Five New Yorkers with a friendly demeanor and an urge to play loud and hard alt punk rock will find their way across the Hudson River for two nights at Maxwell’s on Sept. 7-8.Originally from Washington, D.C., the guys moved to the Big Apple several years ago, and in 2000 formed The Walkmen. A few members previously had played in the short-lived cult band Jonathan Fire*Eater. Since releasing a full-length album on Star Time International titled Everybody Who Pretended to Like Me Is Gone, the band has toured nationally and in Europe. Their vocals range from strong and long howls to reserved falsettos and lazy lows, resulting in eclectic songs ranging from light and playful or atmospheric and operatic. We recently caught up with lead singer Hamilton Leithauser.
EM – Where are you from?
HL – Washington, D.C.
EM – Who are your influences?
HL – Rolling Stones, Modern Lovers, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Royal Trux, Nation of Ulysses, Bad Brains, Leonard Cohen, Velvet Underground, Pogues, Cramps.
EM – Why did you become a musician?
HL – I don’t remember. I started my first band in ninth grade. I think we didn’t have much else going on. We didn’t start because we were good…we were terrible. I think I started playing music because of the Sex Pistols.
EM – Where have you performed?
HL – Athens, Greece.
EM – What is your favorite day of the week?
HL – Saturday.
EM – What are the last three CDs you bought?
HL – Lou Reed’s Lou Reed. I bought it for $22, opened it and realized I already owned it. Scene Creamers’ I Suck on That Emotion, and Neil Hagerty’s The Howling Hex.
EM – How would you describe your music?
HL – Loud rock with a sweet sharp edge.
EM – Are you looking for mainstream exposure?
HL – Nahhhh.
EM – What professional plans do you have for the future?
HL – I’m going to keep deteriorating until I am no longer suitable for the band to bring me on the road…then we’ll break up.
EM – What is the best part about your job?
HL – When things work out. Things never ____ing work out.
The Walkmen will perform at Maxwell’s at 1039 Washington St. in Hoboken on Sept. 7-8. Both shows start at 9 p.m. and tickets are $15. For information call (201) 653-1703 or visit www.maxwellsnj.com. For information on the band visit www.bighassle.com. q