I caught up with Rudy De Anda of local Long Beach band Wild Pack Of Canaries [Mountain Man Records] before they embarked on their Mini Van Super Road Trip Winter Tour. Check out the interview below to find out how non-fiction fantasy is included in their song writing and what great lengths it would take for someone to take over his band.
Nativity: First off congratulations on the release. How does it feel to have all your hard work set in stone into something tangible for the world to hear?
Rudy: Thanks it is supremely cool to finally release a little something something to the people. I feel like its been long awaited and to be honest really overdue. Its cool to know that the public can access it now.
N: With that said, Can you explain into detail what your specific role is with the band? Are you the primary song writer or do you all work together to create the music and lyrics?
R: Well I love soccer so i kind of see myself as the head coach of the band. I am the only original member, these are my songs but i dont think the band would be the same without the people who are currently in it. I do take a "leadership" role and i dont mind being that person. So someone has to kill me if they want to take over this band.
N: My favorite tracks so far have to be Angola Prom, Little Brazilian Kids, and The Corner Can Wait. Are there any life stories where any of the songs from The Corner Can Wait are based from? If there aren't, feel free to make one up.
R: Actually these songs are quite the opposite of real-life stories. These songs are all non-fiction fantasy based themes. I was trying to create little stories that the listener could follow. The Coroner Can Wait (title track) is about a town in Arizona where a body was found next to the river and its a completely made up fib. The goal i think songwriting wise is to veer away from real life as much as possible.
DOWNLOAD: The Coroner Can Wait
N: Interesting. So the record is being released through Mountain Man Records. How did you guys meet MMR? What's it like to have the support of local DIY label from Long Beach, CA?
R: Yes Mountain Man Records is putting the record out. I actually met Mike Smith (one half of mountain man) over 6 years ago just through bands, friends etc.and Danny i met about a year ago, he is in a band called Brown And Blue. Its awesome to have their support, they are smart,motivated, and willing to help us out.
N: Do you think it's best for bands to join smaller DIY labels when they're in their earlier stages or do you subscribe to the notion that it's better to be picked up with a label that has more clout and influence?
R: Personally i prefer taking the smaller label route first. I mean you have to build up your own following. They dont just sprout up from thin air. I want to put in the work at a independent level and meet real people and real kids that go to shows thats what its all about.there are plenty of examples of bands that never really needed "big label help" to be succesful for example: Fugazi, Built To Spill just to name a few.
N: Regardless of how people may view labels these days there's one thing that everyone can agree on, Touring. It certainly is a necessity these days to get your music out there and to help build a fan base. How did the upcoming tour with New Lights By Dead Vines come about? Are there any specific dates you're looking forward to?
R: Oh yeah touring is the ticket nowadays and i think it always was. If you cant deliver live then you should not be in a band i think. It just shows who is really willing to put their ass on the line to go play shows hundreds of miles away from home. This tour has been in the works since last summer. We have been working with New Lights By Dead Vines to work out a tour route and band accomodations which consist of a mini van and a mitsubishi sedan. We are very excited to take them with us i think they will get a real positive response from the crowds. I think i am most looking forward to the Oakland show on Dec 7th with No Babies, Twin Steps, Structures etc. Its been getting hyped up for months now and i get to reunite with my old band mate Drew Pearson which will be great.
N: Name 3 essential items you're bringing with you on the mini van.
R: long johns, northface jacket, mental fortitude
N: The tour ends with a show in Long Beach on Dec 18th at The Dark Room. Are there any big surprises in store for the homecoming show?
R: We get to play with one of my FAVORITE bands around which are DANTE VS ZOMBIES (from l.a., members of Jail Weddings) I absolutely love that band so i cant wait to hangout with Long Beach homies and dance to their jams. There is also a band coming from Arizona for that show so thats cool. I think the surprise is gonna be that we are all still alive and breathing and not frozen to death.
N: Thanks again Rudy for doing this Interview! Any last thoughts before you guys head out on tour?
R: I just want to say get that album fa sho!!
Information on the Wild Pack Of Canaries Homecoming Party can be found here.
<->Nativity<->
Sorry Dante Vs Zombies will not be able to play this show.
ReplyDeleteTaking there place will be Charles Mansion
Black Boot Prod.