Interview with Insomniac Folklore.

This week I interviewed a unique band known as Insomniac Folklore. The band is known for the combination of front man Tyler Hentschel's unique vocal presentation, including liberal doses of scream-ish vocals, and a mostly acoustic based folk hybrid musical style. I've had the privilege of seeing one live Insomniac Folklore show, and it included growling, scruffy beards, acoustic guitars, and more random instruments than I could possibly recall. The set was weird, but brilliantly so. This is definitely a band that I would recommend you experience live for yourself. Enjoy the interview, and be sure to visit Tyler and friends at the links below.
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Brax: Tell me about the name of your band. I sometimes have a hard time sleeping as well. Any advice?

Insomniac Folklore: I had a long running battle with insomnia. For a while I was getting about eight hours of sleep a week. I went six days once with just a thirty minute nap in the middle, and no I didn’t do any drugs! This is when this project was born. It was just a name for my solo project. It was my stories and beliefs, or my "folklore," and I was an insomniac. Not sure how I got over it. Now I sleep much better. For you: Maybe lay off on the loads of coffee right before bed.

Brax: What project are you currently working on?

Insomniac Folklore: A couple of new records. I am not going to describe them because things keep changing. But expect new and amazing things to come soon!

Brax: What's the most unusual thing about your band?

Insomniac Folklore: Other than playing folk-rock, punk, hip hop & death metal all in the same set some nights, having band members whose ages range anywhere from 12 to 40 years old, and using fake blood, fog machines and disco lights at shows, there is nothing unusual about our band!

Brax: If you could travel in time, what bands would you like to go back and see perform live?

Insomniac Folklore: The sons of the prophets, as spoken of in the Bible. Always been curious about those guys. Johnny Cash (he was punk before punk!) and The Ramones.

Brax: Beards, mustaches, or mutton chops?

Insomniac Folklore: Beards all the way! But sadly, I just shaved mine off for the first time in eight years and I miss it dearly.

Brax: Your cover of "Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music" is spectacular. Will you ever record it? What other covers would you like to do?

Insomniac Folklore: That is a fun song to play! I would like to record it sometime. As soon I can get the rights to it worked out.
Other songs… I think a medley of Showbread's “I Am a Machine Gun,” Kat Jones' “Great Scottish Hurricane,” Destroy Nate Allen's “Electrified,” Joy Electric's “Sugar Rush,” and some other random stuff is in order, as long as we never practice them!

Brax: iPod, CD, Vinyl, or other? Why?

Insomniac Folklore: CD or Vinyl. I like having a physical copy of a record with the artwork and notes and all that. There is something really special about purchasing a new record and breaking it out of the wrapper for the first time.
iPods can go die.

Brax: Tell me about your best live show ever.

Insomniac Folklore: The best is yet to come! The one I got my front tooth broken on a microphone when the moshing started getting intense was pretty rad.

Brax: What is your opinion on robots?

Insomniac Folklore: Funny you should mention it. I was thinking of hiring some robot dancers for our shows. I am pro robot until they start eating people. Then I might need to rethink my position.

Brax: Any advice for others trying to “make it” in music?

Insomniac Folklore: In short: Give up before you get let down. If you want to make music, give it a shot. If you love it, keep doing it. I am not sure at what point you "make it." I know a lot of talented people still waiting for that one.
Remember to work within you means and don't expect to get rich. Good luck!

Brax: Anything else you’d like to add?

Insomniac Folklore: Thanks for the questions. Keep up the good work! Hope to see y'all at some shows in the next half year of tours.

Visit Insomniac Folklore:
www.myspace.com/insomniacfolklore
www.insomniacfolklore.com
Tell them Brax sent you!
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Thanks to Insomniac Folklore for the interview (and the sleep advice).
Check back next Wednesday for another exciting band interview.

Brax.