Power Pop Gumdrop
Interview with The Crush
The Crush is a great power pop trio made up of Kira Wilson (Vocals and Bass), Daniel Cutting (Drums and Guitar), and Jacob Thiede (Guitar). They are taking Seattle by storm with their undeniable ability to write catchy hooks perfect for any summer playlist. They are undoubtably one of our favorite new bands and we were honored to ask them some questions about their inspirations, their thoughts on the music industry, and much more...
First of all, for the people who are not familiar with your band, could you give a brief history or overview on how you all got started.
JT: Of course! Kira and myself have been writing (and recording) songs here and there since late 2012. In late 2013, after our move to Seattle, Daniel joined, started writing songs, and we became The Crush!
You all have a very traditional but unique sound. Can you tell us about some of your influences and who you all look up to as artists?
KW: Thanks Rachel! The Beatles and the Rolling Stones are a HUGE influence on us as a band, it’s hard not to give them a shout! What got me started with playing music was learning how to play simple bar chord punk songs by bands like The Clash and The Ramones. More bands that have influenced me and frequent the record player are The Pretenders (Chrissie is my Hero!!!), Blondie, The Go Go’s and The Nerves just to name a few….
JT: I’m a big Beatles and Stones fan (of course!), but really like everything--even a lot of new bands playing today that we go out and see. The Jam, The Smiths, Exploding Hearts, and Johnny Thunders are some of my faves. Also been really into Ride and the Stone Roses lately. As far as current bands go, The Knast, Bleached, and Howler are pretty rad!
One of the main things that I think sets you apart from other bands in the power pop genre is that you all are a female fronted band (which I personally think we need to see a lot more of in the genre). Does that ever effect people's reactions when they see you live or listen to your music?
KW: I totally agree that we need to hear more gals in power-pop! I think that people who’ve heard of us really dig that The Crush is a female fronted band. It’s hard to say if that has changed anything for us, but I think that it’s great to hear female driven power-pop today because there have been so many bands that were female driven bands that haven’t gotten the recognition that they
deserve, like the Daisy Chain for example. Lady power-poppers we want to hear you! Lets play a gig sometime!!!
Your band is based out of Seattle, Washington. Though it may be a misconception, Seattle is most commonly associated with the "grunge" movement of the 90's. Do you consider this a burden or a blessing?
DC: I consider it a blessing. I really enjoy grunge music and I think it was one of the last exciting mainstream rock genres, so it's cool that Seattle is associated with that. I can see why someone would consider grunge a curse back in the 90's, because it overshadowed many Seattle bands that weren't grunge, but it doesn't really exist anymore. A Seattle band can be any genre and can get the attention they deserve as long as they are good.
JT: I agree. Anything that draws people to the city musically is good. The grunge scene in the 90s definitely makes music here a bit more rockin’! The live energy is great with so many bands in Seattle and people aren't afraid to get rowdy at shows. As far as the Seattle area’s music legacy goes, I’m more of a Sonics, Fastbacks, Posies, and Wailers (Tacoma, WA) fan though.
Being a young band and kind of just getting started, what do you all think about the state of the music industry or just the state of music in general?
JT: On one hand music is much more accessible to people today and there are so many good bands out there! This is refreshing because you can find good music almost anywhere and go to lots of shows. On the other hand, people seem to complain that it’s hard to make a living on music and most of the top 40 pop bands are shite...
KW: My take on it? I’m really too young to look back remember when it was any other way! I’m in The Crush to have fun and play tunes I like. Nothing about the state of music could ever change that.
The two singles you currently have up on your Bandcamp page, "The Hook" and "Summer Rain", are very catchy and sound like you guys have a lot of fun recording and writing. What is the band's process when it comes to writing/recording your songs?
KW: The writing process in this band has been really fun and rewarding experience for all of us. We all write just about equally now, Daniel plays guitar really well, and we all trade instruments at practice from time to time. It’s been easy for all of us to start songs and have the rest of the band add to them. This goes for music as well as lyrics.
Lastly, what is next for The Crush? New music, touring, music videos...?
KW: Playing the International Pop Overthrow in Los Angeles on July 22nd and in Portland on August 23rd!
JT: Also playing locally on July 12th at Blue Moon and releasing an EP titled “Future Blimps” this month on the 21st! Thats the first day of summer, so very pumped about that!
LIGHTNING ROUND:
Favorite album at the moment?
Throwing Muses-The Real Ramona has been getting a lot of plays lately. Just picked up a Three o'Clock EP too. Oh yeah, and PINS-Girls Like Us!
Best concert you ever attended?
Deerhunter at Bumbershoot last year!
What artist is your guilty pleasure?
Hmmm not really “guilty” about any of the stuff I listen to…maybe Phil Spector produced stuff?
He turned out to be such a bad dude, but the music was SO good right? Plus the musicians he worked with were mega talented as well...still a little bit of guilt admitting what a genius he was. Sad, sad, sad. Hmmm...that got a little dark…
First album you ever bought?
KW: My first vinyl album was Bellybutton by Jellyfish!
JT: First record on vinyl was Rolling Stones Beggars Banquet
DC: I think the first cd I ever purchased was Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's Baby 81. As for vinyl, it was either a Neil Young or Kinks record.
Favorite power pop band?
Hmmmm...soo many good ones! We’ve all been into Teenage Fanclub and Big Star at the moment. Also, this more current group called The Parties has a great album called “Can’t Come Down” we listen to all the time.
The Crush's Future Blimps EP is out now! Purchase here:
https://thecrushseattle.bandcamp.com/album/future-blimps