The Unsigned Spotlight is an area to showcase musicians and bands that are really kicking-ass at what they do but have yet to be signed to a record label. I had the pleasure of catching up with indie-rock band from Boston, Blackout Balter for this Unsigned Spotlight. Check out the interview with them as well as their single "Heavy Hand" below!
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Blackout Balter? How long has the band been around?
Since I (Phil Cohen, vocalist/guitar) was in my early teens, I've written songs; so I've done a lot of solo stuff with band accompaniment, and I did some touring as a solo artist as well. Amelia used to play in a great band that I loved called New Highway Hymnal, and Chris and Misha played in a few bands too.
What’s the origin of that name?
We revived the word "balter" from middle English, because we loved the sound of it. It means to dance without a care.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
I'm the primary songwriter of the band. As a start, I'd say war, death, running from something, looking for answers, and religion are pretty big themes that run throughout many of the songs I write [laughs]. It really sounds cliche when mention these themes, but my writing is based on my real-life experiences--it's not just based on a book I've read or something. There are a lot of bands that look to television shows, movies, or books for inspiration; but that doesn't turn me on, and using this stuff as a writing catalyst is a good way to write shit music. I say go out and live life; experience unique things; interact with interesting people. In my eyes, this is the best catalyst of art; and I think these deep life experiences show through in our music.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
There are really too many to mention. First and foremost, I'm a big music fan. The Beatles, Elliott Smith, and Nirvana are three of my favorites. When I was 14 or 15, my cousins introduced me to '80s hardcore punk--bands like Black Flag, The Germs, and The Circle Jerks. I loved the energy and passion behind this music, and these bands were a gateway into the music that started the punk rock movement, like the music of The Stooges, Velvet Underground, Patti Smith, and The New York Dolls. I'm also a huge fan of bands like Pavement, The Violent Femmes, The Pixies, and early-Weezer. Pinkerton still blows my mind. Each of these bands has influenced and inspired our music in some way.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
It'd probably have to be Nirvana. I think I was 14 when I got my first electric guitar, and I remember locking myself in my bedroom, cranking the volume and distortion on my amp, and trying to replicate the feedback noises that Kurt Cobain would make. I was also amazed at Kurt Cobain's sense of melody. His melodies were simple, but unique. Nirvana was the reason I started my first band at 16; and these music sensibilities are still finding their way into my music today.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …
[laughs]. That's an interesting question. I really don't do much [laughs]. When we were in Vegas recording "Twist and Bend," Root our producer would say, "Alright, Phil--get warmed up," and I'd say, "Nah--I think I'm good." [laughs]. I never really thought warming up was important, but Root was right and he showed me a few tricks. When I'm preparing for a show, I now spend a lot of time on my vocals. I try to drink a lot of room-temperature water, maybe some tea, and sing some of the more challenging vocal parts in our songs before a show.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
Hands down, recording with Dave Keuning and Robert Root at Battle Born Studios, The Killers' personal studio. This was a total dream come true, and we didn't take one second of our time in Vegas for granted. I think our excitement shows through on "Twist and Bend." The Killers let us use all their instruments, so we really didn't need to bring much to Vegas with us. I'm sure some bands would have played it cool--like, "Yeah--no big deal at all, we're just playing The Killers instruments," but that was definitely not us. The entire experience out in Vegas was amazing, and it still seems a bit like a dream.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
I think The Killers would be at the top of the list. We respect them so much as artists, but we're also friends with he guys. Of course, it'd also be great to tour with some of our heroes like Iggy Pop or The Pixies.