SC Interviews the White Rabbits

whiterabbits

I had the chance to chat with Matthew from the White Rabbits recently. The White Rabbits are currently on tour with Glass Ghost promoting their latest album It’s Frightening. The White Rabbits are coming through Milwaukee November 10th, so, get your tickets now!!

Fort Nightly was critically acclaimed and a hell of a disc. Some press nippets: “Fort Nightly is that rare debut where potential isn’t the operative word– White Rabbits deliver the whole package straight away.” (via Pitchfork)

SeizureChicken: How do you follow that up or what was the aim on It’s Frightening?

White Rabbits: It never came up. We just went to work and started writing the album that we would like to hear,which is different than the album that we wanted to hear around the time when Fort Nightly was being recorded. Trying to create something to cater to some opinion that the public has of your band is a waste of time,because it will never ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever happen ever.

SC: How did working with Brit Daniels come about? What kind of things does he bring to the table?

WR: He’s smart,patient,and hard working which in a studio situation is an amazing thing to have. It was really great to work with an artist who we respect that wanted the chance to work on the other side of the board with some of his friends. He knows what is going to work and what isn’t,but he will always try both and listen to your ideas which is the most important thing any producer could do.

SC: You have toured with The Walkmen and Spoon who, like you, are known for their live shows. How has that effected the live presentation of your music? What have you learned?

WR: Knowing those guys and getting the opportunity to play shows with them is always a great time. But in saying that I think what we do live and what we have done has always been its own thing. Most of what I learned from both bands I learned before I was in this band.

SC: The way you build and shape your rhythm sections is really unique. Do you guys draw from influence or does it just sort of happen? (curious if you guys listen/ed to electronic or house music)

WR: We listen to a lot of music from a lot of different genres. Some people will be into certain things more than the next person,but when it comes down to writing all of these things come out in the wash. Living in NY has a lot to do with the outcome of the music because you can be on your way to a rock and roll show and every car that passes will be playing Hot 97,and after the show a DJ will play whatever dance music he likes. You also have the pace and the sounds of a city filled with millions of people. So there’s a lot to be inspired by. We all think it is important to take in all these things so you can do something new. That includes listening to things that you don’t like or giving things a second or a third listen and taking the time to learn about the music and where it came from.

SC: What about some current music that you’re really in to? Anything popular or obscure that keeps you company while on the road? Anything that you think WE should be listening to?

WR: We are on tour with a band called Glass Ghost right now that is great. They are coming out with an album called Idol Omen on Western Vinyl and it is my favorite album of the year. We recently toured with a band called The Subjects who are really great.
I’ve been listening to The Horrors‘ new album Primary Colours a lot. Its a really intelligent rock record which is my shit. But Outkast has been on repeat for about a decade.

SC: Just kind of a weird question that I always like to ask people, if you could write anyone’s biography, who would it be and why?

WR: I would write a biography tracing the historical and social contributions of “bi-racial” people.

SC: What’s next for the White Rabbits?

WR: Couldn’t tell you. But that’s the best feeling in the world.

SC: Right on, thanks guys and we’re really excited to see you in Milwaukee!

WR: Thank You!

The White Rabbits w/ Glass Ghost are coming through a city near you… check the dates and go see a show!!