Genevieve Schatz of Company of Thieves

A radio DJ once referred to Genevieve Schatz’ voice as “like buttah.” Company of Thieves’ debut album doesn’t do Genevieve’s voice justice, nor does it adequately capture the band’s stage presence and energy. But the sense you get from both is that this band is both gutsy and genuine.

Ordinary Riches – much like its literary influence, Oscar Wilde – often provides commentary on society, something we are likely to hear more of from the band’s sophomore effort due out sometime in 2010. But while the Chicago trio may be stealing pieces of inspiration from other artists – both literary and musical – they have clearly created something delightfully all their own.

TWRY caught up with Genevieve huddled close to a space heater before a recent show in Troy, NY, the day of the area’s first major snow storm.

Interviewed by Laura DiBetta | December 2009 Read more

Days Difference

Meet Days Difference:

Jeremy Smith: Lead Vocals and Piano
Jonathan Smith: Vocals and Drums
Jeremiah Ricks: Vocals and Guitar
Micah Ricks: Bass

For new fans, tell us how Days Difference came to be, what’s your story?
We met on stage at a school concert in February 2004. Jeremiah and Micah were in the school band. Minutes before the show started everyone realized the band’s drummer and piano player had not showed up so Jonathan and I jumped on stage and saved the day!  All four of us had an immediate connection and started the band a few months later.
 
How would you describe your sound?
Coldplay meets Metro Station.

Tell us a little bit about how the songwriting process. I know you (Jeremy) is the lead songwriter, but once the lyrics are written, how does the music flow from that? Is it a collaborative process?
I love songwriting because because no two songs are ever written the same way.  Sometimes I start with an instrumental idea, other times a lyrical concept comes first. Once I finish the song the guys and I work together to finish the arrangement.

You’ve enlisted the help of some veteran songwriters and producers. How have they impacted the band’s sound?
Co-writing has made me a much better writer, and working with producers really helped us define our sound. The co-writing and production helped us reach our potential.

What do you think sets your band apart from others in your genre?
My  voice and our songwriting.

Bands with brothers can be a great thing, but it can also lead to some interesting challenges (a-hem, Oasis). The makeup of Days Difference is pretty unique, with two sets of brothers: Jeremy and Jonathan, and Jeremiah and Micah. How does this affect the band, if at all? Is there any sibling rivalry?
Being two sets of brothers has only made us closer. We argue about funny things like movie quotes and song lyrics. One time we argued about whether or not the White Stripes sound like The Raconteurs; that argument is still in up in the air actually.

You weren’t always interested in pursuing music, can you tell us what finally made you take that leap?
My senior year in high school convinced me to make that leap. I was taking college classes, and I got tired of studying things I had no passion for. I realized I was happiest when I was writing music and performing on stage. So I took the leap. It is the best decision I have ever made.

What are you currently listening to that you can’t get enough of?
“Only by the Night” by Kings of Leon. I love that record and “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga. She is brilliant.

The band embarked on its first nationwide tour in 2007, but things didn’t go quite as planned. What happened?
We call that tour the tour from hell. Two days into it our trailer tire fell off, and the axle broke. We had to buy a new trailer. Then a promoter got hit by a car, and that concert was canceled.  Jon got a concussion.  Micah broke his collarbone.  Another promoter stiffed us.  We got a $350 parking fine in New York City for parking in a place a cop told us we could park.  And on the second to last show of the tour the venue owner died. That concert was canceled, too. This all happened in a two week period.
 
Things seem to have turned around in the last year or so. You were signed to Universal Motown, released your debut album and were cast as members of Miley Cyrus’s backing band in the big-screen version of Hannah Montana: The Movie.  Was there a moment when you thought, I can’t believe this is happening? Were there any moments in which you found yourself star-struck?
Every moment from when we first signed with Motown until now has felt that way.  Seeing where we were and where we are now is just amazing. We are so fortunate. And when we were filming our scene in the Hannah Montana movie I was blown away.  Miley was so down to earth, and Vanessa Williams was on set.  I had a major crush on Vanessa when I was younger.  I still love her movie Eraser.

What do you think is the biggest thing that’s missing from today’s music?
Auto tune.

What’s the current status of your debut album? Is there a release date yet? Can you take us through a few of the tracks musically/lyrically?
The album is available on iTunes now and hits stores in early 2010! “Are You Happy?” is an exciting song with a grooving bass line and driving drum beat. It also features auto tune. (I think people will be blown away by that element.) The opening lyrics in the song are “You’ve got a boyfriend, I’ve got a girlfriend, I keep on wondering, are you happy?” That lyric is the soul of the song.
“Falling into You” is a catchy, fun pop song. The lyrics will make your girlfriend say, “Aw.”

