Nallo interview with Andrew Ranallo, Blake Pederson, Jac Cornelius and Patrick McCabe
There are bands that set out to try and sound retro, and
there are bands where that just naturally happens. Call them old souls, call them eclectic. Call them what you will, but it comes
seemingly effortlessly to some bands.
It’s easy to just crank the volume up, get a little fuzzy and play some
jangly derivative mod crap. It’s an
entirely other thing to evoke a bygone era of a time when production was still
in its infancy and there was a sense of exploration and discovery at every turn
that seemed to bleed into the music, though.
Like an acid spike in the town well, the echo and reverberation of Nallo
tickle and tease your brain, as the sounds permeate into your mind and cast a
hazy cloaking fog over the contents.
Contemplative tempos flow along into frenzied walls of maddening
distortion of echo and fuzz, forcing the listener into fits of alien limb
syndrome like toe-tapping and spasmodic slow-motion head-banging. There’s something warm and inviting about
Nallo’s sound, something timeless that will virtually ensure that they’re never
fully appreciated during their own time.
Nallo makes the kind of music people are going to dig out of a record
store bin in fifteen years and wonder how the hell they’ve never heard of it
before. It’s the kind of music that’s
obviously created from no other place than a basic need for self expression and
creation, the kind of music that will leave a lasting impact on its
listeners. Nallo’s music comes from the
gut, whether they’re getting a little rowdy adding some frolicking almost
country-esque melodies to a contemporary psychedelic pallet, droning along in a
world summoned from the immense soundscapes that they’re able to conjure at the
flick of a wrist, or crooning in a sickly sweet twisted Syd Barret induced
ballad of echo and reverberation.
They’ve self-released one full-length album, a cassingle and an amazing
lathe-cut 7-inch at this point, and they’re in the studio hard at work on their
second album as I write this. While they
were taking a break from shows to record a little, they graciously took time to
fill all you lucky Psychedelic Baby readers in on the details of what’s
happened thus far with Nallo, and give you all an idea of where they want to be
headed from here. Do yourself a favor,
though, and even if you don’t read this piece, click the link, listen to some
music and spread the gospel of Nallo ‘cause the world needs more music like
this…
there are bands where that just naturally happens. Call them old souls, call them eclectic. Call them what you will, but it comes
seemingly effortlessly to some bands.
It’s easy to just crank the volume up, get a little fuzzy and play some
jangly derivative mod crap. It’s an
entirely other thing to evoke a bygone era of a time when production was still
in its infancy and there was a sense of exploration and discovery at every turn
that seemed to bleed into the music, though.
Like an acid spike in the town well, the echo and reverberation of Nallo
tickle and tease your brain, as the sounds permeate into your mind and cast a
hazy cloaking fog over the contents.
Contemplative tempos flow along into frenzied walls of maddening
distortion of echo and fuzz, forcing the listener into fits of alien limb
syndrome like toe-tapping and spasmodic slow-motion head-banging. There’s something warm and inviting about
Nallo’s sound, something timeless that will virtually ensure that they’re never
fully appreciated during their own time.
Nallo makes the kind of music people are going to dig out of a record
store bin in fifteen years and wonder how the hell they’ve never heard of it
before. It’s the kind of music that’s
obviously created from no other place than a basic need for self expression and
creation, the kind of music that will leave a lasting impact on its
listeners. Nallo’s music comes from the
gut, whether they’re getting a little rowdy adding some frolicking almost
country-esque melodies to a contemporary psychedelic pallet, droning along in a
world summoned from the immense soundscapes that they’re able to conjure at the
flick of a wrist, or crooning in a sickly sweet twisted Syd Barret induced
ballad of echo and reverberation.
They’ve self-released one full-length album, a cassingle and an amazing
lathe-cut 7-inch at this point, and they’re in the studio hard at work on their
second album as I write this. While they
were taking a break from shows to record a little, they graciously took time to
fill all you lucky Psychedelic Baby readers in on the details of what’s
happened thus far with Nallo, and give you all an idea of where they want to be
headed from here. Do yourself a favor,
though, and even if you don’t read this piece, click the link, listen to some
music and spread the gospel of Nallo ‘cause the world needs more music like
this…
What’s the lineup
in Nallo at this point? Have you all
gone through any lineup changes since you started or is this the original
lineup?
in Nallo at this point? Have you all
gone through any lineup changes since you started or is this the original
lineup?
Lineup:
Guitar/Vocals: Andrew Ranallo
Bass: Blake Pederson
Lead guitar/pedal steel: Jac Cornelius
Percussion: Patrick McCabe
Andrew: Nallo began
as a solo project of mine, but grew to a two-piece with a previous
multi-instrumentalist, then a three piece, and then a four-piece. Jac replaced our former guitarist Ronnie Lee
in the winter of 2013.
as a solo project of mine, but grew to a two-piece with a previous
multi-instrumentalist, then a three piece, and then a four-piece. Jac replaced our former guitarist Ronnie Lee
in the winter of 2013.
