I am hanging out today with a band that brings a mixture of feeling, instruments, and beats to the stage. These guys mix a funk soul with a touch of hip-hop attitude and an incredible sense of how to write a song. You are immediately on your feet dancing when any one of the songs hit the airwaves and you are humming their beats when it is over too. Sit with me today, as I am proud to introduce to you Galactic.
Where did you come up with the name?
It was originally Galactic Prophylactic, but we shortened it after a couple of years.
How long have you guys been performing?
For about 14 years.
Where did you all meet?
In college in New Orleans.
How old are you all?
19-20!
What is the largest crowd you have played for?
Probably last summer at Fuji Rock Festival in Japan. It was for about 40,000 people.
The smallest?
2 people in Winston Salem, NC on out first tour. They were Jeff’s relatives too!
What is your favorite venue to play?
Tipitina’s in New Orleans.
How many albums do you guys have?
7 and we are about to release another one this fall.
Where do you get the inspiration for a new song?
Anything that grooves.
Who does all the writing?
We all share in the writing process.
Is there a ringleader in the group?
I guess I kind of am.
Describe your genre in one word.
Funk.
Where can I get some Galactic merchandise?
You sell panties. Why? (Laughs)
We funk it so hard that sometimes people poop themselves!
If you could tour with anyone in the industry right now whom would it be?
Manu Chao.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you on stage?
Screwing up the bass break down with Mavis Staples sitting in.
Do you guys have jobs outside of music?
No, thankfully.
Let’s say that someone offered you a $500,000 record deal but the lyrics were written by someone else and it was a country album. Do you do it?
Most likely not.
Who are some of your biggest influences?
The Meters, James brown, and Led Zepplin.
I love your MySpace design. Who did that?
Our managers hooked that up.
What are your thoughts on MySpace?
I think it is a great way for people to easily check out people’s music. Though I do think it can be kind of strange how much information people put out there.
Let’s get some pizza. What toppings?
Pepperoni, black olives, and mushrooms.
You guys ever thought of living over seas?
Yes, we always think about moving overseas as a band, though it would be too difficult,. Anyways, we love New Orleans too much to leave.
If you could live anywhere in the world where would you go?
France.
What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?
That I am a solid bass player who came up with some great bass lines and hopefully left an influence on music.
Where do you see yourselves in five years?
Doing the same thing—gigging, recording and living life.
I always let the artist get the last word. Go.
I couldn’t be happier to play with my friends every night. In Galactic, we are very close—and that makes achieving all of this so much more gratifying.
