Filed under: Interviews, Issue 19, Issue 19 Q&A | Tags: Alex Naidus, bowery ballroom, Cake Shop, Joy Division, Kip Berman, My Bloody Valen, Pastels, Skidmore College, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart have captured ours and countless others
Alex Naidus and Kip Berman were cubicle-mates at a standard office job until Berman entered the office one day with a fully formed band plan in mind.
“I want to start this band called ‘The Pains of Being Pure at Heart,” Berman told his friend.
Several years later, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart have become Generation Y’s answer to the saccharine dream pop of classics like My Bloody Valentine and The Pastels. Their self-titled debut, released last February, rode a wave of blogosphere hype to universal acclaim and several international tours. 20 Watts spoke to bassist Alex Naidus during the band’s recent stop in Los Angeles. (more…)
Filed under: Interviews, Issue 19, Issue 19 Q&A | Tags: Billboard, Erin Tate, Minus the Bear, Planet of Ice, Westcott Theater
20 Watts talks to Minus the Bear's Erin Tate
Minus the Bear have a message for aspiring musicians everywhere: please, guys, try not to suck.
It’s obvious wisdom, perhaps, but wisdom that has certainly worked for the Seattle-based indie rockers. Minus the Bear’s most recent album, Planet of Ice, not only garnered critical acclaim, but also hit No. 74 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. In anticipation of the band’s upcoming single and new album, as well as a concert at the Westcott Theatre on November 17, 20 Watts took some time to ask drummer Erin Tate about musical evolution, self-censorship and the constant struggle “not to suck.” (more…)
Filed under: Interviews, Issue 19, Issue 19 Q&A | Tags: Atlas Sound, Bears in America, Caution Children, central new york, Dandy Little Lions, Devon Stewart, Erica Scarano, indie music, ithaca, Jenny Lewis, Keys N Krates, lo-fi, Minus the Bear, Modest Mouse, Mouth's Cradle, Neko Case, Neon Indian, Royal Bangs, Syracuse, Syracuse University, Taylor Swift, Thao Nguyen, The Avett Brothers, The BQE, The Flaming Lips, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, The Temper Trap, The xx, Tundra Toes, White Picket Fence, Xylos
