PACIFIC RADIO – Pretty, but killing me
‘Pretty, but killing me’ is one of my favorite records of last year. Released in December, so still as fresh as fresh can be. Pacific Radio combines all there is to like: Power Pop, Garage – and Indy rock. Catchy as hell, all songs. I mean ALL SONGS.
PACIFIC RADIO IS:
Joe Robinson: Guitar and Lead Vocal
Joe Stiteler: Bass
Kyle Biane: Guitar
Hyke Shirinian: Drums
What was the biggest fun during the making of the last album?
JR: The first day we recorded at Conway Studios it felt real. Tracking in a place with that unique vibe and history really reinforces the fact that it isn’t amateur anymore.
JS: We recorded three songs in Austin in the middle of March and SXSW, that had to be the most fun.
KB: I think the biggest fun for me is tweaking the arrangements. We typically play the songs live for quite a while before we take them to the studio. When we finally get to record them it is fun to invent new things to make them come alive on the album.
HS: Tough question for me.. The recording process is always a blast. Though so is touring it!
At what point, during writing, rehearsing, recording, did you knew you were on to something special?
JR: I got Pro Tools and started “idea recording” songs. People kind of flipped out. That sparked the confidence I needed. They continued to get better and better as the band put their footprints on them, and here we are.
JS: When we showed up to Conway Studios and started tracking drums. It’s a special place and we were honored to be there.
KB: When JR played me a demo of the song “Katie” I remember thinking we were onto something.
HS: The whole process just feels special. The way it has all come together, you know?
The music industry has changed a lot (or so they say). What did it bring you? And what not?
JR: It has brought anxiety. It hasn’t brought a Lamborghini.
JS: We’re adapting to the new process of cyber interaction. A long way from the times of handing out flyers in person or spray painting our logo onto a sidewalk.
KB: I think it always has been a non-traditional industry, and with the internet’s role becoming such a large factor, the “changes in the music business” are just coming faster and faster. I don’t think that we have missed or gained anything, I can say however, we go into work everyday not knowing what to expect. And that can be kind of exciting.
She tells you she will decide on a 5-song-mixtape if there is going to be a second date. Which 5 would you put on?
JR: “Skyway” The Replacements
“Rave On” M. Ward
“I Only Want You” Eagles of Death Metal
“Peg” Steely Dan
“Roadrunner” Modern Lovers
JS: “Every Breath You Take” The Police
“Tyler” The Toadies
“Keep On Loving You” REO Speedwagon
“Walk” Pantera
“This Love” Pantera
KB: “Across the Sea” Weezer
“Overcaffeinated” Yellowbirddd
“I Only Have Eyes for You” The Flamingos
“Caroline No” The Beach Boys
“Debra” Beck
The meaning of ‘success’ has changed over the years. When will the new record be a success?
JR: Pacific Radio is a “success”, but there is plenty of room in my bank account for more “success”
JS: Success is the journey, not the destination.
HS: To me… It already is. It was a huge endeavor and we’re all proud of it
KB: I am with Hyke, this whole adventure is a blast, and we are constantly setting new high water marks for ourselves. I am just glad we get to keep doing it.
Sweet Sweet Music Blog 