A Dirty Dozen with WHITEHALL – March 2023

According to a recent press release: “Brooklyn, NY (by way of Charleston, SC) indie rockers Whitehall have released “Pull” the latest single off their upcoming Enci Records label debut, Maizy out May 5th on Enci Records. Since forming in a college dorm room in 2014, Whitehall has released a pair of albums, along with their most recent Garden Song EP, which debuted in 2022. Whitehall’s ability to combine danceable beats with introspective themes is a testament to their talent and creativity. They have a way of inspiring both the body and the mind, leaving listeners feeling energized and empowered.” We get the band to discuss new music, influences, and more.

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

It’s a little bit more chill than Swordfish Catcher. Some of the brittle guitar tones and bombastic production choices have been rounded out a bit. There’s a little bit of lyrical interplay between the songs that reward a second or third listen. We’re pretty proud of it!

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

We all started playing when we were pretty young and I think if circumstances had been slightly different we may have each ended up pursuing something different but we getting to create and learn about music together in college was just a lot of fun so I think that experience really helped it stick. Now it’s still the same way, we just have a lot of fun creating together.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

Our musical tastes and influences were pretty different, but as we’ve been playing together we’ve really connected on bands like Pavement, Car Seat Headrest, and MJ Lenderman to name a few.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

That’s tough. Maybe Alicia Bognanno of Bully, she’s a great producer.

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour? What do you like to do to unwind?

We all really like playing poker. We picked it up during quarantine as a hobby and so poker nights are pretty common when we’re not on the road.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

It’s like a Justin Long movie meets waking up late for work. We used to have a saxophone player in our band, and people used to lump us in with ska and reggae bands. We like to think our music is a little bit more indie/alternative inspired so we never really felt like it was a good fit.

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Avery and Dave both work in kitchens when we’re not on the road, so they usually cook. And paddy usually the one with a beer and an acoustic guitar.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

We got to see Protomartyr perform in Chicago on a recent tour and Kelly Deal from The Breeders was sitting in on guitar. That was pretty crazy.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

Probably getting to travel and perform all over the country. Alternatively we’d probably be capybara herders.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

Always wanted to be asked if we can run a marathon in 13 minutes (we can). Hate being asked if we’re horses in disguise (neigh).

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

Our only true misstep thus far was turning down a collab with Hans Zimmer for the Interstellar 2 score. Once we declined the whole production went in the bin.

12. 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?

We need to know how seriously Phil Collins took the Tarzan soundtrack making process. Was all that just in his head already or did he NEED that ape man as inspiration?

WHITEHALL LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

Category: Interviews