I love going to other places for shows, especially out of state. There is something about it that's refreshing. This past Monday a friend and I traveled to the college town of Oxford, MS to see Wild Nothing at Proud Larry's. It was a five and a half hour drive, which we deemed worth it. This was as close as they were playing, and we weren't going to miss it. In fact, the band has never performed in New Orleans, but aspire to do so in the future. Oxford locals Winter sport opened, with twisted punk act Abe Vigoda as well. Vigodas fast paced style and upbeat tropical blend are at times abrasive and at other times equally sun-drenched, paying homage to their LA/California hailing. On top of knowing how to play their instruments with precision, they make tunes that are structurally inconsistent, and it's fun to watch. They are currently on a short US tour through the states with Wild Nothing.
On top of being spectacular musicians, Wild Nothing are awfully nice guys. Playing to a full venue, the 45 minute set was a powerhouse of rhythmic melodies. They delivered many songs from the debut album Gemini, such as "Bored Games", the ethereal "Our Composition Book", and favorite " Live In Dreams" , in which Tatum repeats "Because our lips won't last forever, and that's exactly why I'd rather live in dreams and I'd rather die." That line resonates as a reminder of lost times, good and bad, and an anthem of reflection. They also played a few songs off the Golden Haze EP and a cover; each one flowing together nicely, as if making the next possible. The bar was small enough to get the personal feel I really enjoy in a live performance. With only a few EPs, and one full release under their belt , these Virginia natives show no sign or stopping or slowing down. It's all the brainchild of bedroom producer Jack Tatum, who since late 2009 has been cranking out dreamy pop soundscapes from his home in Blacksburg. The murky and sometimes distant feel of Wild Nothing are what make them so appealing to me. Every aspect, and member of the band, flow together to make the sound possible. I got to hang out and talk to the guys for a little while about the road, earlier tours, and current favorites. Jack Tatum took some time time to do an interview with me after the show:
a/o: I won't take too much of your time, I just want to ask a few questions
Tatum: Oh no, it's totally fine.
a/o: How long have you been creating music?
Tatum: I've been playing guitar since I was 11, but as far as making music, I started at 15.
a/o: How is the music scene in your hometown in Virginia?
Tatum: Well, there really isn't one, non-existent i'd have to say.
a/o: What is your favorite studio/place to record your music?
Tatum: Every recording i've done has been from my own house in Virginia.
a/o: So a question i'm always eager to get answered, what have you been listening to lately?
Tatum: Ah, new Cut Copy, new Destroyer(fuck yes!), and always classic favorite My Bloody Valentine.
a/o: What about something that people might not expect you to be jamming to?
Tatum: Haha, well I have been working on a remix to Will Smiths "Wild Wild West", so I guess that.
a/o: What is your personal favorite place to pass through, while touring or otherwise.
Tatum: Well Los Angeles of course is always a favorite, anywhere in California really.
a/o: Have you ever been to New Orleans?
Tatum: No, unfortunately I haven't.
a/o: Alright, so what's for the near future? Another album/more touring to support?
Tatum: Oh yeah, we have 4-5 songs finished and aim to start recording by summer, with touring to definitely follow.
a/o: Thanks Jack for your time, I really appreciate it.
Tatum: No Problem.
-article, interview, and pictures by justin braud
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