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Local outfit, Longwave have had an extraordinary few years…
2002-03 delivered the band an avalanche of UK support at a time when artists like The Vines, Interpol and The Stokes were gaining traction. Longwave have worked with seminal producers John Leckie (Radiohead, Ride, The Stone Roses, The Verve, Embrace, Cast) and David Fridmann (Mercury Rev, Sparklehorse, Flaming Lips) and they've toured with Keane, Doves, The Strokes and Kasabian.
Not a bad little pedigree there. But a pedigree is nothing unless you can paint the picture using your own brush strokes and this ability is something Longwave possess in spades.
Having parted ways with their label RCA last year, the band have got stuck into what they do best, writing and recording epic indie-rock records.
NYC.com caught up with frontman/ songwriter, Steve Schiltz on the eve of their recent gig at New York City's Knitting Factory:
NYC.com: 2006 appears to have been an interesting year for Longwave in terms of recording. What can we expect from your next record?
SS: Guitars, guitars, and more guitars....And maybe a Ukulele...through the Marshall...
NYC.com: New tracks such as “Life Is Wrong” sonically incorporate wall-of-sound influences. Were you conscious of this during your recording and did you achieve the desired effect?
SS: Sure, we love that stuff!
NYC.com: You’ve had a lengthy relationship with David Fridmann. What does he bring to Longwave’s sound that differs from someone like legendary producer, John Leckie who recorded your sophomore release “There’s A Fire”?
SS: Dave is a space alien.....He brings tons of effects and big drum sounds. And i am not kidding about the space alien thing.
NYC.com: What is it that you specifically enjoy about playing live shows in New York City?
SS: Well it is home and we can all go hang out at our favorite places with our friends when we are done.
NYC.com: Is there more pressure playing to your home crowd? (not taking into account your Rochester home-crowd…).
SS: No we are just trying to have a good time and make some noise...
NYC.com: What is in store for Longwave in 2007?
SS: We need to finish songs for a new record. It is taking a bit but it will happen...
NYC.com: What are you listening to at the moment?
SS: Hmm.....Cold War Kids, Neil Young's "On The Beach", Jesus and Mary Chain comp that our drummer Jason made me, and "The Chipmunk Song"...
Stay tuned for more from Longwave in 2007 with a new record and live dates to be announced.
For a sneak preview of some of Longwave's new songs and some older classics, check them out here.
Tags:
Cast, Cold War Kids, David Fridmann, Embrace, Indie Music, Indie Rock, Interpol, Jesus And Mary Chain, John Leckie, Kasabian, Keane, Longwave, Mercury Rev, Neil Young, New York Bands, Radiohead, RCA Records, Ride, Sparklehorse, The Flaming Lips, The Stone Roses, The Strokes, The Verve, The Vines, UK Bands
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Posted on 1/2/2007
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