Interview with Moostache.

This week I interviewed Patrick Wardell and Scott Zschomler from the band Moostache. The band also includes Wardell's two brothers, Sean and Brian, making this band a (mostly) family affair. The guys have only been taking the band seriously for a year or so, yet they have already made some remarkable progress. They've released a full length album and an acoustic EP (Titled Acoustache. Ha!) They've also got an upcoming show on December 11th at the House of Blues in Anaheim, California (See the links below for show details). Did I mention that the lead singer, Patrick, is only 18 years old? Moostache has already exhibited in its brief existence more dedication than many bands twice their age. These guys clearly have the work ethic necessary to become more than just a popular local act. Plus, their name is a funny play on words that is easily google-able. That's a win in my book. Enjoy the interview, and don't forget to visit Moostache at the links below.
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Brax: What's the story behind your memorable band name?

Patrick: The name came about when I was still in middle school and we were just jamming and playing for fun when we had time. Brian and I were playing in the back room and I just said it half-jokingly. When we actually formed the band, the name stuck because it was memorable. The more we thought about it, it actually had some deeper meaning behind it. Moostache refers to drawing a mustache on you finger and holding it over your upper lip, creating a different presentation of yourself, now with a mustache! The name refers to us presenting ourselves as a band, rather than simply four people playing music.

Scott: Who doesn't like a moose or a good mustache?

Brax: What music project are you currently working on?

Patrick: Currently we're promoting our recent release, Acoustache, which is the first of our acoustic series, and playing shows to get more support and raise money to record another full-length album. Other than that, I've been writing a lot recently and we almost have enough new material to create an album that I think I'd be really proud of.

Scott: Writing for a new demo/EP...maybe full length?

Brax: What makes your live shows special?

Patrick: For me every live show is special because I learn something new every time we play. It allows me to see what people respond to the most in our sets and how we could improve, plus we have a ton of fun doing it. From an audience perspective, we try to be very inclusive and let the audience feel the same way that we do during each song.

Scott: We don't get too serious with the live show. We just have fun and everyone has a good time, except Brian. Meow.

Brax: How do you feel about interstellar travel?

Patrick: I actually just looked into interstellar travel recently and found a Science Friday podcast on the subject. Apparently, we should have the capabilities to sail through space with a light-powered sail in 100 to 200 years. Specialized sails will catch light energy from the sun, and eventually from a laser light when you move outside the sun's range, and power a ship which could achieve interstellar travel. Very exciting stuff!
Scott: Well, it's just a matter of time and space.

Brax: Describe your musical style in ten words or less.

Patrick: Bluesy, indie rock with experimental song structures.

Scott: Organic.

Brax: If you could time travel into any era of the past to perform as Moostache, what era would you choose, and why?

Patrick: If I could go back to the 1920's we'd perform as Moostache and play big band and swing. However, if we didn't have Louis Armstrong in the band, I'd choose the early 1960's because that's when grittier rock n' roll was really emerging and anything was possible in a song-writing sense.

Scott: In the 1920's my great grandmother played drums in a touring jazz band. I would love to open for them.

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

Patrick: I'm gonna have to go with the CD here. However, when you're around the house, the ipod does have it's purpose.

Scott: iPod.

Brax: What current bands/artists do you listen to and/or admire?

Patrick: This is hard to answer because I try to listen to as much music as I can and I know I'm going to leave people out, so I'll keep it brief. A few of the biggest artists I really admire would be Radiohead, The Walkmen, Wilco, Pavement, My Morning Jacket, Spoon, The Flaming Lips, and of course one of the best songwriters of all time, Tom Waits.

Scott: I'll listen to anybody once and twice if you're good.

Brax: Predator, E.T., or the aliens from Cocoon?

Patrick: This is simple: PREDATOR!

Scott: Predator, hands down! Nobody else would stand a chance.

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

Patrick: I'm not sure you're asking the right person, but to me what's most important is the songwriting and to stay honest.

Scott: Yeah, don't get your hopes up...

Brax: Anything else you’d like to add?

Patrick: We recently redid our website, which you can visit at www.moostachemusic.com. Support local music!

Visit Moostache:
www.myspace.com/moostachetheband
www.moostachemusic.com
Tell them Brax sent you!
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Thanks to Moostache.
Check back next Wednesday for another exciting band interview.

Brax.