More fun with 100 Psychic Dreams

Posted on February 9, 2023 by Times Boredom

So in addition to all the ‘in addition to’ stuff we wrote about 100 Psychic Dreams in our earlier article, Superdark superstar of the Psychic Dream Waves Shane Sanchez responded to our survey questions.

…And here they are!

Times Boredom (TB): Congratulations on being in Times Boredom’s Top 10 local bands! Honestly, how much of an honor is this for you?

Here’s our man, 100 Psychic Dreams in the bricks behind him. Sometimes theyre red, sometimes they’re, um, brick.

100PsychicDreams — hereinafter referred to as ‘1PD’ and yes we think that’s funny /Shane Sanchez: It’s a real shocker!!

TB: Did you release any music in 2022?

1PD: Only a couple of collaborations. Mostly played shows and promoted my 2021 release Bronze Stroker

TB: What was your favorite show that you played in 2022?

1PD: The Sime Gezus album release for sure! Awesome producer showcase with Albany artists PJ Katz, Big Malk, Mitochi, Devin B & myself and killer performances by Sime, JB!!, Juice Mega and Grimewav. What a night!

TB: Who was YOUR favorite local band in 2022?

1PD: I’m gushing all over Prom Sex right now.

TB: Do you have any plans for 2023?

1PD: Lots of collaborations! Excited about my work with Jason Martin, a handful of hip hop artists, working on new Bloodx3 and my second album is almost complete!

And for extra fun (and extra super fucking awesome seriously here ppl you know this is THE SHIT) here’s the collaboration from the superspooky ‘Do the Fright Thing Volume 8’ with 100 Psychic Dreams and Jason ‘Wolfman’ Martin (take a listen… if you liked this article, 100 Psychic Dreams, or anything Times Boredom does in general you should absolutely have a listen to this mindblowingly cool collab between two of our favorite people in the local music scene!:

Top 10 local Capital Region of NY bands of 2022, Part 8:The Sugar Hold

Posted on January 29, 2023 by Times Boredom

The Sugar Hold burst onto the scene like a bat out of a volcano with a mug of beer in one hand and (of course) a cheeseburger in the other! The relatively new local band is known for their hard partying ways (https://timesboredom.com/2022/10/01/from-now-on-by-order-of-the-city-of-troy-chamber-of-commerce-the-sugar-hold-will-only-be-allowed-to-play-weddings-dances-quinceaneras-and-other-festive-occasions/), their indie surf rock brand of music, and their funny off the wall songs and lyrics. And although they’ve only been around for a few years, they’ve already made a big name for themselves.

The last 2 singles they’ve released have been the campy Halloween track ‘Werewolf, Baby!’ for the ‘Do the Fright Thing’ Halloween comp and, the song they’re most famous for; “Cheesburger”. Cheeseburger’s a danceable partying track that sounds like it comes from a lost age of innocence when rock and roll was super fun, before it got all serious and John Lenon was like ‘this is ART MAN!’. To exponentially increase the party vibe and show how intensely serious they are about the party and the fun they’re joined by local high harmony trio Hold on Honeys for backing vocals that remind you of the doo wops on Monster Mash. And the song is truly about how great, cheap, convenient and what a delicious snack a cheeseburger is. Get me one too!

In addition to being one of the top ten local bands in the area, The Sugar Hold were the first group on the top ten to respond to our request for an interview.

TB: Congratulations on being in Times Boredom’s Top 10 local bands! Honestly, how much of an honor is this for you?

Mikey Baish (for the Sugar Hold):
What an honor!

TB: Did you release any music in 2022?

Sugar Hold: We released our live special “DOPE” on 4/20. This was a full set recorded LIVE at the Jive Hive Live. We released our song “Cheeseburger” ft. Hold on Honeys from that session as a single. Then in October we wrote and recorded a song for the Super Dark Halloween compilation called “Werewolf, Baby!”

Right now we are working on our first real record. We are working with David Rockower aka The Duke Western and it’s been a pleasure so far. We hope to have that out on 4/20 (put it in your calendars) this year as a follow up to DOPE.

TB: What was your favorite show that you played in 2022?

Sugar Hold: For our favorite show it’s a tie between the set we did at Brown’s Brewing Malt Room for Bacchanalia (with our gals the Honeys, E-Block, and best bud/official Sugar Boy Rhoseway) and the Wild in the Trees Skate & Music Fest. WITT was cold as hell, but it was cool to see the “high ollie” contest going on during our set.

TB: Who was YOUR favorite local band in 2022?

MB: I (MIkey) am gonna have to ask the guys each of their favorite bands, but I ALWAYS say dblgoer and BIG Maybe. Dan says Brule County Bad Boys (how could I forget them?!), Matt says Battleaxe and Pencildive

TB: What was your favorite show that you played in 2022?

Sugar Hold: As far as gigs go, ideally we’d like to scale down to one per month. It’s just real tough to turn down some really awesome gigs that have been getting thrown our way. So far we have one of the bigger local festivals booked and look forward to being invited back to Bacchanalia and Wild in the Trees.

TB: Do you have any plans for 2023?

MB: We’re excited for 2023. I think it’s going to be a big year for The Sugar Hold!
Thanks for asking! I appreciate it!

Interview with Grace Annunziato of Lone Phone Booth

Posted on March 25, 2021 by Jessica Goldstein

Ipolito, our resident biggest fan of local experimental indie noise project/”gay uncle core” performers Lone Phone Booth (though the rest of us are fans too!) sat down (on the internet) with Grace Annunziato of the group recently to talk about how the pandemic is affecting music, what their writing and recording process is like, and random stuff about, um, corn. Here’s what they came up with.

Ipolito Terentjia (IT): So how are you enjoying the pandemic so far?

