We have a secret weapon at The Standard, and it comes in the form of a French-Moroccan music maven named Annie O. After years in the music industry representing such greats as Lou Reed, Philip Glass, Laurie Anderson, Pearl Jam, and Peter Gabriel, we nabbed her to curate The Annie O Music Series, a regular concert series in the airy Penthouse of The Standard, East Village.
On Friday, April 29th, the upstate New York natives of Maybird join the ranks of rising talent to perform. The band's sound has been dubbed as "twangy psychedia with a funhouse bounce," which you can hear for yourself in their video for "Turning Into Water" below. Their upcoming EP, Turning Into Water, is set to be released the day of the show on 30th Century Records.
Come celebrate their EP release at the Penthouse, and read Annie O's interview with Josh Netsky of Maybird below to get ready for the big night.
On Friday, April 29th, the upstate New York natives of Maybird join the ranks of rising talent to perform. The band's sound has been dubbed as "twangy psychedia with a funhouse bounce," which you can hear for yourself in their video for "Turning Into Water" below. Their upcoming EP, Turning Into Water, is set to be released the day of the show on 30th Century Records.
Come celebrate their EP release at the Penthouse, and read Annie O's interview with Josh Netsky of Maybird below to get ready for the big night.
The Annie O Music Series Presents Maybird
Friday, April 29th, 7-9pm
The Standard, East Village Penthouse
Free with an RSVP to aohayon@standardhotels.com
THE STANDARD: Tell us a little bit about this debut EP.
JOSH NETSKY: Turning Into Water is an introduction to the band really. We selected 5 songs that we felt most accurately represent our sound from about 4 years of recordings and threw them together.
Where and when was it recorded?
It was all recorded in our friends basement in upstate New York. He’s got a great studio setup, and it’s a comfy space for a band to get focused. We recorded these tracks in a couple different weekend sessions between 2013 and 2015.
What's your writing process like?
It’s kind of all over the place song by song. Either it comes incredibly quickly and a song is pretty much finished within a couple hours, or it can take days, weeks, months, or more developing little musical ideas and lyrics here and there before it feels complete.
What's the meaning behind the title Turning into Water?
It’s a way of characterizing the sinking feeling of being ignored by someone you admire, love, or want to notice you for whatever reason. I think of Alex Mack from the good old Nickelodeon days—just literally splashing into a puddle.
Are there any collaborations on it the new EP?
The closest thing would be that our good friend Absofacto did some additional production on a couple tracks. He’s got amazing ears.
What are some specific tracks that you currently listening to on repeat?
“Take Care” by Deerhunter I literally listen to on repeat all the time. Amazing song.
“Return to the Moon” by EL VY.
“Life's What You Make It” by Talk Talk.
What are some of your music influences?
I love an endless list of singer/songwriters—Elliott Smith, Neil Young, Beck, to name a few. As a band I think we can all concur on Radiohead, Wilco, and The Flaming Lips. Simply put, good songs with good production.
Are you guys gearing up to go on the road?
We’ve got some dates lining up for May, so we’re gearing up to gear up right now, with a few shows here and there up until then.
What keeps you busy on your downtime when touring?
We always like to see the area we’re in and get a feel for it, whether it’s a major city or middle of nowhere. Just driving around and trying to find some interesting park, restaurant, or cafe. We seek out cool things—local record shops, music stores…
Favorite fast food while on the road?
We don’t really do fast food on the road. The closest we’d get is maybe a gas station wrap or salad or something. Mostly we try to eat local or get some food where we just played before we hit the road.
Favorite wake up jam. Go!
“Today’s Supernatural” by Animal Collective is my alarm clock ring. Incredibly hard to listen to that song casually now, but it gets you up with a jolt. Kurt’s alarm is “Brighter!” by Cass Mccombs featuring Karen Black, which is much more pleasant. It's a great wake up jam.
What can we expect from your upcoming show at The Standard, East Village?
A fresh batch of sweet songs to add to your already awesome collection. We’re going to play songs off the EP of course and maybe a few new ones.
