Curb Service a.k.a. Larry Gates

Lorenzo Goetz was a Rock staple of the CU community until their very recent break-up. Founder and front man Larry Gates hit the ground running with a quick release, Little Red Recovery Room, reestablishing himself as a force in local music. Check out this stream of Curb Service’s “Brooklyn” and read on to find out more about Larry’s new direction.

“Brooklyn” [DJ Spinnerty Remix]

[Courtesy: Curb Service]

the217: Describe your transition from Lorenzo Goetz to Curb Service.

Curb Service: After LG split I still had the itch to move forward creatively. I started on the record about 2 months after our last show. It was sooner than I expected but in retrospect I’m really not surprised by that sort of restlessness. Most of us do this stuff because we’d go crazy if we didn’t.

Hey… that Church St. looks familiar… as do some of those cameos!

the217: What are the creative differences in the way you produce music, perform music?

Curb Service: Creatively it varies because I played about 85% of what’s on that record (Little Red Recovery Room) as opposed to a band situation where everyone is putting their own fingerprints on a composition - and I’ve seen it work both for and against a song when you have a collaborative effort. Sometimes the song will stray from it’s original vibe and not necessarily achieve what it was meant for. Other times a mediocre tune will benefit from a fresh set of ideas. The Curb Service record was an opportunity to try and convey exactly what I wanted to. I’m pretty pleased with it - although I’ve already moved on in songwriting and recording methods.
Performance wise, I have a lot more to worry about. In LG I could let the guitar hang in front of me and just be bratty whereas now I’m responsible for either making or triggering every sound onstage. I have to have my wits about me.

[Courtesy: Curb Service]

the217: Do you prefer the pop/electronic/hip-hop genre to your days as a rock artist?

Curb Service: Both? It’s always refreshing to challenge yourself and grow so I suppose my preference is with my current direction - otherwise I wouldn’t be doing it but I certainly have no beef with where I’ve been.

the217: What sort of performance can Cowboy Monkey patrons expect between Curb Service and DJ Leg2 on May 29th? Are you planning on any sort of wardrobe change, ha?

Curb Service: I’m really excited that the Monkey is starting to ease back into live music. Expect an energetic performance with plenty of excuses to both twist and shout. No wardrobe changes planned for the DJ set, but I’m pretty anxious to show off my newest records.

Curb Service Contact Info:
official site
myspace
the217 Artist Index
curbservice@gmail.com

Santa Members
Stan McConnell: guitar/vocals
Mack McConnell: guitar
Tommy Trafton: keys
Otto Stuparitz: bass
Steve Plock: drums

There is a distinct feeling felt in the pit of the stomach when experiencing the rush that accompanies a significant transition. Presently, it is channeled through the tips of grass on the quad as Spring rolls into town towing sunshine and cheer - God knows this year’s graduating class is a bit giddy with the excitement of the unknown looming before them. I think as much can be said about some of CU’s local musicians as they begin to make the transition from exploratory music writing to developing a significant sound.

Listening to Santa’s newest material, Stan’s vocals have become more than “I just do this for fun”; they are passionate, recognizable. The My Bones EP itself is not just a collection of what Santa has done to date; it plays like the genesis of a cohesive album. Cohesion does not even begin to qualify the tight percussion Steve Plock has brought to the table. Live Santa no longer evokes endearing but sloppy bar rock; they are practiced, impressive.

Santa’s mantra has always been “sing along!” Pretty soon, listeners will do that without spur:

“The Crumble”

“Hashish”

“Bottles and Bracelets”

Photo By: Elle Destree [Courtesy: Santa]

Santa answers questions about their new line-up, future endeavors, and Thax Douglas!

the217: Santa has gone through a significant face-lift this year. Why were the line-up changes made and how did you decide on new members Steve Plock and Tommy Trafton?

Santa: Before the lineup change, we weren’t able to create and perform the music that we were hearing in our heads. We wanted to focus our vision, but first we needed to establish one. Apart from being excellent musicians (the cat’s pajamas), Steve and Tommy were interested in making the same type of music as us. Now, we are striving for the same musical identity, and that cohesion definitely shows in our new material. It’s fresh, yet familiar. For the first time, Santa sounds frighteningly close to how it should.

Santa performing “In the Front Seats, In the Back Seats” live on WPGU 107.1 FM

the217: You recently released the My Bones EP and have it available on iTunes. When can we expect a full length follow-up from Santa?