Are any of you involved with any other active bands at this point or do you have any other
side projects going on? Have you
released any music with anyone else in the past? If so, can you tell us a bit about that?
side projects going on? Have you
released any music with anyone else in the past? If so, can you tell us a bit about that?
Andrew: We all have a
pocket full of other projects going on at any given time. Pat has a punk/hardcore background and plays
with a local outfit called No Skin right now.
Jac has a country background and plays with a few alt-country bands in
town.
pocket full of other projects going on at any given time. Pat has a punk/hardcore background and plays
with a local outfit called No Skin right now.
Jac has a country background and plays with a few alt-country bands in
town.
How old are you
and where are you originally from?
and where are you originally from?
We’re all in our twenties and all from the Midwest.
What was the local
music scene like where you grew up? Did
you see a lot of shows or get very involved in that scene? Do you fee like it played a large role in
shaping your musical tastes or the way that you perform at this point?
music scene like where you grew up? Did
you see a lot of shows or get very involved in that scene? Do you fee like it played a large role in
shaping your musical tastes or the way that you perform at this point?
Andrew: I felt like
the music scene was very active where I grew up and it definitely exposed me to
the idea of creative music.
the music scene was very active where I grew up and it definitely exposed me to
the idea of creative music.
Blake: I did a lot of
basement jamming with friends.
basement jamming with friends.
Jac: Me too, yeah.
Pat: It’s weird. All I did was play with a couple of my best
friends; pop punk, in a basement in St. Paul, with no outside influence from
the local community.
friends; pop punk, in a basement in St. Paul, with no outside influence from
the local community.
What about your
home when you were growing up? Were
either of your parents or any of your close relatives musicians or maybe just
extremely interested or involved in music?
home when you were growing up? Were
either of your parents or any of your close relatives musicians or maybe just
extremely interested or involved in music?
Jac: My mom was a
pianist who wanted me to play piano. I
wanted to play guitar instead, so I had to teach myself.
pianist who wanted me to play piano. I
wanted to play guitar instead, so I had to teach myself.
Andrew: I have a
musical family too, but not many active performers. I have a few uncles in folk bands from years
ago.
musical family too, but not many active performers. I have a few uncles in folk bands from years
ago.
Blake: My mom was a
choir singer and was always playing The Sound of Music soundtrack at full volume,
every morning. So I know every word of
that. My dad was a huge fan of classic
rock and exposed me to that at an early age.
choir singer and was always playing The Sound of Music soundtrack at full volume,
every morning. So I know every word of
that. My dad was a huge fan of classic
rock and exposed me to that at an early age.
Pat: My father was
directly involved in the Twin Cities music scene as a sound and lighting
engineer. I saw many performances around
town at a very young age. My dad also
played guitar, but I never saw him when I was young.
directly involved in the Twin Cities music scene as a sound and lighting
engineer. I saw many performances around
town at a very young age. My dad also
played guitar, but I never saw him when I was young.
What do you consider your first real exposure
to music to be?
to music to be?
Andrew: I think it
was my family. My mom loved to
sing. I know lots of weird old songs
from her.
was my family. My mom loved to
sing. I know lots of weird old songs
from her.
Jac: I had an uncle
buy me my first real guitar and started playing blues with him.
buy me my first real guitar and started playing blues with him.
Blake: Watching
Revenge Of The Nerds, and getting really attached to “Burning Down the House”
by the Talking Heads.
Revenge Of The Nerds, and getting really attached to “Burning Down the House”
by the Talking Heads.
Pat: When I was four
years old, I was exposed to the song “One” by Metallica and I was floored by
the bridge section of the song. That’s
what got me interested.
years old, I was exposed to the song “One” by Metallica and I was floored by
the bridge section of the song. That’s
what got me interested.
If you were to
pick a single moment that changed everything for you and seemed to open your
eyes to the infinite possibilities that music presents, what would it be?
pick a single moment that changed everything for you and seemed to open your
eyes to the infinite possibilities that music presents, what would it be?
Jac: Watching Stop
Making Sense.
Making Sense.
Blake and Andrew:
Yeah!
Yeah!
Pat: I’ve never seen
that.
that.
Jac: I’m excited for
you.
you.
When did you
decide to start writing and performing your own music and what brought that decision
about for you?
decide to start writing and performing your own music and what brought that decision
about for you?
Andrew: I started
writing when I was about twelve, silly folk songs. I didn’t start taking it seriously until I
was in my twenties, but I wrote dozens of songs starting very young.
writing when I was about twelve, silly folk songs. I didn’t start taking it seriously until I
was in my twenties, but I wrote dozens of songs starting very young.
Jac: I was fifteen,
my brother was a drummer, I was a guitarist.
We started playing music at our parents’ house and wrote and recorded
two albums together.
my brother was a drummer, I was a guitarist.
