Published: May 19, 2009 1:57 AM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight May 2009 Edition
The Cortlandt Homes
The Cortlandt Homes
Bradley Stone of The Cortlandt Homes recently spoke to our Webzine about the music of the band and what fans can expect from the talented group. One of the best parts about the band's sound is the strong vocals of its lead singer Robert Wayman who sure knows how to draw you in with his commanding voice. And the amazing guitar of Wayman along with Stone's insane bass and top it off with Phillip Cosby, drums/vocals and you have a winning ingredient for entertainment. Check out this spotlight and discover the magic of The Cortlandt Homes.
Isaac: What was the best part of 2008 for you musically?
The Cortlandt Homes: Playing shows was excellent, as was writing new tunes. Lots of cool new music out, too, but a surprising- and disheartening- lack of "the rock".
Isaac: What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment for 2008?
The Cortlandt Homes: Finding a great new drummer was key. We also seem to be finding our actual "voice" as a band, which is really cool, seeing as we've been pretty much all over the place up to this point. We're doing some things rhythmically, melodically, and vocally with our new stuff that are feeling really good, feeling really like they might turn into our "sound", so to speak.
Isaac: Describe the music scene in area.
The Cortlandt Homes: We're still searching for one. As big and awesome a city as this is, there doesn't seem to be anything happening in a coalesced, together, supportive sort of way. Everything's fragmented, catch-as-catch-can. There is no discernable scene, which is hugely annoying. I mean, this is CHICAGO, for God's sake; how can this place NOT have a scene?!?
Isaac: What has been the best venue to perform at and why?
The Cortlandt Homes: There's no particular "best". We love playing Reggie's Rock Room (decent crowds; cool, hidden upstairs bands area), Phyllis's Musical Inn (fun crowds; good location), Elbo Room ($30 gets you a live recording!), and The Mutiny (WICKED Long Island Iced Tea pitchers- FOR FREE!!!), along with a bunch of other places.
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?
The Cortlandt Homes: Our biggest influences are the old-school DIY guys- The Minutemen,
Mission Of Burma, The Replacements, Guided By Voices, etc. They're the ones who said, fuck it, we're doing our thing, dig it or don't. In a world without the Internet, they didn't whine, cry, or complain- they wanted to rock, and they found ways to do so. Beautiful.
Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?
The Cortlandt Homes: We bring the rock. That's really it. Our songs aren't stupid, they have the occasional hook or two, they're played with passion, and they rock. All the cutesy/quirky stuff in vogue now is cool as hell- I love lots of it- but seriously, these days, where do you go for the ROCK?!? If you're not emo or hardcore and just want that tune that'll kick your ass simply because it's a good, solid, loud, rockin' tune, where do you turn? Well, to us, we hope...
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?
The Cortlandt Homes: I guess we'd have to say Mission Of Burma. Those guys are pure as the driven snow integrity-wise, have been doing it forever and are STILL blowing rooms away, and are a DIY, rocking, loud-but-not-stupid trio, kinda like we like to think we are...
Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?
The Cortlandt Homes: Good songs. Loud. Fun.
Isaac: What type of feedback have your received from fans about your music?
The Cortlandt Homes: Kinda the same as above- good songs, loud, and fun. And since that's pretty much
exactly what we're going for, we're pretty pleased.
Isaac: What can fans expect from you in the next five years?
The Cortlandt Homes: A debut record release sometime this fall, followed by complete world domination. Of course.
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans…
The Cortlandt Homes: Robert would like to say hi to his beloved Blackhawks and Cubbies, Weston feels that you should all become soccer fans, and Bradley wants to thank Morrissey, Michael Stipe, Lloyd Cole, Bob Pollard, and Dan Bejar for being freaking geniuses and constant inspirations. Gracias, fellas!
