FEATURED INTERVIEWS                          

Grand Ole' Party

Three-piece wonder.
By: Gian Erguiza - - December 27th, 2007 -7:00 am PST



Look Out Young Son! This three-piece from San Diego, California is the real thing. Pulsating beats, enthusiastic vocals, great grooves, and exceptional songwriting, make Grand Ole' Party a three-piece to be wreckoned with. Let's check in with Grand Ole' Party and see what's the scoop on their 2008 release and why you should not miss a Grand Ole' Party show.

Hey guys, do me a favor and please enlighten our readers as to who Grand Ole Party is and what is the bands mission?

GOP is Kristin Gundred singing & playing drums, Michael Krechnyak playing bass and singing backups, and John Paul Labno playing guitar & singing backups.

"Humanimals" is a sweet piece of work and sure enough, must've taken some work. How much work did you guys put into your latest record as far as production, recording, and songwriting?

The songs were written over the first year we were a band and we recorded them in 60 hours over five days last March in a mostly live setting.

You guys have to have a favorite off "Humanimals." What is the bands favorite song to play live and which song is the bands favorite on the record?

We don't really think in terms of favorites; we like them all!

Smart move on selling the CD's at shows for now and it is quite interesting but how is it coming along and when can we expect it to be in stores?

It's out February 5th, 2008.

What's a good night for GOP and what's a bad night? How do you guys deal with a bad night?

Definitely more about the vibe than if our set went off without a hitch. A good night is when the crowd is having as much fun as we are and our positive energies play off and encourage each other. When it's not like that, we hope that the next show will be.

Tell me guys, what separates Grand Ole Party from the rest of the bands in the music scene?

Taste?

This one is for Kristin. Some people can't walk and chew gum at the same time and yet you seem to have a wonderfully easy time behind the kit while singing. How did you stumble upon singing while playing the drums and what's the biggest bitch about pulling double duty? Beautiful and powerful voice by the way.....It really sinks into the skin...

I picked up the drums three years ago when our old, loosely-formed jam band in San Francisco needed a drummer and I was mainly contributing more occasional, improvised vocals. My skills developed naturally and gradually, and at this point the two activities are fully fused. I have the most fun doing both.

"If they don't like going to shows, hopefully we'll change their minds, and if they do, hopefully we'll offer them something new."

To the people that have not yet caught a GOP show, please enlighten them now and tell them why they should definitely not miss a GOP show and what they can expect when they come see you live?

An energetic set that is fun but not superficial. If they don't like going to shows, hopefully we'll change their minds, and if they do, hopefully we'll offer them something new.

Now I've never heard of Kelsey Brookes and have never seen any of his art but I have now and it is awesome. How did you guys hook up with Kelsey Brookes and how did the artwork come about for your album?

The first show we ever played was at his house party in San Diego. He liked our sound and offered his services for flyers, tee shirts, whatever. We told him the title of the album and that cover was the result.

If you guys had the chance to go on a headlining worldwide tour with any bands of your choice, who would you guys take on the tour and why?

Ha ha Tom Petty and Outkast!

A band like yours must have different musical tastes. What's playing in your Ipods, or whatever player you've got right now? Any recommends?

On tour we've been listening to: Bob Dylan, Notorious BIG, the Beatles, RJD2, Violent Femmes, Desmond Dekker, Outkast

Since your band name suggests partying, how does GOP party and what do you guys consider to be good times?

West coast style!

So what can we expect from GOP in 2008?

Official release of record! Tons of touring! Writing new material!

Thanks Guys!

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