We started playing music at our parents’ house and wrote and recorded
two albums together.
Blake: I was probably
fifteen or sixteen too. Just for fun,
something to do with friends.
fifteen or sixteen too. Just for fun,
something to do with friends.
Pat: Maybe thirteen
or fourteen, some buddies and I decided to start a band. It was called Aliens Exist, or Alien Sexist;
a Blink-182 reference.
or fourteen, some buddies and I decided to start a band. It was called Aliens Exist, or Alien Sexist;
a Blink-182 reference.
What was your
first instrument? When and how did you
get that?
first instrument? When and how did you
get that?
Andrew: My first
instrument was an acoustic guitar, it was my brother’s; a Yamaha. Still sounds really good.
instrument was an acoustic guitar, it was my brother’s; a Yamaha. Still sounds really good.
Blake: A snare drum I
got for school band.
got for school band.
Pat: I begged my
grandmother for a drum kit when I was thirteen, and she bought it for me for my
birthday.
grandmother for a drum kit when I was thirteen, and she bought it for me for my
birthday.
Jac: My uncle gave me
my first guitar. It was almost a toy,
but I still learned how to play my favorite songs from the radio on it.
my first guitar. It was almost a toy,
but I still learned how to play my favorite songs from the radio on it.
How did the
members of Nallo originally meet and when would that have been?
members of Nallo originally meet and when would that have been?
Andrew: We all met
playing music around the scene here.
playing music around the scene here.
When and what led
to the formation of Nallo?
to the formation of Nallo?
Andrew: Nallo started
as a solo project, folk music. I played
my own songs with various musicians for about six years. In 2010 I met Ronnie Lee, our former
guitarist and one of the hardest working musicians in Minneapolis, and he
convinced me to psych it up, try an electric guitar and we started a two-piece
where I’d sing and play rhythm and Ronnie would play a few drums, some guitar,
and throw his voice through a bunch of vocal processors. Blake eventually joined us on bass. At the time, Pat was living in Arizona, but I
told him if he ever came back to Minnesota, he’d have a place to play drums. Once he moved back in the winter of 2011, he
joined us on drums. Ronnie eventually
left to work on other projects and Jac started jamming with us this past
winter. The new lineup is working really
well and we’re having a lot of fun.
as a solo project, folk music. I played
my own songs with various musicians for about six years. In 2010 I met Ronnie Lee, our former
guitarist and one of the hardest working musicians in Minneapolis, and he
convinced me to psych it up, try an electric guitar and we started a two-piece
where I’d sing and play rhythm and Ronnie would play a few drums, some guitar,
and throw his voice through a bunch of vocal processors. Blake eventually joined us on bass. At the time, Pat was living in Arizona, but I
told him if he ever came back to Minnesota, he’d have a place to play drums. Once he moved back in the winter of 2011, he
joined us on drums. Ronnie eventually
left to work on other projects and Jac started jamming with us this past
winter. The new lineup is working really
well and we’re having a lot of fun.
I’ve done some
thinking about the name and I just can’t put my finger on it. I know I’ve heard
the term Nallo before, but outside of a reference to New Orleans I just can’t
figure it out. Then again, I’ve never
been a clever man, ha-ha! What does the
name mean or refer to? Who came up with
it and how did you all go about choosing it?
Were there any close seconds that you almost went with you can remember
at this point?
thinking about the name and I just can’t put my finger on it. I know I’ve heard
the term Nallo before, but outside of a reference to New Orleans I just can’t
figure it out. Then again, I’ve never
been a clever man, ha-ha! What does the
name mean or refer to? Who came up with
it and how did you all go about choosing it?
Were there any close seconds that you almost went with you can remember
at this point?
Andrew: This is going
to be disappointing, but the name Nallo is an old nickname of mine. That said, we stuck with it because it’s hard
to pin down and doesn’t really sound like anything else. Also, someone once said it sounds like a Euro
chocolate company, which is alright.
to be disappointing, but the name Nallo is an old nickname of mine. That said, we stuck with it because it’s hard
to pin down and doesn’t really sound like anything else. Also, someone once said it sounds like a Euro
chocolate company, which is alright.
Where’s Nallo
located at these days?
located at these days?
Andrew: South
Minneapolis.
Minneapolis.
What’s the local
music scene like where you’re at?
music scene like where you’re at?
Blake: It’s cool,
very diverse.
very diverse.
Jac: Eclectic is a
good word. Everyone has their
niche. Minneapolis has something for
everyone; very healthy.
good word. Everyone has their
niche. Minneapolis has something for
everyone; very healthy.
Blake: Yep. Healthy,
quality bands in every genre.
quality bands in every genre.
Andrew: Even butt
rock.
rock.
Do you feel very
involved in the local scene where you’re at?
Do you book or attend a lot of local shows or anything?
involved in the local scene where you’re at?
