The beauty in the new album lies in the way in which it navigates dynamics, songwriting, and energy. Even in its mellower moments, their debut album brims with a subdued tension that is only relieved by explosive energy. The way in which Ryan Karazija and his cohorts navigate the dichotomy between soothing lullaby and devastating intensity within song form (in the micro) and the overall album (in the macro) expresses a compositional maturity that belies the “rock” format within which they are categorized.
You can catch Audrye Sessions on tour with Manchester Orchestra this Spring. Dates .
This week’s Kuestionnaire features Audrye Sessions guitarist Michael Knox as he kind of cheats on question #8.
1. Of all the bands/artists in your CD/record collection, which one is your most cherished?
Well, I recently sold all of the cds I own… so I am only left with a minimal collection of vinyl to choose from. I’d have to say Beatles “Rubber Soul”. That record reminds me of my mother.
2. What have you been listening to lately?
I’ve been listening to a lot of Bill Evans lately and Mikhail Pletnev’s rendition of Tchaikovsky’s “Seasons”.
3. What’s your favorite local band?
My favorite local bands at the moment are The Soft White Sixties, Built For The Sea and Picture Atlantic.
4. What was the last show you attended?
The last show I attended (and was not performing at) was Soft White Sixties at the Uptown in Oakland.
5. What was the greatest show you’ve ever been to?
Too hard to answer.. Sigur Ros, Paul McCartney, Ryan Adams…
6. What show are you looking forward to?
N/A
7. What musician would you like to hang out/work with for a day?
Erik Satie if he were alive.
8. What four albums you would bring to a deserted island?
Beatles Boxset, Dylan Boxset, Satie Boxset and Bill Evans Boxset
9. Would you call yourself a music geek?
Eh, not too much of one.
10. Any favorite music-related videos/DVDs you own?
Sigur Ros “Heima”, Flaming Lips “Fearless Freaks, Tom Petty & Heartbreakers new Documentary.
11. What’s the last book you read?
The last book I read was “Identity” by Milan Kundera. I am currently reading “All The Pretty Horses” by Cormac McCarthy and “Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi
12. Do you prefer live performances or recording in the studio?
I prefer live performances.
13. Any embarrassing moments on stage you’d like to share?
Our last tour I fell off the stage 3 times… each time was not in a cool way either.
14. Any favorite tour locations?
Seattle, Portland, New Mexico, Chicago, New York, etc. Pretty much every place has something fun and exciting to offer.
15. Lastly, what have you done today?
I’m substitute teaching for a high school Economics class today.
Audrye Sessions – Perfect, Sometimes
Built For The Sea – These Streets