Grace Annunziato (GA): ha; i talked a lot before the pandemic about how i wished everything would stop, or at least slow down; i have learned to be more careful what i wish for,there have been some great aspects that have come with it like introspection, focus on my meditation practices, and connecting more deeply with the earth and with my priorities. obviously none of that is worth the toll it has taken! my plans have been shaken up and i forget how to be around people. but i am lucky to have gotten through it relatively unscathed. & it has definitely changed my creative process lots.

IT: Have you been making more music as a result or has it prevented that?

GA: DEFINITELY less music. for months at the beginning it just seemed so silly to write a little song with a pandemic and civil rights movement in full swing. now it’s just harder to get the motivation, but i’ve been finding ways around that. i also love writing about places and experiences which are hard to come by in a pandemic.

IT: I know what you mean. I think a lot of local musicians are feeling that way. Do you live in the capital district?

GA: i do! i live in albany.

IT: How long have you lived here? I think I read something about one of your recordings being at St Rose. Did you go to school there?

GA: i moved here for college in 2016. yeah, i went to saint rose! I graduated May 2020. meaning i finished school virtually. i had planned some long form travel after graduation but wound up sticking around, which has been a blessing in disguise.

IT: Did you study music there?

GA: I studied music industry, so a combination of music tech, business, and performance. i mostly focused on the tech side. i love engineering and production work.

IT: I guess that means you learned a lot about recording. Can you tell us about your recording process and methods?

GA: i usually start with guitar parts, at least i have in the past. once i have the guitar and vocals down i’ll add other instruments. after that is the really fun part, adding samples and field recordings, synths, effects, etc. that part probably takes the most time.

lately though, i’ve been switching it up a little. usually now I’ll start with a sample or field recording and build on that sound; i try to make it the focal point rather than the background. Then I’ll layer guitar, vocals, keys, whatever, on top of that.

i have a little portable stereo recorder i’ve been bringing on hikes. that has been the basis for a lot of music recently. then i just add sounds that feel like they fit the time and place i recorded.

IT: Do you record at home or in a studio?

GA: both! the studio when i was at st rose, now just at home. i’d love to get back in the studio when i have something ready that could use a hi-fi recording.

RE/SOUND needed that clean studio sound! but for more ambient stuff like i’ve been into lately i honestly love the lofi sound of recording at home on my busy street.

IT: Switching to the business side since you said you also studied that, I assume you’ve been self releasing recordings thus far. Have you spoken with or been approached by any local or big record labels? Or do you always see yourself doing things the DIY way and releasing and promoting independently?

GA: i’ve worked with the angels at bee side cassettes and talked with five kill a bit too. i’ve never been approached by a bigger label, but i have been ignored by a few! hahah.

despite having studied it, the business side of things has always made me feel icky. promotion is not my thing. i would rather self release and have only a few people hear it than have a huge release that feels inauthentic.

IT: The ‘who are your major influences’ question is a tired old cliche that signals a lack of imagination on the part of the interviewer. Who are you major influences?

GA: Mirah has affected me since I was a kid. Frankie Cosmos and Girlpool and a lot of straight white emo bands helped me get started. William Basinski and other minimalist composers like Philip Glass, Emily Sprague. The trees that live on my street. And how the light moves around my apartment throughout the day!

Anyone who can combine noise and music, too- Ylayali, spirit of the beehive, the books, etc

IT: That’s a lot of stuff I’ve never heard of. I’ll have to do some background research and put the record buying on Times Boredom’s dime!

GA: sounds like a great plan!!!

IT: What genre, if any, would you say your music could be classified as?

GA: gay

for real, i don’t know how to answer that! somewhere in the alternative umbrella. for now i’ll go with gay uncle core.

IT: A lot of people are saying that indie rock, like rock music in general, has become stale and unexciting. So if you could save Courtney Barnett, Waxahatchee, or the band Real Estate, who would you let drown first and why?

GA: bye bye, real estate!
i’ve covered waxahatchee and courtney barnett is the primordial ooze that my hairstyle was birthed from.

IT: So I’d like to ask you about live performances before I forget. Where have you played in the Capital District? Anywhere you’d like to play? Have you ever toured and/or are you planning to?

GA: i’ve played basements and living rooms all across the capital district! and i have done a small tour in the northeast US. next year i am moving into a van so i will sort of be touring all the time. i’d love to play in the southwest US just because it’s where i’d love to explore.

i would be ecstatic to play in any sweaty basement with my friends in it

IT: So several of the other writers here at Times Boredom wanted me to tell you how much they love your music and especially your latest album ‘RE/SOUND’. It plays around TB HQ pretty much non-stop. What we all most want to know most is, do you plan to stick around the Capital District? Can we hope to hear more from you and see live performances in the near and/or not to distant future?

GA: wow, i really appreciate that! seriously, it means a lot!! and it honestly depends on how COVID goes. i’ve been wanting to travel for a while. I hope to leave albany in the fall as long as everyone who wants a vaccine has one by then. hopefully i’ll be able to play a few shows in albany before that happens! but it seems so uncertain how the transition back into live music will go.

IT: We absolutely look forward to that and hope you’ll keep us in the loop! Thanks so much for taking the time to talk with us tonight Is there anything you’d like to add before we conclude? Maybe another local music artist you’d like to give a shout out to?

GA: number one is an email newsletter i recently started! https://lonephonebooth.substack.com/ .

number two! my partner alex AKA soo do koo. one of the most inspiring artists i know, & in the midst of releasing a series of video collabs with local legend Derick Noetzel.

thanks for reaching out, and for chatting! much appreciated. can i ask you an interview question before we go?

IT: Sure thing. ask away

GA: what is your favorite vegetable and why???

IT: Hm. A fair question. Although technically corn breaks all the rules, one of things it is is a vegetable. So I’m gonna have to pick corn, since it was such a major achievement of the pre-Colombian American peoples. It’s basically the most scientifically advanced form of nutrition that can grow anywhere under almost any conditions

I fully believe that the import of corn from the Americas allowed all civilizations, in Europe, Asia, and Africa, to flourish in a way that allowed them to reflect much more on intellectual pursuits because it feeds so many so efficiently

While it may not be the healthiest kind of food, the technology, knowledge of farming, cultivation, hybridization, and the sheer audacity of taking something that grew only in very specific conditions in the wild yet was modified to make it spread across the entire planet mirrors humankind’s own journey into being the superdominant species on earth, for better or worse.

