I am hanging out today with a special treat to the Indianapolis music scene. These guys bring pure talent in voice, writing, instruments, and stage presence to the stage every night. Playing very few shows in the city (which I love by the way) these guys are a show not to miss when you get the chance to see them perform. Hitting every corner of the country they are well on their way to the top. Sit with me today as I introduce to you Records Record Records.
So where did the name come from?
My best friend Vincent and I were looking to start a faux label to put on our MySpace when my last band fizzled and I was going to do solo stuff. I was throwing “Recording Records” around and Vincent just blurted out, “How about Records Record Records!” I loved it. Then when the band got together we were sitting around trying to come up with a name and Vincent very slowly and deliberately said, “How about Records Record Records?” And there it is!
How did you guys all meet?
Drew used to open shows for my last band and I always loved his stuff. I was doing a solo show the band was supposed to do and Drew came to open. Afterwards I told him thought I’d be cool if we joined up. Padraig I knew when he was drumming with another band. Our old bands used to play together. We were a 3 piece for a month or two doing the open mic night at Spin. Jimmy was there by chance and approached us after our set. He never really auditioned, just learned the songs.
When did you know that you wanted to take a run at this thing called music?
For me it was in high school. I was awful and had no talent but lots of drive. My closest friend in high school and I started a little band and I fell in love with the idea of making music and the fantasy of playing for hundreds or thousands of screaming fans.
Any other jobs or is music it?
I’m a bagel sandwich artist.
What is your favorite venue to play?
Regularly the verve in Terre Haute for sure! Ever I’d have to say the Whisky A Go-Go in Hollywood.
What is the largest crowd you have played for?
Intimately it was at the Music Mill on NYE when we opened for the Why Store for about 900 people. I played at the F-1 with another band in front of 30-35,000
The smallest?
The bar staff of the venue we were playing.
You guys have a strong relationship with The Verve in Terre Haute. Tell me what you like about that venue that keeps you going back.
The Verve is an awesome intimate venue. First off the owner, Connie, and the staff are wonderful people. They’ve become friends now outside of playing there every 4-6 weeks. The crowd is appreciative. They go there to hang out with good people and listen to the band, and hear new original music. Once you earn a fan base at the Verve, you’ll have them forever. They’ve come to Indy to see us play!
Describe your genre in one word.
Magnetic.
I love the retro look of it. Who did your MySpace layout?
Jimmy did our MySpace layout. All of our other artwork is created by Vincent, the name giver of the band. He’s a creative genius.
Who are some of your biggest influences?
Personally: the Beatles, the Killers, Phish, Pink Floyd, anything thoughtful and catchy.
Tell me a little bit about Blue Pumpkin.
It’s a subsidiary of Universal with distribution, promotion and marketing done all through Universal.
If you could tour with any band currently on the market right now whom would it be?
The Killers, Jon McLaughin, or Maroon 5.
Any thoughts on a tour this year?
We’re in the beginning stages of booking and routing our spring summer tour. April & May, coast to coast.
If you could live anywhere else in the world outside of Indianapolis where would you go?
The world!? Ah, I need to see the world before I make the choice. In the U.S., I’d say either NYC, L.A. or Miami.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you on stage?
It was one of RRR’s first show and it happened to be at the Verve. After a song I said, “Thank you very much, we are Austin Bridges!” The crowd booed then laughed at the mistake and the band laughed, I was very uncomfortable!
Coke or Pepsi?
Niether.
Where do you get inspiration for a new song?
Experiences and the news.
Is there a ringleader in the group?
We all have a niche in the group, front man? Me.
Let’s say you are offered a $250,000 record deal but it is someone else’s lyrics and it is a rap album. Do you do it?
Nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnope
I have seen a major turn around for you, Davey, in not only your sound and vocals but also the number of instruments you play. What prompted that change?
I was left with a pretty bad taste in my mouth after Austin Bridges broke up and I was tired of playing guitar. I’d always wanted to play piano and keys so I went to Goodwill and bought an old Hammond organ, you know, the one everyone’s grandparents have in some room their house and taught myself how to play. I bought it in Dec of 07’ and played my first show in January on keys.
What should someone expect from a live show?
Consistency. We’re not recreating the wheel with our genre but I believe we do it in a unique way. We’re creative songwriters and can consistently come up with hooks and catchy melodies. We don’t have a guitar hero or a badass keys player but our drummer is a human metronome and we all play the songs the way they’re supposed to be played. We don’t show off we just play every song in every show to the best of our ability and it always turns out well.
Where do you see yourselves in five years?
Not here. I don’t like to speculate. Hopefully somewhere warm, safe and happy.
What do you guys want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?
That we were able to be successful and happy in a hard-nosed world and business. We’re all hard workers and believe in what we do and in the music. I want fans and critics to believe like we believe that we wrote great songs and influenced / changed the way people listened and or made music.
Let’s say that you are headlining at Verizon Wireless Music Center. Who is your opener?
The Killers.
I always let the artist get the last word. Go.
This is a tough, if not the toughest, business to be successful. I want to see bands, artists and fans unite to promote each other, not beat each other down. There are so many opportunities just waiting to be used and I wish the best to everyone. I feel lucky to be playing with the guys I am and to be friends with the bands I am. Nate Davis and the Franchize, Twin Cats, Mardelay, The Vigrin Millionaires, Henry French, Win With Willard, and several more are all great guys and wonderful musicians. Support these guys and us and anyone else throwing themselves out there for the pure love of it.
