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Austinist Interviews SXSW: Menomena
Our interviews with SXSW bands have been appearing fast and furious on the site lately. From Girl Talk to My Latest Novel, we’ve been blessed with some great responses. Justin Harris, bass and sax player for Portland’s Menomena might now be our favorite interviewee. Menomena specializes in experimental pop-rock, with no clear formula, but plenty of invigorating innovation (thanks to band member Brent Knopf’s Deeler, short for Digital Looping Recorder). We caught up with Harris recently, and found him a bit obsessed with harmful insects, be it the Vespula Vulagaris, W.A.S.P., or simply Sting.
Share a story about a visit to Austin or a previous trip to SXSW.
Well, we played SXSW in 2005 and it was the first time that any of us had been to Austin. As we were driving in, I was amazed and astounded by the life and energy displayed before me on the over-crowded streets. I mean I have never seen so many people who look just like me and my cohorts concentrated into one place like that. Simply amazing!
So anyway, as you can imagine, the excitement was building more and more with each block passed until finally we had reached our destination...The Red Eyed Fly. I think I said something to the effect of, "well boys, here we are. Austin, the city that pulses music through its veins, and blood through it's streets..." which, you know, really makes no sense, but I meant it! Big time! I mean, at that moment, I was Hemingway, you know?
So, I whipped my seat belt off, flung the door open, jumped-out-da-van with the excitement of a thousand children and was instantly greeted by my first Austinite... Vespula Vulgaris! That's right, a Yellow Jacket, seconds after my feet hit the ground, flew up my sleeve and stung me in the arm! Now, I don't swear that much, especially in foreign cities of the south, but I do believe the first words out of my mouth were, "Aaaoowww!...Fuck!...Shit!...Uhhh...Shit!...!
From that moment on, rather than harboring bitterness (towards Austin, not yellow jackets. Towards them, I definitely AM bitter!), I chose to look at the experience as a metaphor for our time in Austin at the SXSW festival. I like to think (though I do know better) that we "flew" right up the "sleeve" of Texas and "stung" the shit out of the crowd attending the Barsuk Showcase that night. And Menomena, much like a Yellow Jacket, can and WILL sting again! And again!! And again!!!
So Austin, you best "bee" (pun definitely intended) wear'n long sleeves come March, cause there is gonna "bee" an infestation!!!!
Alright, I will stop with the metaphor now but that doesn't mean that I'm not serious. ‘Cause I am!
Is it still fun to play live if the audience is 95% industry?
Only if they like us. But let's get down to brass tacks here. They have sting-able (sorry, I thought I could stop) epidermis, albeit thicker than most, but sting-able none the less, just like the ordinary "non-industry" folks. Industry types are people too and we have never been one to discriminate against an audience. Unless of course, said audience is discriminating against us. You know for being white. Then we might have to roll the 'ol sleeves up. Catch my drift? You've got to fight hate with hate! HooRaw!!!!!!
What’s your favorite song on the new record? Why?
Personally, my favorite song is “The Pelican”. I like this one because it's about being stung and stinging in general. Also, it is really fun to play. Also, I love the energy in that song. My second favorite song would have to be...Evil Bee. It really sends a message that I fully endorse. A message that's clear without ever listening to the song. It's all in the title! Bitches!!! The song is good as well so it's a win win I guess.
However, this is kind of an unfair question for someone like me because the only true correct answer is, "my favorite song on the record is all of them. I love them equally. Always have and always will! Thank you."
Is there an album an ex ruined for you that you’ll never be able to reclaim?
Yes! W.A.S.P - "The Sting". I hate that album. In this case, the "ex" refers to my now ex-favorite band.
And the worst of all ... A Band of Bees - "Free the Bees". What! Free the bees? Are they insane??? My now ex-favorite insect has ruined some otherwise good music.
Oh, and no joke here. I had an "ex" from high school that made "our song" "Fields of Gold" by Sting. So I guess I would have to say that Sting - "Fields of Gold" is another ruined album for me. Not so much because of the girl per se. Not even because of the artist's name really (although, come on...). It's purely because the music is just so terrible (in my, and hopefully millions of others, humble opinion). This does not, however, in any way, negate my love for The Police. Despite what I just witnessed on the Grammys last week.
Name one record that has influenced you (musically, or otherwise) the most.
All Led Zeppelin records made before “In Through the Outdoor”. I would say before “Presence” but there are some good songs on that one that keep me hanging on.
Tacos or burritos? Margaritas or beer?
Burritos most definitely. Margaritas are-a-treatas!
Is there such a thing as rock n roll anymore?
Is there such a thing as pest control? I ask you this.
Menomena: [official site] [myspace]
Menomena plays SXSW at the Beauty Bar on the 14th, Buffalo Billiards on the 15th, Emo’s on the 16th, and the Mohawk on the 17th. Probably no shows at The B-Side though.
Photo from Menomena’s MySpace, Author Unknown.