Do you book or attend a lot of local shows or anything?
Andrew: Yes. Yes, all
the time. It’s really all we do.
the time. It’s really all we do.
Has the local
scene played an integral role in the sound, history or evolution of Nallo, or
do you all think you would be doing that you’re doing and sound basically like
you do regardless of your geographic location and stuff?
scene played an integral role in the sound, history or evolution of Nallo, or
do you all think you would be doing that you’re doing and sound basically like
you do regardless of your geographic location and stuff?
Andrew: We’re all
here. So, it couldn’t really be anywhere
else.
here. So, it couldn’t really be anywhere
else.
Jac: There are a lot
of good bands here, so it makes us work harder at what we do.
of good bands here, so it makes us work harder at what we do.
Are you involved
in recording or releasing any music at all?
If you are, can you talk about that here for us briefly?
in recording or releasing any music at all?
If you are, can you talk about that here for us briefly?
Andrew: We’re
currently working on a full-length release for November. It’ll be a quick turnaround. We’re headed into the studio tomorrow to
start tracking and have done three rounds of demos. We’re recording it with Ali Jafaar of
Ecstattic Studio here in Minneapolis.
currently working on a full-length release for November. It’ll be a quick turnaround. We’re headed into the studio tomorrow to
start tracking and have done three rounds of demos. We’re recording it with Ali Jafaar of
Ecstattic Studio here in Minneapolis.
Who are some of
your major musical influences? You have
a really interesting configuration of sounds going on in your music. What about influences on the band as a whole
rather than just individually?
your major musical influences? You have
a really interesting configuration of sounds going on in your music. What about influences on the band as a whole
rather than just individually?
Andrew: I love all
kinds of music, but I grew up on pop music, so that’s always there. I was also formerly a folk musician, so I
think that still bleeds into how I write songs.
kinds of music, but I grew up on pop music, so that’s always there. I was also formerly a folk musician, so I
think that still bleeds into how I write songs.
Blake: We all love
Neil Young, Kraut Rock, and Deerhoof.
Neil Young, Kraut Rock, and Deerhoof.
Pat: Yeah, I’m on the
same page, but my drumming influences are heavy rock.
same page, but my drumming influences are heavy rock.
Jac: I started
playing pedal steel so I could play 70’s country, but I think I’ve found a
space for it in this project.
playing pedal steel so I could play 70’s country, but I think I’ve found a
space for it in this project.
What’s the
songwriting process for Nallo like? Is
there someone that usually comes to the rest of the band with a riff or more
finished idea for a song to fine tune with the rest of your? Or, do you all tackle that sort of stuff more
as a unit kicking ideas back and forth when you get together until you come
across something that you’re interested in working on and refining?
songwriting process for Nallo like? Is
there someone that usually comes to the rest of the band with a riff or more
finished idea for a song to fine tune with the rest of your? Or, do you all tackle that sort of stuff more
as a unit kicking ideas back and forth when you get together until you come
across something that you’re interested in working on and refining?
Andrew: I usually
have a skeleton of a song ready to show the band, but the songs change a lot
from that point to the point where we’re playing them live.
have a skeleton of a song ready to show the band, but the songs change a lot
from that point to the point where we’re playing them live.
What’s recording
like for Nallo? I’m a musician myself
and I think that most of us can appreciate all the time and effort that goes
into recording when you’re holding that finished product in your hands. Getting to that point though, getting
everything recorded and especially sounding the way that you want it to as a
band can be extremely difficult to say the least. What’s it like for Nallo?
like for Nallo? I’m a musician myself
and I think that most of us can appreciate all the time and effort that goes
into recording when you’re holding that finished product in your hands. Getting to that point though, getting
everything recorded and especially sounding the way that you want it to as a
band can be extremely difficult to say the least. What’s it like for Nallo?
Andrew: Recording is
hard.
hard.
Pat: You have to plot
it out, have a plan.
it out, have a plan.
Jac: It’s a slippery
slope. You have to pick the point where
you’re going to stop the recording process and the search for perfection. You can tweak little things forever and never
release a record!
slope. You have to pick the point where
you’re going to stop the recording process and the search for perfection. You can tweak little things forever and never
release a record!
Andrew: I agree with
that, and I think moving on is better for the band as well, keeps us moving
toward new songs by letting songs go.
that, and I think moving on is better for the band as well, keeps us moving
toward new songs by letting songs go.
Do you all like to
take a more DIY approach to recording where you handle most of the aspects of
that on your own so you don’t have to work with or compromise on anything with
anyone else? Or do you all like to head
into the studio and let someone else man that side of stuff so that you
concentrate more on the songs and your performance?
take a more DIY approach to recording where you handle most of the aspects of
that on your own so you don’t have to work with or compromise on anything with
anyone else? Or do you all like to head
into the studio and let someone else man that side of stuff so that you
concentrate more on the songs and your performance?
