Crafted with care and covered in Victorian influence, Foxtails Brigade has just returned to San Francisco from this year’s SXSW after wowing the lucky Austin crowds. Fronted by guitarist/lyricist Laura Weinbach, her charm is not nearly as impenetrable as her cosmic poetry or, for that matter, the band’s baroque-like music. The young Californian guitarist’s latest album is an eleven-song piece that includes lush string arrangements by fellow band-member Anton Pazner (Judgement Day, The Devontionals) that drift nicely with Laura’s combination of undeniable eloquence & flawless harmony. The result is an album that sounds unlike anything else. Entitled The Bread And The Bait, the band will bring the album’s magic to the Swedish American Music Hall on April 17th with ex-Sleep Sun member Rachel Fannan and comedians Brent Weinbach (yup, her brother who is featured on the track For Leo) and Chris Garcia. Be there to catch the charm.
Purchase tickets here.
This week we have lead singer Laura Weinbach answer the world famous Kuestionnaire as she suggests an unusual roadtrip song.
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1. Could you state your name and what you do in the band?
Laura Weinbach – vocals, guitar, song-writer.
2. How would you describe your sound?
peppercorns, pigs feet, fish paste.
3. What is your favorite local band?
Faun Fables (though I believe they re-located to somewhere near L.A.)
4. Any concerts that blew your mind recently?
Nicky Weinbach in concert, in my living room.
5. Any non-musical influences you would like to mention?
My brother Brent Weinbach, Angela Carter, steak, lampshades, diareeah commercials, substitute teaching.
6. If your music was to be the theme of a film/TV show, what would it be?
I saw Where the Wild Things Are in the theaters and definitely kept thinking that one of our songs, “Chat With Sivan” would’ve been perfect for this one part in that movie. I don’t remember the scene exactly but there was sand and something being built like a tent or a fortress of some kind that could be easily broken. Also, I think there were some other parts in that move that our music would’ve been great for. Darn. And, I was thinking yesterday that that song “Chat With Sivan” would be of good use if they made a movie out of that book The Little Prince. But maybe that would be lame.
7. What musician/artist would you like to collaborate with for a day?
Nils Frykdahl.
8. What is the album you listen to on a cold rainy day?
Chris Garneau – Songs For Tourists
9. List four songs you would listen to on a roadtrip?
On the road, radio stations become fairly scarce the further away from major cities you go, but almost always the one station you can count on pretty much anywhere is Kiss Country. I found out about this song listening to that channel: “Watching You” by Rodney Atkins. (if anyone reading decides to follow up on this song, DON’T WATCH THE VIDEO, just listen. If you’re on a higher budget trip however, and you have the option of XM radio, go with the Spa channel. Good for road, air, water, whatever.
10. Where do you see yourselves in 7 years?
Having reached our full goddess potential playing at festivals like Vagina Song. Just kidding. I’m not really sure to be honest, but hopefully doing something cool and eating free-range steak.
11. What is the last book you read?
Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus
12. Is image a factor in music or is it a waste of time?
Of course image is important. Obviously if you wear plaid shirts you’ll be really good at guitar.
13. Any embarrassing moments on stage you would like to share?
When I was 17, my mother’s side of the family pressured me to sing “Ave Maria” at my grandmother’s funeral. I barely knew the song and was expected to lern it in Latin in a matter of hours. Anyway, it was horrible and sounded bad and I was embarrassed.
14. Any favorite tour locations?
Portland, Paris, and Nevada City are all lots of fun. Hands down though, San Francisco is my favorite city in the world.
15. Lastly, what is your present state of mind?
fine.
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Foxtails Brigade – The Hours from The Bread And The Bait (2011)
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Faun Fables – Parade from Light of a Vaster Dark (2010)