Featured Artist: BanquetsNovember 30, 2011
US punk rock band Banquets feature on the Absolute USA Punk Compilation.
Their attention-grabbing, punch-in-the-face vibe is an experience waiting to happen. Lending their much-acclaimed track Fireplug to open the compilation, Banquets are fast becoming the band on everyone’s lips. We invite you to kick up your heels and turn up the volume.
We caught up with the four-piece who shared with us their top five records, the wonders of the internet and stories of playing to a quiet room of six.
What are the best and worst shows that you have ever played?
Our best show to date was easily our set at Fest in Gainesville last year. We were a new band on Fest having only been around for 8-9 months at the time and got really lucky with a great time slot. We played to a packed club (1982) full of friends and strangers. We had a blast and can’t wait to do it again this year.
I’d have to say the worst show we ever played was in Richmond, VA last year. We did a short weekend tour with our buddies, Static Radio NJ. We showed up to the show, and the promoter had sent his girlfriend to run the show for him. He also hadn’t booked any local bands, aside from an solo acoustic guy who had played only a show or two before this one. Like 6 people showed up, three of which were people we were staying with in Richmond. Low point in our show history for sure.
What’s the best way to balance having a band and working a full time job?
We just try not to burn ourselves out. We don’t tour full-time and just try to get in as many regional shows and short weekend tours as we can.
What do you like to do outside of Banquets?
In my spare time, the little of it there is, I run a small record label called Black Numbers with my friend Phil.
What are your top 5 records you like to listen in the van while on tour?
I’ll do my best here with the order, but this is from memory of what records end up getting played the most…
- Rage Against The Machine – self titled This record came out when I was in middle school and it’s still hard as fuck. Untouchable.
- Marathon – self titled This band was incredible. Aaron’s voice is perfect on this record.
- Yelle – Pop Up We’re dorks. You can’t listen to punk rock all the time, and this record is awesome for late night drives. Party.
- Danzig – self titled Twist of Cain. This record is so undeniably badass.
- The Promise Ring – Very Emergency The Promise Ring are one of my favorite bands ever, and one of the few bands every member of Banquets is into. This record is like listening to a high-five.
How has punk rock changed for you since the time you first became interested or active in the scene?
Punk rock and independent music in general has changed a lot since I first became involved. When I first started going to shows, 15 or so years ago, the internet was just starting to be used to promote bands.
Is it better or worse than it used to be?
I don’t think it’s easy to say it’s better or worse, but definitely different. The cool thing is that you have access to all these bands you might not have heard of without the internet. On the other hand, it also gives any shitty band with a computer the ability to promote themselves. So you have to sort through a lot more garbage to find the good bands.
Look no further as Valleyarm has taken the hard yards out of ‘sorting through the garbage’. Sample the Absolute USA Punk Rock compilation here. Available now online on iTunes, Amazon, Guvera and eMusic.
Interviewed by Matthew Diewald and written by Selenna Nieva
