Interview: Why?
It’s been a long time since our last interview, but we’re beginning to get back in the groove of it. The latest band to briefly sit down with us was Why? We greatly appreciate them doing it, and strongly recommend picking up their albums including their newest, Eskimo Snow.
Why?- A Sky For Shoeing Horses Under
f/k: The overall sound and lyrical delivery on your new album, Eskimo Snow, is quite different from most of your other work. Is there a reason you decided to go with less of a hip hop sound and more of an indie rock sound with the album?
Why?: No reason really. It just came out that way. I suppose we were sort of just interested in having the record sound like a band playing together…A kind of intimate record.
You use a lot of abstract lyrics and phrases that only you get the reference to in all your music, such as an elephant eyelash. Is there some hidden sexual innuendo behind eskimo snow, or is it just like super cold snow?
It is a metaphor. I wouldn’t say it is sexual unless you are the type of dude/gal that thinks everything is sexual at it’s root.
Anticon is pretty much as independent as a record label comes. Do you guys have any aspirations of moving to a major label in the future, or do you feel like you belong with Anticon?
I feel like we belong at anticon. It is owned by my friends and I and one of my best friends runs the label. I feel comfortable there.
Because we deal with the online music industry, we’re always wondering about how musicians feel about where music distribution is today. Are you a fan of the migration from physical to technological vending of music? In other words, how do you feel about the role the internet is playing in music now?
I suppose it is the inevitable next step. And, like it or not, history shows that it’s never really a great idea to try to stop the flow of technology. I haven’t quite wrapped my head around the whole downloading thing yet but I’m sure I will at some point soon.
We hear about places like New York or Seattle being hotbeds for musical talent. How is the music scene in the Bay area?
We don’t live there anymore, but I was there for like 8 years and I guess it’s alright. I’ve never been very much of a scene oriented person. I have some friends in bands in the Bay and I like them…actually come to think of it, a lot of my friends have moved. XiuXiu moved, Deerhoof moved, Cryptacize moved…Half Handed Cloud is still there, Thee More Shallows is still there, Themselves are still there.
With your unique sound as a band, we’re curious as to what kind of stuff you’re listening to these days. Also, is there a lesser-known band that you like and think should be getting more attention?
All those bands above, I would highly recommend… I have also been digging Serengeti&Polyphonic lately. And Anathallo.
Finally, if you wouldn’t mind completing/creating the joke: A fork and a knife walk into a bar…
That’s ridiculous. Forks and knives can’t walk at all.
Thanks again to Why? Hit up their MySpace and catch them on their extensive tour.
-Chandler