GA: that was beautiful. never have i thought so deeply into corn’s cultural impact; thank you.

IT: Oh, before I forget, Scott wanted me to specifically ask: “GOATS!!! GOATS GOATS GOATS GOATS GOATS!! THEY WILL TAKE OVER SOON, JUST LOOK IN THEIR EYES! FEAR THE GOOOAAATTTSSS!!!!”

GA: well said, Scott.

IT: Thanks again and I hope we have an excuse to speak again soon! Please keep making great music! We really love it!

GA: hahah they’re both good points & thank you so much! i really do appreciate all the kindness you all have shown me.

Interview with Brian Michael of Iudica and Terrallite

Posted on December 10, 2020 by Jessica Goldstein

Bryan Alvarado (in foreground) with current band Terrallite: Thom Grover (far right), Nate Fidd (background on drums), and Christian Colón on bass

Times Boredom (TB:): Tell us a little bit about your former band Iudica and your new band Terrallite. What are the biggest differences you see between them?

Brian Michael: Well, iüdica was a grunge project that started with our old bassist Chris Walker and some members of Terrallite including myself and our drummer Nate Fidd

TB: So that was intentionally meant to be like grunge genre stuff?

Brian Michael: That was six years ago. And yes at the onset I would say we set out to be a grunge band. It was what we all knew.

TB: That’s actually good that you brought that up b/c as stupid old men scenesters we have no idea how old anyone else is; how old were you when iudica started?

Brian Michael: I was 27 when we began, I had just moved to the Glens falls/Lake George area after spending many years in the Albany area. Almost a year ago we decided to shake it up. Our bassist wanted to try a different musical endeavor, and couldn’t commit as much. We had sort of stagnated in his defense.

TB: I know that Iudica’s labelled a Lake George Band on Bandcamp; what city is your new Band Terrallite centered around?

Iudica, before the band reformed as Terrallite; Chris walker, Thom Grover, Brian Michael, and Nate Fidd on drums

Brian Michael: It’s hard to tell. We still do practice in lake George, but if I had to choose I would say Glens falls. We frequently perform in Saratoga, and Albany as well.

TB: So you’re an Albany native currently in exile/ I mean living in Lake George…

Brian Michael: I exiled myself man. After a failed business endeavor, I needed to refocus my life. I walked away from a lot of friends, a lot of drugs, and a lot of old habits when I moved.

TB: So how do you see Terrallite in relation to Iudica? A progression from that sound or a whole new thing entirely?

Brian Michael: I view it as a total progression from the sound, and new thing entirely. We took on Thom Grover, who is a song writer. So now me and him write and have two totally different styles. (On the new recordings) I wrote shimmy and medicated. He wrote rusted spoon.

We also aren’t doing grunge anymore. I’m not really sure how to peg the sound but I feel it is definitely alternative rock or from that vein, but it has this kind of darker pop element as well. And we added our new Bassist, Christian Colón. Thom is mostly noise guitar, but on what he writes he does rhythm.

TB: Yeah I’ve hear your new stuff and I think it’s very different; much more mature if that makes sense

Brian Michael: We started working with a producer who’s really honed in our new sound. His name is Tom Case. A legend in my opinion.

Terralite drummer Nate Fidd with legendary producer Tom Case, who they’ve been working with on new songs

TB: I hear much more danceable stuff, new wave influences, and in general it’s still alternative but yeah less grungey. How much of that difference do you think is due to production, which does sound much cleaner and more professional?

Brian Michael: We write most of the material as a band should – in a garage or basement for example – but in the studio is really when we start to flesh out the details and cut out the nonsense to make them more coherent sound wise. I think the difference really is knowing to think about our music in a way where we perceive it from the listeners standpoint.

TB: I know we’ve all been on hold from local live music in a while, but have you noticed more people dancing and/or making more motion with your new stuff? I know I’m tapping my toes over here…

Brian Michael: When we started, we only had old people at the bar sitting staring at us kind of confused. I used to be really into house music – it became more important for us to write for the listener. Once we started Terrallite we walked away from most iüdica material and pushed for this style of influence and vibe.

TB: Interesting. I feel like it’s really hard to write straightforward rock/pop music these days so most people rely on pedals or volume or some other gimmick. However, you guys manage to play a really straightforward sound and keep it interesting based on great songwriting. How hard would you say you work on the actual melodies? And how do you manage to keep it so interesting?

Brian Michael: So I don’t work on melodies while writing. I also don’t work on lyrics either — which is how we used to do it. Lyrics, then melody, then riffs, then drums. Now it’s a music first approach. I have about 150+ 10 to 30 second recordings of catchy things I get in my head. Then I’ll transpose it to guitar and as a Band we pickup from there. Once the song is made I start working on lyrics and melodies and only do it off the cuff. Whatever comes natural.

Alternative Rock band Terrallite (from stage right): Thom Grover, Nate Fidd (drums), Brian Alvarado and Christian Colon

So I guess all I’m trying to say is it’s a totally different process from how we used to write and I think that he has produced a much more free formed way of approaching music that satisfies us.

I use 3 pedals by the way. Overdrive, reverb, and a boost. You can get a lot of tone out of a guitar by bending it or picking in different ways. I am eyeballing a Leslie rotary speaker though, I have some really cool tunes that just neeeeed it

TB: Before the pandemic you were clearly a band that played out a lot at various places. With all of the clubs closed during the pandemic and likely many closing down for good, where do you think you’ll be playing when/if things return to post-normal? Do you see yourselves branching out, trying to play larger clubs?