Andrew: Up until now,
we’ve been almost completely DIY. For
this new album, we’re excited to work with someone who really knows how to run
a board. DIY is great, and very fun, and
we will probably do more of it. But that
being said, working with a pro you trust is great because you can focus on your
playing and leave the tech-side to them.
Ali is a close and trusted friend, so I have no worries about
compromising or anything like that.
we’ve been almost completely DIY. For
this new album, we’re excited to work with someone who really knows how to run
a board. DIY is great, and very fun, and
we will probably do more of it. But that
being said, working with a pro you trust is great because you can focus on your
playing and leave the tech-side to them.
Ali is a close and trusted friend, so I have no worries about
compromising or anything like that.
Is there a lot of
time and effort that goes into figuring out every single part of a song and
setting it in stone before you head in to record a song, or do you hit the
record button with a basic skeletal idea of what a song’s going to sound like
in your head, while allowing for some levels of change and variation during the
recording process?
time and effort that goes into figuring out every single part of a song and
setting it in stone before you head in to record a song, or do you hit the
record button with a basic skeletal idea of what a song’s going to sound like
in your head, while allowing for some levels of change and variation during the
recording process?
Andrew: We rehearse a
lot. Our songs are pretty well cooked by
the time we record.
lot. Our songs are pretty well cooked by
the time we record.
Jac: Sometimes,
recordings capture a unique moment, but most of the time you need to be well
prepared to end up with the end result you want.
recordings capture a unique moment, but most of the time you need to be well
prepared to end up with the end result you want.
Do psychoactive or
hallucinogenic drugs play a large role in the songwriting, recording or
performance processes for Nallo? People
have been harnessing the mind altering states that those substances create for
thousands of years and channeling them into art and I’m always extremely
curious about its usage and application to the art that I personally enjoy.
hallucinogenic drugs play a large role in the songwriting, recording or
performance processes for Nallo? People
have been harnessing the mind altering states that those substances create for
thousands of years and channeling them into art and I’m always extremely
curious about its usage and application to the art that I personally enjoy.
Jac: They’ve informed
my world view, but I don’t think they have changed how I play music.
my world view, but I don’t think they have changed how I play music.
Andrew: Agreed.
Let’s talk a
little bit about your back catalog for a minute. Now I know you released the Submarines single
on cassette a year later, but as early as 2010 there were CDs that you were
giving away to people. I saw a picture
of a couple of them and they were numbered out of twenty five copies. What was on those “Giveaway CDs”? Can you tell us a little bit about the
recording of the material for that? Was
that material ever available outside of those CDs, digitally or anything? Was that indeed limited to twenty five copies
or were there more of those made?
little bit about your back catalog for a minute. Now I know you released the Submarines single
on cassette a year later, but as early as 2010 there were CDs that you were
giving away to people. I saw a picture
of a couple of them and they were numbered out of twenty five copies. What was on those “Giveaway CDs”? Can you tell us a little bit about the
recording of the material for that? Was
that material ever available outside of those CDs, digitally or anything? Was that indeed limited to twenty five copies
or were there more of those made?
Andrew: The giveaway
CDs were from my solo days, and there were 25 handpainted copies made in
2008. As a band, you have our
discography correct: 2011, Submarines Cassingle; 2012: Mechano and the Trees;
2013: Drugs for the Kids 7”.
CDs were from my solo days, and there were 25 handpainted copies made in
2008. As a band, you have our
discography correct: 2011, Submarines Cassingle; 2012: Mechano and the Trees;
2013: Drugs for the Kids 7”.
As I mentioned,
you all released the Submarines cassingle in 2011 on Cat People Records. Was the recording of the two songs for
Submarines very different than the earlier session(s)? Who recorded that material and when would
that have been? Where was that recorded
at? What kind of equipment was
used? Is that limited to any certain
amount of copies?
you all released the Submarines cassingle in 2011 on Cat People Records. Was the recording of the two songs for
Submarines very different than the earlier session(s)? Who recorded that material and when would
that have been? Where was that recorded
at? What kind of equipment was
used? Is that limited to any certain
amount of copies?
Andrew: The Cassingle was a DIY effort led by Mr. Ronnie
Lee. We recorded on his Macbook with
GarageBand, in his basement in Northeast Minneapolis. Just a couple
microphones, took two hours to record.
He did mixing, etcetera, after that; turned out really well.
Lee. We recorded on his Macbook with
GarageBand, in his basement in Northeast Minneapolis. Just a couple
microphones, took two hours to record.
He did mixing, etcetera, after that; turned out really well.
2012 saw the birth
of your first full-length album, Mechano And The Trees, which was self-released
on both CD and cassette. Was that a fun,
pleasurable experience for you all recording?
When and where was Mechano And The Trees recorded? Who recorded it? What kind of equipment was used this time
around?
of your first full-length album, Mechano And The Trees, which was self-released
on both CD and cassette. Was that a fun,
pleasurable experience for you all recording?
