toyGuitar

     Musically, toyGuitar picks up right where Jack’s former band One Man Army’s She’s an Alarm EP left off. Jack continues his streak of churning out snappy, quick paced, ultra melodic punk rock. This however isn’t your doom/gloom/death and destruction are imminent style of punk rock though. San Francisco’s tG play a style of music that sends you soaring into the stratosphere and before you know it you’re looking at your troubles far below you where they now seem insignificant. Their self titled EP on Adeline Records, that came out in the latter part of 2013, is an adrenaline shot straight into the heart of life itself, its music that urges you to live fast and take chances. Once you play this record all the way through: you’re unbreakable! 

Interview by Jay Castro

Please introduce yourself and how you contribute to toyGuitar.

Hi, I’m Jack and I play the guitar and sing. Miles plays the other guitar and sings as well. Paul plays the bass. Rosie plays the drums.

Jack, how did you meet these people and decide to play music together?

We met by just being in bands pretty much. Isn’t that the way of it? Miles and I have been playing music together for quite a bit now so being able to play even more music together seemed only natural. Paul plays in the Re-Volts with me and Miles and he plays in the Primitive Hearts, who we love. We saw Rosie play a show in L.A. and at that very instant knew it had to be her playing drums. I think I sent her some awkward Facebook message thingy the very next day. That’s kinda how it went.

From what I’ve read, toyGuitar formed around a handful of songs you had written that didn’t quite fit into the One Man Army arsenal. Is tG a side project or are you guys in it for a long haul?

I kinda wanted to get away from the whole OMA thing. That being said, I have nothing but love for those days and the people who came out and supported us. I really really do. I think it’s important to move forward...meet and play with new people, go different places, try different things ya know? The songs on the last OMA 7inch could have very well been toyGuitar songs or vice versa. I’ve always written what comes out as opposed to wondering if it fits a certain genre. Plus, once my shitty voice gets on the music, it’s all kinda the same handful of songs hehe. I think I can safely say that we wanna play play play, long haul or another day. I love these guys. I wanna write music with them for as long as they want too.

You guys released the EP in digital form first with a physical release afterwards on Adeline Records. What led you to decide to release the record like that?

My brains are mush!! From what I can remember, it was a suggestion from Adeline to stagger it like that I think? I’m not sure. Were actually going into the studio for the toyGuitar full-length really, really soon. Were super excited!

I have read a couple of comparisons made between The Strokes guitar sound and yours. Were they an influence at all when writing or recording these songs?

I guess I get The Strokes comparison?? I mean they do play fender guitars, so do we. I think they have some Fender amps. I think we do. They got a bass. Paul has one too! I think their drummer has a rack tom. We do not though.

I don’t like using the term “guilty pleasure” because I don’t think anyone should be made to feel ashamed of anything they like. However with that being said, what to you listen to that you think a lot of fans may be surprised by?

I don’t like the term “guilty pleasure” either. Like what you like, who cares. I think more than anything Viva ‘L American Death Ray Music has changed me like no other band since The Clash. It’s kinda Velvet Underground, kinda not. It’s got this sleazy, dirty quality to it. It was a HUGE rabbit hole for me. I’m strictly speaking from my perspective of course. I know Rosie listen’s to everything. Paul listens to the Gin Blossoms. Miles listens to Da Lench Mob.

I read that the lyrics to the song “Words Between Us” was inspired by a conversation you had with his young son. What other unlikely things or events have inspired you to write music?

It’s true yes. My son who was 4 ½ at the time was singing “Nothing’s gonna happen to us” over and over again. He said “Not a ginormous earthquake or a wave from the sea” and I think he said “Not an asteroid from space” ha ha. From the mouths of babes right? He was singing into my phone cuz it had a picture of a microphone I think. At any rate, being a first time father it was kinda jarring. Here’s this kid, who literally thinks nothing bad or shitty will ever happen to him. He’s surrounded with love. See’s no color. No motive. He thinks everyone is beautiful and invites them over constantly ha ha. I’ll have him sing into my phone when he’s 18. It’ll be a vastly different song I think. As for other things or events: I mainly write about myself really, not too exciting an admission but it’s good for me to do so. It helps me be happier I'm told.