Brian Michael: Well, venues close but connections aren’t so easy to lose. We try to talk to our friends in the business and keep them all on the up and up with what we’ve got going on. We also have been playing any booking we can. I’ve never played so many outdoor shows in my life. We have a booking at paulys hotel December 18. It’s weird because we aren’t allowed to promote it or anything.

Our goal is, yes, to play larger clubs (other than our favorite dives). During covid we will play what we can though. Our last show prior to covid was Skyloft. We had nanola and Dino bbq get cancelled. Rough start to 2020.

TB: Somewhat along those lines, clearly the influence of social media and its increased usage for bands during the pandemic is changing the way you interact with your audience. how do you feel about the ways that social media has changed and is continuing to change what it means to be a music group interacting with its audience?

Brian Michael: From what I can tell it’s forced us to take on more work. We used to just post and share but now people want CONTENT. And it’s not cheap to make good content as a band. So we are exploring ways to put out quality live recordings or sessions, investing heavily in merch for online sales etc etc.

People also expect more music quickly. We can’t release an ep or album and disappear for a year or two. We want to be ready to follow up each release with another release.

The digital age is way more demanding, so we hope once shows get going we’ll be able to offset the finances needed to get a well rounded presence online and in person.

TB: I’ve heard that a lot. Digital media’s putting pressure on public groups to be present far more often; sending messages out in addition to just playing out or touring. But it also has the benefit of letting people know about that increasingly important part of being a band which is ‘merch’. How do you feel about the increased use of merch to promote the band, provide income, and generally represent yourselves as opposed to just music? I see on your fb page you’ve been working with local artists on that too and think that’s really cool.

Brian Michael: Yeah, we always want to work with new and local artists. They have ideas we couldn’t ever dream of. I’m just a guitarist, we’re just a band. We need artists to add color to that story.

I have a background in music management, and to be honest my mindset has always been that an artist makes about 70% of income on merch, the rest on shows. If you’ve been paid by local venues you know it’s not enough. So for me I see merch as the devil we need

I’ve always loved production, and used to put on shows and festivals. I work festivals a lot still, but would say the management you have to learn along the way if you’re in the industry.

TB: I hear that. Rock’s not something you study, it’s something you gotta learn on the STREET!

Who would you say are Terrallite’s major influences?

Brian Michael: I would say our influences are very broad; Asking just me I would say The Killers, The Cure, Brand New, and Nirvana in no particular order. Nate, our drummer is really into Ginger Baker, Danny Carey (from Tool), and Keith Moon. Thom (guitarist and vocalist) is into Pink Floyd and Nirvana – though there’s a little bit of Deftones and Used influence with the heavier songs he writes. Our bassist Christian is a metal head haha; he’s into Periphery, Karnivool, Death and Obscura.

TB: So I know this is tricky given how much things keep changing, but do you have a timeline for when you expect to officially release some Terrallite music?

Brian Michael: Well we were going to have the material fully mastered and released as an EP heading into spring /early summer. Since that’s changed we are actually in the process of scouting studios and think a summer 2021 (think June) because we are going to possibly release a full album instead. It’s important to us to be able to perform live and release the music, so we have to wait a little longer.

TB: I am definitely looking forward to it. Any bizarre political statements you wanna make before we conclude so we can edit them out?

Brian Michael: No, I will just say that like our music our band also has politics that cover a broad spectrum. We all have utmost respect for each other, and recognize that it’s the things that we share in common – like stupid moments on stage – that are the most important.

TB: Sounds like you guys really get along which is definitely good to hear since I hope you’re around a long time. I’d say most local bands don’t really know what they want or what they’re in for so they end up breaking up too soon.

Brian Michael: We broke up to reform, and be serious about music, about business, and mostly about fun.

TB: Deadly. Serious. About. FUN.

Brian Michael: Ha ha. Terrallite is a band I’m proud to be in, and I don’t think I would want to perform with any other mates

TB: Do you have a live or streaming date coming up that you’d like to promote?

Brian Michael: We will be streaming live on December 18th and will make sure to post about the time that is to occur.

TB: Sweet. Thanks for talking with us!

Interview with ‘New Wave Power Couple’ Paul and Jennifer Maher Coleman of Architrave

Posted on April 26, 2020 by Jessica Goldstein

I (Kasrael) recently sat down 100 miles away from Paul and Jennifer Maher Coleman of Architrave and instant messaged an interview to/with them on the heels of the release of their recent powerhouse recording that has made the Quarantine much easier to get through for all of those fortunate enough to have a copy of the album. ‘This Perfect Day’ has been receiving rave reviews from both local and national zines, blogs, and even old fashioned newspapers. In fact, there’s been so much praise that there would be nothing I could write that hasn’t been written way better by a dozen other professionals unlike myself. And it’s so fucking hip the beautiful cover of the album is a photograph by famous local scenester Gary Ziroli of Mr. Cancelled, Thinner Friends, and honestly, the best photos I’ve ever seen that he just posts on Facebook for free (he even said I could use some for my band Fucking Christ’s album covers)!

Suffice it to say, this album fucking rules. And there’s nothing profound or even well written I could say about it that hasn’t already been said. However, given my personal relationship with the Colemans due to my previous employment as their gardener (before they found out that giving me 20$ to mow their lawn would only make me go to Stewarts and buy tall boys and scratchers — i don’t even have hedge clippers much less a lawn mower!), I was able, unlike those ‘professionals’, to score an interview. And here it is (and I really think I should mention what terrific sports they were no matter how dickish I got);

Kasrael Sonin (TB): does architrave wanna do an interview for times Boredom

Paul: Sure! But Jen is our authorized media representative (I shouldn’t be allowed to talk). You can put that in your article.

TB: I’m sorry are you the funny guy? no, I am. And I think TB’s 7 readers might agree with me there. I decide what goes in.

Paul: See. I shouldn’t be allowed to talk.

