Interview with Yellow Red Sparks

This week I interviewed Josh Hanson, also known as Yellow Red Sparks. I've mentioned Yellow Red Sparks in my blog previously, after catching them by happy accident at e-vocal. I still think they sound like a mix of Havalina Rail Co. and The Merbabies (two excellent bands) but Mr. Hanson and friends are much more than a rehash of old genres and broken up bands. Lyrically, musically, and atmospherically, Yellow Red Sparks has created a sound and an image all their own. Enjoy the interview with Yellow Red Sparks, and please visit them online and tell them you enjoyed it.
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Brax: What's the story behind your band name? Does it have anything to do with rocket ignition?

Yellow Red Sparks: Ha Ha. No!!! It's actually the title of a song I wrote a while ago and I liked the feel of it. There's a specific meaning that I hold personally, but I like to leave things open for interpretation.

Brax: Do you consider yourself a band, or a solo project with a clever name?

Yellow Red Sparks: It's definitely a solo project, but it runs more like a friendship or a tight knit family. At this point, I kind of want to do both. Sometimes a band type feel is appropriate and at other times a solo feel. I don't ever want to be in a position where I make choices based on whether Yellow Red Sparks is looked at as one thing or the other. For instance, the full length record will have lots of drums, bass, bells, strings, etc., but I'm also releasing an EP this month entitled "Simply Put Me in Your Place" and it's very stripped down.

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

Yellow Red Sparks: Hmmmmm. I think our best show was at a place in Los Angeles called, "The Silent Movie Theater." We played two sets in one night and it was to support the solo release of my friend Dustin Kensrue. As far as worst shows go, we've definitely had some, but I always try to look at those as getting a free practice.

Brax: What are your favorite bands to play with, and why?

Yellow Red Sparks: Anyone in our top thingy on MySpace, because they're friends and that's always the most fun.

Brax: If your band could time travel, what era would you travel to, and why?

Yellow Red Sparks: The 1950's would be cool. I like the way things were sounding back then and it just seems like an exciting time to be alive.

Brax: What goals do you hope to achieve in the music industry?

Yellow Red Sparks: The main goal is to do music for a living, but the bigger goal is to make a difference in peoples lives.

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

Yellow Red Sparks: I have an ipod, but I rarely use it. I really love listening to KEARTH 101 and talk radio. KEARTH 101 has a pretty good mix of oldies that I like and talk radio helps me realize that things could always be worse.

Brax: Are there any musical influences that you'd say impacted your sound the most?

Yellow Red Sparks: It's hard to say, only because I've really distanced myself from contemporary music over the last couple of years. I think most of my influences come from the stuff that my dad would play around the house growing up. Those early influences never leave. I still like a lot of older stuff: Etta James, Bob Dylan, Everly Brothers, Elvis. Stuff like that.

Brax: What is your opinion on extraterrestrial life?

Yellow Red Sparks: I don't think we are alone!

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

Yellow Red Sparks: Yeah, let me know when you make it! It's tough, but I think the main thing is persistence, patience, some luck and, most importantly, writing from your heart.

Brax: Anything else you’d like to add?

Yellow Red Sparks: Thank you so much for taking the time to listen!

Visit Yellow Red Sparks:
www.myspace.com/yellowredsparks
www.last.fm/music/Yellow+Red+Sparks
Tell them Brax sent you!
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Thanks to Yellow Red Sparks for the interview.
Check back next Wednesday for my next intriguing interview.

Brax.