[NW NOISE #4] Madraso (Seattle)

Words and Interview by Nik Christofferson

YOUR VILLAGE SUCKS! FEST Preview:

MADRASO

Set Time: 10:25pm in Grotto

Madraso is: Jeremy Curles: Vocal/Guitar, Chris Jager: Drums, Doug Owen: Bass

I caught Madraso’s blistering live show for the first time at the Brothers of the Sonic Cloth / Mico De Noche split LP release back in 2009. You could say I was a little late to the party being that band had existed since 2006, but none-the-less the crushing magnitude of their jagged hardcore infused noise rock made me a fan instantly. My initial thought during that first of now many Madraso experiences was pretty much, “Amp Rep eat your fucking heart out, this band destroys.” Madraso’s singer and guitarist Jeremy Curles played with chaotic fury, while drummer Chris Jager and bassist Doug Owen laid down the massive foundation on killer cuts such as “Daisy Cutter” from their debut full length “Van Horne”. This is an “unfuckwitable” power trio, and are easily one of premier bands currently at large in Seattle’s heavy music scene. The moral of the story here is Madraso owns, you must seek this band and they will destroy you. Frontman Jeremy Curles was cool enough to answer some of my lame ass questions via email, thanks for being a good sport man and we’ll have to do this proper some other time!

See Madraso TONIGHT as part of an excellent bill at Comet Tavern with Sandrider, Salvador (PDX), and Valis. DO NOT MISS Madraso as part of the Algerbay / Rocket Queen / SRG sponsored YOUR VILLAGE SUCKS! FEST, May 8th @ Rendezvous. Get Your Tickets Now!

Here’s our chat:

Nik: Where did name “Madraso” come from? How about “Van Horne” for that matter?

Jeremy: Madraso is Spanish slang for either: 1. bitch slap or sucker punch. 2. It also is a saying you would use if you hit yourself in the head or something. Van Horne is the last name of a few friends of ours (Brad and Brian) we like their last name and they are great guys.

Nik: Speaking of “Van Horne”, it’s a damn fine record, what was the recording process like for you guys?

Jeremy: it was nice. We tracked with Justin Weis at Trakworx studios in SF. All takes were done live and went to 2" so it was a nice fit when it came time to release it on vinyl.

Nik: Who or what are Madraso’s musical influences?

Jeremy: Tough question. There are a lot of things outside of music that influences this band. As far as bands go, there are some common "influences", but the musical tastes of the members varies quite a bit.

Nik: Lyrically are any there any reoccurring themes and/or ideas that come up more than others in Madraso songs.

Jeremy: You can throw a dog in the oven, but it doesn't make it a biscuit.

Nik: Who writes the music and/or lyrics for Madraso?

Jeremy: The band writes the music. I writes the lyrics, they usually happen after the fact and tend to be constructed around the music.

Nik: Who are you favorite bands to play with-- locally or otherwise?

Jeremy: Hmmm.... locally, we really like doing shows with the Ruby Doe, Brothers of The Sonic Cloth, Black Elk and Mico De Noche. Not only are those all exceptional bands, but they are good friends and make playing shows even more fun. Non-local, check out the Rye Wolves and Kowloon Walled City. Both kill it.

Nik: What is your favorite part about playing live?

Jeremy: The live experience. Taking songs that were written in a small cold basement and playing them in front of a small cold crowd.

Nik: What are your thoughts on the state of our current local music scene? Positives? Negatives?

Jeremy: It could use a better sense of camaraderie I guess. There are a lot transplants these days, and that sometimes gives a disjointed feeling to the whole thing. I remember growing up here myself and even though I was too young to go to a lot of "good shows" I do remember it being a bit more cohesive.

Nik: If you had the chance to open for one band past or present over all others, who would it be?

Jeremy: Loaded Question. Jager: Keelhaul. -- Jeremy: Burning Witch. -- Doug: The Jesus Lizard. But, Above all, we all agree on: Michael Jackson.