TB: Ok before we get started I should warn you that this is my first interview for Times Boredom or, ever. I’ve been told that I’m surly, sarcastic, off topic, and I personally offend everyone I’ve ever spoken with. Unfortunately you’re stuck with me because the entire remainder of the Times Boredom staff is sick with genital warts. Especially Scott. His bleeding warts are the size of cockroaches. It’s disgusting and I wish he hadn’t described it to me in great detail. If you want to know more about it please ask.

Jennifer: no paul no!

TB: Ok then! First off, I hear that you’ve recently released a new album that’s getting rave reviews in the local press. Why?

Paul: Please note that I was typing, but Jen stopped me.

TB: It will be noted. That and that you’re both taking twenty minutes to answer this question because you’re trying very hard to come up with a clever answer.

Paul: Nah. I’m just sitting here eating carrots.

Jennifer: Honestly I think people are looking for content right now, looking for things to write about if they’re writers. I happened to send them the album with the suggestion that they check it out and I bet they had time to do so. (but it’s also a pretty good album)

TB: I also understand that you recently did a covid-19 alonecast from somewhere inside your house.

Jennifer: If only we had thought to call it that

Paul: Alone together….we are what they call a “pod”

TB: Did that raise the troops spirits or did they just yell at you to get off the podcast and bring on the barenaked ladies?

Paul: We did have a lot of confusion about who was “Shane” in our comment stream. Also Barenaked Ladies suck.

TB: Are you referring to Super Dark fudge pirate Shane?

Paul: YES!

TB: Also you like shitty music so you have no right to judge the super ground breaking Canadian powerhouse that STILL IS BNL.

Jen: I thought you were referring to our kids… when I realized that they weren’t willing to dance in the background we just made sure they wouldn’t be home. They did a killer kid’s album

TB: Speaking of dancing, do you consider yourself a dance group or a ‘white dance group’?

Paul: I don’t really dance…that’s Jen’s territory

Jen: guilty of being white and dancing I guess!

Paul: I’m playing Candy Crush right now and I know that makes me something.

(Note: Paul sucks at Candy Crush. I am several hundred levels above him even though I keep giving him free lives and chocolate bombs and stuff)

TB: Well then are you electro-clash or dark wave?

Jen: A 10 year old girl

TB: Trip hop or jungle?

JEn: we’re using dark-wave this week

TB: Proto sludge or powerviolence?

Jen: oooh!

TB: Ambient disco or smooth urban jazz? Quit stalling and answer the question!

Paul: Black Twee

Jen: vaporstep

TB: I’m gonna go with vaporstep, because ive heard of dubstep. People at work used to call me idub because i hated dubstep so much.

Jen: were people playing alot of dubstep at your workplace? that’s harrassment

TB: I’ll ask the questions here m’am. Which brings me to my next question, which is meant more for Paul. How do you make such decent music when you like indie landfill such as Kurt Vile and um, that other girl I hate that did an album with her… what’s her name??

Paul: MAGIC

TB: Parquet courts?

Paul: Yep. I do like them. I definitely have a thing for repetitive.

Jen: in the case of Architrave, because I’m bossing him around

TB: That does answer a lot Jen, but honestly, when you’re the head of the Vampire Weekend fan club as Paul has been for three non-consecutive terms, it’s a wonder he knows what a guitar is at all… Real estate?

Paul: Eh. On Real Estate

TB: Thank god. at least you have some boundaries, as far into the landfill as they are.

Paul: I like the first Vampire Weekend a bunch, but mostly because the production is crisp and not terribly “produced”. Beyond that… eh.

TB: Paul, please stop admitting to liking terrible, awful, garbage music. It’s not helping.

Jen: We’re both Genesis superfans since childhood, how do you feel about that

TB: Well, I thought that you couldn’t embarass yourself more than Paul already has, but admitting to that…

Jen: When you get to be my age it’s pretty hard to embarrass

TB: Yeah, well, you should be embarassed. I mean I love Jethro Tull but I’d never tell anyone. EVER.

Jen: Oops…

TB: And it’s not like Ian Anderson became a popstar. Goddamn gimme some of that classic rock and roll on one leg with a flute in both hands pointed upward!

Paul: My cousin is named Ian Anderson

TB: No photos please. I’ll have to upload that and name it and it’ll be a whole thing.

Paul: FACEBOOK: EXCISE PHOTO

TB: So how white are you two? Do you have any ethnicity among you?

Jen: Is Dutch or Irish ethnic?

Paul: DUTCH/POLISH/IRISH

Jen: Just… white

TB: Wow. That’s about as ethnic as white bread with the crusts cut off.

Paul: The dutch like to cut off their crusts

TB: Do you think it’s wrong for white people to make dance music? Let me rephrase: do you think it’s wrong for me to dance to your music?

Paul: Wait for it

Jen: my 23 and me revealed a touch of Ashkenazi jewish I guess

TB: Well that makes a lot of sense. We all know how famous Jewish people are for their ability to dance. Maybe we could hold you up in a chair or something.

Jen: Will you dance in the background of our next livestream please? Our kids won’t do it.

TB: Only if you think I can dance. Because, you know, I don’t think I can dance, being an Ashkenazi Jew and all. Can my dog dance instead? She can high five and roll over.

Jen: that counts, she’s in

TB: Speaking of white bread, you’re currently based out of Ballston Spa. Why the fuck would you live there?

Jen: I have no idea how i got here

Paul: I do for me, but it involves my ex and Skidmore College.

TB: Are either of you originally from someplace even remotely interesting?

Jen: Chicago, New Jersey, Minnesota

Paul: Latham! ! ! The original Capital District Circle!!!!

TB: I’m gonna go with Jersey, because it’s the most interesting thing you’ve said all night.

Jen: I came to albany for grad school

TB: So why on earth did you stay? If you had any interest in making music that is…

Jen: I started DJing here and got entrenched. There was a great scene back then for dance music

Paul: Well…I left and lived in Boston for years…came back because of family stuff.

TB: The only electronic dance group I can think of from here that ‘made it’, as in, they do interviews where they constantly name drop ‘miley cyrus’, and they’re pretentious twats is Charlie Everyone. Why do you hate Phantogram so much?

