As led by singer/pianist/guitarist Nikolaus Bartunek, the maturity of Picture Atlantic’ssongwriting stems from how much of a history nerd Nik is. Fortunately, the results are exciting. Based in Santa Clara, CA, the band started as a collaboration of various local hardcore band members and developed into an uplifting and mature rock band. Nik’s songwriting meshed well with the addition of his friends, and the band courted its first fans with an EP release. Change is Welcome thus appeared in 2006 as a self released EP. With the EP out, Picture Atlantic began playing shows around the Northwest and added keyboardist Brian Graves to the mix. Buzz about the band’s music began creating a stir beyond the Bay Area, and the guys won the chance to open for Coldplay at the San Jose HP Pavilion. 2008 resulted the full length Kleos and was issued by June, offering up a poignant collection of memorable hooks and thoughtful narratives that showcased a similar style to acts like the Weakerthans and Death Cab for Cutie. A second EP, Dulce Et Decorum Est, is already prepped for an April 2010 release, and the band remains posed and ready for tomorrow’s event as well as their EP Listening Show on Friday, February 26th at the Vintage Faith Church in their hometown of Santa Cruz, CA.
Today we have both lead vocalist Nikolaus Bartunek and bassist Ryan Blair answering this special Kuestionnaire and giving a lenghtly yet interesting take on the subject of image and it’s impact.
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1. Could you state your name and what you do in the band? My name is Nik, and I’m the vocalist, and play guitar/piano
My name is Ryan and I play bass and assorted goofy instruments like the Kalimba
2. How would you describe your sound?
Nik: I try not to. A question like that is a bear trap for musicians. You either make yourself sound awful, or people think you’re being pretentious. But to be fair, I think we are some sort of rock band.
3. What is your favorite local band?
Nik: Hands down I would say the band PK. They are from San Louis Obispo.The singer’s lyrics are really up there in the the “lyric echelon”. I guess for a band that is closer to home, SF’s Ghost in the City is fantastic. Great band. Great lyrics. No one is doing what they are doing in the Bay. They are amazing people as well.
4. Any concerts that blew your mind recently? Ryan: I just saw St. Vincent at the Great American Music Hall and she put on an amazing show. Annie Clark is hands down the best guitarist I’ve ever seen live, though I’ve yet to see Blur in concert. Nik: I’m going to see the National in May. I’m pretty sure my mind will be blown.
5. Any non-musical influences you would like to mention?
Nik: There are some authors that influence, if you can believe it. H.P. Lovecraft. Wilfred Owen was a poet that recently I’ve gained a lot of inspiration from. Arthur C. Clarke is amazing, and I’ve really loved his work. I’m a scifi nerd.
6. If your music was to be the theme of a film/TV show, what would it be? Nik: Either Dynasty or Eastenders
7. What musician/artist would you like to collaborate with for a day? Ryan: Damon Albarn or that guy from Seona Dancing. Nik: To be realistic, I’d have to say Damon too. He is a creative guy.
8. What is the album you listen to on a cold rainy day?
Ryan: Coldplay’s “Parachutes” is the quintessential rainy day album for me. Nik: Pedro The Lion’s album “Control” is sort of my rainy day album. It really can’t be beat for a beard-dad indie music philosophy session.
9. List four songs you would listen to on a roadtrip?
Nik: Turn the Dirt Over by Seawolf, Glowing Logos by The Servant, Racing Like a Pro by The National, and Hunter’s Map by Fionn Regan
10. Where do you see yourselves in 7 years?
Nik: God willing, I will be doing music of some sort. If not music, I will probably be a stock broker.
11. What is the last book you read?
Nik: The Crystal Shard by R.A. Salvatore
12. Is image a factor in music or is it a waste of time?
Nik. Here we go. Get ready for my novel. To be one hundred honest with you, the guys in our band like to dress nice. I’m not saying Prince nice, but presentable. Thankfully for us, Image has become a factor in the music industry , so since we enjoy wearing what we think to be our best clothes, it works out, but in my opinion has nothing to do with Music itself. I try to dress the way I want to dress, and not care too much. Recently I’ve gotten a lot of flack from people for looking like a “substitute teacher”. It didn’t keep me from wearing what I wear.To some extent, it is a complete waste of time. I’d hope that people could hear our music, without seeing a picture of me, Ryan, or anyone else, and make up their mind about it with out a visual reference card. Lots of bands have atrocious image anyways. Its like watching that movie “Toys” with Robin Williams.
