When you think Missouri, indie rock does not exactly become the first thing that comes to mind. However, Springfield's Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin are changing that. They are taking their catchy name, catchy sound and bringing it to the masses. The band has been together for almost 12 years and yet, in the past four they have really been making a name for themselves around the world and are now hometown hero's. The infectious rock the band plays has fans always going back for more. Just before the band head out for a European tour this December, we sat down and spoke with member Phil Dickey as we discussed the band's new record, Let it Sway, Missouri and if someone still really loves Mr. Yeltsin. Take a look at our interview below:We came up with the band name when we were teenagers. I just seemed like a good idea to have a really long band name.
Where you fans of Yeltsin’s political strategies? Or enjoyed of the idea that communism is gone in Russia?
No, we're not fans of Boris Yeltsin. At the same time, I don't think any single leader could have handled Russia's transition and all the corruption. I like the idea of the Cold War being over, but that obviously didn't solve all our problems. I'm not doing a good job here. Next question, please.
How did sessions for Let it Sway turn out? Are you pleased with the result?
The sessions were really fun. We loved the cities we recorded in (Madison, Wisconsin and Portland,Oregon). It was like being on a vacation. We're really happy with the results. Sometimes I imagine being a little kid again and hearing the album. The production is so good that it's hard to believe it's us.
What is the feeling about releasing this record?
Relief! We're just so ready for people to hear it.
What was it like working with Chris Walla of Death Cab who produced the record?
It was like recording an album with a nice friend who knows way more about music and microphones than you.
What was your mindset like going into recording this new record? Did you feel like you had to change things up a bit?
Well, I had a few panic attacks before we recorded because I didn't think we were ready. But everything turned out fine. We actually had too many songs.
About changing things up: We wanted to try new things in the studio. We wanted to get different sounds that we couldn't get with our cheap recording equipment. We wanted the guitars to be louder and we wanted the mixes to be fuzzy and dirtier. So that's how we changed it up.
Being a band from Missouri, was it difficult getting noticed?
Not really. The internet really levels the playing field.
After being around for a few years, is Springfield still home or have you relocated elsewhere?
Yep, we're still here. I just bought a house in Springfield, so I'm here to stay.
Your success has been based on the cult like fan base that has centered around your live shows. How do you feel about this? What is it that you do live that has everyone’s head spinning?
It's nice. I mean we still have our insecurities about our live set. We're still trying to get better. If someone's head is spinning it's probably because they got drunk before our show.
BURNING QUESTION: Who still loves Boris Yeltsin?
Maybe his sister and his grandkids. I have no idea.