Broke-Ass Band Interview: The Sandwitches (TONIGHT at the Independent, Kelly Malone Fundraiser)

Kelly Malone is a BrokeAssStuart.com VIP. A fearless entrepreneur and champion of the DIY movement, Kelly is the wizard behind SF’s premiere craft fair, Indie Mart, and SF’s favorite DIY hub, Workshop. Tonight the Independent hosts Kelly Malone vs. The “C” Word, a benefit show to help Kelly raise funds to beat cancer. With your help (100% of the proceeds go directly to Kelly’s treatment), this ass-kicking wonderwoman will continue putting on ass-kicking events, classes, shows, and more.

Tonight’s amazing lineup includes Social Studies, Royal Baths, Carletta Sue Kay, Art Museums, and our very own Broke-Ass Band of the week, The Sandwitches. I caught up with the trio of witches to talk local SF favorites, desert island must-haves and, as usual, money money money.

H = Heidi Alexander (guitar, vocals)
G = Grace Cooper (guitar, vocals)
R = Roxanne Brodeur (drums)

Describe your sound in five words (or less).

H: Crazy, sexy, cool.
G: Posh, scary, sporty, and spicy.
R: Moody, shifting sands.

Tell us about your band name.

H: It’s a bad joke.
G: I still think it’s funny.
R: I think the band name The Flaming Tater Tots came up so we got on ridiculous food names and migrated to Sandwitches.

Favorite thing about San Francisco?

H: The flowers.
G: The Legion of Honor.
R: Bernal Hill.

Favorite SF restaurant?

H: Secret. I’ll tell you we have our “business meetings” at Tommy’s Joynt. That’s classic, right?
G: Tommy’s Joynt.
R: Puerto Allegre.

Favorite SF bar?

H: Esta Noche.
G: Tommy’s Joynt (ZOMBIES).
R: Latin American.

How do you prepare for a big show? What will you be doing the night before?

H: Hard to say. Night before, being cool.
G: I try not to think about having to go on stage ’til 15 minutes prior. That’s when I’m usually overcome by a wave of confusion and unquenchable thirst for beer.
R: Rehearse, then watch The Office with my boyfriend.

What can people expect at your shows?

H: A raw deal.
G: An outrageous spectacle? No, I don’t know. Us playing our little hearts out, being spacey.
R: Some good old fashion guitar pickin and yodeling.

What do you do during downtime on tour? Any weird hobbies?

H: Not telling.
G: Start things and not finish them.
R: Crochet, eat Mexican food, try to swim if possible.

What’s next for the band? (i.e. plug your next show!)

H: We are very very excited to play with our all time heroes, Michael Yonkers & Bronze at Amnesia on Tuesday June 14th at 9pm. We’re opening.
G: The show with Micheal Yonkers should be really something.
R: A couple tours this summer with Sonny and the Sunsets. Up to Canada and then the east coast.

Three things you’d take to a desert island?

H: Rubix Cube, Internet, trumpet, weed, sparkling water.
G: Stuff to draw with. A razor. Dic Stusso.
R: A guitar, crochet needle, and thread.

What movie can you watch over and over and never get sick of?

H: Star Trek IV.
G: Gone with the Wind.
R: Harold and Maude.

Favorite season or time of year?

H: Whenever it’s summer here now. I don’t know what time of year that is.
G: The time of the season for loving, which is Fall.
R: Summer. River trips, bike rides, growing tomatoes.

Three things that are in your fridge right now?

H: Butter, apples, Heidi’s special jalapeno hummus.
G: Hot sauce and milk. That’s all I got.
R: Homemade pasta sauce, a gargantuan beer, tortillas.

Anything in your sock drawer besides socks?

H: Yeah, hankies.
G: Just hose and pants. Secret pants.
R: Yes. Underwear, t-shirts, and a really old lavender potpourri bag I made.

(Check out this AWESOME video of the Sandwitches playing acoustic, made by my pals over at Echolocale)

[vimeo 20937317]

Now let’s get down to the nitty gritty, i.e. money:

Have any tips for aspiring musicians trying to make it on their craft

H: Try to sell out. That’s what we’re trying to do, but man is it hard to do these days.
G: I really have no idea.
R: Be prepared to be broke.

Best money saving tip in general?

H: Don’t be a drunk.
G: Try not to waste money on groceries, don’t pay for the inbound N judah after 7 and learn to love Jim Beam. Actually don’t listen to any of that. Terrible advice. I’m sorry.
R: Buy used!

Where do you live now and what are some good cheap/fun things to do in that area?

H: I freeload off my boyfriend. Homemade cooking, playing with the cat, lovemaking ;). Not too much cheap stuff around these days but Ocean Beach and Golden Gate Park are still beautiful to ride to and through, lots of good music at Amnesia is still free and Shawn is still hot (but taken ladies). Tennis, always free. Sitting around thinking, totally free. Surfing, kind of free.
G: Well I live in the Sunset. I enjoy a nice walk around with my guy. You can walk over and look at the bison in the park. Watch a real sunset.
R: I moved to Oakland in October. I swim at the Temescal pool, 5 bucks. Bike ride through the neighborhoods, get stoned and stay home.

By Shannon Shaw

What do you refuse to spend money on?

H: Real estate.
G: I refuse to spend money on the latest fashions. Also the Internet.
R: Batteries.

What is the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought and how did that feel?

H: My car, my computer, boring. My amp is third. That felt killer.
G: I’m wearing a hundred dollar bra. It’s from France. I actually didn’t buy it but it’s a sexy/guilty feeling all the same. My telecaster “The Brown Beauty,” I love.
R: Tuition for school. Scary/good, kinda.

What’s the best deal you’ve ever gotten?

H: The Vinnoet Dress God gave me.
G: Maybe on my telecaster. It was on police hold at guitar center. I had to wait a month to take it home but if it were any other way I would never have been able to own such a guitar.
R: Probably my drum set. I got the whole set, including hardwear and cymbals for 400 bucks. I love my drums. Unfortunately it has been picked apart and damaged recently by inconsiderate practice space mates.

What is your favorite free thing to do?

H: Talk to John.
G: Take a nap.
R: Make out.

If you woke up a millionaire, what‚s the first thing you‚d buy?

H: My mom’s mortgage.
G: Get a financial advisor. Buy Sheryl a yacht.
R: Plane tickets to Turkey.

What’s one GOOD thing about not having a ton of money?

H: Home cookin!
G: Maybe you sound like less of an asshole when you complain.
R: Living simply.

Any last words?

H: Don’t be a cheapskate and come to the show. Some things are worth a little money, even if you don’t have it.
G: All you need is love.
R: Love and laugh.