Interview with Boris Smile.

This week I interviewed A. Wesley Chung from the band Boris Smile. Mr. Chung fronts a group of widely varying musicians, including at times a full horn section. I was first drawn to Boris Smile by their song titled "Adventures With Rockets." I soon discovered that, in addition to singing a song about space travel, Boris Smile plays a really catchy, beautiful brand of indie rock. Just give their songs on MySpace a listen and you'll see what I mean. Enjoy the interview, and don't forget to visit Boris Smile at the links below.
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Brax: Please tell me about your band name. Does it have anything to do with the classic cartoon Rocky and Bullwinkle?

Boris Smile: My old neighbor was named Boris. He used to sit on the wall between our houses and smile at me when I would go into my garage to record. So, I named it after him.

Brax: Is Boris Smile a clever name for a solo project, or do you consider it more of a collaborative band?

Boris Smile: Boris Smile is more of a collaborative band. I write the songs and the band members add to it. I used to call it a solo project with friends, but now I would just call it a collaboration.

Brax: What music project are you currently working on?

Boris Smile: Currently working on two projects. A full length called "My Love Powered by 10,000 Practice Amps" and an EP called "The Rockets EP". They are both telling the story of this year in very different ways. "The Rockets EP" is a journey through space, while "MLPB10,000PA" is a quilted explosion of love and gratitude. They are very different by way of song writing and recording, but very similar in how they tell a story. I am very excited about both.

Brax: What are your favorite bands to see live? Why?

Boris Smile: Arcade Fire, Anathallo, Avi Buffalo, Deep Sea Diver, Sufjan Stevens (haven't seen him yet, but I expect he will blow my mind), and many many more. They are creative and their music enriches life.

Brax: Explain the space time continuum in ten words or less.

Boris Smile: Three spacial, one temporal, to know when/where you are.

Brax: Where do you see your music in 5 years?

Boris Smile: Hard to say... growing, I hope. Growing musically, growing as a band, and hopefully a growing audience, supposing the first two work out.

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

Boris Smile: I like it all. Some I find more practical on a day to day basis, but all are unique and worthwhile.

Brax: Tell me about your best and worst live shows ever.

Boris Smile: Best... Murufest IV, a bi-annual backyard festival in Long Beach, CA. It was the release of our second album, and the energy was there, we had so much fun, full brass section, it was beautiful. Worst... Brookdale Lodge in Santa Cruz, CA. Absolutely no one there... and it was hassle to get to the place.

Brax: Wormholes or black holes?

Boris Smile: Wormholes (possibility of a way out).

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

Boris Smile: Do it if you love it. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Read Rilke, L'Engle, and Sayers.

Brax: Anything else you’d like to add?

Boris Smile: No.

Visit Boris Smile:
www.myspace.com/borissmile
www.cylsrecords.com/artists/borissmile.html
Tell them Brax sent you!
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Thanks to Boris Smile.
Check back next Wednesday for another exciting interview.

Brax.