To say I’m excited about Good Night, States playing at Soozapalooza on Saturday, January 23rd will probably go down as one of the biggest understatements of the year. I first found out about the band two years ago when they sent me their epicly awesome debut album Short Films On Self Control. We’ve been talking ever since about bringing them to Boston and it’s finally happening at Soozapalooza this coming Saturday. I have no idea how many times I’ve listened to that album (and their latest album In The Impossible Tension). Probably a lot … times a lot more. If a band could be described as “too good” then Good Night, States would be in the running for such a distinction.
(Photo of Good Night, States courtesy the band)
Download songs from Good Night, States
Click the song titles to listen to the MP3s for two of my favorite Good Night, States songs: “I Am The Loser” (from the album Short Films On Self Control) and “Good Times So Wearily Desired!” (from the album In The Impossible Tension).
I Am The Loser (click to listen)
(download the mp3)
Good Times, So Wearily Desired! (click to listen)
(download the mp3)
Interview with Good Night, States drummer Dan Harding
I interviewed Good Night, States drummer Dan Harding in email and here’s what unfolded.
Sooz: You’ve mentioned that you are family first, band second. Tell me more about that notion.
Dan: Once upon a time, I met the lead singer of one of my favorite bands. I told him I was in a band with my best friends, and he said that was a terrible idea. I’ve always disagreed with that – I think being in a band with your best friends is worth the risk. Certainly, your relationships could suffer if things don’t work out, but if you can view and treat the band as family first, the possible positive result is incredible to imagine, and for us, has been incredible to experience. For us, we were all good friends before we started the band, so the band grew out of a natural relationship.
Sooz: What’s the music scene like in Pittsburgh?
Dan: We’ve been privileged to be a part of a scene in Pittsburgh that has really blossomed during our time here. Bands are helpful to one another, share information, book shows together, do compilations together, share members, have parties and brunches, and are good friends with one another. I think everyone wants good things to happen to others just as they want good things to happen to their own bands, and I think that atmosphere is really conducive for an excellent scene. If I our band is a family, then the Pittsburgh music scene is out extended family.
Sooz: Is there a Pittsburgh/Boston music connection?
Dan: I think there is a mysterious space/time fabric wormhole that connects the two, yes. We have plenty of Pittsburgh-Boston connection stories! To date, our best out-of-town show experience occured in Boston, so we aniticpate Soozapalooza will only add to our Boston crush!
Sooz: What question do you wish someone would ask you?
Dan: Will Good Night, States cover a Driveshaft tune?
Sooz: Is it true that you build your own guitars, pedals, and amps?
Dan: Yes, the rumors are true.
Sooz: The band has an iPhone app?
Dan: Yes – we didn’t make the app, it’s called Noise.IO and you can download Good Night, States files onto it and play along with us at shows – we actually put your iPhone/Touch through the sound system, and you can screw up – just like us!
Good Night, States performs at the 1st Annual Soozapalooza on Saturday, January 23rd at Precinct, 70 Union Square, Somerville. Doors open at 8pm and the first band goes on at 9pm. Join the email list for a chance to win prizes including an 8GB iPod Nano and restaurant gift certificates. You must be present at Soozapalooza to win.
