WORDS by Alex Norelli.
This band is just our type. As part of our series on Northside Fest, Alex Norelli took some time to chat with the band. Check their Facebook for more weirdness // read their interview below.
Alex: So, what is Shark? listening to right now?
Andy Kinsey: MY BOSS YELLING AT ME. HE SAYS I MAKE THE LARGE PIZZAS TOO LARGE AND THE SMALL PIZZAS TOO SMALL. THATS SHOWBIZKevin Diamond: Sugar, Bob Mould’s other band after Husker Du, and that Ought record that just came out. and Future Islands for Life.
Alex: I spoke with your guitarist at a show at Shea Stadium a while back after I first saw you play and I was awestruck by some of your sonic effects, that later found were DIY. What other elements do you try and customize? How important do you think it is that bands incorporate DIY elements?
Jared Hiller: He asked about my pedals!!Andy Kinsey: WE ONLY USE FREE RANGE AMISH RAISED CAGE FREE BEATS AND SANDWICHES.Kevin Diamond: DIY or Die is a thing people say and we also say it sometimes. But really, pedals are for people who can’t play guitar too good like Jared and The Edge (sorry Jared).Andy Swerdlow: I put some tape on my janglies to kinda try to control some over-jangliness. we also set up our own equipment, we don’t need help anymore.
Alex: If you could turn anything into an instrument what would you, and why?
Andy Kinsey: I WOULD REPLACE ALL OF GUITARS WITH KEYBOARDS. ALWAYS.Kevin Diamond: If you could musically alter sandwiches so that each layer played a different tone as you bit into it? Yeah that. I bet Mustard has a sweet tone. NO MAYO.
Alex: What are some of your all-time favorite albums?
Andy Kinsey: THE FIRST FEELIES RECORD, THE FIRST THREE UNWOUND RECORDS, THE BREEDERS “TITLE TK”Kevin Diamond: The first 8 Kinks records. The last 8 Rolling Stones records. The middle 8 Beatles records.
Alex: If Shark? were a Rare Earth Mineral, what would your qualities be and where would you be found?
Andy Swerdlow: chilltonium. it lights up when u get loose and also pays your studio billsAndy Kinsey: WE WOULD ACTUALLY BE A PRECIOUS METAL BECAUSE WE’RE HIGHLY COLLECTABLE.
Alex: If you had to pick a specific species of shark that might embody your band, which species would you choose and why?
Andy Kinsey: A GOBLIN SHARK BECAUSE, DUH.
Alex: If you made a concept album from a novel/graphic novel/film, which would you choose and why?
Kevin Diamond: Y: The Last Man is pretty good. Also maybe like Infinite Jest? That would be a long album though.Andy Kinsey: ANYTHING BY SYLVIA PLATH.
Alex: Where do you want to be in a year?
Andy Kinsey: IN THE BAHAMAS WITH A MAMA SMOKIN GANJAKevin Diamond: I can’t really argue with Kinsey on this one.
Alex: And one final question in the form of a Haiku:
Why Shark? and not Shark! (?)
are you not afraid of sharks?
anything scare you?
Why Shark? and not Shark! (?)WE EXIST WITH A HIGH DEGREE OF UNCERTAINTY HENCE QUESTIONMARK STATUS.are you not afraid of sharks?
THE ONLY PEOPLE NOT AFRAID OF SHARKS HAVE PROBABLY ALREADY BEEN EATEN BY THEM.anything scare you?BILLS, PARKING TICKETS, FRIVOLOUS LAWSUITS, RECKLESS AND UNRULY YOUTHS ON CROWDED SUBWAY TRAINS.
Image copyright Shark? Facebook // Because, why not. Awesome band merch available here.