You have a few shows lined up in December. What’s up next for the band?
Christmas time! Which means presents and lights. I am very excited. After the festivities, though, the label will take “Are You Happy?” to radio, and we’ll tour for a few years with little to no time off.

What would you like to say to music fans who are checking out Days Difference for the first time?
Hi! My name is Jeremy. What’s yours?

For more info on Days Difference visit them on:
MySpace
Facebook
Follow them on Twitter
Find them on iTunes

The Crayons

Where did the name The Crayons come from?

I was looking for a name that was kind of ridiculous and meant nothing. One night in a Boston pub after a few ciders (quite a few!!), I thought The
Crayons!! Grown men calling themselves the crayons? Perfect!
How long has the band been together?

Well, there never was a band. It is really just my solo project with a revolving cast of friends helping out. I have had some great bands become crayons in the past. The Churchills, Hero Pattern, and Readymade Breakup to name a few. I have had so many great players involved, it was really a thrill to have Mike Eisenstein from Letters to Cleo and John Sands from Aimee Mann’s band become Crayons, a lot of musician’s have shown The Crayons love!!

How would you summarize the band biography?

We eat, we drink, we rock, we sleep, repeat as needed!
Sound like?:

Everything and nothing! Indie rock/ power pop!
Musical influences?:

Sooooo many!!! Here are some big ones:
The Posies, Sensefield, The Churchills, Queen, The Smiths, David Sylvian, Miracle Legion, Winter Hours, Throwing Muses & My mom’s collection of 70’s
power pop 45’s!

Ultimate goal as a band?

My goal is to keep trying to write good songs and get as many people to hear them as possible.
What is the writing process like?

I’m not very good at sitting down and writing. I usually feel a song coming and i try and catch it. Most of my “keepers” come really fast. One thing  that always freaks me out is….once i finish a song it feels like that was the last one. I wonder if you can run out?!!
Where can fans hear some Crayons music?

On Myspace of course! You can also get cd’s through:
http://www.notlame.com
http://www.cdbaby.com
or at our shows!

We have been getting nice radio support up here in Albany lately. So thanks to 102.7 weqx and 104.9 the edge!!!
What sets your band apart?

That’s a hard question for me to answer. I just write how I write and hope each song has it’s own thing. I have heard people refer to a “crayons chord” so that at least tells me there is some kind of crayons sound.

Best gig:

Well I suppose I would have to say the cd release party for “What color are you?” It was at The Loop Lounge in Passaic, NJ. The Churchills and Hero Pattern were also on the bill and!!!!!  The Churchills were also playing as The Crayons that night.  How can you beat that?!!!
Worst gig:

I remember this show in Baltimore – i think?  It was a place called Cafe Tattoo. We were the opening band on the bill and the only non speed metal band. I was feeling quite inadequate that day.
Upcoming gigs/what’s next?

We will be back at the aforementioned loop lounge on april 20th -we are not playing all that much because we are recording a new cd. Once again, Ron and Bart of the churchills are producing. Everything is going really well. We will have some great guests playing on it too! I am hoping for an early summer release. There are some other cool things ahead for the band and the new songs -so stay tuned!
Any last words for the fans:

I’d really like to thank everyone who has supported my music over the years.  Stop by a show or drop me a message and say hello.  Look out for the new cd!  And rock on!!!

Contact The Crayons:
Website: http://www.myspace.com\thecrayonpeople

Coming soon- http://www.the-crayons.net and http://www.the-crayons.com

The Churchills

You may not have heard of The Churchills, but if you happen to watch TV you’ve undoubtedly heard one of their songs. Their songs have appeared on everything from Scrubs to The Sopranos to MTV shows galore; they run the gamut.  But, if you’ve only heard one of their songs on a tv show, and haven’t seen them live, you’re missing out on the real magic behind it all.  The band (Ron Haney on vocals and guitar, Bart Schoudel on vocals and bass, Jed Higgerson on guitar and Tom Cottone on drums) have amassed a diehard group of loyal followers by touring the country from coast to coast a few times over.  Anyone that has seen them once has inevitably gone back for more (usually a lot more).

Their latest album “The Odds Of Winning” boasts insightful lyrics with infectious power pop riffs that have to bravely step up to the plate to compete with the band’s spot on harmonies. Anthemic choruses, gut-wrenching ballads, and pure party songs…The Churchills leave no song unturned.  If you need more proof, check out their video for “I’m A Sucker For A Girl In Uniform’” which is dedicated to strong women everywhere.  Girl Power!

Seriously…what’s not to love?  We dare you to find something.

Interviewed by: Laura DiBetta | February 2007
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