When you think of basic conventional rock and roll bands, the most basic it can come is a trio. Yet, once in a while a two piece band can make make you rethink that formula. Rising New York City band The Royal Chains is one of those bands that will make you rethink almost everything about basic rock and roll. The Chains, as they are known to their fans, are a duo that rocks so hard that their music will have you moving and shaking for hours. They craft songs that will be stuck in your head and still have you begging for more. I had the opportunity to speak with Singer/Drummer Adam Roddick and Guitarist/Singer Dan Lawley about how the group started, influences and what it means to be a band from NYC these days. Take a look at my interview with the band below...1) Your music off the bat is very raw and angst ridden. Where does this emotion and tour de force energy stem from?
Dan: I guess its all in the perspective - I find it vulnerable.....emotional, maybe some angst, but not angst in a violent way.
Adam: I don't have much of (if any) a filter, so that might explain some of the rawness.
2) The band originally formed in Nashville the solidified in New York City, has the change of atmosphere changed your style and sound?
Dan : Yes, Adam and I started in separate bands in Nashville prior to playing together in NYC. There is musical history to both places that you cannot ignore, and like it or not, you probably are influenced in some ways - maybe I should go back and listen to old stuff...
2) The band originally formed in Nashville the solidified in New York City, has the change of atmosphere changed your style and sound?
Dan : Yes, Adam and I started in separate bands in Nashville prior to playing together in NYC. There is musical history to both places that you cannot ignore, and like it or not, you probably are influenced in some ways - maybe I should go back and listen to old stuff...
Adam: It's basically geography to me know. It's not like we didn't have access to whatever "scene" was happening anywhere (Mtv ruled the 90s whether or not you had kroK [spelling intentional- I didn't have it and here I am]) and now with the Internet...
3) What type of role does New York City play in your music?
Adam: landlord
4) With the spotlight being cast on indie bands across NYC, how does the Royal Chains break that mold and stand apart from all the others?
Dan: Simplicity. I love what alot of revered Brooklyn bands are doing, and appreciate the band dynamic - its difficult to really find musical companions that can speak to each other. 2 piece, 2 minute pop songs. its a nice alternative. Maybe 3 minutes...
Adam: There's not much I would add to that!
5) While I was thumbing through your website, I came across the profound statement "They're ready for you to believe in them." Explain the significance of making the public aware of you and a remark like this.
Dan: A love of Ghostbusters. nothing else.
3) What type of role does New York City play in your music?
Adam: landlord
4) With the spotlight being cast on indie bands across NYC, how does the Royal Chains break that mold and stand apart from all the others?
Dan: Simplicity. I love what alot of revered Brooklyn bands are doing, and appreciate the band dynamic - its difficult to really find musical companions that can speak to each other. 2 piece, 2 minute pop songs. its a nice alternative. Maybe 3 minutes...
Adam: There's not much I would add to that!
5) While I was thumbing through your website, I came across the profound statement "They're ready for you to believe in them." Explain the significance of making the public aware of you and a remark like this.
Dan: A love of Ghostbusters. nothing else.
Adam: No, there IS something else. I'm glad you picked up on the profundity of it...but (and I hate to correct you) "They're ready for you to believe them". You don't necessarily have to believe "in" us, but rather believe us. A fine point, but I think there is enough of a distinction to note it here.
6) There is a ton of different styles in your sound. Name some of your influences?
Dan: As a guitar player, I draw alot from Elliott Smith, especially when it comes to pulling apart a single guitar part into bass and melody lines
6) There is a ton of different styles in your sound. Name some of your influences?
Dan: As a guitar player, I draw alot from Elliott Smith, especially when it comes to pulling apart a single guitar part into bass and melody lines
Adam: For me, it stems from The Beatles. I know, the cliche police (not the band) are coming for me, but I still remember that fateful day in 1986 when my dad brought home the first compact disc player and "Help!", "Hard Day's Night", and "Please Please Me". what started as a curiosity I still have with technology became a lifelong obsession and constant companion.
7) Where would you like the band to take you?
Dan: To the bank, to pay rent.
7) Where would you like the band to take you?
Dan: To the bank, to pay rent.
Adam: Out to dinner every once in a while, we never even talk anymore.
8) Where does the name of the band, The Royal Chains, come from?
Dan: Ex founding member. I do think the best names are the ones that are not easy to explain. Maybe there is a metaphor in there we haven't discovered yet.
8) Where does the name of the band, The Royal Chains, come from?
Dan: Ex founding member. I do think the best names are the ones that are not easy to explain. Maybe there is a metaphor in there we haven't discovered yet.
Adam: That's true
9) If there was any musician (dead or alive) you would like to play with, who would it be and why?
Dan: Matt Berninger of The National. Its the first thing that popped in my head, so I guess that's the honest choice. I'm drawn to contemporary lyricists, people writing from a perspective i feel i can identify with. From a collaborative sense, that's my choice. I guess Lennon would have been the easy choice. I might choose Tom Waits though....
Adam: Hands down Kurt Cobain. I would have very muched liked the chance to sing some harmony with him.
The band will be playing all around New York City for the next few months, go and take a look and listen on the band's website http://www.theroyalchains.com/.
Special thanks to Adam and Dan and a very special thanks to Leah Marchesano for the interview!