Interview: Squid The Whale
Posted on Play Crack The Sky Music on Tuesday, November 1st 2011.
Detroit, Michigan’s Squid The Whale are slowly making a name for themselves as their brand progressive pop rock. Having recently release their first music video for The Greatest Way, and completing a US tour with Bright and Early, the quartet have been gathering momentum, something than begun with the release of their debut EP; New War, a four-song onslaught of passionate and adrenaline-fueled rock that has been compared to the likes of The Audition and Gatsby’s American Dream.
With a sensible blend of logical structures and highly-favourable hooks, New War sets the benchmark high for Squid The Whale. However with a strong DIY approach, it is reassuring to know they are more than likely to keep their feet on the ground, as it is evident that the Detroit group have the potential to go far.
PCTS Music Editor, Sean Reid recently spoke to guitarist Brandon Kubiac about the reaction to New War, the Detroit music scene, being DIY and more.
How has the feedback been to ‘New War’?
It’s been good. So far it seems people are enjoying it and there isn’t an age barrier at the same time. Pretty excited about that since I don’t want us to be drawn by a certain group of people.
For those who are unfamiliar with the band and the EP. How would describe ‘New War’ to new listeners?
It’s a raw, passionate, and full of angst.
You’ve been compared to bands like The Audition and Forgive Durden. How do you feel about this?
It feels good since both bands are obviously good at what they do considering the following they’ve gained over the years. I am a huge fan of Forgive Durden so it’s definitely a compliment. At the same time, I don’t see the comparison, but I’m just one opinion.
Lately you’ve been on tour with Bright & Early. How has the tour been going?
It’s been the jazziest of jazzed tours so far. They are all very talented dudes and to top it off they are awesome to be around. Usually it’s hard to get along with every member of every band but that hasn’t been the case for this tour.
The tour with Bright & Early is being sponsored by two music websites/webzines. How important is it for a band like yourself to take advantage of sites like these?
I think it’s important for any band big or small to take advantage of anything at their fingertips. There isn’t a reason why a band shouldn’t take free publicity.
I get the impression that you have a strong belief in being DIY. How beneficial and important is this for a band like Squid the Whale?
Being able to do everything for free or close to is very important for any band. Musicians don’t get paid so if you’re always flipping coin for things to get done you’re going to be in a bad spot eventually. Thankfully were a power ranger type of group and when our forces combine we can handle any task we need to accomplish. We all just have an awesome drive to make this work which I think is more important than anything. You can always become a better musician but if you are lazy and have no drive you’re not going to go anywhere, in music or life.
You’re based out of Detroit, Michigan. On the whole how would you describe the music scene there?
I would say it’s pretty awesome. Detroit just makes great bands for some reason and I’m really proud to be from here and experience the next chapter in the Detroit scene.
Are there any up and coming bands we should be on the lookout for?
I would check out Mike Mains & the Branches, Wilson, American Opera, Undesirable People, Wolves and Machines, Hawk and Son, and SpringBreak. There are definitely others but I have a terrible memory.
As we head towards 2012, what does Squid the Whale have planned in the pipleline?
We plan on touring as much as possible, writing our full length, and just being in peoples faces as much as possible. In a good way.
Are there any final words you’d like to say to close the interview?
Be sure to check out our YouTube channel for our music video of “The Greatest Way.” We took some horrible falls in that video for your entertainment and fake fighting actually hurts more than real fighting. Also thanks a million for all the support and help we’ve had within the last year. It really means a lot, more than I could ever say.
New War by Squid The Whale is available now on Bandcamp.
Squid The Whale: Official Website|Facebook|Twitter|Tumblr|Bandcamp
(Source: pctsmusic)
