Abe Vigoda

Give us the back story on Abe Vigoda. How did the band meet and get together?

Abe Vigoda started back in high school. We all used to hang out by this planter during lunch period and geek out over 90s alternative. Suburban and sweet. Me and Juan started to mess around with drum machines and keyboards after school. We started to take it more seriously and our friend Albert Torres recorded this demo for us under the name Microcassette. (This has since been lost forever) We dropped the CD off at this venue in Pomona called the 51 buckingham, and we got set up with this month long residency. Our first shows ever. Our friend Zach caught one of these nervous gigs and asked if we needed a drummer. Me and Juan thought we could start something entirely different, so the 3 of us started playing this really over the top dance-punk. We made another demo with Albert, this time under the name Abe Vigoda. We called it “Glenn Close on the Ivory Coast”. It can be a little more than embarrassing to listen to now. David joined in on bass soon after, and it got better. It was around this time when we started playing at the smell. Our whole vision of what the band could be just seemed to grow wider after that. Playing more, touring, recording albums. It was january of 2005 when our best friend Reggie Guerrero joined the band as drummer. We decided to take a whole new direction from there. It was way more free, chaotic, brash. The band has kind of evolved from that place into what it is now.

For those who don’t know about it. Can you tell us what The Smell is?

It is an ongoing and completely open discussion on music and art. Everyone showcases their approach. It lives in an alley, in downtown Los Angeles. All Ages, No booze. Jim Smith runs the place tirelessly. He feels its an important discussion.

Do you see your new EP as a extension of the last record or something that is branching out more?

This New EP is definitely something different. There is a new energy behind it. I feel like its taking certain aspects of the Skeleton and driving them into the ground, while taking this new idea and hoisting it up like a weird flag. I think its pretty dramatic.

On your new EP you guys have a Stevie Nicks cover song. What made you record “Wild Heart” ?

My roommate Matthew showed me this candid video of Stevie Nicks singing the song backstage. It is her and her back up singers singing along to this really simplified demo version. It really struck me. The version on Reviver is a loose take on this strange and beautiful you tube video. I have really been obsessing over stevie’s lyrics, her image, for over a year now.

I have notice you have been referred to as “tropical punk” before. What do you think of the phrase?

I don’t mind it. Only, I don’t think it will be relevant much longer. The band is always changing and I really feel that reviver is a signifier of this.

Favorite Abe Vigoda movie?

The Godfather. Sal Tessio sells out the family.

Any 2009 resolutions? What can we expect from the band during the rest of the year?

2009 - Just be good. Don’t suck in 2009.
We are probably going to be touring alot this year. We are making our first ever sxsw appearance this year. I’m pumped to see that mess. Australian tour in april. UK/Europe in may. US tour to follow. I don’t know. See ya around?

Questions were answered by Michael Vidal (vocals, guitar)

By John Siwicki


Source: comfortcomes.com