13. Any embarrassing moments on stage you would like to share? Nik: Not that I can remember. I’ve snapped some mic stands on stage. I’m waiting for my day when I fall off the stage.
14. Any favorite tour locations?
Nik: Vintage Faith Church in Santa Cruz is amazing. I love that place. Its got a great feel. Besides, you always feel safer in a church.
15. Lastly, what is your present state of mind? Nik: I’m assuming you mean at the moment. Well, to be honest I’m pretty tired. The band has been working really hard lately, and I’ve had a lot of work to do on my end. Its sort of discouraging actually. Not to sound negative, but I’d say my state of mind has been discouraged. So much music is going on in the world. It makes one feel small. Don’t take that as my white flag. I haven’t given up. I’m hopeful for the future at the same time.
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We are unbelievably psyched to team up with San Franciso’s Noise Pop Festivalto present one of my favorite groups of all time, the legendary Far, this Thursday, February 25, at San Francisco’s own Bottom of the Hill. If your only exposure to Far is their ridiculous cover of Ginuine’sPony, go get 1998’s Water & Solutions immediately, then buy tickets here. This is not part of a tour — they only have one date scheduled — and if you caught them the last time they rolled through San Francisco, you know this show is not to be missed. If we’re lucky, we might even get to here some new material.
Opening for Far will be some of the Bay’s finest in progressive rock; Stomacher, Trophy Fire, and Picture Atlantic. Stay tuned this week for more on these fantastic bands…
Far’s new album At Night We Live will be out May 18, on Vagrant.
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[mp3] Far – Man Overboard from Water & Solutions (1998)
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[mp3] Stomacher – The Devil from Sentimental Education (2009)
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[mp3] The Trophy Fire – Divide from A Lifetime In The Middle Of The Ocean (2008)
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It was a modest and older crowd at the Bottom of the Hill one Wednesday night in San Francisco, all waiting patiently for a special evening with the always wonderful Horse Feathers.
TV Mike And The Scarecrowes
Combining wistful, storytelling lyrics with folksy, jangling chords, shimmering and virtuosic fingerpicking, and deliberate gestures, TV Mike & the Scarecrowes invariably recalled the glory of an amphetamine-strained 70s folk rock movement.
TV Mike And The Scarecrowes
Also like that specific era, TV Mike sang with a free spirited twang, using every iota of breath before sputtering out completely, only to create brilliant arpeggios to balance their lyrically intensive and fun songs. While I wasn’t making a mad dash for the merch table, it was a welcomed opener.
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[mp3] T.V. Mike and the Scarecrowes – Paint the Town from Spittin’ in Cursive (2008)
Horse Feathers
On record, Horse Feathers favors a sparse, acoustic sound. Their songs are subdued and melancholic with a mix of vocals, string instruments, light guitar, with the occasional addition of piano or perhaps drums. So when Justin Ringle, Nathan Crockett, Sam Cooper and Catherine Odell all arrived on stage, the room was patient and quiet, anticipating that misty sound that Horse Feathers are known for.
Horse Feathers
Things start off simple enough – a song like Heathen’s Kiss, from 2008’s House With No Home, is close enough to its recorded version, just fleshed out comfortably by the extra instrumentation, and Justin Ringle’s voice, with gentle levels of strings provided by Catherine Odell, is comfortably foregrounded in the mix. Working Poor features some beautiful harmonies from the band that even silenced the chattering back at the bar.
Horse Feathers
About 40 minutes later, the floor of the Bottom of the Hill was silent and respectful, listening contently for every pluck of the string and every word Ringle uttered. Most impressive though was Ringle’s voice, which I certainly had come to appreciate from repeated listens of House With No Home, but really fell for after hearing it live. This is similar to a meek and mild hushed solo sound similar to Sam Beam of Iron & Wine. While there is no varied intensity, I remained attentive due to the brilliant arrangements of the rest of the band.
