went with our hearts.
Gavin:
Going state-wide, what are your thoughts on the local music scene,
both good and bad?
ST:
Salt Lake City has great vibes and it's growing. Supporting and be
apart of what is going on in SLC is a honor.
Gavin:
Is there anything you believe could be done to make it bigger or
better?
ST:
Things evolve the way they should. It's perfect.
Gavin:
Aside yourselves, who are your favorite acts in the scene right now?
ST:
Max Pain & The Groovies, Vile Blue Shades, Plastic Furs, Fox Van
Cleef and Ulysses. There is some much good music in Salt Lake City
and it's going to get recognized.
Gavin:
What's your opinion on the current airplay on community radio these
days and how its affecting local artists?
ST:
It's great to have something like community radio. Bad Brad and Ebay
do a mighty fine job of supporting the scene and keeping everybody up
dated. Tune in!
Gavin:
What's your take on file sharing these days and how it affects you
as musicians?
ST:
Sharing and exchanging true information is how we move forward as
musicians and individuals.
Gavin:
What can we expect from you all over the rest of the year?
ST: We our
playing Desert Rocks in Moab on the 29th of May, recording
a new album in June and a west coast tour in July.
Gavin: Is there
anything you'd like to plug or promote?
ST: Yes.
Desert Rocks over Memorial Day weekend. And Mike Brown Fest 4 on the
15th of May.