I read that out of all the different art forms, music has the power to alter a person’s disposition the fastest. Do you agree with this?  Do you have any favorite music that you can put on that will always lift you up from a slump?

I completely agree with it. Certain songs or music can bring you back to places and people you’ve forgotten. Other ones make you cry. Some make you envision and imagine. There’s a power there for sure. I feel like I’m always in some kind of perma-slump, so for me getting to play music is what lifts me up. Sometimes I’ll listen to classical music while I’m driving because I road rage.

The cassette is making a raging comeback. Do you think it’s a viable and collectable form of music or just another hipster trend that will soon go hobbling back to its dark cave of obscurity where in belongs?

I once had an Iron Maiden cassette tape stuck in my car. For. Fucking. Ever. “Can I play with madness…” I have a ton of cassette tapes still. I have nothing to listen to them on though.

Where are the best places for people to hear or buy your music?

On the west coast at our shows. Hopefully soon to be just, “At our shows.”

I’m suppose to know this answer. Adeline? YouTube? iTunes? If you call or text Miles, he’ll send you some.

What does ToyGuitar have in store for us in the near or not so near future?

Were going into the studio really soon, looking at a September or October release. Soooo . . . probably really like an October or November release.

Thanks for the interest! 

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Primitive Hearts

(photo by Aaron Oxborrow)

     For decades power pop and punk rock have had a history together. However, to successfully execute this merger a band needs to possess a sort of X factor, a certain something that allows a person to open up like a dropped book on a busy street and let passersby to peer into the pages of their lives, their souls. To do this well, there can be nothing artificial, the feelings and emotions that come through those amplifiers must be genuine no matter what instrument is being used as the conduit. Primitive Hearts have raw and sincere reactions to the world around them and they present their findings to you in song form and you’ll soon realize that their hearts are far from “primitive.”

Interview by Jay Castro

First off Paul, I would like to thank you for taking time and doing this interview; I know you are a busy individual, well…. I’m assuming. Let’s start with names of all in Primitive Hearts.

DANIELLE – Bass and Vocals

PAUL – Guitar and Vocals

TAYLOR – Drums

I know the band started as a two-piece (Guitar & Drums) back in 2010 and you Taylor played a show in Portland as a two-piece. Then Danielle came in and magic ensued.  Do you feel 2 piece rock bands lack a bit in fullness or depth in any way?  What led to the decision to add bass?

PAUL: I think there are some two-piece bands that can sound as big or bigger than even three or four-piece bands. In our case, though, we never intended to be a two-piece; we just couldn't find anyone to play bass! I wrote all the songs with bass parts and backing vocals from the beginning, so when Danielle got on board, we could finally start playing the songs as they were intended.

The new LP High and Tight reminds me of one of the three Ron Swanson acceptable haircuts for men (Buzz Cut and Crew Cut being the other two). Does film or TV shows inspire your songs a lot?  

PAUL: Glad you go the haircut reference. The album title is sort of a play on the words “high & tight,” from both the haircut and a high and inside pitch in baseball. In our case, though, it just has to do with feeling good and shit being rad (aka tight). As for TV/film inspiration, maybe not on individual songs so much, but they definitely inspire the band as a whole. We're all big TV and movie fans, Kids in the Hall is the reigning band favorite. Probably about a third of any given Primitive Hearts practice is filled with KITH quotes and references. In fact, in our video for “Falling Apart,” if you look closely in a few shots you can see “Armada” scrawled on Taylor's bass drum head as homage to Rod Torfulson's Armada featuring Herman Menderchuk. It's still on there...

