Listening to the new Hold Steady album,Stay
Positive, I hear a lot of Pogues and Mekons on the slower
songs—that sort of boozy roots music. Is
that hearing something you’d discourage?
No, those are bands I really like. I would offer that every time we
make a record, because we’re becoming more confident, we want to make a
more musical record. When you’re filling out the more acoustic, slower
songs, those are natural instruments to go to, like accordion. But
those are both [bands] we like and enjoy.
I’m excited to play these new songs. We played some gigs in the
spring that were not as exciting—corporate gigs, just to keep the
lights on. We just came off doing four [East Coast] shows. It was
really fun to watch people singing along to the new lyrics.
What made you decide to put the
album out on iTunes a
month before the physical CD?
It had to do with the album being leaked: If people can’t really
wait, let’s give them an opportunity to pay for it. We added some extra
stuff to the CD. In this day and age, it doesn’t seem very smart for
artists to concern themselves with the leaks. You can’t be distracted
by it. When it leaks, people are like, “Let’s find out how it leaked.”
Well, what do we do then? Doesn’t that seem like a waste of our time?
With all the promo stuff and the shows we’re doing, there’s enough to
be distracted by.
What kind of adult material makes its way onto the Hold
Steady bus?
I think bringing that kind of stuff onto the bus—although
people do it—can end up in a downward spiral, because people are
away from home. But the adult material that makes it onto the Hold
Steady bus is more alcohol-based than porn-based.
You’ve been in two bands—Lifter Puller before this
one—and in each, you’ve more or less developed separate sets of
characters, story lines, etc. Let’s say you wanted to start a third
master narrative with all new characters and situations. Would you have
to end the Hold Steady and start another band to do it? Or at least
change the band’s name?
I don’t think you would. You’d just have to make it clear that this
is a new story line. Starting a new band—that seems like a hell
of a lot of work.
Hardcore-anthem-style lyrics are on a couple tracks from the
new album. When was the last time you were in a mosh pit?
Myself, on purpose, not since I was in high school. However, a few
weeks ago we were in L.A., and the Dead Kennedys played across the
street. I couldn’t go because I was having dinner with someone, but the
other guys went, and Tad [Kubler, guitarist] ended up in the pit. I
wish I’d been able to see it. I’m surprised he didn’t get hurt. As a
performer, the pit, unfortunately, looks ridiculous from the stage.
Like, why do you want to do that?
You used to pit a lot when you were a kid, though,
right?
When you’re a kid, you’ve got to. It’s part of the fun. And
when I was a kid, at any show I’d want to be so close to the
stage—of course you’d end up getting crushed.
You guys play a lot of festivals. Were they something you
pursued intentionally or did you just get asked a lot?
Getting asked a lot. Last summer, we did all the European ones.
We’ve obviously done Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza. I enjoy them because
you see a lot of music. You get to see a lot of bands you’re friends
with from touring. It’s good to temper them a bit with real club
shows—the sound outdoors isn’t the best and you get shorter
sets.
How do the audiences differ at U.S. and
European
festivals?
I think they’re becoming less different—the festivals in the
U.S. are doing a good job. I guess with the European festivals, I get
the feeling people go in with a less preconceived notion of what they
want to see. Bonnaroo is a good example: You’ll get an indie-rock fan
and a jam-band fan, and they’ll have totally different experiences. If
you’re into indie rock you can see the Hold Steady on one stage, and
see another indie rock band on another. People are more into wandering
at European festivals.
Prince covered Radiohead’s “Creep” at Coachella. Jay-Z did
Oasis’s “Wonderwall”
at Glastonbury. What surprise cover does the
Hold Steady have in store for the
Capitol Hill Block
Party?
[Laughs] I’d be lying if I said we have one in store now. I
think something Seattle—maybe something by Queensrÿche,
probably “Silent Lucidity.” When you think about the Seattle music
scene, no one brings up Queensrÿche. They were kind of first. Or I
know, we could do “Baby Got Back.”
If you’re going to cover Sir Mix-A-Lot, you should do “Posse
on Broadway.” You know that song? It’s about cruising in front of
Dick’s. You ever had a Dick’s burger?
No, tell me about it.
Imagine McDonald’s with White Castle production
values.
Man, you’re selling it to me! It doesn’t sound like something you
could eat before a show.
No, it’s greasy, definitely for after you’ve been drinking.
What is the perfect Hold Steady after-show, after-bar
meal?
On a practical level, after a show in most cities all you’re going
to be able to get is pizza. But the ideal would be Mexican food.
Postshow, if everyone’s drunk or whatever, that’s what everyone wants.
