Thrice: So Not So Cal
Thrice are happily returning to the studio for rehearsals tomorrow, despite having enjoyed a relaxing summer catching up with friends, because they are rehearsing for their third tour down under. Their last trip was nearly a year ago now when they played at the soundwave festival and previous to that was in 2004 when they toured with Alkaline Trio and Hot Water Music. Enough of a history lesson, Riley Breckenridge (Drummer) recently caught up with the Dwarf to talk about the unique four part album release.
Taking on a bizarre project like Alchemy index was a slight risk that has massively paid off and is getting these four Southern Californian Lads more and more international attention. The Alchemy index is a four-part ‘album’ that actually consists of four small EPs, representing the four elements of nature –Fire and Water was released in October 2007 and Earth and Airwas released in April 2008. “The concept itself was something that Dustin (Kensrue – Vocals and guitar) came up with. He always has ideas floating around in his head, sometimes they sound intriguing and sometimes they sound totally absurd. This was one we were all really into. We looked at it as a way to try new things with our music, incorporating electronics, acoustic, blues and a bunch of heavy stuff”.
Fitting into a local scene can sometimes be a struggle for a band, however Thrice realised early on they weren’t going to fit the ‘So Cal’ scene and they were going to be fine anyway. “Once we started touring and meeting other musicians from all over the country and the world we broadened the scope of music that we listened to and that effected the music we were making, it influenced and inspired us to do new things. We never got caught in the ‘So Cal rut’”.
Riley also attributes the uniqueness of their music to being “Just inspired by living life; relationships, experiences and emotions that you feel while you travel and you are away from loved ones”
Leaving college with an English degree and unsure of a career direction Riley was happy to not think about it for a while and play drums with Thrice “The idea of dropping everything and joining a band was really appealing. I thought I’d take a chance and see what happens”. Fortunately for Riley, Dustin, Teppei Teranishi (Guitars) and Ed Breckenridge (Bass) the gamble paid off, and has taken them “All over the States, Europe, Australia and Japan” Riley continues “Seeing all these countries, that I never thought I would see has been really cool. Also getting to meet people all around the world and expanding my world view”
Playing together for nearly a decade has given Thrice a ‘pool room’ of memories “The tour most memorable is probably because it is also the most recent. In Fall we toured with Brand New and Me Without You for nine weeks. We have been friends with the Brand New guys for a number of years, so to be out on the road with really good friends, playing music, sharing ideas and hanging out was so much fun. It was one of the few tours we have done where all the bands were working to make sure the show was as good as possible, instead of just their own show. So many guest appearances, we would have three drummers on stage, extra guitars, back up vocals and extra percussion. Just so much fun.” Riley reflects affectionately.
“We have released 24 new songs since we were there last, as part of Alchemy Index, so we’ll be playing that as well as some of our older stuff to keep our older fans happy. We are just looking forward to seeing some familiar faces again and meeting some new ones too hopefully”
If time travel is ever possible and you have a seat booked in on the 1965 ship, take a look around for Riley “I’d like to go back to see life from about 1965-1975. It seems like people were pushing creative boundaries and trying new things. Back in then it (music) was all about word of mouth, getting out there o playing, making personal relationships and sharing your music with people face to face. Now it is like ‘how many people can I spam on MySpace and get them to listen to my music and add me as a friend’”
Ten years in music industry would also give a great insight into the world of living of your art, Riley shared his advice for young musicians “Firstly play as much as possible, coffee houses, youth centres and fairs…The other thing, as a young band be true to yourselves. Instead of saying ‘we want to be the next this or that band’, say ‘we want to be the first us’”
Thrice play the Metro in Sydney tonight (September 2) and the Arena in Brisbane tomorrow night.
