Thursday, April 3, 1997
MUSIC:
UCLA band uses variety of sounds and instruments in new CDBy
Narissa Pacio
Daily Bruin Contributor
If a band consists of neither trumpets nor drums, then what does
it have? According to UCLA band Neither Trumpets Nor Drums (NTND),
just about everything else, from the basic electric guitar and
keyboards to the mandolin, mouth harp, and even an Australian
Aborigine instrument. But, despite its name, this unique band has
decided on a new addition  the drums.
This is not some New Age tribal punk group. NTND describes its
music as "groove-oriented harmonies." Integrating a host of musical
styles from hip hop to folk, the band prides itself on its original
core acoustic sounds varied with electrical components.
Though still unsigned, NTND celebrates the release of its third
CD, "Wooden Nickels," with a show on Friday, April 4 at Fais-Do-Do.
The album pleases the band, which consists of two UCLA graduates,
John McGinnis and Seth Ecklund, two current UCLA students, Jeff
Storey and Peter Kim, and the newest member to the seven-year-old
band, Darrell Cross.
"Our goal was to create as eclectic a mix as possible," says
lead vocalist and guitarist McGinnis of the new CD, which was
produced by Brian Lapin. "You’ll find a wide variety of textures
and emotions, since we did something very different with every song
while still maintaining the same core," says McGinnis.
Storey adds that their music spans a large spectrum with songs
ranging from the "energetically upbeat to the sobering mellow." The
members reflect on the reality and the daily grind of life for
inspiration. "Our lyrics are never fantasy-based," says McGinnis,
"our words come straight from our life experiences."
While all five members of NTND vary in musical influences Â
from Cross’ favorites, The Police and Old School World Be Free, to
Kim’s pick of The Vapors and Storey’s quirky love for
1950s-sounding bands  NTND claims a matchless energetic
sound.
"We don’t like to compare ourselves to other bands because
that’s so limiting," says McGinnis. "We are trying to do something
new by stepping forward to a new place."
But with five different people with varying tastes and
influences, how is it that this band melds their ideas and creates
its sound? "Like anyone would, we see who can wear the others down
first. Divided we stand!" jokes Cross. "Actually, it’s all about
democracy. Kind of like a trade and bartering system."
"Yah, after we whip out the boxing gloves," retorts
McGinnis.
"And after, we drink," adds Kim. "Can’t forget about the
drinking."
Along with all the humor that they incorporate into their
creative process, the members also realize that recording and
collaboration require arduous work. With McGinnis, Ecklund and
Storey writing the roots to most songs, everyone comes together to
structure and add to the final work.
While Ecklund reflects that it was freeing to really experiment
with their newest 15-song CD, Cross realizes the drawback that
accompanies such creativity  the time-consuming and expensive
task of recording.
"This band suffers from indecisiveness," says Cross. "It’s great
to really test the parameters of sound before deciding on a final
cut, but eventually you have to just decide."
However, the decisions aren’t always deliberate, which is part
of the spontaneous creative process of music-making. "Sometimes the
songs just materialize at the very last minute when you least
expect it," says Kim.
"And sometimes," adds McGinnis, "our greatest frustrations
become the greatest part of our albums."
Already having established a loyal following in the local music
scene, playing frequently at L.A. spots such as the Roxy, Whisky
and Troubadour, and universities including UCLA, Cal State
Northridge and Loyola Marymount, the band has expanded its venues
to include both the greater Southern and Northern California areas.
Following its last big tour of the southeastern states in 1995, the
band will perform in the Bay Area, Utah and even back at the UCLA
Cooperage within the next few months.
All of the band members agree that music is their passion and
way of life. And as a group on the edge of being signed and
possibly breaking into the mainstream music industry, this way of
life may become a lifelong profession. Still, each member has other
goals in mind.
Storey laughs that one goal of his is "to be stinking rich!"
while McGinnis reflects that he just "wants to make a living as a
musician." In the end, Cross’ ultimate ideal is to overcome the
true challenge of most musicians:
"It’s all about beating the viscous cycle of making music, to
make a living, to make music."
CONCERT: Neither Trumpets Nor Drums CD Release Party, with
opening band The Sidney Hillman Band, is Friday, April 4 at 9 p.m.
at Fais-Do-Do, 5257 West Adams Blvd. 18 & over. (Their CD,
"Wooden Nickels," will be available for $10.) Tickets are $5. For
more info, call Fais-Do-Do at (213) 931- 4636.
Neither Trumpets Nor Drums describes their music as
"groove-oriented harmonies." The group’s newest release is titled
"Wooden Nickels."