Paul: They refuse to introduce us to Miley.

TB: Can I have some of your apple bread?

Jen: All mine (because coronavirus)

Paul: This is slowly turning into an Narduwar interview

Jen: do you have presents for us??

TB: Would you like to mention your sponsor?

Paul: Superdark? My day job?

Jen: Rebel Reserve

Paul: Jen likes this shitty bourbon I once got. It burns.

TB: I was told you had a 30 second spot about something you were getting paid to promote.

Paul: Haha. We just got “commissioned” to sing happy birthday to someone’s mom.

TB: Please don’t tell people about what I paid you to do to my mom. You’re crossing the line of journalistic integrity…

Paul: Judgment free zone here

TB: Yeah well Robert Smith called and he wants his early recordings back. And, um, New Order called and said, cheer up!

Paul: Hahaha….funny you say that. We’re working up a cover of Procession right now

TB: We’re getting near the end here so I must remember to ask this all important question; if you had to, how many donuts do you think you could eat in an hour withOUT throwing up or getting diarrhea? And I’m not talking like good fresh cider donuts or anything. We’re talking three day old pink frosted Dunkin Donuts here. Who btw the way is my sponsor.

AMERICA RUNS ON DUNKIN! (TM)

Paul: In my younger days, I could have managed about 17. Now…it’s more like 5.

TB: Finally, ‘Disco Girl’ was a great fucking song, probably your best IMO. How come none of the songs on the new album ‘This Perfect Day’ sound like Disco Girl?

Paul: Jen can’t answer right now because her daughter has never heard the F word.

TB: Which f word?

Paul: Finally

TB: So what are Architrave’s plans for the coming post-apocalyptic future?

Paul: Box of donuts.

TB: Jen, do you have anything to add? Like hopefully apple bread?

Jen: marketing plain identical jumpsuits. Apple bread 4 ever. we definitely have to make a song called Disco Girl now

Paul: Dedicated to Kasrael.

TB: And I will absolutely hold you to that. Thank you so much for having me in your lovely Covid19 telecommute. I must warn you that this conversation will be reworked to make it look like I made all the funny jokes and yall praised Times Boredom endlessly. If you get sick you have to tell me and then I’ll have to tell all of our readers, hopefully before this interview goes out.

Jen: thank you! We LOVE Times Boredom!

Paul: A true pleasure! You’re a hilarious guy Kasrael! I wish you were my dad, and Times Boredom was my Great Uncle!

This concludes our interview. Please stay tuned for your regular 2 or 3 bad movies that are available to stream on all 5 or 6 internet streaming platforms right now despite the fact that we need mindless entertainment now more than ever! If you’re looking for mindless entertainment, download a copy of Architrave’s new record here on bandcamp and dont forget to pay them tons of money.

Now if you both could pretend to keep chatting with me as the sound goes off and the camera begins to pan away, it would look very natural.

Paul: [LOOKING NATURAL]

Interview with Gary Ziroli of Mr. Cancelled

Posted on April 19, 2019 by Jessica Goldstein

Below is our interview with Gary Ziroli in which he proves he’s funnier than we are. Which is not fair! He knew the interview was happening.

Times Boredom (TB): There’s no lyrics on your bandcamp page.

Gary Ziroli (Z). No. Please feel free to add some!

TB: Your bandcamp page is confusing cause it’s through super dark records. How tall are you?

Z. Average.

TB: Do you always sing lead?

Z. Yes. Go figure!

TB: A lot of people have been saying that Bernie’s really got a chance this time around. Have you ever tried to make a scone?

Z. Tried a scone as president? At this point, SURE!

TB: I wanted to call you pop punk, lo-fi, or indie rock, but your facebook site says you’re ‘old guy post punk’. How old were you when you realized you could rock?

Z. I’m still waiting.

TB: People have said that your band is a gateway drug to the super dark collective and everything they do. Why are you trying to push their super dark fudgey recipe on America?

Z. Anything/anyone dark scares America.

TB: What do you have to gain? do you get free brownies?

Z. No. Free Cub Scouts! (It’s a fucking joke!)

TB: I really like the photos you post on facebook and I’m not afraid if everyone knows that. Do you know Che Guevara T-shirt? I don’t like them.

Z. Who does?

TB: keith’s a really bad frontperson. don’t you think kat celentano (bass player that’s also in hill haints) should be in the front?

Z. Absolutely! I’m serious!

TB: Who are some other local bands you hate?

Z. Kingsteen!

TB: Kurt Vile sucks.

Z. Yes!

TB: Courtney Barnett also sucks.

Z. Yes! (Who?)

TB: I used to make red pepper and gouda cheese sandwiches for lunch. It’s vegetarian and sorta healthy and quick, but it got really old really fast and I’m sick of it. Now I need something else that’s cheap and i don’t have to heat up. Suggestions?

Z. I got sick and really old!

TB: I heard that you live in a super dark collective house with like Chris and Jon from your band and also Shane and John and Sarah and a whole bunch of local punks. Who’s your favorite bass player of all times?

Z. The Bass is the four string one, right?

TB: Why isn’t it Geddy Lee?

Z. He isn’t?

TB: So you hate Canadians.

Z. Eh?

TB: Are you gonna buy a Times Boredom t-shirt when we finally make them?

Z. Yes, but I’ll make sure I get the wrong size so I never wear it.

TB: What’s taking us so long?

Z. …

TB: Serious questions: how long does it take you to write a song? Do you write all or most of the melodies? Are you gonna quit your band to form a supergroup with me? Why won’t you join Fucking Christ, my witchdoom band?

Z. I will eventually quit everything!

TB: Your drummer Jon is sexy.

Z. So he continues to say.

TB: Chris has a big moustache.

Z. Well, you know what they say…!

TB: You wanna get high?

Z. I’m high on life and positive vibes! Just kidding! Life is pointless.

TB: Ok but do you wanna get high with me?