Santa: Currently, we are in the process of recording a smattering of demos in order to enhance our writing process and help us clarify the direction of our next record. We don’t have a specific date in mind, but we aim to have all of our seedlings recorded and ready to share by the ides of July. From there we’ll point and shoot. In the meantime, we’ll be performing and honing our tender new tunes in concert. You can expect to hear 5 or 6 of these on Thursday at the Canopy.

Stan Finds His Happy Thought [Courtesy: Santa]

the217: Santa is part of Canopy Club’s 10th Anniversary “Tribute to Local Music” this Thursday May 8th. Describe your favorite experience playing at the Canopy and what the venue has meant to you as a band.

Santa: Our favorite show was definitely our CD Release show in March. It was an honor to debut our disc the night after Headlights. We had great opening acts, and by the time we took the stage, the room had an incredible energy. The whole show felt perfect for us and we are expecting nothing less of this Thursday.

the217: Speaking of great experiences, Thax Douglas (the poet who enjoys introducing bands with a reading) recently introduced Santa when you played Chicago’s Double Door. Do you have the poem he read? If Thax Douglas is any sort of barometer for popularity, how did his decision to introduce Santa make you feel?

Santa: We have the poem, written by Thax himself (at Dunkin’ Donuts). When we found out that he was reading for us, we were elated. Some might say it’s just words on paper, but it gave us confidence nonetheless, probably because we knew that at least one person was in our corner that night. We dig the poem, too. It reads:

Santa by Thax Douglas

on moving
sidewalks the gardens
flow, sucking
nutrients from the
carnival atmosphere
they applaud with
their roots!
Their spectacular
colors are strong
enough that resting
spa souls
float on them
up to the
resurrection casserole
baking in an
oven that
was only a myth
until now.

Photo By: Elle Destree [Courtesy: Santa]

the217: What are Santa’s plans for the summer? Excited for any festivals you might be attending?

Santa: Apart from writing and recording everyday, we’ll be celebrating the phases of the moon, playing soccer, gardening, and having campfires. Mack turns 21 during the Pitchfork Music festival, so it’s going to be a happy clappy time with Vampire Weekend, Fleet Foxes, and the Hold Steady. The rest of the time, we are getting down to business. We are really excited for our show at the Abbey Pub in Chicago on May 31. It’s a Saturday night and its 18+, so all of our friends can come. Who knows, maybe even Thax will be there.

**

Photo By: Elle Destree [Courtesy: Santa]

Whether you are a resident of CU, still have finals left, or are just here to PARTAY - head over to the Canopy Club’s 10th Anniversary Celebration featuring a “Tribute to Local Music” tomorrow night (Thursday)! Santa will be playing alongside CU’s best local talent. Don’t miss it!

Contact Info:
Electronic Press Kit
Santacast!
Booking: santabooking@gmail.com

Band Members:
Ben Campbell: Guitar, Vocals.
Chris Howaniec: Noise Guitar, Backup Vocals.
Laura Lynch: Violin, Backup Vocals.
Zane Ranney: Drums.
Brian McGovern: Ukulele, Glockenspiel.
Kurt Werner: Ukulele, Glockenspiel, Bass.

World’s First Flying Machine is one of the newest additions to Local Music in CU. Although they were not nominated, they were my choice for Best New Artist at this year’s LMA’s. With a live show that is oh-so-close to being as good as Snowsera’s spectacularly confused Emo conflagration, how could you miss out on them?! The band is without guitarist Howaniec until this summer, but plan on putting out stronger recordings very soon. “We’ve also been talking to Danger Mouse about producing…he hasn’t gotten back to us, but we’ve definitely been talking.”

If you can’t wait for those Danger Mouse recordings check out these dream streams!

“Inefficient Machines”

“Butterflies”

“The Ferris Wheel”

World’s First Flying Machine will be playing at the Canopy Club’s 10th Anniversary “Tribute to Local Band’s” next Thursday, May 8th!

And now read further to see this excellent band ruin my Local Artist Profiles interview with some witty responses:

the217: What sort of song writing process does World’s First Flying Machine go through? Has it changed at all since the band’s inception?

Ben: I’ll write a song and we all add instrumentation together. In the beginning we were working on songs I’ve had written for months but now with the new songs, I write them and we figure them out before I really know what the songs are. And in the beginning we didn’t hear of Vampire Weekend.

the217: I’d rather not try to attach any ridiculous qualifiers to you such as “indie” or “indie pop folk bubblegum hip hop electro rock collective”. How would you describe your sound? (”bad ass” is an acceptable answer, “tranny hot mess” is not)

Brian: Bananas
Ben: Folk noise or noise folk.
Brian: Which one is it?
Ben: Noise Folk
Laura: Because noise is the adjective
Ben: and we’re a folk band with noise implements.
Brian: We’re neo-noise folk
Laura: with bananas.

the217: Describe an interesting experience you’ve had while playing a show, or a funny one.

