Broke-Ass Band Interview: The Northern Key (Thurs @ Brick & Mortar)

Nothing better than a double album release party featuring two rad Bay Area bands, all for only $5. Indie folk trio The Northern Key and Oakland indie pop favorite Ash Reiter both celebrate their new records this Thursday, November 3rd, at Brick & Mortar Music Hall. Presented by Different Fur and Tricycle Records, this is bound to be a great show. More info on Facebook.

I talked to Ash Reiter on here a few weeks ago. But now you get to hear from the other co-headliner, The Northern Key. I caught up with singer/songwriter/front man Andrew Galluccio to talk shop.

Describe your sound in five words or less.

We will quietly rock you.

Tell us about your band name.

It’s a combination of Seattle roots and a genuine love for the band Varnaline. Specifically their record “Songs in the Northern key.”

Favorite thing about San Francisco?

The weather. I kid you not. I only speak for myself though. Not the entire band.

Favorite SF restaurant?

Warakubune Sushi Boat on Church Street. Or any Sushi!

Favorite SF bar?

Elbo Room when it’s not crowded.

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

Well. Jason Goessl who recorded and played all over our record is flying down to play the show with us so in this case we’ll be rehearsing with him. Otherwise, we like to grab a beer at one of our favorite watering holes regardless of how late it is the night before.

What can people expect at your shows?

In this particular case we’ll be a five piece instead of a three piece. That’s fairly new. It’s our biggest lineup. We’ll also be playing the new record. Almost all of it anyway.

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

Playing out to support this record. Starting with our release show November 3rd at Brick and Mortar.

Three things you’d take to a desert island?

Guitar, Hammock, Everlasting Gobstopper.

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

The Big Lebowski.

Three things that are in your fridge right now?

Oh man. English muffins, American cheese, beer.

Anything in your sock drawer besides socks?

My underwear and socks occupy the same drawer.

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?

I think keeping at it and dedicating a lot of yourself to it is your best bet at making a buck. Also networking and luck seem to be a huge part of it.

Best money saving tip in general?

I’m horrible with money. My tip is to not follow my example. Christina is pretty good about budgeting.

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

I live in the mission. There is some amazing cheap Mexican food as well as amazing happy hours.

What do you refuse to spend money on?

Music. Ha. No. Um. I’m horrible with money. I take all purchases on a case by case basis.

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

Probably my car. I’ve had it for 9 years now, but there is a lot of life left in her.

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

My main acoustic was very affordable. It’s a ’69 Gibson J-50 & I got it cheap.

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

My knee-jerk reaction to this question is a one-way ticket to a country where a million dollars would last me a long time.

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

You enjoy the finer things when they do come your way. It’s like beautiful weather when you live in a place with basically year-round crap weather. Some place like…oh…say…Seattle.

Any last words?

Yes! Our new record Wedgewood will be available on tricycle-records.com and through iTunes on November 1st! We’re really proud of it and especially excited to release it on vinyl.

*photos via Facebook

Follow Chloe Roth at twitter.com/chloemakesmusic.