by Aaron Blumenshine
As led by singer/pianist/guitarist Nikolaus Bartunek, the maturity of songwriting stems from how much of a history nerd Nik is. Fortunately, the results are exciting. Based in Santa Clara, CA, the band started as a collaboration of various local hardcore band members and developed into an uplifting and mature rock band. Nik’s songwriting meshed well with the addition of his friends, and the band courted its first fans with an EP release. Change is Welcome thus appeared in 2006 as a self released EP. With the EP out, Picture Atlantic began playing shows around the Northwest and added keyboardist Brian Graves to the mix. Buzz about the band’s music began creating a stir beyond the Bay Area, and the guys won the chance to open for Coldplay at the San Jose HP Pavilion. 2008 resulted the full length Kleos and was issued by June, offering up a poignant collection of memorable hooks and thoughtful narratives that showcased a similar style to acts like the Weakerthans and Death Cab for Cutie. A second EP, Dulce Et Decorum Est, is already prepped for an April 2010 release, and the band remains posed and ready for tomorrow’s event as well as their EP Listening Show on Friday, February 26th at the Vintage Faith Church in their hometown of Santa Cruz, CA.
You can catch Picture Atlantic in our Noise Pop co-sponsored show featuring Far, Trophy Fire, and Stomacher at the Bottom of the Hill at 8pm Thursday.
Today we have both lead vocalist Nikolaus Bartunek and bassist Ryan Blair answering this special Kuestionnaire and giving a lenghtly yet interesting take on the subject of image and it’s impact.
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1. Could you state your name and what you do in the band?
My name is Nik, and I’m the vocalist, and play guitar/piano
My name is Ryan and I play bass and assorted goofy instruments like the Kalimba
2. How would you describe your sound?
Nik: I try not to. A question like that is a bear trap for musicians. You either make yourself sound awful, or people think you’re being pretentious. But to be fair, I think we are some sort of rock band.
3. What is your favorite local band?
Nik: Hands down I would say the band PK. They are from San Louis Obispo.The singer’s lyrics are really up there in the the “lyric echelon”. I guess for a band that is closer to home, SF’s Ghost in the City is fantastic. Great band. Great lyrics. No one is doing what they are doing in the Bay. They are amazing people as well.
4. Any concerts that blew your mind recently?
Ryan: I just saw St. Vincent at the Great American Music Hall and she put on an amazing show. Annie Clark is hands down the best guitarist I’ve ever seen live, though I’ve yet to see Blur in concert.
Nik: I’m going to see the National in May. I’m pretty sure my mind will be blown.
5. Any non-musical influences you would like to mention?
Nik: There are some authors that influence, if you can believe it. H.P. Lovecraft. Wilfred Owen was a poet that recently I’ve gained a lot of inspiration from. Arthur C. Clarke is amazing, and I’ve really loved his work. I’m a scifi nerd.
6. If your music was to be the theme of a film/TV show, what would it be?
Nik: Either Dynasty or Eastenders
7. What musician/artist would you like to collaborate with for a day?
Ryan: Damon Albarn or that guy from Seona Dancing.
Nik: To be realistic, I’d have to say Damon too. He is a creative guy.
8. What is the album you listen to on a cold rainy day?
Ryan: Coldplay’s “Parachutes” is the quintessential rainy day album for me.
Nik: Pedro The Lion’s album “Control” is sort of my rainy day album. It really can’t be beat for a beard-dad indie music philosophy session.
9. List four songs you would listen to on a roadtrip?
Nik: Turn the Dirt Over by Seawolf, Glowing Logos by The Servant, Racing Like a Pro by The National, and Hunter’s Map by Fionn Regan
10. Where do you see yourselves in 7 years?
Nik: God willing, I will be doing music of some sort. If not music, I will probably be a stock broker.
11. What is the last book you read?
Nik: The Crystal Shard by R.A. Salvatore
12. Is image a factor in music or is it a waste of time?
Nik. Here we go. Get ready for my novel. To be one hundred honest with you, the guys in our band like to dress nice. I’m not saying Prince nice, but presentable. Thankfully for us, Image has become a factor in the music industry , so since we enjoy wearing what we think to be our best clothes, it works out, but in my opinion has nothing to do with Music itself. I try to dress the way I want to dress, and not care too much. Recently I’ve gotten a lot of flack from people for looking like a “substitute teacher”. It didn’t keep me from wearing what I wear.To some extent, it is a complete waste of time. I’d hope that people could hear our music, without seeing a picture of me, Ryan, or anyone else, and make up their mind about it with out a visual reference card. Lots of bands have atrocious image anyways. Its like watching that movie “Toys” with Robin Williams.
13. Any embarrassing moments on stage you would like to share?
Nik: Not that I can remember. I’ve snapped some mic stands on stage. I’m waiting for my day when I fall off the stage.
14. Any favorite tour locations?
Nik: Vintage Faith Church in Santa Cruz is amazing. I love that place. Its got a great feel. Besides, you always feel safer in a church.
15. Lastly, what is your present state of mind?
Nik: I’m assuming you mean at the moment. Well, to be honest I’m pretty tired. The band has been working really hard lately, and I’ve had a lot of work to do on my end. Its sort of discouraging actually. Not to sound negative, but I’d say my state of mind has been discouraged. So much music is going on in the world. It makes one feel small. Don’t take that as my white flag. I haven’t given up. I’m hopeful for the future at the same time.
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[mp3] Picture Atlantic – Circe from Kleos (2008)