When and where was Mechano And The Trees recorded? Who recorded it? What kind of equipment was used this time
around?
Andrew: Mechano And
The Trees was another DIY effort. I’ve
actually recorded that album three times.
Once alone, once as a three-piece with Ronnie and Blake, and finally the
version you hear online with the four-piece, before Jac joined. We recorded it in our basement in South
Minneapolis. As is always the case, DIY
recording is a real challenge. It was,
of course, pleasurable to finally have the songs out there, but the process
itself was challenging.
The Trees was another DIY effort. I’ve
actually recorded that album three times.
Once alone, once as a three-piece with Ronnie and Blake, and finally the
version you hear online with the four-piece, before Jac joined. We recorded it in our basement in South
Minneapolis. As is always the case, DIY
recording is a real challenge. It was,
of course, pleasurable to finally have the songs out there, but the process
itself was challenging.
Blake: It was
taxing. I think that’s the reason why
we’re most excited to work with Ali this time around.
taxing. I think that’s the reason why
we’re most excited to work with Ali this time around.
Last year you all
dropped the sick Drug for the Kids lathe-cut 7” single which was limited to
only 50 copies and featured two brand-new tracks from you all. Were those tracks written or recorded
specifically for that single? If so, can
you tell us a little bit about the recording of “All Summer” and “Kin”?
dropped the sick Drug for the Kids lathe-cut 7” single which was limited to
only 50 copies and featured two brand-new tracks from you all. Were those tracks written or recorded
specifically for that single? If so, can
you tell us a little bit about the recording of “All Summer” and “Kin”?
Andrew: Yes, those songs were one-offs for that single and
we wanted it to mark a shift in our sound.
We recorded those at a house in the country in far northern Wisconsin
over a few days of isolation.
we wanted it to mark a shift in our sound.
We recorded those at a house in the country in far northern Wisconsin
over a few days of isolation.
When I talked
to you all you mentioned that you were heading out to record for an upcoming
full-length. How’s that going at this
point? Have you guys wrapped recording
or are you still working on that? Is
there any projected release date or title for that stuff at this point?
to you all you mentioned that you were heading out to record for an upcoming
full-length. How’s that going at this
point? Have you guys wrapped recording
or are you still working on that? Is
there any projected release date or title for that stuff at this point?
Andrew: We’re starting tracking tomorrow. Very excited, aiming for November eleventh
release. As I said, it’ll be a quick
turnaround.
release. As I said, it’ll be a quick
turnaround.
Did you all try
anything radically new or different when it came to the songwriting or
recording of the material for the upcoming full-length? What can our readers expect from the new
album when it does drop?
anything radically new or different when it came to the songwriting or
recording of the material for the upcoming full-length? What can our readers expect from the new
album when it does drop?
Andrew: The biggest
difference is Jac. His work on guitar
and the pedal steel adds a whole new feel to the tunes. I’d say the songs are a little more mature,
if I can say that?
difference is Jac. His work on guitar
and the pedal steel adds a whole new feel to the tunes. I’d say the songs are a little more mature,
if I can say that?
Pat: The way we
rehearsed and assembled these songs was more of a group effort than before,
section by section.
rehearsed and assembled these songs was more of a group effort than before,
section by section.
Jac: I think we’re
focused more on textures than what I’ve heard of the past material.
focused more on textures than what I’ve heard of the past material.
Blake: We’ll be using
the studio more extensively this time around.
We’re more focused on getting a particular sound.
the studio more extensively this time around.
We’re more focused on getting a particular sound.
Where’s the best
place for our US readers to pick up copies of your stuff from?
place for our US readers to pick up copies of your stuff from?
With the insane
international shipping rates that just seem to keep going up and up, I try and
provide our readers with as many possible options for picking up stuff as I
can. Where’s the best place for our
international and overseas readers to score your stuff?
international shipping rates that just seem to keep going up and up, I try and
provide our readers with as many possible options for picking up stuff as I
can. Where’s the best place for our
international and overseas readers to score your stuff?
Andrew: Unfortunately,
we don’t’ have international distribution, but we’re happy to work out shipping
to anyone, anywhere. Go to our Bandcamp page and get in touch.
we don’t’ have international distribution, but we’re happy to work out shipping
to anyone, anywhere. Go to our Bandcamp page and get in touch.
Are there any
major plans or goals that you’re looking to accomplish in the rest of 2014 or
2015?
major plans or goals that you’re looking to accomplish in the rest of 2014 or
2015?
Andrew: First the
album, that’s most important. After
that, we’re headed to CMJ in New York City for a week to play a few shows in
and around Brooklyn between October 20th and 27th. But, I’d love to see us tour in 2015. We’re also planning another release for the
winter/spring.
album, that’s most important. After
that, we’re headed to CMJ in New York City for a week to play a few shows in
and around Brooklyn between October 20th and 27th. But, I’d love to see us tour in 2015. We’re also planning another release for the
winter/spring.
