Published: June 23, 2009 1:15 AM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight June 2009 Edition
Shiftless Layabout
Shiftless Layabout photo courtesy of Jason Fukura
We recently completed an interview with Tim Kelly (lead vocals, trumpet) and Matt Wexler (bass) from Shiftless Layabout of Seattle, WA. On June 9th, 2009. The two band members discussed music and the band's new album, Layin' It Down Eight Days A Week. Here is what developed. Enjoy!
Isaac: What was the best part of 2008 for you musically?
Matt Wexler: For me, the best part of 2008 was the opportunity to finally do some work on the road with a range of Seattle musicians. Shiftless Layabout finally did some away gigs - Whidbey Island, Leavenworth - and I had the chance to do some work in California and Texas with Two Loons for Tea. Getting away from the familiarity of home, seeing new faces, and meeting new people was really refreshing.
Tim Kelly: Hitting the road with the band is ALWAYS a good time. I've been hanging out with these guys for like 6 or 7 years. There's a reason that we've been together and working consistently for that long… we enjoy each other's company both on and off stage. Musically speaking, every show is better than the one before. These guys keep getting better and that's a large part of what keeps us coming back to it.
Isaac: What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment for 2008?
Matt Wexler: The best part of 2008 was seeing the completion of the first 'official' Shiftless Layabout album. There were a lot of 'demo' recordings, one EP which was a mixed bag, and after nearly 7 years of Shiftless Layabout, to finally see The Album come together and hold the copy in my hands has been great.
Tim Kelly: Finishing the album definitely. That thing has been brewing for so long… we started the recording process back in 2007 and are just now seeing the album finalized in 2009. It's been very satisfying to see that project to completion. A relief actually. And it looks and sounds great, so that makes it all the better.
Isaac: Describe the music scene in area.
TK: Seattle is heavy with bands. Lots and lots of (moody) rock bands. There are a fair number of funk groups out there, too, but we are definitely under-represented in the grand scheme of it all. It makes booking shows interesting.
Isaac: What has been the best venue to perform at and why?
MW: While it's not technically a "venue", with this band I enjoy the festivals and street fairs the most. The mix of outdoor music and people having fun just can't be beat. There's no "scene" when you're at a street fair; everyone's enjoying the weather and having fun and there's no drama. While the sound can be iffy (although it's usually not), you're often working with people who are volunteers and are passionate about the work they're doing, so they go the extra mile to make everything sound good and put their best efforts in. When the weather cooperates (always an iffy proposition in the PacNW...), it makes for a perfect gig.
TK: I agree. There's something totally awesome about those summer festivals: good, clean family fun. It's just about the music and having a good time.
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?
TK: Well, I'd have to say that the biggest influence on me right now is the Dap Kings and their Brooklyn based label, Daptone Records. They entered onto the music scene fully formed with a very distinct vision of funk and soul and they've been doing it their way ever since: several albums, 45s, and collaborations with artists like Amy Winehouse. I may not always agree with their aesthetic, but I totally respect what they have managed to accomplish. On their own. It gives me hope for what we're trying to accomplish with Shiftless Layabout.
Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?
Photo by: Christopher Nelson
MW: The personality and musical facility in this band is remarkable. The musicians are all trained, and many of them are music educators, but this band gives them a chance to cut loose, shake things up a little, and step away from the classical and jazz 'rules' and just concentrate on having fun and rocking out.
TK: We've got our own unique view of funk music. It is not like any other bands that I have heard lately. It definitely draws on past and current influences, but we go our own way with it. Whether that's good or bad, I don't know… I'm leaning towards good. But at least it's ours.
Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?
MW: Loungey soul meets Southern swamp rock.
TK: I don't know about loungey these days… but I'd say 1973, horn-tastic LIVE funk and kung-fu movies.
Isaac: What type of feedback have you received from fans about your music?
TK: Overwhelmingly positive with the new album. They are digging our somewhat grittier (yet tighter) sound and they've even been complimentary about the album art. We went totally in-house, lo-fi on this recording and that included the artwork, which was done by our guitarist, Tom Miller. People dig the old-school vibe that we're putting out there.
Isaac: What can fans expect from you in the next five years?
TK: Hopefully another album and lots more live shows. We've got a few new songs written already, but I think we'll give it a little space before we jump back into the studio. In the mean time, though, we'll keep doing what we do on the live tip.
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans…
MW: Big shoutout to Superfan himself, Mr. Brett Hanson.
Photo by: Jason Fukura
TK: Big thanks go to my wife who has been INCREDIBLY supportive over the past few years: financially, emotionally… she also inspires me to write most of this music, so I'd be perty lost without her.
I'd also like to thank Hollow Earth Radio for their support, local band Kissing Potion for helping us keep funk alive in the Seattle area. And for their help on the album, Barry Corliss of Masterworks and Jeff Squillace of Streamline Multimedia.
