This week, I posed my "If i Dropped By…" question to Jared Kolesar of Jared & The Mill. The band garnered national attention after they went to the hospital and played for a fan who had been injured in the horrible vehicle accident that took place during SXSW. Then, came word that they would be supporting pop legend Barry Gibb on his current tour which will make a stop at Jones Beach Theater on Friday, May 23. I recommend checking them out if you haven't already done so; they're talented fellas. That being said, it seemed like the perfect time to make one of my hypothetical visits.
Quirky NY Chick (QNYC): ... and brought a friend who didn't know your music, what song of yours would you play for them and why?
Jared Kolesar (JK): There's a song we play that isn't on the record unfortunately, but it's a fairly clear example of what we're about, it's a western waltz ballad about missing somebody back home despite how much fun you're having with your friends out on adventures. Larry also has a phat solo he plays and it gets me all riled up. It's called "Confessions of an Outlaw" by the way.
(QNYC): ... what song or album would you feel I needed to hear before I left?
(JK): There's a song called "Hymn #101" by a fella named Joe Pug out of Austin TX. It's miraculous, every time I hear it I feel exhilarated to go forth and live life to the fullest. I strongly suggest you check it out. Also the entire Fleet Foxes catalogue will give you an emotion you have not yet experienced I assure you.
(QNYC): ... would you proudly display the cheesy music in your collection or pretend someone left it by mistake?
(JK): I'm pretty damn proud of my cheesiness, I learned at a young age that embracing your awkward strange self is one of the best things you can do for yourself, so I'm pretty much an open book in all aspects. Off the record I listen to a lot of country radio. I really digg Hank Williams, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, all those cats. But I admittedly listen to a lot of mainstream country, Luke Bryan is my lad right now, but Eric Church will never do ya wrong either.
(QNYC): … vinyl, 8-track or digital?
(JK): Vinyl is the superior listening experience, it offers the clearest idea of the work and skill-set brought onto the recording. Digital is convenient though.
(QNYC): … Batman or Superman?
(JK): I think it kinda depends, people always talk about how Superman is lame because of how powerful he is, but they don't take into account the bad guys he's up against, ya know? For example, Batman would fold like a fresh tortilla if General Zod was after him, it's just the way it is. That being said though, Batman is relatable and I think that's the greatest quality in super heroes, if you can put yourself in their shoes and make believe that you could fight crime if you put your mind to it. I think I'd have to say Batman. Although I wouldn't say no to super strength, flight, and super handsomeness.
(QNYC): ... what's one thing you must have in your refrigerator at all times?
(JK): Cookie butter from Trader Joe's. I can't explain what it is, it has to be experienced before one truly understands.
(QNYC): My thanks to Jared for letting me "drop by".
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Jared & The Mill released their debut album, Western Expansion, September 2013.
