Without a doubt one of the bands I’m most excited about catching at SXSW next week is Grand Archives, whose Tuesday’s Gold stamped self-titled album comes highly recommended and remains in heavy rotation. We caught up with Mat Brooke en route from the West Coast, heading our direction. Chicago fans take note of their upcoming performance at Schubas on Saturday, March 8th.

Could you lend some information on the recording process of The Grand Archives? Where and how was it recorded, and were there any lessons learned that you’ll apply towards future recording sessions?

This record was recorded in several studios. Next time, we’ll probably be sticking to one place, keeping all our eggs in the same basket.

Are most of the songs you write written first on guitar and then presented to your band mates or is it a more collaborative effort? Are you able to write while on tour?

A lot of great ideas for songs come to you on tour. As far as the writing process goes for Grand Archives, one person brings in a skeleton and we all put the meat on its bones.

I’m not from Seattle , but understand that the Crocodile Cafe recently closed and I also understand you’re the co-owner of bar in town. What’s the status of the scene in Seattle these days and what were some of the last shows you saw in your hometown?

Well, the city seems to be going to shit. Everything good is being torn down and replaced by condos. Thankfully there’s a lot of great new bands coming out to make up for it. We recently went to see one of our favorite bands The Can’t See at a lesbian bar and so far that’s been one of the best shows this year.

The internet has dramatically altered the way artists can reach an audience. With things like blogs/myspace/etc, what are your thoughts on the power of the internet in terms of helping (or hurting) your music?

It helps it. More people get exposed to the music faster.

If you were a music writer for a week, covering only bands and records you loved, who and what albums would you write about?

We’d probably call in sick hungover and get fired, but if we did make it in to work, we’d write about Fleet Foxes, Sera Cahoone, The Can’t See, See Me River, and The Cave Singers.

Myspace: Grand Archives
MP3: Grand Archives – “Torn Blue Foam Couch”

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