INTERVIEW WITH O'BROTHER
INSPIRER.nu's Shannah Lauren caught up with O'Brother, indie band from Atlanda, Georgia. O'Brother had released their first full length, Garden Window, which had already created quite the buzz even before it's release date. With their influences like Thrice, Deftones, Radiohead, Sigur Ros and The Appleseed Cast - O'Brother knew how to create something unique. O'Brother is currently on label Favorite Gentlemen with mates like Manchester Orchestra, and Kevin Devine.
What was it like as a band coming from Atlanta, Georgia? As with all big cities, there are a ton of bands in Atlanta, so getting a start can be difficult because its easy to get overlooked in such an overwhelming music scene. However, the other side of that is that there are plenty good venues and good bands to play with or be influenced by.
What was it like working with Manchester Orchestras record label, Favorite Gentlemen?
Always wonderful, it's basically like a family of bands that all look out for each other. Even though none of the bands really sound similar, we all find ways of cross-promoting and pooling our resources for each other.
You'll also be touring with Manchester Orchestra in May 2011, what's tour life like for you both as bands?
One word. Disrespectful. No really, it is. This will be our third tour together and it's always a wild time. I'm pretty sure there are several Manchester/O'brother youtube videos that might give one some perspective on the situation. Also, it's nice touring with friends from home because it makes it feel less-like you left everything you know behind.Being featured as AP's 100 Bands To Know, what was your reaction to it? Us touring together? We were definitely stoked about it. There are some bands on there that we really like and are happy to be selected alongside of them.
How was sharing the stage with bands like Thrice, and Circa Survive?
Those tours couldn't have been better for us. Not only are Thrice and Circa Survive great bands but they're some of the best people we've gotten to meet. Both of those bands taught us a lot about touring and being a better live band. Also, their fans were really receptive of us.What influenced you all musically the most growing up?
Personally, I grew up in a musical family. There were always instruments around so it just sort of happened. I never really imagined not playing music. Bands that influenced most of us growing up and even continue to influence us currently are the essential 90's bands: Nirvana, Radiohead, Smashing Pumpkins, Deftones, etc.If you could tour with any band or musician, who would it be and why?
There are so many. Deftones, Mogwai, and Sigur Ros too name just a few. I would love to watch those bands play every night.How was playing at SXSW?
Pretty Awesome. SXSW is a week-long band party. We got to see friends from all over the country, and our showcase with Favorite Gentlemen went swimmingly.Having the opportunity to play festivals like SXSW compared to shows, which would you rather?
Some like close and personal, others like bigger events. I definitely prefer the intimacy of club shows, which is why I like SXSW. The festival is mostly comprised of small clubs spread out around downtown Austin. We did VOODOO festival last year which is all outdoors on huge stages, which tends to alienate you and your audience. SXSW has all the benefits of a big festival with tons of intimate club-style shows.Lastly, do you have any advice to admiring musicians who enjoy your style of music of how to enter into the music industry or what to expect?
[laughs] I'm not sure I'm qualified to give advice on the subject. However, if you were to ask me to sum it up in one word, I'd give it to you in six sets of one to three words: HARD WORK - BAD CREDIT - RAMEN NOODLES - CUTE ASS KITTENS - GMAIL - HEAVY TOURING.
Interview done by: Shannah Lauren