Horse Feathers
It was an expected experience for anyone that is familiar with the Mid-Western, snow covered log cabin inspired folk music. A mellow and enjoyable night for anyone willing to witness this very special act.
For more pictures click here. For when Horse Feathers will be coming to your town, click here.
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[mp3] Horse Feathers – Curs in the Weeds from House With No Home (2008)
Sea Lion, the name of the latest album from The Ruby Suns is inspired by a sea lion colony visible from Hwy 1, south of San Francisco. I figured this was a neat little tid-bit of information considering the band is based out of New Zealand. Recorded by Ryan McPhun alone in his Auckland basement and sung entirely in Maori, Sea Lion is not another psychedelic indie pop album. This is meant to pay tribute and teach those listening to the record how to embody one’s surroundings. The album is an exotic and experiential romp through West African travel and culture that lets the listener let loose and enjoy their surroundings. I think the first thought that went through my head listening to Sea Lion was, “I wanna go outside…”
The Ruby Suns will be in San Francisco on the 12th of April at 8:00P at the Bottom Of The Hill with Toro Y Moi. You can purchase Sea Lionhere.
The Ruby Suns are also set to release a new album on March 2nd via Sub Pop Records, entitled Fight Softly.
This week, Ruby Sun mastermind Ryan McPhun gives us a short and modest Kuestionnaire. Also, someone give this guy something to eat…
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1. Could you state your name and what you do in the band?
ryan. i write and record/produce all the music. the main person in the band
2. How would you describe your sound?
pop, a little bit psych, a little bit experimental, a little bit dance
3. What is your favorite local band?
signer
4. Any concerts that blew your mind recently?
bjork
5. Any non-musical influences you would like to mention?
food!
6. If your music was to be the theme of a film/TV show, what would it be?
across between magnum p.i. and gilligan’s island
7. What musician/artist would you like to collaborate with for a day?
teddy riley
8. What is the album you listen to on a cold rainy day?
arthur russell – calling out of context
9. List four songs you would listen to on a roadtrip?
arthur russell – springfield
bobby mcferrin – anything off circle songs
madonna – confessions on a dancefloor
coupe decale mixtape
10. Where do you see yourselves in 7 years?
no idea!
11. What is the last book you read?
still in the middle of journey to the centre of the earth
12. Is image a factor in music or is it a waste of time?
it is often a waste of time. images can easily be dated to a specific time so can be problematic that way.
13. Any embarrassing moments on stage you would like to share?
i’ve got quite angry on stage before, makes me look like an arsehole!
14. Any favorite tour locations?
barcelona, chicago, anywhere in portugal, san fran, lots of places!
15. Lastly, what is your present state of mind?
hungry
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[mp3] The Ruby Suns - Tane Mahutafrom Sea Lion (2008)
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[mp3] Signer - Kicks and Kicksfrom Next We Bring You The Fire(2009)
Are you doing nothing Saturday night? Well we here at Kata Rokkar are here to solve that. We are giving away two free tickets to the Amazing Baby show with The Entrance Band and Total Hound!
To win a pair of tickets to see Amazing Baby at San Francisco’s Bottom of the Hill on Saturday, September 19th. Just enter via email with the subject line as “Amazing Baby Tickets Please!” with your full name and tell me why you should win the tickets. One winner will be chosen at random from the rule abiding contestants and notified via email by 10AM on the day of the show. Upon confirmation, the winner will receive two tickets which they will receive at Will Call. The show is all-ages and doors open at 8:30pm.
Also, Amazing Baby will be performing the song Headdress on Last Call with Carson Daly, September 23rd…
Kata Rokkar is a place where you can download free mp3 from artists and bands that I currently love and listen to. They are only for sampling purposes and to influence you to go out and support these artists by purchasing their records and going to their concerts. If you are a record company or an artist that is displeased with a song being displayed, feel free to contact me and I will remove it ASAP. Thank you and enjoy!