Do you all spend a
lot of time out on the road touring or anything? Do you like being out on the road? What’s life like on tour for Nallo?
lot of time out on the road touring or anything? Do you like being out on the road? What’s life like on tour for Nallo?
Andrew: We’ve done
almost no touring. We’ve played around
the Midwest, but I’d really love to see us get out to other cities this year.
almost no touring. We’ve played around
the Midwest, but I’d really love to see us get out to other cities this year.
Do you remember
what the first song that Nallo ever played live was? When and where was that?
what the first song that Nallo ever played live was? When and where was that?
Andrew: So long ago. No idea.
I know it was probably on an acoustic guitar and probably played sitting
down.
I know it was probably on an acoustic guitar and probably played sitting
down.
Who are some of
your personal favorite bands that you’ve had a chance to play with over the
past few years?
your personal favorite bands that you’ve had a chance to play with over the
past few years?
Andrew: Minneapolis
is full of amazing bands and brilliant people to play with, lots of great
people always shifting what they do in new and amazing ways.
is full of amazing bands and brilliant people to play with, lots of great
people always shifting what they do in new and amazing ways.
Pat: Lots of bands
that I look up to in my scene, including Buildings, Gay Witch Abortion, In
Defence, and Polica, Ben Ivascu is a drummer I really look up to, along with
his solo project.
that I look up to in my scene, including Buildings, Gay Witch Abortion, In
Defence, and Polica, Ben Ivascu is a drummer I really look up to, along with
his solo project.
Jac: One of my
favorite memories from a previous band was opening for Trampled by Turtles
sold-out CD release show. Opening for
Bloodshot Records artists Wayne “The Train” Hancock and Lydia Loveless was a
dream come true.
favorite memories from a previous band was opening for Trampled by Turtles
sold-out CD release show. Opening for
Bloodshot Records artists Wayne “The Train” Hancock and Lydia Loveless was a
dream come true.
Do you all give a
lot of thought to the visual aspects that represent the band to a large extent,
stuff like flyers, posters, shirt designs, album covers and that kind of
thing? Is there any kind of meaning or
message that you’re trying to convey with your artwork? Do you have anyone that you usually turn to
in your times of need when it comes to that kind of thing?
lot of thought to the visual aspects that represent the band to a large extent,
stuff like flyers, posters, shirt designs, album covers and that kind of
thing? Is there any kind of meaning or
message that you’re trying to convey with your artwork? Do you have anyone that you usually turn to
in your times of need when it comes to that kind of thing?
Andrew: I think
having imagery that matches your music is important. It’s like fashion. Not too much thought, but enough to make it
feel right. We’ve worked with local
artist Alex Pederson quite a bit. He
designed and painted the cover for Mechano and the Trees and has done a few
other things for us.
having imagery that matches your music is important. It’s like fashion. Not too much thought, but enough to make it
feel right. We’ve worked with local
artist Alex Pederson quite a bit. He
designed and painted the cover for Mechano and the Trees and has done a few
other things for us.
With all of the
various methods of release that are available to musicians today I’m always
curious why they choose and prefer the various mediums that they do. Do you have a preferred medium of release for
your own music? What about when you’re
listening to or purchasing music? If you
do have a preference, can you tell us what it is and a little bit about why?
various methods of release that are available to musicians today I’m always
curious why they choose and prefer the various mediums that they do. Do you have a preferred medium of release for
your own music? What about when you’re
listening to or purchasing music? If you
do have a preference, can you tell us what it is and a little bit about why?
Andrew: I’m still
attached to releasing something physical.
Digital is the way everything is going, but vinyl, or cassettes, are
still much more preferable to me for both releasing and consuming music. I like something to look at in the real
world.
attached to releasing something physical.
Digital is the way everything is going, but vinyl, or cassettes, are
still much more preferable to me for both releasing and consuming music. I like something to look at in the real
world.
Jac: Also, for shows,
we need something to sell. Digital isn’t
as enticing.
we need something to sell. Digital isn’t
as enticing.
Do you have a
music collection at all? If so, can you
tell us a little bit about it?
music collection at all? If so, can you
tell us a little bit about it?
Andrew: We all have
gigantic music collections. Lots of
variety.
gigantic music collections. Lots of
variety.
I grew up around
my dad’s enormous collection of music and he always really encouraged me to
listen to anything that interested me.
More importantly though, he would take me around and buy me random stuff
and I remember I would rush home, kick back with a set of headphones, read the
liner notes, stare at the cover art and let the whole thing just carry me off
on this trip. Having something physical
to hold and experience always made for a more complete listening experience for
me, do you have any such connection with physically released music?
my dad’s enormous collection of music and he always really encouraged me to
listen to anything that interested me.