Z. I don’t even get high with ME!

TB: What do you think of our review of your new album before you read it?

Z. It was the Citizen Kane of reviews. That’s stupid. Citizen Kane was not a review!

TB: How about after you read it?

Z. My life is a joke…and not a good one.

TB: What’s in the future? Not for you or your band, but like, in general… when are we gonna get jetpacks and flying cars?

Z. Most likely there will be a lot of soup and bread lines. Gluten free, of course!

TB: It’s been a delight to write these questions. I’m really good and professional guy at interviewing. What’s your favorite Sebadoh record?

Z. Destroyer

TB: I met Jason Lowenstein and he said I was cool.

Z. I just Googled him. He said I was cooler!

An interview with Andrew Wilson of Comrade Nixon

Posted on December 27, 2017 by Jessica Goldstein

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Times Boredom:
Ok. Begin record.
Your band Comrade Nixon’s brand of indigent hardcore punk is too fast. Why won’t you slow down?

Andrew Wilson:
Well, for starters, I never set out to sound hardcore at all. I first envisioned my band as an acid rock hippie band that would travel the frozen north in covered wagons exclusively, making us more akin to gypsies. That’s not really hardcore per se. As for the speed of my songs, i guess it has to do with me being high strung. I get accused of being speed metal on occasion, although I don’t even listen to speed metal or am I interested in that particular genre.

TB:
Interesting you mention speed, since your songs are notoriously 3 minutes or less, and are about 1 minute when you play them live. Do you think wizards are cool?

AW:
Wizards? I like Jimmy page. Is he a wizard?

TB:
No. He’s a satanist.

AW:
Funny you mention Satan. I’m reading a book of Crowleys poetry at the moment.
I’m not really into wizards, sadly. I’m a political junky and like to be grounded in reality. Fantasy is for dorks. I do read a substantial amount of William Seward Burroughs, which is quite the opposite of wizardry I fink.

TB:
Not even dragons? Dragons are fuckin sweet dude.

AW:
Do you know about Wyrms?

TB:
no. are they like really cool dragons?

AW:
Lord of the rings. More like bored of the rings! It’s a dragon before it sprouts wings and breathes fire

TB:
so like just a lizard. lame

AW:
Kinda

TB:
Your second album, Wine and Circuses, was recorded with Don Fury. Is he cool?

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AW:
Don fury breathes fire!
He’s quite a relaxed guy. And his studio rates are low.
Don can jibber jabber about the late seventies for days!
He knew Richard Hell. That’s cool!

TB:
I did not. I did meet one of the guys from Sebadoh once.

AW:
Who Lou?

TB:
No Jason. Lou can suck it.

AW:
Hahaha!!! You don’t like Dino Jr.?

TB:
Course I do. That’s why I think Lou can suck it. J. too!

AW:
I like the first two albums. Then they started writing the same song for thirty years

TB:
I have a personal bone to pick with you.

AW:
What?

TB:
I have repeatedly asked you to make me an XXL t-shirt but you still only have large at the largest. It’s not fair because I’m a HUGE Comrade Nixon fan. wtf?

AW:
You can always make your own bootleg shirt with my face on it. Thanks for your support! I’m not opposed to bootlegging. I think my great great grandpa was a bootlegger

TB:
Mine was too fat.
I am going to draw your face in magic marker on my shirt and write ‘Comrade Nixon T-Shirt’ above it and ‘AW: said I could make this t-Shirt’ below

So what’s going on with your drummer situation? Legend has it ‘antwon’ was none other than north country legend matt hall. Did he quit? Is north country legend Sam officially your new drummer?

AW:
Sam is in. And we just finished recording our new hit album ‘odd Todd’ due out in January of twenty eighteen.
Matt hall joined a new age electronic band

TB:
Yeah I heard he’s in the War on Drugs now…

AW:
Oh god not them!
I think I listened to .05 seconds of a Kurt vile song
It was quite trite!

TB:
How come Kurt Vile is so popular when he sucks so much yet Comrade Nixon isn’t world famous when you rule?

AW:
People like the taste of poop in their collectives mouthes.

TB:
Speaking of the taste of poop, why is Times Boredom your favorite site on the internets?

AW:
Y’all speak the troof!
And you offered to adopt my ass.

TB:
We filed the papers and everything

AW:
I come From a loving family but the offer was much appreciated! Cheers!

TB:
Pisser.

Since 2014, you’ve released 3 studio albums and 3 live albums. That’s too many in such a short period of time.

AW:
Wait till you hear ‘Cucamonga Peep show Live’ coming this spring!

TB:
You’re doing it again! We need time to digest so much awesome.

AW:
I’ve had a lot of near death experiences. So I’m trying to put out everything before my cards are up

TB:
Makes sense. For the past 3 years, you’ve been playing, recording, and touring pretty much non-stop. How many beers would you say you’ve drank in that time? Please estimate to within one beer.

AW:
Nothing but Schlitz! mind you!
Probably a bus load of schlitz

TB:
That’s not a number. We need hard statistics here. We’re a reputable publication. I suppose we can get someone in our research dept to calculate exactly how much a busload of schlitz is.(Chris can you get me those figures?)

AW:
We’ve seen more ass than at the beach and drink more beer than Stacy Keech.

TB:
i don’t know who stacy keech is but sounds like a party

AW:
He’s the guy that smoked Chongs weed and turned into a lizard

TB:
Another wyrm huh?
being that you like to party so much, why would you say a painfully harsh doom band like Fucking Christ is your favorite band ever?

AW:
Every show our goal is to move the masses and smoke spiritual grasses
Fucking Christ was good when they were the party band, the horny Hindus. After that they got boring quick

TB:
True dat

AW:
First saw em play with Long Richard, tupper lake NY
In upper tupper lake

TB:
That was a while back. Though I saw em back when they were from Sweden.

