A few words with TVBC
Wednesday 23 October @ 10:18:56 |
 by Holly Day
When art-rock band TVBC came out of their nine-year retirement last February, there was no doubt in anyone’s mind that this trio still had an audience. Packing the smoked-filled confines of the Turf Club with over 500 people, it was more than obvious that TVBC still had a huge local fan base to cater to. The trio of Paul Metzger on guitar, Freddy Votel on drums, and Scott Evans (replacing Pat Dzieweczynski) on bass, this largely instrumental art-rock band combines odd chord progressions and time signatures with raw energy and a garage band aesthetic.
Unfortunately, TVBC plays about as often now as they did in their heyday—around three or four times a year. For those who can’t make it to their scant handful of live performances, TVBC has just released the album Gone, which was actually recorded nearly a decade ago at ESD Studios. Pulse talked to Paul Metzger about the band, the record, and music in general.
PULSE: So what have you guys been doing since the band was heard of last?
METZGER: You mean before the show last winter? Well, let’s see. We were dormant for a long time. Freddy was in the Cows, I pursued a visual arts degree, and the bass player from that time, Pat, started working, and we all sort of drifted apart. And then I would say about three years ago, Fred and I started to play together again, and hooked up with Scott, and we played on our own for about two years and then started to play out in front of people. Yeah, that sounds about right.
PULSE: So why did it take so long for Gone to come out?
METZGER: I don’t know (laughs). Well, there’s the whole issue, too, of a lot happened with technology between when we were playing before and now—it’s very easy for a band to take recorded music and get it pressed to CD on their own, without having to go through any kind of label for assistance. So you can really cottage-industry the whole operation now. And so we just took a look at that fact and did it all on our own.
PULSE: I noticed on the CD, you don’t list the name of the album or even the band, except on the spine—it’s almost anonymous-looking. Is that intentional?
METZGER: Well, you know, it’s a little CD. People love to self-promote. I think it’s nice to have a CD be just an object, without having too much written on it.
PULSE: So is there a theme or an idea that ties the album together?
METZGER: You mean like a concept album? No, it’s not a concept album. I think it’s a fairly eclectic mix of tunes. One thing that we’re fairly big at as a combo is being eclectic, having material that doesn’t fit into one form of composition. They all approach different areas of composition, so it doesn’t really have a theme throughout where, you know, a Cat Stevens record might flow and make sense together. It’s more like a collection of compositions than any kind of concept record.
PULSE: What do think of TV shows like “American Idol” and “Making the Band,” and their spin on what being a rock star is all about?
METZGER: I like Kelly. Kelly stole my heart, all the way. I just hope she takes it to the top and keeps on going forever. She’s got the drive, and I’m behind her. I mean, I’m not behind her, per se. I didn’t buy the single, but we did download it. She’s got plenty of cash coming in, and I don’t think it’ll break her to not get ours. One thing I did like about that show was that it had a bit of serious criticism to it, which I thought was good. You know, critiquing people to a higher standard than just saying, “Oh, you’re good.” Like that one Simon cat, who was kind of harsh? I like that. I think that’s a good thing. I think the higher standards people have for their art, the better off everybody is. That’s me, though. There’s the punk rock aesthetic of folk music, where everybody can play—and really, everybody should be able to just pick up an instrument and do it. I think that’s all fine and well, but I’m a big fan of discipline and musicianship.
TVBC plays the 7th St. Entry with Reverend Strychn Trio and Seawhores Fri., Oct. 25. 8 p.m. $6. 21+. 701 First Ave. N., Mpls. 612-338-8388.
|
|
 |
|