More importantly though, he would take me around and buy me random stuff
and I remember I would rush home, kick back with a set of headphones, read the
liner notes, stare at the cover art and let the whole thing just carry me off
on this trip. Having something physical
to hold and experience always made for a more complete listening experience for
me, do you have any such connection with physically released music?
Andrew:
Certainly. No doubt.
Certainly. No doubt.
Like it or not,
digital music is here in a big way. The
interesting thing to me though, is that digital music’s just the tip of the
iceberg. When you combine it with the
internet, that’s when you have something really interesting on your hands. Together they’ve exposed people to the
literal world of music that they’re surrounded with, allowed for an
unparalleled level of communication between bands and their fans and eradicated
geographic boundaries that would have crippled bands even a few years ago. On the other hand though, while people may be
exposed to more music than ever, there not necessarily interested in it and
while people’s interaction and relationship with music is constant evolving and
changing, I don’t think digital music has done anyone in favors in those
regards. As an artist during the reign
of the digital era, what’s your opinion on digital music and distribution?
digital music is here in a big way. The
interesting thing to me though, is that digital music’s just the tip of the
iceberg. When you combine it with the
internet, that’s when you have something really interesting on your hands. Together they’ve exposed people to the
literal world of music that they’re surrounded with, allowed for an
unparalleled level of communication between bands and their fans and eradicated
geographic boundaries that would have crippled bands even a few years ago. On the other hand though, while people may be
exposed to more music than ever, there not necessarily interested in it and
while people’s interaction and relationship with music is constant evolving and
changing, I don’t think digital music has done anyone in favors in those
regards. As an artist during the reign
of the digital era, what’s your opinion on digital music and distribution?
Pat: We don’t really
have a choice.
have a choice.
Blake: It’s a good
way to get out there, but it’s not as good as analog.
way to get out there, but it’s not as good as analog.
Jac: Things like
Spotify are great for the listener, but not musicians.
Spotify are great for the listener, but not musicians.
I try to keep up
with as much good music as I possibly can, but there’s not enough time in the
world to keep up with even one percent of the amazing stuff that’s going on out
there! Is there anyone from your local
scene or area that I should be listening to I might not have heard of?
with as much good music as I possibly can, but there’s not enough time in the
world to keep up with even one percent of the amazing stuff that’s going on out
there! Is there anyone from your local
scene or area that I should be listening to I might not have heard of?
Andrew: Yes. Honestly, too many to name. Come hang out up here for a weekend. Some of my favorites are Hollow Boys, Phantom
Tails, Mrs., The Bombay Sweets, Velveteens, and Vats.
Tails, Mrs., The Bombay Sweets, Velveteens, and Vats.
Blake: Loudman,
Weakwick, Miami Dolphins, Seawhores, and Teenage Moods.
Weakwick, Miami Dolphins, Seawhores, and Teenage Moods.
Jac: Zebulon Pike,
Magic Castles, Flavor Crystals, and Prozac Rat.
Magic Castles, Flavor Crystals, and Prozac Rat.
Pat: No Skin,
Waveless, and Buildings.
Waveless, and Buildings.
What about
nationally and internationally?
nationally and internationally?
Too many.
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Thank you so much
for taking the time to talk to me so much about the band! It was awesome learning so much about you all
and I hope you all had some fun looking back on everything that you’ve managed
to accomplish as a band. Before we call
it a day and sign off, is there anything that I could have possibly missed or
that you’d just like to take this opportunity to talk to me or the readers
about at this point?
for taking the time to talk to me so much about the band! It was awesome learning so much about you all
and I hope you all had some fun looking back on everything that you’ve managed
to accomplish as a band. Before we call
it a day and sign off, is there anything that I could have possibly missed or
that you’d just like to take this opportunity to talk to me or the readers
about at this point?
Andrew: Thanks for
talking to us. Keep an eye out for the
new album in November. If you’re in New
York City come see us on October at CMJ, info on hellonallo.com.
talking to us. Keep an eye out for the
new album in November. If you’re in New
York City come see us on October at CMJ, info on hellonallo.com.
© Laramie Carlson
DISCOGRAPHY
(2010) Nallo –
Giveaway CDs – CDR – Self-Released (Limited to 25 copies?)
Giveaway CDs – CDR – Self-Released (Limited to 25 copies?)
(2011) Nallo –
Submarines – Digital, Cassette Tape – Cat People Records
Submarines – Digital, Cassette Tape – Cat People Records
(2012) Nallo –
Mechano And The Trees – Digital, Cassette Tape, CD – Self-Released
Mechano And The Trees – Digital, Cassette Tape, CD – Self-Released
(2013) Nallo – Drugs
for the Kids – lathe-cut 7” – Self-Released/2208 Records (Limited to 50 copies)
for the Kids – lathe-cut 7” – Self-Released/2208 Records (Limited to 50 copies)
Interview made by Roman Rathert/2014
© Copyright http://psychedelicbaby.blogspot.com/2014
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