So, imagine this scenario: your rock group has not only booked studio time, but you’ve also booked it with legendary Broken Social Scene producer Dave Newfeld, who has had a great hand in crafting some of the most memorable records in the Arts & Crafts label catalog. Then, three weeks prior to actually recording … your band breaks up. With the money already spent booking the super-producer, what are you to do?
Well the answer is simple: Nate Eiesland, Alissa Ricci, and Ryne Estwing decided to continue as a trio, and with Newfeld’s assistance, On An On were born. Borrowing the moods and melodies from dream-pop greats while infusing them with a more direct, visceral indie-rock style, it’s obvious that with their quite-excellent debut, Give In, they have uncovered quite the unique sound. Just listen to the extraordinary first single “Ghosts”, with its rattling percussion, emotional guitar riffs, and loads of atmosphere: it already stands as one of 2013’s freshest debuts.
Thus, while the band is using tracks like the surging “War is Gone” to win over the rock kids and positively atmospheric album closer “I Wanted to Say More” to bring in the indie fringe while on tour, Nate Eiesland decided to give a run on PopMatters‘ 20 Questions, here revealing that the band all aspire to be magicians one day, apparently require oxygen to live, and why drunken bike rides at night are simply the best …
1. The latest book or movie that made you cry?
The film Biutiful by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu.
2. The fictional character most like you?
We are like the three kids in Harry Potter. Mainly because we are prone to mischief and we’re all aspiring amateur magicians.
3. The greatest album, ever?
That is an impossible question to answer. It’s funny because even if you open it up to a top five it gets even harder to answer somehow. The Beatles’ Revolver and Sgt Pepper’s, [the Beach Boys’] Pet Sounds. Man, so many more. Can’t pick just one. Pass.
4. Star Trek or Star Wars?
Star Wars.
5. Your ideal brain food?
Good records, good books, good friends, nature, late nights, and lots of oxygen.
6. You’re proud of this accomplishment, but why?
Beginning a new band and making the record was a complicated thing to do — we’re proud of taking that risk.
7. You want to be remembered for … ?
Adding to the positive vibes in the world.
8. Of those who’ve come before, the most inspirational are?
To name a few: Ludwig Van, David Bowie, Nikola Tesla.
9. The creative masterpiece you wish bore your signature?
E=mc2
10. Your hidden talents … ?
Cooking, dodgeball, and telepathy.
11. The best piece of advice you actually followed?
Always leave a note.
12. The best thing you ever bought, stole, or borrowed?
The skeleton onesie our European tour-manager stole from the venue in Paris.
13. You feel best in Armani or Levis or … ?
The skeleton onesie our European tour-manager stole from the venue in Paris.
14. Your dinner guest at the Ritz would be?
Leonard Cohen. No elaboration needed.
15. Time travel: where, when, and why?
One hundred years in the future to see if we [the human race] fucked everything up or brilliantly got ourselves out of this mess.
16. Stress management: hit man, spa vacation, or Prozac?
Night bike rides and booze.
17. Essential to life: coffee, vodka, cigarettes, chocolate, or … ?
Vegetables.
18. Environ of choice: city or country, and where on the map?
Antwerp, Belgium.
19. What do you want to say to the leader of your country?
Wanna shoot some hoops later?
20. Last but certainly not least, what are you working on, now?
Working on saving gas money while we tour the shit out of 2013!