Name: The Bosch

Genre: Punk Rock/Surf/Garage-Rock

Geographical Area: The Greatest City in the WORLD, World, world! (NYC)

Interview with: Holt Richardson on 9/28/07 by email

1. What is the current line-up of your band?
 

Matthew Harrison- Guitar, Lead Vocals
Andrew Raff- Saxophone(s) Keys, Vocals
Holt Richardson- Drums, Vocals (occasionally lead)
Valerie Sauvé- Bass Guitar, Vocals
 

2. How and when did you get started with your band?

Mattie and I have played together, off and on, since the latter part of high school - we're from Hampton Roads, Virginia, originally. So we started knocking the plaster out of Matt's parents' house in 1996 or 1997. The current lineup of the band has been together for about 16 months, which is when Valerie joined up.

3. What bands or music have influenced you most?
 

Collectively, probably groups like The Clash, Link  Wray, Man…or Astroman?, The Pixies, The Violent Femmes, The Cramps, David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Morphine and others.

While some of those don't immediately speak to a surf influence, I think you'll find that most of those players were strongly influenced by surf guitar - Frank Black and Gordon Gano, in particular have mentioned the importance of surf in their playing.


 
4. What is the breakdown of cover vs. original material in your live shows and/or recordings?
 

We've never released a cover on any of our records. Being fairly punk-paced and looking to exude energy onstage, we tend to burn through about 12-14 songs at a live show. I don't think we've ever played more than two covers live.
 

5. What recording have you done?
 

Hurry Up, the new 7-song EP we're releasing this month, was recorded earlier this year on glorious 2" analog tape. We worked in two studios-- Marcata Studios in Bearsville, NY and NY HED in the Lower East Side. Both of these studios are connected with artists that we enjoy and respect. (Marcata was originally developed by The Walkmen and HED is owned by Matt Verta-Ray of Speedball Baby and Heavy Trash).  The album was mixed by our producer Duane Lundy.
 

(Special note: Those of you who are surf fans who cross over to related genres, like Rockabilly, would probably LOVE Heavy Trash. I encourage you to check them out.)

6. What kind of gear do you use?
 

A motley collection of some high-quality glamorous gear, some adequate yet boring items, and some sub-optimal, but generally functional equipment.
 

7. What is your band’s favorite food/beverage?

The other 3 like to shop at places like Whole Paycheck and take care of themselves, with lentils and falafels and stuff… I like Long John Silver's, pork rinds, bacon, and good 'ole American Budweiser Beer. Whiskey's purty good, too.
 

8. How do you get gigs?

We keep in touch with the venues we like and who tolerate us. Unfortunately their numbers are dwindling like mad in NYC. Piano's and The Mercury Lounge are definite favorites. We've also been given some great opportunities through neighbor-bands from our rehearsal space in scenic Gowanus, Brooklyn.



9. What are the difficulties you find playing your kind of music in your area?
 

Competing with the sheer volume of great live music that's happening every night around New York City. Booking agents don't pay enough attention to matching a bill - so you'll have a band that is obviously influenced by Radiohead, playing with a band that's obviously influenced by Motorhead, and their respective fan bases are not excited about the other group's sound.

    

10. What positive attributes does your band have that sets you apart from other bands (of any genre)?

We're really, really good looking. That and we've got a saxophone, which can tend to draw a line in the sand. Separates the music lovers from the ...others. Also, we really don't take ourselves too seriously - too many groups are all posturing without substance. Just lookit http://boschcast.com/video/, for God's sake!

 

11. What have you found to be the single most effective promotional tool you’ve used to further your band’s musical path?
 

Myspace is a decent tool, probably the only useful substitute to meeting people face-to-face, either by playing for them or having a social experience .
 

12. What’s the most interesting performance experience you’ve had?
 

We did travel all the way out to Lexington, KY to play a single show. That was a lot of travel to play one set.
 

13. What do you hope to get out of being a NESMA member?
 

The opportunity to hunt whales on a Hovercraft.

14. Anything else?