James Petralli of White Denim [Interview and In-Store Preview]

How are things working out with the new guitarist, Austin [Jenkins]? You guys brought him on to help fill out the live shows, right? Do you feel like it brings your music to a new level and gives you more live versatility?

Things are working out superbly with Austin. Personality wise, he is an amazing fit. He has brought a lightness and sense of humor back to the group. I think for a short while we were running the risk of losing that, which is crazy because fun and laughter have always been such an essential part of our collaboration. It is very refreshing to have him along with us. It feels like we are experiencing the excitement of a debut release all over again. He is also an extraordinarily brilliant musician. We are all learning so much from him. After only ten or so months, It is feeling like he has always been a part the group. I think it is safe to say that we are at least twenty five percent more versatile now as a quartet.

Are you happy with the way your sound has progressed between recordings? Do you feel like you guys made any bold moves or progressions with this new record that made you curious at all about how people would receive it?

Sure. I am really happy that we are progressing as a band. It wouldn't be interesting for any of us if we weren't constantly trying to build on what we have done in the past. We have always been fairly unapologetic about taking the group where we want it to be, and we have taken some lumps for that along the way. Ultimately, I believe that we have made an honest record that reflects on multiple levels who we are as musicians and individuals. We feel extremely lucky to be working together, and even more so that we have sustained the interest of an encouraging group of similarly-minded listeners around the world. People that have been interested in the whole of our output will certainly find something to enjoy on this new record. Of course, on some level with every record the goal is to grow the audience, but if we think too much about that we may run the risk of going super crazy and accidentally hitting self destruct. This band is still very much an agreement between friends, [and] feeding one another's creativity is the primary goal with us. Whether or not we are able to accomplish that consistently is how we measure our successes and failures.

How do you feel about being labeled an Austin band? Do you think that is a limiting tag? Do you feel like coming from Austin has hurt you or helped in the long run?

We are only an Austin band because we choose live in Austin, right? I love living here, but honestly we play here as much as any other regularly touring band would and are not in the least influenced by the "scene" per se. I don't think living here has helped or hurt us as a band, really. There are some really great people living in Austin that have helped us tremendously both personally and professionally. We are extremely overdue for mailing out thank you cards to Ryan Joseph at Fifth Street, HAAM, Transmission Entertainment, Antone's folks, numerous local radio DJ's, Austinist, and anyone who has ever paid admission to see us play or purchased one of our records. That said, I think there are a ton of goofballs in Austin as well, and I absolutely refuse to encourage or perpetuate the "live music capitol" biz. The way I see it, and I could be absolutely wrong here, but Austin is essentially an import town. I don't feel like musicians that are living and working to make it here have much to gain from buying in to that kind of sloganeering. There are so many talented people working in music for free in Austin just to be involved. It is a shame, really. Maybe it's just the nature of the thing though. I do feel really lucky to be living here. My wife and I look forward to raising little Austinites someday.

Do you feel like people have more quickly warmed up to your sound and the band in Europe than they have in the US? If so, why do you think that is?

Yes. I will never get bored of answering this question when American writers ask it. I could talk about it for hours, but I won't. European audiences are substantially more receptive to what we are doing. This is what has sustained us as a band, and really I have no idea why. Maybe it is the school systems and publicly funded arts/entertainment - to me it feels like there is a deeper appreciation for artistic gestures across the board in the European cultures. It could also be the size and distances between countries - it is easier to reach people when they are congested into smaller spaces. It could easily also be something I like to call "the exchange student factor.” Certainly we can all relate to being intrigued by something that is imported. And this may only explain the U.K., but I am a total unabashed anglophile. I studied English Lit. in school, drink Boddington's Ale almost exclusively, prefer the Yardbirds to Buddy Guy, and I really enjoy fish and chips and mushy peas. I think the English really like it when Americans are obviously obsessed with their culture. Though it is mildly humiliating for me to admit it, the latter could be the reason outright. Well, that and the fact that we work really hard on our music and it sounds good to them.

Are there any stops along the upcoming tour you're particularly jazzed about? Why?

I am excited about every show that we have booked. I am not getting any younger, and this job is not getting any easier to hold on to. I am thankful for every single opportunity we have to share what we do with people. I am particularly excited about getting back to the Netherlands. It is extremely beautiful there and in case you haven't heard...weed is fully legal.

Finally, can you impart any musical wisdom or sage advice from lessons you've learned along the way you'd like to impart on any budding musicians or bands just coming up?

Not really. Maybe just that you should try to hold on to your publishing, though if you ever do get a chance to sell it, maybe you should seriously consider doing that. Chances can be few and far between. No one is going to ever care about your career more than you do. This shit is difficult, don't believe the hype. Get an accounting degree and listen to your parents unless you know that doing so is probably going to kill you. Oh yeah...remember that it is supposed to be fun.

White Denim [Official]