Do you have plans Fourth of July weekend? For many North Shore locals it’s time for the annual pilgrimage to Quincy, Calif. There are certain things that define summertime in Tahoe: sunshine, swimming holes, traffic, crowds, booze, barbeques, and festivals. Summer is festival season and, as many know, early July is High Sierra Music Festival time.
HSMF has become one of Northern California’s most laid-back festivals, with a wide variety of music. This year’s lineup features an eclectic collection of bands from the likes of Ben Harper, Sound Tribe, Toots and the Maytals, Galactic, and many more. I caught up with two artists performing at HSMF, guitarist Ian O’Neil of Deer Tick, and saxophonist Skerik (Eric Walton), and asked them to share a little insight about their music and what gets them fired up.
Ian O’Neil is the guitarist for the alt-country, punk, rock-and-roll band Deer Tick from Providence, R.I. The band has been quickly gaining ground in the national music scene. Skerik is a Seattle-based saxophone player with a deep catalogue of bands and genres. He has played with the likes of Les Claypool, Charlie Hunter, Roger Waters, Stanton Moore, the Meters, and countless others. He is currently on tour with The Dead Kenny Gs. and plays in numerous touring acts.
Check out the following interviews below:
Ian O’Neil
MOONSHINE INK: How would you describe your sound? Who are your influences?
IAN O’NEIL: We pull our sound from music that has influenced rock ‘n’ roll. We aren’t necessarily a hard rock or alternative rock act, but more like pure rock ‘n’ roll through and through. That’s not to say that we don’t have different dynamics and sounds for our different songs. We love vaudeville music and original songwriters like Hoagy Carmichael, Hank Williams, and the Replacements. Basically everything that went into the blender that made American rock ‘n’ roll.
MI: From what I have heard, it sounds like you mix it up between country roots and Americana styles on your older records, “Born on Flag Day” and “War Elephant,” with a more punk feel on your newer record, “Divine Providence.” What inspires each sound?
IO: It’s the natural evolution of our music. Usually the older you get, the quieter you get, but we like to do both. We were following what our five-piece band was doing live before we went into the studio. We were in our comfort zone and we wanted to go for that on our latest record. That was the natural direction we were moving in. Also, playing the same music over and over again gets old, especially when it’s in a marginal genre like Americana. It’s easy for a band to get pigeonholed, and we want to be able to stretch out and do what we want in the future. This record offers us a clean slate.
MI: What do you get from playing a ballad versus a punk tune?
IO: There’s a big element of fun with some of our punk tunes. We will literally have smiles on our faces with a punk tune. The ballad-type songs are more introverted and personal. The crowd sings along with the punk songs. That’s the biggest difference.
MI: What should festival goers expect from you guys this summer?
IO: We will definitely be playing some louder music then most of the bands there. We will be drinking a lot of beer. Expect the unexpected. We have been known to pull out all sorts of covers and have some fun.
MI: What gets you fired up?
IO: We like to have some drinks, but usually it’s during the first song. I can be bored out of my mind sitting around a venue. But just getting on stage and playing that first tune will set the tone for the night.
Skerik
MOONSHINE INK: Who are you playing with these days?
SKERIK: I am playing with the Dead Kenny Gs and my new, Seattle-based group, Bandalabra. It’s kind of my version of a funk band. It’s rhythmically oriented with a West African influence. It’s really fun and has a lot of potential. I get to experiment with using the sax as a rhythm instrument as opposed to just a lead melodic instrument. We have a new self-titled record. At High Sierra, I will mostly be playing with them but I will be the Artist-At-Large too.
MI: You have been a High Sierra staple over the last few years, playing with almost everyone who takes the stage. What makes High Sierra unique and what keeps you coming back year after year?
S: Well, you have to be invited. It’s not like it’s my choice. I feel very fortunate to be invited. It’s a beautiful location. There are other great festivals that are in terrible locations and brutal environments and aren’t appealing. I like festivals that are near big cities or in places that are beautiful. Quincy is really nice. There’s always interesting music at High Sierra. I would like to see a bit more punk, hip hop, and edgy music there, but they seem to have a good balance. It’s a great festival for the social aspect and hanging out …. [and] to play at.
MI: How would you describe your role at High Sierra as the Artist-At-Large?
S: It’s a lot harder than playing with just your band. I have to play all day and all night. I look at the schedule and try to figure out which bands I can contribute to. Not to mention which bands have the mercy and sympathy to have me play with them. Luckily, I know a lot of bands, but every year there’s someone new that I end up playing with. Last year I played with Ween, and it was amazing. I played with Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, Charlie Hunter, and Danny Barnes. It’s a great time playing with different friends out there.
MI: What gets you fired up?
S: Whatever enzymes were put into me at birth. I love playing music. I have no idea what it is, but it happens every time.
