They might not fit into a convenient theory, but Cincinnati’s Bad Veins haven’t wasted much time since their formation in 2006: Even before their self titled debut album appeared on Danger Bird Records July 21st, they were already dropping jaws from the LA scene to CMJ. Vocalist/guitarist Benjamin Davis and drummer Sebastien Schultz practice a tense, stylish brand of rock not heard in this kind of genuine fashion in a long time. With lyrical left turns that recall classic Bowie, the band embraces deep creativity without sounding pretentious. With their unstoppable live shows (which will be showcased tomorrow night at Cafe Du Nord with Division Day) and their undeniable talent, Bad Veins have helped breathe fresh air into this year’s rock scene.
Bad Veins will be opening for Division Day at San Francisco’s Café du Nord Friday (tomorrow) night with LoveLikeFire. You can purchase their debut album .
Drummer Sebastien Schultz answer’s this week’s very interesting Kuestionnaire.
1. Could you state your name and what you do in the band?
Sebastien Schultz – I play drums in Bad Veins.
2. How would you describe your sound?
Hmmm…I hate answering this question. At their core, our songs are pop songs, but we do sprinkle some indie magic on top of them (indie magic? I’m not sure what I meant there.). Basically, it’s pop with lush orchestration and very grandiose—anthemic, perhaps.
3. What is your favorite local band?
I didn’t realize you were hip to the Cincy scene, but since you’re asking…
You, You’re Awesome is probably my favorite band in the city right now. They’re also a two-piece, but much more electronic. Very accessible and a lot of fun, look them up!
4. Any concerts that blew your mind recently?
I need to think about this—I’m not sure the last time I was out at a show (horrible, I know). Lately, I’m not sure—but I did check out We Were Promised Jetpacks when we were at SXSW this past year, and they were great! They’re a bunch of lads from Glasgow—very fun to see live, and a great album as well.
5. Any non-musical influences you would like to mention?
For me, I feel as though traveling has very much influenced my view of things. I was born and grew up in Europe, then moved to the States at a young age—always going back for summers. Additionally, my parents took me everywhere they traveled growing up—so an appreciation for culture and history was sort of built into me. In fact, my school in England just celebrated their 300 year anniversary…funny to think that my school is older than the United States.
6. If your music was to be the theme of a film/TV show, what would it be?
I’m not sure what it should be, but I would hope it would either be Modern Marvels or Top Gear—I’d be fine with either.
7. What musician/artist would you like to collaborate with for a day?
That’s a very good question. I’ll give you three…
The Edge, someone from Sigur Ros, or Anthony Gonzalez from M83. As far as drummers are concerned, I would really like to meet up with Sam Fogarino from Interpol—he’s got a great feel for percussion direction in their songs.
8. What is the album you listen to on a cold rainy day?
Kid A from Radiohead. Done and done.
That album is also good for snowy evenings when it’s totally quiet outside.
9. List four songs you would listen to on a roadtrip?
Dramamine from Modest Mouse…Where the Streets Have No Name from U2…On A Rope from Rocket From the Crypt…Distance Equals Rate Times Time…from the Pixies.
10. Where do you see yourselves in 7 years?
I’m not sure where I’ll be, but I better be driving around in a Porsche 911 Carrera. I’m just kidding…the Cayman S will do just fine. But in 14 years it better be a damn 911. I’m not joking. Okay, I’m joking. No, I’m not—Porsche.
Who knows? With any luck, Ben and I will still be playing our music for those who want to hear it. We’re professionals now! This is all we’ve got!!!
11. What is the last book you read?
I can’t remember…I think Hardball from Chris Matthews. I read it back in high school, but re-read it because it’s such a smart book. I’m currently reading Why does E=MC^2? (and why should we care?) by Brian Cox and Jeff Forshaw, The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins, and His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman.
12. Is image a factor in music or is it a waste of time?
I wear surf shorts from PacSun in the summer…so I’m not the model hipster, but I think branding may pertain more to your question. Image, no—Ben and I could give a damn. However, branding and being identifiable—yes, that matters to us. You can see most bands in a live setting and have no real story to tell—4 dudes in jeans and t-shirts who played guitar, bass, drums, and sang. With us, I feel like people are left with a bit more to look at and talk about. We have a reel-to-reel player, we dress in military outfits, Ben sings through a phone and a megaphone, etc. You can leave our show and possess an almost tangible feeling of what we sound like…beyond just the obvious—sound.
13. Any embarrassing moments on stage you would like to share?
Having to be brought medical gauze due to bleeding excessively from my finger—there was blood everywhere, but not in a “cool” rock ‘n’ roll sense—this was much too ghastly and…”real?”
14. Any favorite tour locations?
Denver was an absolute blast! We’re very much looking forward to Monolith Music Festival out there in September!
15. Lastly, what is your present state of mind?
Excited. I’m temporarily homeless for the next two months (we’ll be on tour full-time). When I’m back, however, I’ll be moving into a new place in Cincinnati—so everything is wide open at this point. I love traveling, and what better way to see the country than to play shows!!!
Bad Veins – 
Gold and Warm from Bad Veins (2009)
You, You’re Awesome – I’m Deaf and You’re Boring from You’re My Superhero EP (2009)