Brian: you [Ben] broke a string.
Laura: Was that during the freestyle? [playing w/ Agent Mos at Indie Rock meets Hip Hop]
Ben: No that was before…
Laura: I think the freestyle was an interesting experience.
Ben: The show at the Iron Post we started “Inefficient Machines” and I just stopped the song in the middle and started over.
Laura: You grabbed your hair [motioning with hands in whiny voice] and said “Sorry, I forgot my capo.”

the217: What cracker would you choose to go with your favorite cheese and how does it relate to you as a band? I’m completely serious.

Ghostbusters II

the217: What’s the coolest part of being a buzz band graduating from the Public-League of Universities and having a quirky name and being on a SPIN magazine cover?!

Dudez: The east coast ladies
Laura: The east coast gentlemen

the217: Everyone’s favorite summer songs:

Brian: Well there are spring songs and summer songs. Summer’s got to be something hot.
Laura: Ricky Martin.
Ben: “Since I’ve Loved You” by the Avalanches
Laura: “Come Away with Me” by Norah Jones… “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None the Richer.
Brian: There’s something on the tip of my tongue. It’s not even a song I like but it just makes me think of summer. It’s something that could be by Journey but its not. I don’t know…

**

Curious about that excellent live show I mentioned?

Once again, World’s First Flying Machine will be playing at the Canopy Club’s 10th Anniversary “Tribute to Local Band’s” next Thursday, May 8th!
They’ll have t-shirts and pins for sale at the Canopy on May 8th. Hit them up on Facebook and be a fan!!!

Check back next week for Santa’s Local Artist Profile!

[Courtesy: Zmick]

Band Members:
Brad Miller - Guitar, Vocals
Dan Wonsover - Bass, Vocals
Kris Ahrens - Drums, Vocals
Mike Donato - Keys
BIGS - Bringer of Light (This guy did the lights at Ben Folds via Knoxarray Event Production - pretty bad ass)

On this campus, one band is synonymous with Jam: Zmick. They play progressive rock fused with elements of reggae, jazz, and funk with the intent of “bringing people together and giving them an opportunity to dance, sing, laugh and bond with other music lovers.” You can find Zmick playing their Monday Night Rage spot over at the Canopy Club every week (including tonight! go!).

Here is a small dose of the live Zmick experience:

Zmick was kind enough to answer some of my questions for a Local Artist Profile interview:

the217: Summer Camp 2008 is fast approaching! Using the time since your 2007 participation as a benchmark, how has your band changed in the past year?

Zmick: The line-up now only has two of the original six members. The two new members, Mike and Brad, and our lighting designer, BIGS, bring the mother fuckin heat!! As for Summer Camp, it’s an unbelievable festival and nothing can completely prepare you for the unexpected moments that make the experience. This year, we have found an amazing place to practice that has really helped develop our sound and community.

Courtesy: Canopy Club

the217: Monday Night Rage has become a Canopy Club staple. Do you have plans to continue it into the summer and next school year?

Zmick: As of now, we are still working out details for the future. This past year has brought us joy through the expanding community based on music in Champaign/Urbana and our involvement in it. The Canopy Club has been extremely good to us and we hope to continue to have a good relationship.

the217: You list your influences as Jambands, Progressive Rock, Jazz, Reggae, Metal, Funk, Bluegrass, Electronica, Hip-Hop, and Classical. Are there any specific bands that stand out as truly inspiring to you?

Zmick: This has always been a hard question for us to answer. We pride ourselves on the all the different music we listen to. Basically, we think that we can’t be influenced by the people we’ve never heard, and are influenced by the people we have.

Courtesy: Zmick

the217: Four reasons why people should go to a Zmick Show!

Zmick: We have a good crowd of friends and fans that enjoy dancing to different genres of music (something for everyone). Each show has new improvisations, new covers and different setlists to make each show unique. Ultimately we try to have a good time with our audience and interact with them so that they’re contributing to the experience as much as we are.

the217: Any exciting future plans for the band?

Zmick: Outside of Summer Camp, we really look forward to improving and expanding our repertoire over the summer!

More Zmick Video!

Make sure you check out Zmick at their Monday Night Rage shows at Canopy Club! There is NO COVER and super cheap drinks ($1.50 Domestic Drafts, $2.50 Import Drafts), if you need some extra convincing.