Can you remember the strangest or most unlikely person or event that inspired one of your songs?

PAUL: Actually, going back to your previous question, I guess I was a little off. A TV show did inspire one of our songs: “Lone Wolf.” It was based on Lenny of Lenny & Squiggy/Laverne & Shirley fame. He has the words “Lone Wolf” on the back of his jacket. I always thought that was rad and would make a great song title. I sort of wrote the song from Lenny's perspective; he may be a lone wolf, but he ain't lonely.

The lyrics for the song “Falling Apart” are kind of a bummer but the music makes it one of the catchiest most up-tempo songs on the record. I have heard some say that writing and playing music is like their therapist. Have any of you felt this way ever?

PAUL: Maybe a little bit when it comes to writing, in that you can vent certain feelings or frustrations, but playing music is definitely therapeutic. For two minutes at a time your only focus is the song you're playing, the people in the room, and having a good time. It's pretty hard to beat.

The reviewer from Maximum Rock N Roll said he hears more power pop than pop punk in your music.  I think that’s a huge compliment, do you agree with that description though? 

PAUL: Yeah, that's probably fair to say, although it's nothing intentional or deliberate. I can see how some of the songs have that feel, but we listen to all kinds of stuff, so it's all just a mash up of lots of influences. We've never claimed to be a “power pop” band or “pop punk” band or whatever; we just like to play good times Rock N' Roll.

In my opinion I hear both, which is a good thing! Is there any band or musician in either of those genres you feel is grossly underrated and deserves more recognition?

PAUL: Thanks, yeah, there's definitely a little of everything in there! I'm not sure about any “grossly underrated” power pop/pop punk bands or musicians necessarily, but I think the world could definitely use more of both. All hooks all the time!

In yet another write up, Primitive Hearts is described as having influences like The Kinks, Beach Boys, and The Sonics. I got into older Rock N’ Roll by way of punk rock when I was a wee lad. For example, I started paying closer attention to The Beach Boys and The Ronettes because of the Ramones. Was this the case for any of you?

PAUL: I'd say when we were young; it was the opposite for the most part. We all grew up on oldies and whatever our parents and older brothers and sisters listened to. When we got into punk and more obscure stuff, it was easy to see the connections and influences of those older bands.

I was reading this interview with Nick Cave and he said something to the effect that out of any of the art forms music has the power to change a person’s mood the fastest. Do you agree with this and if so do any of you have any favorite songs you put on to help you out of a bummer mood or to help you get all riled up on the way to a gig? Other than High and Tight of course!

PAUL: Yes, music can totally change your mood! There are so many good go-to jams when we wanna get pumped, but some favorites in the van would be anything from Chuck Berry, The Undertones, Equals, Slade, LAMF, Stones, and pretty much anything else that boogies.

With all these comparisons to Rock N’ Roll of yesteryear, do any current bands or musicians inspire you and if so who?

PAUL: Some current bands that totally kill it are Bad Sports, Midnite Snaxxx, Nobunny, The Steve Adamyk Band, Pookie & The Poodlez, The Shanghais, Mean Jeans, and Needles//Pins. 

Where can people go to hear Primitive Hearts or buy your music?

PAUL: Our Bandcamp page has all our music and merch for sale, so take a peek:

https://primitivehearts.bandcamp.com/ 

You can also follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/primitivehearts) and Instagram (@primitivehearts).

In closing on the behalf of all at Audio Ammunition I want to thank you again and wish you the best of luck. What does the band have in store for the remainder of the year, any tours or albums?

PAUL: We're gonna be doing a month-long tour in June with a couple dates in Canada, too, around the Ottawa Explosion Weekend. We're going out with our buddies Pookie & The Poodlez, which is gonna rule. We actually did a split 7” with Pookie that should be coming out soon on Jonny Cat Records out of Portland, so keep an eye out for that!

Thanks so much for talking with us!

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