An interview with Ume

I was lucky enough to get a quick interview with Ume recently. The Austin trio gave me a few minutes of their time for a handful of questions about touring and their new disc, Sunshower EP.

Sonic Dissonance: After 3 years without a new release, you went with an EP rather than a full-length, what went into that decision and how did you approach the recording of Sunshower as opposed to the way you recorded your debut album?

Ume: For this EP, our goal was to put the feeling of our live show on tape - to keep the intensity and develop the melodies. The biggest challenge was capturing the right sounds, but Frenchie was awesome. It also didn't hurt that we used some of Trail of Dead's amps. We would have liked to record a full length and actually did tracking for 7 songs, but there just wasn't enough time or money to complete the project. We felt like these new songs were a new beginning for us, so wanted to get them out soon and hopefully spark some interest before the full-length.

The biggest reason for the wait was that we didn't live in the same town until 2007. It was then that we really became serious. When we recorded our first album we lived 1600 miles apart and only got to practice a few times a year.

SD: The word I hear is you'll be working on a new album this summer, is the new material going to be road-tested before you hit the studio?

Ume: We're already playing one new song live and hopefully will have a couple more ready for SXSW. We also plan on touring before going into the studio and should unveil a few more songs by then. (Take a look at any of our set-lists and you'll find on the list "new song," "new new song," "fast new," etc.). Playing a song live and testing its impact has been a good measure for us to see what works and what doesn't.

SD: You guys are lined up for a couple more SXSW shows this year. In the past couple of years, you've become pretty battle-tested with CMJ, SXSW and other festivals, how does your approach to the festival scene change with more experience?

Ume: It's all about having fun and appreciating the chance to play. We've always tried to put the same energy into a set whether we're playing for 5 folks or a few hundred. We still feel pretty new to the festival scene, but it has gotten more exciting as more people come out to see us.

SD: You've spent time housed in New York and Austin, how did the change in locale affect your music?

Ume: The band actually started in Houston. Right after we started playing, Eric and I moved to Pennsylvania while I went to grad school. Our drummer stayed in Texas. Our early music was probably influenced by the loose, loud, punk rock and dirty vibe we were accustomed to in Houston and by the fact that we practiced amidst black metal bands. After leaving a music black-hole in State College, we were so happy to relocate to Austin and to finally have the chance to play again full-time. Maybe an element of optimism and appreciation was added to the sound. There are also so many good musicians in this town that it pushes you to develop as a band.

SD: How did you react when you hear that somebody like Dave Allen (Gang of Four) is hooked on your disc months before it gets released?

Ume: Surprised and honored! Dave found us through our friends Dead Confederate and sent us an email out of the blue. Alan Bezozi, drummer of They Might Be Giants, has also been really supportive of us. We've been really inspired by people (especially from these legendary bands) who say not only that they're fans but that they want to help us out. We look forward to hanging with them at SXSW!

SD: Thx again for taking the time to talk. I wish you the best of luck with the new disc and your upcoming shows.

Ume: Thanks for doing the interview and for your interest in our music!