Don't Believe the Hoopla: A Chat with YellowFever
What ups and downs...we're not even into autumn, and YellowFever have already had a full 2010. To recap: the band's material finally achieved wide release thanks to the Vivian Girls Wild World imprint, they embarked on quite a summer tour, and there's that arrest in Houston. In short, duo Jennifer Moore and Adam Jones have been busy with both the good and the bad. Now back from the road, the band spoke with us via email (and answered jointly, except where noted) about their new EP and a possible third name change.
First of all, what happened to the space in your band’s name? Does YellowFever just feel…less cluttered?
Well, funny you should ask. Several years ago we were asked by a clothing company to change our name because they own Yellow Fever. So, we changed it to YellowFever. Several years passed with no problems. Just last week the same clothing company says we need to change it again. It seems as though this year will be non-stop fun in the courtroom.
Prior to Wild World releasing your album, you had put out most of the songs previously as EPs and singles. Is it nice to finally get all of the songs onto one album and out to the general public?
It’s really strange for us because most of the stuff released on the Wild World album was recorded over three years ago. But it’s really nice to have distribution and help from the Vivians.
YellowFever has had some turnaround over the years. Original member Isabel Martin moved to New York…do you still keep in touch?
We yell. That was the main reason for Isabel moving. But now she seems to like it.
What are the advantages of being a two-piece these days? Do you think you’ll recruit another member in the future, or is it a duo from here on out?
These days being a two-piece is very convenient for travel. It means we make more money and can visit more cities. We might ask friends of ours to play on recordings, but for now we are pretty satisfied with the set up.
During SXSW, Adam was busy using pedals and electronics in addition to his normal work as a drummer. Adam, how has it been transitioning into using other, non-percussive instruments? Was it a difficult thing to integrate, and how do you feel your sound has benefited?
Jones: The transition was very difficult. While doing multiple things at once, I seem to rely on muscle memory more than anything else. The more I think about it, the harder it is to do. I feel like I play simpler than I normally would, and in general that’s a good thing.
Now, a question about Jennifer’s detainment - everyone was abuzz about the knife at the airport incident. What was the worst part about the hoopla and your time in jail?
Moore: Losing all my rights and being at the mercy of the jail guards, not having any contact with my girlfriend, bandmate or family. As for the hoopla, everyone wanted to talk about my jail time, not our tour or Bermuda Triangle EP.
What exactly is this EP, and when was it recorded?
This was recorded in late 2009 and has some 4 track stuff we did at home and a couple of songs that will be on our full length. Its purpose is to have something new to give to people while waiting on the full length to be done and out.
Jennifer, your pals in Voxtrot have recently disbanded. As an occasional singer in that band, what thoughts can you share about your pal’s music and your involvement therein?
It was nice to play music with my friends. I’m happy for them. I think they are all very excited to now be able to spend more time working on their new projects.
What’s next for the band? Any chance for another record on Wild World, or are you keeping your options open?
We’re finishing up the full length this month, talking to different people about putting it out. We’ll let you know.
