Broke-Ass Band Interview: Sea of Bees (Friday @ Café Du Nord!)

I’m not going to pussyfoot around here. Sea of Bees is currently my favorite local band. Maybe my favorite band, period. And on Friday, I get to play a show with them and Rachel Fannan (formerly of Sleepy Sun), another favorite who was featured as a Broke-Ass Band here not too long ago.

Jules, aka Sea of Bees, is a genius. She played all the instruments on her album, which was named one of the Top 10 Albums of 2010 by NPR, and has one of the most enthralling voices I’ve heard in years. Scratch that–that I’ve EVER heard. With an all-leading-lady lineup (but a promise that you will not hear any Lilith Fair vagina music), this is NOT a show to be missed.

Friday, August 19th, 9pm
Sea of Bees, Chloe Makes Music, Rachel Fannan
Café Du Nord
2170 Market St.
$10, 21+

I caught up with the charming Jules to ask her our standard questions. Read on!

Introduce yourself!

Hi I am Jules, Sea Of Bees.

Describe your sound in five words or less.

Experimental, feeling, Pleasure, Sadness, Hope.

Tell us about your band name.

I used to do house shows and small shows around the city of Sacramento, Calif. And somehow I just blurbed out, “HI I AM THE SEA OF BEES.” It was totally not planned, just came out the way it did.

Favorite thing about San Francisco?

The BAY! (And the scenes.) I put two, there is so much more though!

Favorite SF restaurant?

BAR JULES!

Favorite SF bar?

Too MANY! Andy Cabic (VETIVER) house!

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

Nothing really, I just do what I do. Night before I just make sure I have all the instruments I need.

What can people expect at your shows?

Entertainment? I like to dance, talk…

What do you do during downtime on tour?

Charity shops, record shops, going to bars, parties, hangout with the label people, meet new people, hang out in the cool cities. I like to rest as well.

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

Playing at Cafe Du Nord this Friday with Chloe Makes Music and Rachel Fannan! Right now I am working on the next album and excited about it. Playing with a lot of textures and sounds. I love like Becks, Sea Change… or Sparklehorse! Just having fun with the sounds! Should be out at the beginning of the year.

New EP! Photo by Alissa Anderson.

Three things you’d take to a desert island?

Water, a picture of my lover in my locket if I had one, and sunscreen.

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

Spaceballz.

Favorite season or time of year?

I like that we have all the seasons, but I do like the fall! You have the sun and your able to wear your sweaters!

Three things that are in your fridge right now?

Nothing, I need to go shopping, been so BUSY!

Anything in your sock drawer besides socks?

Nope just man panties Hanes.

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

Mmm?

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

Do what you think sounds good, keep your patience and just do it! But. You can’t be lazy. It’s a lot of work.

Best money saving tip in general?

Get a business account at a bank. Dun touch de money’s.

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

I am moving into a room in a house in Sacramento. It is a good situation. Riding bikes, going to the river, BBQ’s, House parties, Okay Bar hang outs. Record shops, Good coffee shops!

What do you refuse to spend money on?

BRAND NEW NEW CLOTHES!

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

Glasses for seeing. I felt really good, I needed them.

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

Hahaha thrift stores! Always, all the time, most of the time!

What is your favorite free thing to do?

Ride my bike.

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

Skateboard lessons for gnar gnar tricks!

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

?? EH.

Any last words?

THANKS CHLOE!

*photos via seaofbees.com