Local Band of the Month
WXBH is dedicated to the local music scene. As such we are presenting a new feature highlighting a different local band each month. If you are in or represent a band local to the Louisville/Kentuckiana area please send an email to wxbh@wxbh.org to be considered for a write-up in the future.
Local Band for September/October: Karass
Karass' sound is self-described as Experimental, Electroacoustic-Rock. They just released their debut album, 'Or Granfalloon.'
The album is excellent. It is a moody, instrumental affair that should appeal to fans of Explosions in the Sky, Cougar, or the Photographic. However, Karass brings their own touches to the genre that easily set them apart from other bands. I recommend this album.
Karass' music can be heard throughout in our music broadcasts and will be highlighted on the Matman Radio Hour(Sat. 10:00AM-Noon) through the September and October shows.
Interview with the band:
How long have you know each other?
Chris and I (Josh) have known each other since high school. I actually took over Chris' role in his band, Unenlightened, as guitar player when he moved off to college and then later he rejoined the band when they relocated here to Louisville. Chris and Greg met their freshman year of college in the music school and played together in a couple of music projects during that era.
What is your background in music?
We've all been playing music since childhood. Chris and Greg both started out as music majors in college. Greg eventually changed majors. Chris took a hiatus and is now finishing up his degree in music composition.
How long have you been playing as a band?
I joined the band in March of 2008. Chris and Greg had been been working together on this project for about a year before that.
Where did the band name come from?
"Karass" is a term used in the novel "Cat's Cradle" by Kurt Vonnegut. Basically, a Karass is a group of people who are, often unknowingly, working together to do God's will. The diverse characters in the novel are said to be connected in that they are members of the same Karass.
Where did the album name come from?
Also from the novel, Cat's Cradle. A Granfalloon is a false Karass. It's a group of people who imagine that they have a connection that doesn't exist.
Was the decision to be instrumental always there or was there some thought as to adding a singer and lyrics to some of the songs?
Firstly, we're all big fans of instrumental music. If you asked each of us to list our 10 favorite bands, I'd say at least 6 or 7 of them would be instrumental. Secondly, I think the three of us have something in common in that we can be immediately put off by a band just because we don't like the vocals. A good vocalist is also really hard to come by, so rather than spending a lot of time and energy trying to find an adequate singer, we've just always tried to incorporate a sense of melody into the instrumentation so the music sounds complete without a vocalist.
Who are your musical influences?
That would be a huge range of artists too lengthy to list. We're all big music geeks. A few of the bands we hear actually coming out in our music are: Maserati, Tortoise, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, The Six Parts Seven, and Battles.
Which bands are you listening to right now?
High on Fire, El Ten Eleven, Busdriver, Collections of Colonies of Bees, and Ratatat
What's your take on the Louisville music scene?
This town has a rich history of solid bands who have made huge contributions to music as a whole, and I think that continues even today. Plus there's lots of good venues around town and a few up and coming labels. I foresee the local scene only getting bigger and better.
Plans for the future(keep playing, more recording)?
Right now we're trying to strike a delicate balance between playing shows and writing new material. We just finished a cover of the song "Betrayer and Enemy" by a local group called Sandpaper Dolls, who are a phenomenal acappella trio. We're also writing material for a new EP which we hope to record early next year.
Upcoming shows?
We have a show coming up on November 12th at Skull Alley with an artist named CJ Boyd who makes really interesting loop-based music with an upright bass/electric, and locals On Parallels.
Where can people buy your album and throw a little support to the band?
The album is available for purchase from Ear-X-tacy, Underground Sounds, Cherry Bomb, and of course at any of our shows.
Thank you for the interview
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