Broke-Ass Band Interview: The Blank Tapes (Wed @ GAMH!)

Ok, fine, I’m writing about another show that I’m playing. But it’s not my fault that I happen to be playing at the Great American Music Hall (eeeeeeeh!!!) this Wednesday, September 21st, with one of San Francisco’s all-time favorite folk rockers: The Blank Tapes. And to be fair, I’ve never interviewed myself.

For this one, I caught up with the man behind the tapes, Matt Adams. And I learned a ton: I should start doing jumping jacks the night before my shows, I need to employ less floor tom in my sound, and I need to value the worth of the penny. But as a Jew, I was already onto that one. One step ahead of you, Matt!

Join us tomorrow at the Great American Music Hall for The Blank Tapes, Chloe Makes Music, The Range of Light Wilderness, and Hurray for the Riff Raff (featuring Sam Doores) at 8pm sharp! The Blank Tapes (who take off for Brazil after this show!) and The Range of Light Wilderness (who I interviewed on here in July) are two of the most entertaining local bands to watch/dance to, and my pals from New Orleans, Hurray for the Riff Raff, are one of my all-time favorite bands to see live, so come check them out! Here’s the Facebook invitation for more info.

Introduce yourself!

Matt Adams here.

Describe your sound in five words or less. 

Fun fun fun, funny.

Tell us about your band name.

I record on tapes! At one point they were blank.

Favorite thing about San Francisco?

The colors!

Favorite SF restaurant?

Outerlands.

Favorite SF bar?

Amnesia.

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

Jumping jacks. I’m not sure what I’m doing the night before. I don’t usually plan that far ahead.

What can people expect at your shows?

A contact high and dancing fools.

What do you do during downtime on tour?

I try to come up with funny jokes for interviews. I also draw posters.

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

We’re off to Brazil after we play our huge blowout show at the Great American Music Hall with Chloe Makes Music, The Range of Light Wilderness, and Hurray for the Riff Raff (featuring Sam Doores). I have four or five albums in the works too!!

Three things you’d take to a desert island? 

Only the essentials: Twister, Scrabble, and Yahtzee.

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

I looooove Boogie Nights. UHF too.

Favorite season or time of year?

The time of the season for loving.

Three things that are in your fridge right now?

I’m storing beer in a friend’s fridge at the moment.

Anything in your sock drawer besides socks?

I keep my socks in a bag along with the rest of my clothes.

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

It definitely helps. The more the merrier!

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

Be original but steal from the best. That and stay away from too many toms, 5-string basses, Line 6 amplifiers, and 7-string guitars. Try to avoid Guitar Center too.

Best money saving tip in general?

3 for 2 Blank Tapes CD special!!! Act now while supplies last!

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

I’d buy a big money tower safe like Scrooge McDuck and go swimming in gold coins every morning.

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

I appreciate the little things in life like pennies.

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

I live wherever the wind blows me. Couch surfing on some big waves at the moment.

What do you refuse to spend money on?

Weed, unless I’m desperate, which is often.

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

My champagne sparkle early 60’s Ludwig drums. It felt great!

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

A royal flush, I think.

What is your favorite free thing to do?

I think you know what I’m thinking about.

Any last words?

Word.

*Photos via Facebook