David: Fine, thanks, Jason!
Me: So, what's with the band name? Heavy Water Experiments is what I call it when I take a dump, but I know you have a better reason the band is called that, right?
David: Yes, that's exactly what it is--a reference to huge turds, exploding diarrhea, hot mud, and so on. Well, actually, I thought of it after I decided the old band name was too boring, neutral, and reminiscent of Imogen Heap (of shit, ha ha). It's a reference to the "heavy water" molecule that was used in early atomic bomb experimentation. It is referenced in an old "Star Trek" episode actually. Anyway, I think it's safe to say it fits the band's whole vibe a lot better, so I'm pretty sure we'll be sticking with it.
Me: Alright, who is in the band, what do you all do, and most of all, who is the hot chick?
David: The present album was executed entirely by me and our drummer Roberto
Salguero. That is, I play everything besides drums and percussion on it. The live ensemble is ideally a four-piece with guitar/8-string bass, keyboards, 4-string bass, and drums. I switch between 8-string bass and electric guitar on stage, and I sing. We have a 4-string bass player who's been playing shows with us for some time now...a good guy. Our female member was brought into the band to play keyboards, but, lately, we've been putting her out front to sing on her own. She puts on quite a performance, and, anyway, I like not having to sing all the time as I used to do. We've been using an additional keyboard player when she sings out front, and, sometimes, a buddy of Roberto's plays percussion. It's all working pretty well, but, mind you, I wouldn't want our live ensemble to become a "rockestra."
Me: The band is from LA, right? Are you all from there? I betcha played at all the cool clubs... The Viper Room, HOB, The Roxy, Whisky. What is your favorite?
David: Yes, we're LA-based--rather regrettably. I'm an LA native while Roberto is from El Salvador. Actually, we haven't played all of these venues. These clubs aren't as hip as they used to be, but they are still good for showcasing, I suppose. We just had a great show at The Viper Room the other week. I don't like venues that treat bands like cattle -- with shorter sets and all the rushing in and out. On the other hand, the sound at The Viper Room is great compared to many of the more divey hipster spots. The parking around the west side venues you listed is also a huge pain in the ass, so I guess it just depends on what a band is hoping to achieve by playing out.
Me: You guys also played all over Europe as well... where do you like to play better? Europe or the US? How are the audiences different?
David: I think -- at this stage -- we're better suited for European audiences. They have a much wider musical palette and are more open minded to original music. Europe and the UK are a lot more compact, so I'd have to say I prefer playing strings of shows abroad. The driving distances -- especially when you're based on the west coast -- make the US a much more difficult touring enterprise, I think.
Me: Have you ever played Florida?
David: Actually no -- though we'd love to! Our Summer US tour in 2006 brought to several southern states, but we didn't quite get down to Florida. It was pretty much an Interstate 80 proximity heading to the east coast, and then an Interstate 40 proximity on the way back, so Florida was just too far down. I'm not sure I want to tackle another diy US tour -- it can be pretty rough going when you haven't been properly promoted and your budget won't allow for much beyond couches, floors, and some camping here and there. Anyway, I certainly hope Florida is in our near future...
Me: You were mentioned in the British Classic Rock magazine I think. But this must be a bigger thrill for you... being on the Phile. Did CRM give you a good review?
David: Totally diggin' the Phile of course! Yes, the editor at CRM really loves us. Our current CRM one-page feature is mainly an interview with me, of which only a part was actually published. But it does mention how they like to describe our sound as "mellifluous stoner rock" if that doesn't sound oxymoronic.
Me: I purchased your CD off iTunes and even though it's not my thing, I liked it. When and how long was it recorded? Are you planning on another?
David: (Well, it would be interesting if you had decided to interview a band you though totally sucked.) It was recorded across the year of 2007 in sort of a piecemeal manner, and then we released it around this time last year. Yes, we are about to release a mellower, more acoustic-oriented album, and we're also going to re-release the band's former debut album under the new moniker and with a few improvements.
Me: How do you play all those songs live?
David: I think you have the basic idea already. While Roberto and I are capable of recording albums on our own, we need at least two more players to pull it off on stage. Now, things are getting a little more complicated with our new female front singer who also plays keyboards, the additional keyboard player, and optional percussionist. Anyway, songs from the album such as the instrumental "Octavian," "Conflagration Song," "Mirror the Sky," "Clairvoyance," and "Book Colored Blue" are working really well in our live set these days. We also perform older numbers like "Sunny Day Child," a couple obscure covers, and some new songs.
Me: Tell me about Pink Sabbath, Doorphine, and Radio Queen of the Stone Head. Are they bands or just names? How about Hat Trick? A blend of Foghat and Cheap Trick?
David: These are "marriage" characterizations of our sound -- for those who like a little name-dropping. They may apply to some of our stuff, but I don't think they always work. The thing is, we don't really sound like any particular band or even narrow genre of bands. That's why we've been compared to all sorts of bands both classic and modern, many of which we've never heard or even heard of. Artistically, this is a good thing, but it can also make the marketing side of things a lot more difficult. Thanks for the suggestion -- I'm sure a marriage between Foghat and Cheap Trick is inevitable for us!
Me: Well done on being played on "Friday Night Lights". Was that cool for you? And didn't you have a poster up on another show? Nothing like free advertising.
David: Song placements on TV shows is big business these days, and it can establish a band's career where there wasn't one previously. Our placements so far haven't been quite so monumental, but they are certainly a step in the right direction. Yes, under our former band name "Imogene" we had show posters placed on various sets of "The OC". I look back on this as a little unfortunate since Imogen Heap's music was used on the show rather than ours -- doh!
Me: You gotta tell the Phile readers about the HWE festival you put together. When is it, and do you get other bands to play? In a few years I want to put together Phile Phest.
David: Well, it's an interesting story actually, but I'll try to keep it brief. I had another psychedelic band called Fuzz Beloved some time ago, and we did a couple underground shows out in the desert. It was a lot of fun, so I wanted to try it again with HWE. The first one we did in 2005 was great. I found an awesome natural amphitheater spot out in the Mojave, and we had a bunch of LA psychedelic (mostly retro) bands playing from dusk to dawn. Unfortunately, when we tried to do it again in 2007, the Bureau of Land Management authorities shut us down before we even had the stage set up. We moved to another spot, which was cool, but a lot less people made it out with all the last minute changes. To be accurate, this second effort was sabotaged by individuals who wanted to steal the whole desert festival idea for themselves -- basically they ratted on us to the local authorities in advance. We could certainly take steps to make it all legal and legit, but, for my part, I'm not interested in being a concert promoter. I'm only interested in the career of my band. Phile Phest? Count us in!!!
PHINALLY
There you go, another cool interview. Thanks to David Melbye, Wikipedia and of course you, the reader. I will def have David back on the Phile when the next project comes out. The Phile will be back on Monday with the Book Club author Mary Tamm, who also will be my first "Doctor Who" guest. I am so excited! Then the Phile will be on a break and will be back the following Monday again. So, only one entry next week. So, have a good weekend, and remember, spread the word, not the turd. Bye, love you, bye.