by Ryan Fisher, staff writer
October 8, 2009 12:00 PM
The end is finally here for Okkervil River -- at least for the year. During their set Oct. 3 at the ninth annual Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, no lyric reverberated across the park more intensely than their version of, "I feel so broke up, I want to go home!"
The grueling confession came from a cover of "Sloop John B," originally recorded by The Beach Boys, and had just the right touch and style only Okkervil River could create.
Though the show had failing sound at times, broken microphone stands and other technical difficulties that come with playing a free festival, Okkervil River continued to give a true, hard rock performance to its fans.
The indie rock band from Texas finished a very long, extensive tour with one final stop at the free popular rock, country, folk and bluegrass festival at Golden Gate Park. They plan on taking a few months off, according to lead singer and songwriter Will Sheff.
With a critically acclaimed record, "Black Sheep Boy," Okkervil River continues to add notches to their belt as they win the hearts of independent music lovers and hipsters alike.
Sitting down with lead singer, Will Sheff, he reminisces about life on tour and his experience playing at this year's Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival.
[X]press: How was your first Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival?
Will Sheff: It's real nice. There have been these festivals that we played recently that are folk festivals, or blues or bluegrass that, over time, have expanded their lineup with younger rock bands, and it's always nice to go to them, because they're a little more relaxed and a little less industry. It's more fun to see the other bands play. I get sick of seeing indie rock bands so it's nice to go to a festival and see different bands.
[X]: You mentioned during the concert that this was the last show of the year. Was it a grueling tour?
WS: It's just been a little busy. I've had so many experiences where I've been expected to perform on no sleep and have been cooped up in somewhere for a long period of time.
[X]: So when the microphone stand refused to stand up like it did today, is that something you have to learn to accept as part of life on the road?
WS: Those things used to drive us nuts or freak us out, but you can't let a microphone stand be your tormentor. You just got to roll with whatever happens. If something goes wrong, the audience is on your side. They want to see something different. They don't want to feel like they're seeing something out of Vegas with a band just going through the motions. When something goes wrong, it's a little glimpse into humanity and something always goes wrong with us so we're just used to it. [He lets out a laugh]
[X]: What's next? Taking a break?
WS: We're taking a break for the rest of the year -- that's my hope -- but we just recorded an album with Roky Erickson from the 13th Floor Elevators. That's coming out early next year. It should be fun.
[X]: Do you find time to write when you're on the road?
WS: I work a little bit on the road but what happens is often times my guitar is not physically near me except for when I'm playing so it's a little hard to write a melody on the road. I tend to revise or write additional lyrics on the road. Occasionally, I'll write a melody in my head and remember it.
[X]: Okkervil River has seen different lineups in the past. Does that change your approach to writing or making an album?
WS: It always changes things but I try not to be afraid of that, but welcome it. It's like a person. You change and you're not the same person you were two or 10 years ago. That's just the way it is. You can't get too hung up on the past. I think it's about the spirit of things. As long as we stay true to the spirit of trying to mean what we're doing, then it doesn't matter if the style changes.
[X]: Would you ever revisit an album like your concept record "Black Sheep Boy" for an entire show?
WS: That's very popular right now but I think it's just a way for bands trying to blackmail their fans to definitely giving them money. It also presents this false idea that an album is written like a musical or an opera. That said, I'd love to see shows like that but I don't think we're going to jump on the bandwagon anytime soon. An album's more arbitrary than that. It's like seeing Jerry Lee Lewis play his 1987 greatest hits together.
[X]: Any contemporary favorites?
WS: There's a hip-hop guy named Elzhi, from Detroit. I really like his record that he put out last year. I also like Elvis Perkins and his new record a lot too.
[X]: Finally, is San Francisco your favorite place to play, or what?
WS: I have too many favorite places to play to say that. But I love San Francisco. We're actually staying here for a couple days. We're going to see Muir Woods and the Redwoods and the Marin Headlands. It's beautiful.
» E-mail Ryan Fisher @ rafisher@sfsu.edu
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