Rollo & Grady Interview // Steve Terebecki of White Denim
Steve Terebecki @ The Peacock – SXSW 2009 (Image – Rollo & Grady)
When’s the last time you came across a band whose sound you couldn’t categorize? White Denim is a band that prefers it that way. Their music is chaotic – organized or not, but it doesn’t really matter, because White Denim is one of the most exciting and original bands I’ve heard in the past 5 years. If Frank Zappa was alive, I imagine he’d be a fan too.
The Texas trio has been the “buzz” band in Austin since their inception. And thanks to their solid albums, full-throttle live shows and support from UK label Full Time Hobby, they’ve become the “it” band in the UK. It’s something White Denim appreciates, but doesn’t strive for. Their hard work and stellar reputation paid off recently when they signed with U.S. label Downtown Records. It gives me faith that record labels can see the potential in unconventional bands.
I caught up with White Denim bassist Steve Terebecki last week to discuss their new album Fits, British press and signing with Downtown Records.
R&G: How was the UK tour?
Steve: It wasn’t bad man. Actually, it was great. All of the shows were well attended.
R&G: Did you guys sign with Downtown Records while you were over there?
Steve: Yes, we signed in Newcastle.
R&G: Nice, and how did the relationship come about?
Steve: We’ve been talking to them for a while. A long time ago, we released an EP on RCRD LBL [joint venture with Downtown Records], and we talked with them a bit then. It was actually the record label we were talking to the longest, and then we finally worked something out.
R&G: Did you sign with them because they understood your vision, and you’re not in the regular mold of the bands that are out there today?
Steve: Yeah, perhaps, because they seemed totally cool with us recording our own stuff in our own studio. They were pretty cool about what we’re doing. We are looking forward to working with them.
R&G: You guys have been vocal in the past that you didn’t want to be labeled the next big thing because it could hinder the creative process. But what if you guys become the next big thing?
Steve: We try to ignore that kind of thing. When we go to the studio, it’s out in the woods in the middle of nowhere and we can forget about everything except for our music. A lot of people ask us about the pressures of making a second record and this and that. It’s all the same. You just make music. Whatever people are saying, we forget about it when we’re out there. We’re fortunate to have that seclusion.
