Alteranative folk, indie, rock n' rollers King Washington got their start in the 2000's throughout their career so far, they have played shows, released material and have so much more they want to share and do! Check out what they had to say about their latest release and future plans for new music and videos and much more coming soon!
1. Can I get a backstory on the band/ band biography?
Let's See. I started the band out of high school with my buddy Aaron who was the original lead singer and lyricist. We had written and recorded a 7 song EP and it got passed around town. Before I knew it, we had a band. There were several line ups over the first two years but when I met George through my brother at USC, we took a whole new sound. Many years went by and we went through a few drummers and lost a great bass player who helped write many songs on the first album. Eventually we found Billy who would end up learning the Bass to join the band. And that brings us to today.
2. How did you guys come up with your band name?
Way back in the day I was hanging out with Aaron and I asked him about George Washington. He told me the story of how Washington was offered to be King to which I retorted, "King Washington!?" We looked at each other. There was a moment. We knew it had to be.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
We're all from LA originally. Billy and I are from the San Fernando Valley and George grew up in Camarillo. The music scenic is very hard to break into because everyone you know has a band. It's taken us quite a while to get any buzz going but I think we're finally starting to make some waves. I recommend checking out yOya, The Janks and Races.
4. What lyrical theme do you guys use in your music? What message do you want to send?
Well, It depends on the song…the cool thing about a lot of our lyrics is that they're a little mysterious and you can take them how you want. Off our latest album there is a song about a guy who gives up in life and tries to run away to avoid his troubles, but the end message is that you should never lose your chance to be a part of something.
5. What bands have influenced your band and its sound?
The Beatles, Grizzly Bear, Neil Young, Simon and Garfunkel, Cat Stevens, growing up in the 90s, Radiohead, Flaming Lips, Arcade Fire, Talking Heads, The Negro Problem (Stew), and David Bowie to name a few.
6. Is there any story or concept behind The Overload title?
The concept is that we're all victims of "The Overload". With all the information we're given through media and technology today, it's not something we're used to. As a result, we get overwhelmed with it. It consumes us and we find ourselves forgetting how things used to be. But what can be done? Well, we wrote a song about it, I suppose.
7. Who produced The Overload and what was it like working with them?
Alex Pfender produced and mixed The Overload. We've been friends for many years and I've always admired his musicality. His main project 'yOya' is simply brilliant. When I invited him to come out to Milwaukee to record with us he accepted the offer. It was a blast. I love that kid too much for words. He's the easiest guy to get along with. He's sharp and we click on a musical level. Few men have what he has. The deluxe bundle package, if you will.
8. Who did the cover art for The Overload and how much input did you have on it?
A kid we hired who did The Crash Kings last album. He gave us a bunch of awesome art that he created while he was listening to the new record. I think it captures the title track very well.
9. Tell me about the song "Land Without Age."
Land w/o Age is perhaps the most epic ballad we've written yet. It doesn't really hit you until the chorus, but then you get it. It's a first person story through the eye's of one of the lost boys of Neverland. "What if I never get old, or off this island?" He's sick of being stuck in as a boy. He wants to know what it's like to order a beer, or get attention from a beautiful young lady. Could you imagine? I know I felt that way when I was a kid. Just waiting to be set free. Of course then minute you hit your mid 20's you miss being a kid.
10. Do you have any favorites off the album?
Land w/o Age, Terrble Affection, The Legend of Red Mahogany, Ol' Highway 9, and The Cinemas I think are my favorites.
11. What are your upcoming touring/show plans?
We are going on Midwest tour in a few weeks opening for the Crash Kings. Check our website for more info! We're also planning on doing another west coast tour in May as well. Followed by a possible June residency at The Satellite. Then hopefully moving to NYC in August to get a buzz out there by landing a residency at Rockwood Music Hall. We'll see!
12. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
iTunes or www.kingwashingtonmusic.com
At the moment our merch is only available at our shows.
13. What is it you'd like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
To like us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kingwashingtonmusic
14. What can the fans expect to see from you in the future?
We'll be recording some new tunes later this month. Not sure when they'll be released but we're always writing new stuff. We're also planning on releasing a lot of new video media soon including a new music video this summer.
15. Any final words of wisdom?
If you want to be rich or even slightly wealthy, don't be a musician. You'd have better luck going to Vegas. ;) BUT if you don't care about money, then practice those chops, learn your favorite songs, and follow your dreams.
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