AW:
That was Bout a decade ago
My memory is hazy

TB:
Legend has it they pre-date Black Sabbath

AW:
Sabbath number four is a beast

TB:
When does Comrade Nixon plan to return its whirlwind tour back to the Capital District?
Will you play my basement?

AW:
I’ll play yer fucking basement sure! Early tour in January!
River street pub on the eleventh. I’m playing a most sacred acoustic set.

TB:
Is that a
0009935449_10

show?

AW:
Oui

TB:
sweet
i would play one of those shows but Shane says Fucking Christ is too dark

AW:
Hahaha
Zing!
Y’all should play some monkeys songs

TB:
Anyway, thanks for sitting down with us on the internet and saying some funny stuff. We reserve the right to change anything you said to make ourselves sound funnier and make it sound like you were threatening us physically. Promise us you’ll keep up your whirlwind of rockin and recording and touring until your next near death experience at least?

AW:
I almost died the other day! Thanks for having me! God shave the queen!
No future!

TB:
Anarchy or the highway!

AW:
Anger is an energy!
May the road rise with you!

TB:
Thanks again. Later dude!

AW:
The check is in the mail right?

TB:
Um, yeah…

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An interview with E.S. Cormac from Hill Haints

Posted on December 18, 2017 by Jessica Goldstein

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We recently sat down on the internet with badass guitarist and singer for totally sweet local band Hill Haints. Turns out he’s not a total dickhead like most rockstars and he’s funnier than we are…

TB:
ok. begin record.

Republicans are currently gathering on the Hill to discuss the proposition of deep cuts to social benefits. Naturally, this raises questions on the eve of Paul Ryan’s pending retirement announcement.

So you play guitar?

E.S.:
Yes. But it’s foreign, and not responsible for the current crisis in US Government.

TB:
So you say. We’ll look into that because we’re serious journalists.

Your latest release on bandcamp is intended to benefit trans rights. I understand that all proceeds from sales go to the Trangender Law Center. Do you like omelettes?

E.S.:

Yes. We released that as part of a day of action. Transgender rights are very important to us, and for some in the band an issue from which they cannot be
separated.

Ohmlettes are good

TB:
That is indeed laudable in this writer’s opinion.

Do you prefer your omelettes to be a little runny or browned?

E.S.:
Slightly browned, thin not a fluffy abomination…no offense.

TB:
None taken. I’m with you.

Some influences cited for your band’s sound include the Stooges and Sonic Youth.
Do you think Thurston’s a huge dickhole?

E.S.:
I’m on team Kim, but Thurston has always been the most accessible member of the band and participates in the noise rock community, even making appearances in
Albany. I appreciate that. Not many “rock stars” will play $5 basement shows.

TB:
Speaking of Kim, did you read her book? I thought it was really bad.

E.S.:
No. I did not read it.

TB:
Don’t. It sucks.

E.S.:
Haha I hate musician autobiographies

TB:
Even Johnny Cash’s? I gotta say my all time favorite book is Cash by Johnny Cash.

E.S.:
Ok. I’ll read it.

TB:
Sweet.

Speaking of the Stooges, Iggy Pop looks like he’s two hundred years old but he
keeps taking all his clothes off. It really grosses me out.

I guess that’s not a question.

E.S.:
Haha. He’s so leathery.

TB:
I don’t think he’s human anymore if he ever was. I mean the guy outlived Bowie.
How is that even possible? Ok we’re getting off my very important list of topics…

What’s your favorite local band?

E.S.:
There are a lot of really good ones, as compared to times in the past. But,
Eternal Crimes are my favourite. I saw them about 4 years ago, and decided to start Hill Haints.

TB:
Good answer.

But you know every other local band will hate you now for not saying them.
Especially my band Fucking Christ. Why do you think Fucking Christ is so great yet so underappreciated?

E.S.:
There is a band called Fucking Christ? Che Guevara T-Shirt is great.

TB:
Fucking Christ is great and they will blow Che Guevara T-Shirt out of the puddle
they’re in! We stole the drummer from Che Guevara T-Shirt and the drummer from Moon Worship. And we have a young hot front woman that screams witch doom. We rule. But enough about how great Fucking Christ is because everyone already knows it…

You’ve repeatedly proclaimed your unabashed love of the Times Boredom site and said you read it every day even though posts go up randomly like, once every six months. Why is Times Boredom so great and its writers so brilliant?

E.S.:
It’s a local version of the Hard Times, but actually reviews shows. The review ofthe guy from Pussy Galore was hilarious and spot on.

TB:
Thanks. That guy pissed us off. Especially since we did love Pussy Galore and
Royal Trux so much.

E.S.:
That was a horrible show. I loved Pussy Galore

TB:
Me too. I would pay so much money for a copy of the tape of them covering Exile on Main Street. I mean, I don’t know what I’d do to get a copy of that… let’s just say I’m willing to break several laws and moral codes.

So, honestly E.S. (can I call you E.S?) – you are in probably the best local band in the area, you play all the time, and you go to and support the local scene like pretty much no one else, yet you’re also always a cool guy. You never have a bad word to say about anyone, even shitty bands like Che Guevara T-Shirt who totally suck and are obviously just trying to make so much crappy noise everybody gets pissed off and leaves. What drugs are you on and where can I get some?

E.S.:
I stopped doing drugs since I found Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

TB:
Where was he?

E.S.:
On the corner of N.Pearl and Madison. Asked me for 50¢ so he could get back to Schenectady

TB:
Makes sense.

Ok last question, and this one’s totally serious. Seriously. What do you think of the state of the capital district rock music scene?

E.S.:
It’s the best it has been in years. Seriously. I hope everyone playing now realizes how lucky we all are.This isn’t going to last forever.

TB:
Thank you for speaking with us. We reserve the right to alter your answers to make ourselves look cool and make you look like a dick if someone pays us either way, but we probably won’t cause we’re really lazy and no one pays us. Any final
thoughts on why Kurt Vile is ruining rock music for generations to come?

E.S.:
Kurt Vile… (naseuous face emoticon).

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