>-How did the band get started? What other bands have you played in and how has that shaped your current sound?
TAAS officially started when steve joined the band. Brian, Joe and I had been playing for a couple months before we asked him to join us and it all snowballed from there. Steve had been asking me about what I had been doing for a while and if we’d be interested in having him come in and sing and it ended up working out perfectly. I was in a band called nineironspitfire that did a couple of ep’s and not too much else. and I wasn’t too much of a factor as far as the writing process was concerned so it hasn’t brought much of an impact on the way that TAAS has done anything. This band is different in the way we approach writing than anything we’ve done before collectively and individually and we treat it as such. Our previous experiences are that and that alone. We can take what we know that has helped us and use that to our advantage and that’s about it. Beyond that, those bands broke up for a reason and put us where we are.
>-What should we know about you new album…where was it recorded and who produced it, etc…
Oxeneers or The Lion Sleep When Its Antelope Go Home was recorded and produced by Matt Bayles at three different studios. It took two weeks to record at Studio Litho, Spectre South and mixed at A’vast. We literally put ourselves in a dank and small practice space for 3 months and wrote Oxeneers. It was great because we had a timeline to do this record and it forced us to not overthink anything and go with our first instincts. Whereas with the ep we had no timeline and spent a lot of time writing those songs which we’re proud of but are nowhere near where we’re at now. We’ve had a lot of time to figure each other out and get to know how everyone works and can write openly and honestly with each other.
>-What are some of your favorite cities/venues to play at and why?
We generally seem to enjoy the bigger cities at this point. The crowds seem to be a bit more receptive and also seem to enjoy getting into the music that they’re watching. We feed off of the crowd a lot and if they’re having a good time then we’re having a good time. Having fun is nearly impossible when no one else is either.
>-What musicians/bands inspire you as far as their sound, aesthetic, creative energies? Who are some of your favorite bands to see live?
Personally I don’t see too much live anymore besides the bands that we tour with so I’ve really enjoyed playing with and getting to see Communique and Paris Texas. Both bands totally have their own thing going on and present themselves in completely different ways but both manage to knock me on my ass every time I see them. They are great bands and people and that makes it even better to watch them.
>- If you could have any film director make a video for one of your songs, who would it be, and why?
I think Laurent Briet has done some really great videos and the same with Chris Cunningham. Anyone that treats a specific project as its own instead of their own seems to leave a mark with us. Both directors seem to weave their own interpretations in with what the bands idea is and works with it to the best of their ability. They both seem insanely creative in their visions and how to interpret the bands message or idea and you can’t ask for anything better than that. Those two are amazing and I love their work.
>- What is on your turntable/cd player at home right now?
I’m currently listening to Communique’s Poison Arrows and Aphex Twin’s Richard D James. A lot. Other than that I can’t wait for the new Björk record to come out.
>- Any upcoming tour info to look forward to?
Yes. We will be out for most of the rest of this year. We’ll be out with Enging Down for 2 weeks in September and spend some time in the UK and head back for CMJ. There is more in the works so keep your eye out for any updated news.