Six piece Brooklyn based band Pablo has been on the music scene for a few years now, but it wasn’t until recently that the indie rockers began really making waves, getting killer positive vibes for their past album Half the Time from such prominent names as NPR, KXEP, and AOL Spinner among numerous mentions by music bloggers across the board. With instrumentals ranging everywhere from your basic guitar and drums to lap steel, keyboard and harmonica, Pablo has a distinct indie vibe going for it that is both infectiously entertaining and serenely simple. Now, with their recent release of There’s Rope to Leave the group has created a more aggressive sound in comparison to the whispery builds that previously filled their songwriting, a progression that can be seen more as an evolution of their craft than an abrupt change to their sound. With the new record now available to the masses, the band has plans for working on more new music, heading out on tour, and surely will continue to make music that will charm the pants off you.
Pablo took some time out to talk with us this week about musical influences, their favorite places to play, and the making of There’s Rope to Leave.
Telegram Sam: What have you and music been up to lately?
Pablo: We’ve been pretty busy. Released the new record ourselves in November. Played a bunch around town as well as west coast, while tightening up a new live lineup. Almost done recording a new EP.
T.S: What are your top three cities to play?
Pablo: New York, Seattle, Prague.
T.S: If you could book a tour with any 3 bands/musicians, past or present, who would they be and why?
Pablo: Fugazi, The Beatles, Otis Redding….because im influenced by all of them.
T.S: Can you tell us a little about your new album, There’s Rope to Leave?
Pablo: This record was written when I was in a nastier mood. Bad shit had come to light. I called my friend Justin Guip, who was working at Levon Helms, and asked if he’d be interested in recording and playing on the new record. We had worked together in the past on the first EP. I wanted a bigger drum sound on this record, closer to the Brendan Obrien recorded Pearl Jam records, like “Yield”. Big and Live. William and I went up to Levons, met up with Justin, and recorded the first seven songs on the record live. Piano, acoustic guitar and drums. Will and Justin didn’t know the songs much at all- actually only Will had heard a couple of them prior to recording. As I said before I was in a nastier mood, down and out, but luckily my friends from the Budos Band were there to help me along. Dan Foder, the bass player for the Budos Band, William and myself were in a band back in 96’ together, so it seemed natural to have him play on “There’s Rope to Leave”.
Due to scheduling we weren’t able to finish the record for close to 2 years, even though we might’ve recorded a total of 10 or so days…no regrets….I’m in a better mood for it….
T.S: What are your top three musical influences?
Pablo: Rainbows, strawberries, and the battle between good and evil.
T.S: How did you get your start in music?
Pablo: My brother asked if Id be interested in singing in a band he was starting. I was 15.
T.S: What are you plans for music in the next year?
Pablo: Were gonna finish up this EP and hopefully tour the rest of the year.
T.S: Is there any instrument you don’t play, but wish you did?
Pablo: Drums
T.S: Have you been part of other bands in the past?
Pablo: I’ve been playing in bands since 94. Awek was the last band I was in.
T.S: If you were to sum up your music in 3-5 words for someone who has never listened, what would they be?
Pablo: Think you’d like it.
