Venus Bogardus
Hannah Levbarg
Nobody’s favorite band invented music. That’s why I’m always curious to find out which bands the musicians I’m into pump in their free time. I caught up with some of my favorite local performers to find out what they listen to, far and near.
Dave Wayne (Dave Wayne’s The Things That Are Heard)
National:
I’m a bit of a music hoarder and have lots of CDs and LPs. I carry CDs nearly everywhere I go. I’m pretty obsessed with post-rock right now. Bands like Tortoise, Don Caballero, Explosions in the Sky, Tristeza. My current bag of CDs has these artists and others I’m currently enjoying. How my tastes developed is somewhat complicated, but I have become a musical omnivore over the past decade or so. I’m as likely to listen to hip-hop as I am blues or extreme metal. I love it all as long as I can feel the soul of it.
Local:
There are a lot of unusually worthy bands in Santa Fe right now. I am totally enamored of D Numbers; these are world-class musicians, and I enjoy the fact I don’t totally understand how they do it. I don’t want to be narcissistic, but I am fortunate to play [drums] in one of my local favorites: Venus Bogardus. Man Hurls Hedgehog is incredible, so accomplished and energetic.
Ted Vigil (Beautiful Stupid Radio and Knowital )
National:
I have always followed the music of Jim Ward—Sleepercar, Sparta, At the Drive-In—as well as any band that Blake Schwarzenbach—Jawbreaker, Jets to Brazil—has been involved in. These guys are truly some great songwriters and their albums have some of my favorite production. I listen to all genres…stuff from Robert Johnson to Jimi Hendrix. More recently, Minus the Bear has been one of the most influential bands for me. Their records are absolutely addictive, and they are so innovative with their sounds.
Local:
Over the past few years, The Kill Spectors have caught my interest. My cousin is in the band, but I believe I am impartial. These guys have, hands down, written some of the best songs I’ve heard come out of the area in a while. ‘Red River Street’ is one of the best local songs I’ve ever heard. Both Venus Bogardus and As in We have styles that I really appreciate. I haven’t heard any recorded music from As in We, but the band gives me hope for the future of Santa Fe music.
Hannah Levbarg (Venus Bogardus)
National/International:
I have to start by saying that I’m kind of lame in regards to keeping on top of new music. In contemporary and national/international scenes, there are things I may hear and like, but next to nothing I’d call an influence. Currently, I like Erase Errata, Kristen Hirsch and Carla Bozulich—these and other people who are now ‘old’ and will probably never have any money. From six years ago and up till now, I get super-excited about ‘What Can I Do for You’ by Michael Dracula, as well as some other tracks. The Hysterical Injury is another great [band]. Any song you can get a hold of is great but, especially, ‘Snow,’ ‘Three’ or ‘Adam West.’ The singer has some solo projects like Miss Gardiner, and I especially like the song ‘Scarlet.’ Your hair will stand on end for hours; it’s truly a soul-feeding thing to listen to. There are bands in the UK and US that we’ve known or played with that are worth checking out. King Alexander from Cardiff, Big Joan or Disgust of Us from Oakland, and at least 10 more I can’t think of.
Local:
I’m blown away by Kiel Gwin’s songwriting. Also Albuquerque musicians Mauro Kemmerer—Animals in the Dark—and Bud Melvin and Jessica Billey—The Grave of Nobody’s Darling and Blue Rose Ramblers—I haven’t heard remotely everything there is to hear and feel bad starting a list of locals without the ability to be thorough.
Follow SFR music news on Twitter:
