EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH FATHERS & SUNS

The Long Beach-based band Fathers & Suns is on a roll. After releasing their critically acclaimed debut album "Mama Provides" they went on to win last year's Buskerfest with an unforgettable live performance. Now they find themselves with an ever increasing fanbase that is eagerly awaiting their next record. We had a chance to talk to them about the past, present and future of the band.

Can you tell us how the band came together?

Arturo Bandini (guitar, lead vocals): "Luis, Jesus and I played together for a few years in a band called Program Love. Jay auditioned as a bassist right as he moved to Long Beach and joined the band. Several months later, we decided to start Fathers & Suns. We are long-lost brothers."

Jay Penev (bass, vocals): "We off-shot from Program Love and branched out as a new band to pursue a different direction and a different sound."

Jesus Lara (guitar, lead vocals): "And we always wanted to play in a cumbia band."

Jay: "I guess we haven't gotten there yet. [laughs]" 

Luis Renteria (drums): "I grew up in East LA, Arturo is from a place near the Grapevine, Jesus was born and raised in Long Beach and Jay is from Europe by way of Portland, Oregon."

The music that you guys create is so unique. Can you tell us a little about the band's influences?

Jesus: "Well a good amount of influences for me would be a lot of oldies, Bob Dylan, The Talking Heads. The former two are very influential for me. Obviously, The Beatles, too. They were pretty easy to catch up to [meaning, to learn all the songs]."

Bandini: "I grew up with a lot of oldies, 50s and 60s rock 'n roll, and jazz has really changed my life but I'm also influenced by a lot of authors, such as Alan Watts, Jack Kerouac and Lao Tzu. Authors, writers, free thinkers, whatever you want to call them."

Jay: "The beautiful thing about this band is that our main individual influences are so far apart from each other stylistically, yet there are many points of overlapping in terms of the artistic intention. For example, we could be mashing African rhythms and The Everly Brothers with reggae and the occasional odd meter all within the same song. But we never really spend time to hyper-analyze what we're blending and why. It just works and we keep going. When we write, we just respond to each other and write parts that resonate with us, individually and collectively. And since we're very open in our writing style, we give creative feedback to each other and so, the resulting sound is a cohesive collaborative collage. Now, there's an alliteration."    

Luis: "Lots of caffeine, my personal favorite, spicy Micheladas, and of course, great music. In the beginning, I always described our sound as Fleet Foxes meets The Flaming Lips. From the days of Program Love, I took pride in being the softest band at the party, but as of late, I'm taking pride in being the loudest. My drumming is mostly influenced by Lars Ulrich (seriously) and Ringo. I like the idea of playing with the music and finding that soul in between them notes. Math and technicality try to describe an object. But, they ain't the object. Also, Alan Watts died of liver disease. I respect that." 

Where does the inspiration for your songs come from? Are they autobiographical? Do you tend to write songs fast or is it a process?

Bandini: "I can't tell you exactly where they come from. It's just from inspiration itself. The songs are not exactly autobiographical, some are and some aren't. Some will happen really fast and some are definitely a process."

Jay: "We definitely run everything through the Fathers & Suns arrangement machine, but it's mostly Jesus and Arturo that write the skeleton of the songs. They bring them in and we each add our own twist and flavor to them." 

Jesus: "Most of them are semi-autobiographical, but a lot of them have surreal dream characteristics and themes."

Luis: "We also credit our songs as written by "Fathers & Suns." Like Jay said, the songs are run through the F&S arrangement machine. I'd shudder to think of what the songs would sound like with even just one of us not putting in a little input as to where a melody, or arrangement should go. However, Jesus just brought in a song I ended up code-naming . . . well, "Code." When we heard the main guitar melody, we all looked at each other, pulled out the iPhone recorder and jammed it. That impromptu arrangement, that jam, is what we ended up keeping and recording on the new record. No F&S machine there. Just pure inspiration."

 

We really love your first record "Mama Provides." Can you tell us a little about how you came up with the title?

Bandini: "After sitting down thinking about our name and band members and realizing how masculine it all was, I wanted to also represent a feminine side to our debut and I saw a Facebook post that said "Mama Provides" and I asked the guys about naming the album that. So we did and it became an homage to our mothers…"

Jay: "…and everything maternal. Loving, nurturing and all. I also saw it as a nod to the environment and Mother Earth."

Luis: "Since the very beginning, I've always felt that we needed a female presence in the band. I actually asked some female musician friends of ours to jam, and possibly join. Nothing ever panned out. I do remember asking Lisa Narinian (Panther Heart) at the time. She declined with, "But you're my favorite Long Beach boy band." So, when Arturo introduced the concept, I thought it a no brainer. A little ying for that yang? Yes, please."

Tell us about the experience of winning last year's Buskerfest.

Jay: "That was an amazing experience! When we got on stage, a switch flipped. It no longer mattered that there was a prize to be won. The crowd had grown immensely and all that mattered anymore was rocking that hell out of all these people. Wooden nickels flew everywhere and dance circles erupted. It was spontaneous and I felt so alive  and overwhelmed at the same time. It was very surreal how it all happened in a flash. I just remember surrendering to the moment. With Buskerfest, even though we had been a band for almost two years at that point, I feel that we officially introduced our musical presence in Long Beach."

Luis: "There was a lot of love being projected at us. Gosh, that was so nice! I remember really feeling it when the crowd was singing along to the refrain, "Well you're here and that's alright with me," during the song "It's A Change." And, also when they were humming along to the vocal intro of "Realize (Real Eyes)." Wow!"

We shot the video below at last year's Buskerfest.

You mentioned at your recent show that the new album is 2/3 complete. Do you have a title or has a release date been set?

Jay: "Currently, we are still focused on completing the recording process. Afterwards, we'll begin mixing and then, spending time on the sequencing and final selection of the songs. Then, artwork, formats (CD, LP, digital) and packaging."

Bandini: "There are some titles/concepts in the air but nothing settled yet."

Luis: "I'm actually all done with my drum tracks. I got my feets kicked up and I'm enjoying the mixes Jay is sending us. We're shooting for a June release date."

How do you feel like your sound has evolved since "Mama Provides?"

Luis: A lot of the songs from "Mama Provides" were Program Love songs. There was definitely more of a folkie vibe to those songs. The evolution started when Jay joined the band, actually. A lot of the songs on "Mama" we're molded into rock songs, with a certain reluctance. As we supported "Mama," a lot of the reluctancy started fading away. We once, very briefly, discussed, early on in the tracking process for the new album, if we should pay any mind to sounding like "Fathers & Suns." I think we shrugged and I continued tracking a real crazy song called "On The One." The drums sound as if Rick Rubin produced them.  

Bandini: "My approach to writing/playing music hasn't' changed at all. I would say our music has evolved through all the better recording gear and new instruments we've been using."

Jay: "I remember the moment Luis was describing. I always strive for a balance, so I wanted to make sure we were all on-board with the new sound. The preamps we are using for the new record definitely give everything a big, impactful sound. We concern ourselves only with whether the sound and the songs resonate with us and are a true artistic and musical representation of who we are collectively at the moment.

You guys have been playing a cover of the Talking Heads song "This Must Be the Place" at your live shows? Are you guys big fans of the Talking Heads? Will this track be included on your new album?

Jesus: "No, it won't be included, but we are really big fans.

Bandini: "However, there is a free download of a live version of the song on our webpage, FathersandSuns.com."

Luis: "We actually used to play "(Nothing But) Flowers." Maybe we'll bring it back." 

What are your plans after the album is done? Do you have plans for a record release party or any plans to tour?

Jesus: "We'll have an album release party, but the date is yet to be determined."

Luis: "We've discussed a listening party, too."

Bandini: "No plans to tour. I guess we will tour when people want it. It's definitely not on my mind."

Jay: "The real plan is to release this record to the world and see where it takes us."

Check out Fathers & Suns latest video for "All My Friends Are Animals" from the album "Mama Provides."



BUSKERFEST MUSIC FESTIVAL - RECAP, PHOTOS AND VIDEOS - LONG BEACH, CA - 8/17/13

What we love the most about Long Beach is that there never seems to be a shortage of incredibly talented local musicians. Long Beach has always been a mecca for artists that like to blend many genres and styles to create their own unique sound. In the past many of these artists have had to make the trek to LA to gain exposure. That all changed with the formation of Long Beach's own musical showcase.

 

Now in it's 5th year, Buskerfest has become THE place to catch the latest and greatest local talent. The grass roots music festival is held every August in downtown's East Village Arts District. The crowd rewards the bands that they like with wooden nickels and the band that collects the most coins by the end of the evening wins a $2,000 record pressing or merchandise package.  This year's competing bands were Hedgehog Swing, Dumb Love, Rainman, Dennis Robicheau, Move, The Melodic, Brother C & Sister J, Fathers & Suns and The Barrelhousers. There were also three non-competing headliners this year: Carly Ritter, The Fling and He's My Brother She's My Sister.  

Hedgehog Swing

We got to the festival just in time to catch the gypsy jazz quartet Hedgehog Swing. What impressed us right from the start was their exceptional musicianship. Luca Pino and Gage Hulsey played their guitars with blazing proficiency. Clarinetist Kale Stiles and bassist Benj Clarke rounded out their classic swing sound. Some of their improvisation reminded us of the swing band Squirrel Nut Zippers. Click below to see a video we shot of Hedgehog Swing's Buskerfest performance. The band attracted a sizable crowd including a pair of amazing swing dancers.



The next band that we had the pleasure of seeing was Brother C & Sister J. The male/female duo played a very raw blues-based form of rock that is similar in style to the White Stripes and The Black Keys. Brother C (Chris) has a very Hendrix inspired guitar style while singing with a vibrato like neither one of us had ever heard. Sister J (Jacqueline) is a high energy drummer that drives the bond between the duo and can feed off the slightest cue from Brother C.



Brother C & Sister J

Click below to see a video we shot of Brother C & Sister J performing at Buskerfest.

You could feel the infectious energy from the crowd when the band Fathers & Suns took the stage. They were one of the competing bands but from the response they were getting, it almost seemed like they should have been one of the headlining bands. They already have a huge local following and rightfully so. They seamlessly blend a progressive rock musicianship with incredibly catchy song writing. Blending these two aspects border a fine-line not many bands have the ability pull off. They would go on to collect the most wooden nickels and claim the grand prize at Buskerfest, an honor that they completely deserved. Don't be surprised if 2014 turns out to be a breakthrough year for the band. Click below to see the video we shot of the band's performance.



After all the competing bands had performed the organizers at Buskerfest had assembled a talented, diverse group of headlining acts to round out the evening. First up was singer/songwriter Carly Ritter who provided a nice change of pace with a blend of mellow folk rock and country. Carly's music revolves around strong vocals, excellent songwriting and great harmonies. Her debut album comes out on August 27th on Vanguard Records.

Carly Ritter performing at Buskerfest

Click below to see a video of Carly Ritter's performance at Buskerfest. Carly is the daughter of comedian John Ritter and grand daughter of actor/country singer Tex Ritter. 

The Fling returned to the Buskerfest stage this year with a more stripped down approach. The Long Beach locals played some of their older songs and also debut new songs from their upcoming album "Mean Something" which is being released this week. The band's sound is a mix of 90's alt rock with just a touch of 60's psychedelic mixed in. Their performance tonight was absolutely fantastic. The acoustic guitars with great harmonies made for an unforgettable set.



The Fling performing at Buskerfest

Below is a video that we shot of the band performing the song "Exile" from their new album.

We're not even sure how to describe the band, He's My Brother She's My Sister. They have a truly original sound that has many elements of different genres of music mixed together. Our first thought was to describe them as rockabilly folk, but as the set progressed there seemed to be so many more layers to their music. The energy and the great hooks kept the audience singing and dancing. Even though the band wasn't in the competition the crowd was pelting the stage with left over wooden nickels in appreciation for what they heard. This was a great ending to an incredible night of music in the LBC. We can't wait until next August for the 6th Annual Buskerfest!

Click below to see He's My Brother She's My Sister perform "Coattails" and "Electric Love" both highlights from their Buskerfest performance.





Jay Buchanan of Rival Sons, Solo Performance at 2011 Buskerfest - 8/27/2011

Since so many of you seemed to be intrigued by Jay Buchanan (singer of Rival Sons), we decided to share a video of the song “Feel Better” from his solo catalogue of music. We shot this video a couple of years ago at the 2011 Buskerfest.  Buskerfest is a music festival that is held each year in the Arts District of downtown Long Beach, Ca. It’s a festival that focuses on local musicians and providing a venue for them to be exposed. The catch at this music festival is that the musician(s) must provide their own power source and amplification or just perform without. 

As you watch, you will notice that Jay chose not to use amplification of any type. His powerful voice doesn’t require it. We also wanted to share his musicianship, as he is not only a singer but a very formidable instrumentalist as well. It’s also important to point out that Jay was not a contestant of 2011 Buskerfest, but rather a featured performer.