Zmick Contact Info:
website: myspace.com/zmickmusic
booking: zmickmusic@gmail.com

Stay tuned for World’s First Flying Machine later this week!

Members
Ryan Groff: guitars/lead vocals
Dave Pride: percussion/vocals
Mark Woolwine: piano/vocals
Chris Eitel: bass/vocals

It is only appropriate that I start off the Local Artist Profiles with one of CU’s most loved and listened to bands. Elsinore has existed for three years with a Folk / Americana sound, releasing an LP in 2006 - Nothing For Design. Only recently have they made the choice to concentrate on Indie Rock song writing.

Business as usual… [Photo by Brittany Pyle, courtesy Elsinore]

Elsinore answers many of the questions surrounding their change of heart in their Local Artist Profile Interview:

the217: It seems that somebody finally got your new sound’s genre direction right with the Indie Rock meets Hip Hop show. Can we still expect this new record out this summer?

Elsinore: We’re looking more realistically at a Fall release, but next month we’ll put out a 3-song tour EP for ‘The General’, which will be on the full-length album. Also on the EP will be a b-side studio version of ‘Antonymity’ and an alternate version of ‘Wooden Houses’, which will also be on the full-length.

the217: “Landlocked” and “The General”, among your new material, definitely make you sound like a band reborn. Is there a fresh feeling to your relationship as a band or your performances? I was at Memphis on Main for most of your set and I definitely felt like I was watching something entirely new.

Elsinore: We just had an epiphany one night at rehearsal that we weren’t into the music we’d been making. We didn’t feel like an Americana band, but we played songs in that genre. I mean, we used to be happy with them. That’s where the band came from…folk and Americana roots. But, I started playing the electric guitar and started a pedal farm with hundreds of effects pedals sprouting every day. Well, almost. But, we realized that we all liked Wilco and Spoon and Arcade Fire and Radiohead more than what we sounded like. We felt like a computer that hadn’t been updated in a looooooong time…our operating system was slow, our drive was full. So, we made a conscious decision to take some of my new song ideas and play them the way we felt was right: an amp turned up and a freaking real drumset! Luckily, it wasn’t just an experiment, but a realization that we needed a change if we were going to be happy and go any further as a band. Now we’re a songwriting band instead of just taking my or Chris’ song ideas and sort of piecing them together. We’re a collective and more cohesive with our co-writing.

the217: Are there any plans to mix up a set with any of the Hip Hop artists during Thursday’s show?

Elsinore: Well, Krukid has a lifetime invitation to hop on our stage anytime he wants.

the217: Who are you sharing a stage with at Summer Camp this May? Excited for the tour this summer?

Elsinore: The Flaming Lips, The Roots, The Headlights, New Pornographers, Bro-A-R(kidding) will all be there and we think that’s a good thing. As far as the tour, we’re planning a week out in June, and then 36 days from July 5-August 9th. This will be the biggest anything we’ve ever done. So, excitement doesn’t even scratch it.

the217: Favorite Hip Hop Artist of all time. Go!

Mark: DJ Shadow
Dave: Colour Me Badd
Chris: Mos Def
Ryan: I was into Bel Biv Devoe in Jr. High, but how can I live so close to someone like Krukid and NOT call him my favorite?

**

Been wondering who that awesome Beck cover band was at The Great Cover Up this year? Guess who…

Sweet wig Ryan.

Make sure you check out Elsinore’s great new sound at their myspace! Also, if you haven’t figured it out by now, they will be playing at the Canopy Club TONIGHT for the Indie Rock, meet Hip Hop show. Murphy’s is over-done, go to Canopy!

Elsinore Contact Info:
website: elsinoremusic.com
myspace: myspace.com/elsinoremusic
booking: Please send all inquiries to Mike Ingram at Amnesiac Booking Co. - mikeingram@gmail.com

Next Week’s Profiles: Zmick and World’s First Flying Machine!

In keeping with the spirit of local support that has become a serious priority to Illini Media, I have decided to add a new feature to this blog. The Local Artist Profiles will present interviews and updates about each of your favorite bands and performers.

I probably won’t follow the Band of the Week list, as it has already started, but I will eventually get to all of those featured by WPGU. Make sure you take the time to read up on CU’s Local Artists, but more importantly - GO TO THEIR SHOWS!

An excellent chance to check out some of the best talent in the area is tomorrow’s Indie Rock, Meet Hip Hop show at Canopy Club!

Your first Local Artist Profile will be Elsinore. Check back later this week for an interview and profile!