Have you heard about this radical battle of the bands that Music & Arts happens to be putting on? In case you haven’t, you can check out some information on it here. It plans to be fabulous. It plans to be fun. It plans to be … a battle. In anticipation of the extravaganza, we reached out to all seven finalists and asked them all the same five questions. What shall we do with the five answers we received to the five questions? Well, we shall share them with you. That’s what we shall do. We began with Israel Creek, Nasim Siddeeq, Will Wood And The Tapeworms, and now, next up is Chase Matkin of Chill Russell, who will be representin’ South Austin, Texas. They’ll be competing Thursday night. The fun begins at 5 p.m. The venue is Champions. Go rock. Go roll.
First, tell us a little about the band. How did it come to be, how long have you been together and how would you describe your music?
Chill Russell started in the summer of 2015 as a recording project among friends. These recordings would become our debut self-titled EP, and we began playing live shows as a band in February of 2016. Our sound is a unique combination of each of our unique musical tastes, ranging from the pop harmonies of the Beatles and Beach Boys, to the post-grunge alternative rock of the ’90s.
Have you ever competed in a battle of the bands before? If so, how did you do? If not, do you have a strategy going into this competition?
This will be our first battle of the bands. Our strategy is to do what we do best: Put on a great show and get the audience moving with our grooviest songs and show them how we do things in Austin, Texas.
What do you think is the most perfect song ever written and why?
“Bohemian Rhapsody” is the most perfect song ever written. It encapsulates every genre of the modern era in one song – in many parts – and highlights the genius of Freddy Mercury’s songwriting. From the subtlety of the intro, to the four-part harmonies with a touch of opera, culminating in the single best rock groove of all time, all while lyrically taking you on the melancholy, existential journey of the protagonist.
What’s the best part about working for Music & Arts?
The best part of working for Music & Arts is the shared musical bond that I experience everyday with people that walk in the door. Ranging from beginners getting their first instrument to veterans that have played for 50 years, it feels like we are all part of an exclusive club ignited by the passion and joy that music brings us.
And finally, how would you spend the $1,000 gift card, should you take home first place?
If we won first place, I would spoil my bandmates with the $1,000 gift card on whatever gear that their hearts desire. It’s only fair since I would get a new guitar and amp.
