A QUICK DOZEN with C.C. SPINA, LITTLE HURRICANE

A QUICK DOZEN with C.C. SPINA, LITTLE HURRICANE

By Shane Pinnegar

Lo-fi dirty blues duo Little Hurricane are making people sit up and pay attention with fourth album Sam Sun, Same Moon, a delicious slab of minimalist blues with depth not normally heard in the guitar-and-drums duo genre. Drummer Celeste ‘C.C.’ Spina took time out from touring with guitarist Anthony ‘Tone’ Catalano to share ‘A Quick Dozen’ of her thoughts with us.
1. Tell us a little about your latest release. Are there any hidden nuggets the band put in the material that only diehard fans might pick up on?

It’s just as varied and dynamic as our last two records. The hidden nuggets on the record would definitely be Tahoe Eyes – a groovy, snakey track, or March of the Living – a hard hitting instrumental.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realised you wanted to be a musician?

We both started out in jazz bands as kids, which helped us understand music theory and learn how to improvise. Growing up I never thought that being a musician could be a full time job. But several years ago I bought an electronic drum kit to be able to mess around at home and not bother my neighbors. I worked a very late shift bartending, and got home around 3 am and sat down behind my kit. I remember an overwhelming feeling of feeling “at home” behind the drums. It was a powerful thing, to feel like I found my place in the world. I really felt like I had found the place I belonged, and haven’t stopped pursuing music as a career since.
3. Who would be your main five musical influences?

Van Morrison
Nirvana
Paul Simon
The Beatles
Iron Butterfly
4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be?

For me, probably Dave Grohl. I love how he had been able to cross barriers from drummer to front man, and how he found his voice. I think it would be great to work with someone who has had such a long and varied career.

5. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before?

Expect the unexpected. We can be heavy hard hitting rock and roll, dirty grimey blues, and pop all in one record. Check out the live show- it’s high energy and dynamic.
6. What’s the best thing about being a musician?

Not having to work for someone else and being able to chase your dreams as you see fit.
7. When the band are all hanging out together, who cooks; who gets the drinks in; and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Well it’s just the two of us! I went to culinary school and cooked professionally most of my adult life, so I’d be cooking and Tone would be drinking some craft IPA’s!
8. If you weren’t a musician, what would be your dream job?

An entrepeneur of some sort. There is nothing more sad than punching a clock for someone else’s dream.

9. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep, or you would like to be able to “do over”?

Sure, I was so unfamiliar with the industry that I made many mistakes. But I don’t want to dwell or label them, because it was all part of learning curve. Everything that happens is a blessing or a lesson.
10. If you were made ruler of the world, what would your first orders be?

Everyone would have to spend a year volunteering, and a year in the service industry.
11. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

Hard question!! Probably “Moondance” by Van Morrison just to be a fly on the wall. The record represents great songwriting and timeless sounds.
12. What, for you, is the meaning of life??

To progress. As a musician, human being, and friend. It’s all about growth until eventual death, which could still be considered growth.
www.littlehurricanemusic.com

Category: Interviews