Stars of Track and Field create what has been called "digital pop". This term is too cold and doesn't really do their sound justice. The music is more complex, doom and gloom with a little bit of hope - digital beats with a little bit of guitar rock. At times one aspect of the band overpowers the others - breaking through the sound we had just gotten used to. With crystal clear vocals and a longing undertone, we think we'll be looking for hand to hold tonight as they play at our Movable Hype show [details below].
Listen: Arithmatik.mp3 - Stars of Track and Field
Let's get this out of the way, where did your band name originate?
The name is adopted, like a child, you know? It is a refrence to a Belle and Sebastian Song, and we took it selfishly, because we thought we could just pick it up and run with it. There are few things you can take from someone whom you’ve never met, without pissing them off. I think naming your band after another band’s song is one of those things. Stars of Track and Field is our name, but the original concept isn’t our idea, so there’s not much more to say about it.
What is your favorite/least favorite memory involving New York?
I remember standing in Times Square on New Years Eve with thousands of people freezing our balls off waiting for the silly ball to drop. It was so fucking cold, everyone was bouncing around just to keep warm. Some cops on the subway were convinced that I was using psychedelic drugs, and they rapped with me about which is better, the purple or the pink blotter. I wish I had more memorable experiences here. We must make some memories this next week.
If you could play at any venue here, which would it be (past, present...)?
We’ve never played here. We are from Portland, and none of us have spent too much time in New York. I think Madison Square Garden would be quite fun. We should play there, I think.
Is there a difference in the New York music scene from your own local scene?
I imagine so. It is probably much bigger and more eclectic. Portland is a funny place. Last night we were in a big banquet hall listening to a classic rock cover band. Then Kevin sat in on guitar and the bass player almost ripped his head off because he wasn’t following the changes. I couldn’t believe me ears when they started playing this song! Then they busted out a snappy version of the Beatles “Get Back” and Kevin found started shredding. Then I got up and played Tom Petty’s “Last Dance with Mary Jane”. I have always loved that song and secretly wanted to play it.
Now its time for some fill-in-the-blank action
“You know you’ve made it when…”
made what?
“It’ll be time to pack up the gear for good when…”
I can’t see it happening. Maybe just taking a long break, but never “for good.”
“I’ll never forget the first time I…”
said the word “Fuck”
“I’ll never forget the first time [insert another band member’s name here]…”
Kevin fell head first into a hot tub with an acoustic guitar in one hand and his cell phone in the other.
Let's have some fun with word association. Give me your immediate feelings on the following (if you’ve got no discernable feelings, make something up that won’t embarrass you in the morning).
Yankees
Sox
Mets
Jason loves baseball
Bridge & Tunnel
run
Blogs
what?
Pitchfork
devil
Times Square
Zing
Lost
in Space
A few quickies on the music tip
What's the most played song on your iPod (or an equivalent music playing device) in the past week?
Don’t know the name of it, but it’s from a Badman Recordings compilation
Who would be in your ultimate music supergroup, your all-star Olympic team of rock?
I like my current band.
If you released a 7” what would you put on the cover?
Dunno, depends on the tunes.
What was the first/last album you bought on the day it was released?
Ween’s “Shinola, part 2”
If Josh Schwartz, creator of the OC, asked your band to perform on his tv show (as Modest Mouse, the Killers Tom Vek and the Walkmen have) would you?
Maybe.. I don’t know anything about the OC. People sure seem to talk about it a lot.
And finally...What came first, the music or the misery?
Hmmm. Who is John Galt?
Stars of Track and Field play at our Movable Hype 7.0 show TONIGHT! They go on at 8pm so be there early.
