Okay so, apparently some hackers got the idea that they would fuck with Time Warner. Given their subpar customer service, I don't blame the hackers, but it's caused me some slight inconvenience.
I decided I wanted a new bicycle helmet, so I headed over to I Martin on Beverly. I also decided I wanted to start looking at road bikes, so I did. And oh boy! First of all, since I am so very short, the extremely nice young man helping me out had to go fetch a bike out of their upstairs inventory. 43cm - can you believe it? A light blue and white Trek 1.2 WSD...I took it for a spin around the block and I have to admit it was mildly terrifying. The difference between a road bike and a mountain bike is unspeakably vast and I had not quite been prepared for it. It was the smallest bike in the world! I felt like I could strap it to my back and ride my MTB with it!
I was riding tentatively, but I don't know about the smaller 650 wheels. It just felt...a little too small, if you can believe that. I'm curious to try a 44cm with 700 wheels, but that wasn't an option today since I guess stores don't keep tiny bikes in stock. This might very well be a bike shopping weekend.
So on Sunday night I worked VOICEsVOICEs' merchandise booth at their show at The Smell. (They're on tour and you should definitely check them out where you can!) Working merchandise will naturally bring you into contact with a lot of people, and on Sunday night I was fortunate enough to meet Eugene of Eugene & The 1914. After exchanging introductions, he slipped me an EP. I took it home and had a listen because I don't take free CDs lightly!
I immediately fell in love. There is little music that I can fall instantly enamored with, but Eugene did it. It is a perfect combination of retro groove and precious instrumentation. It's really easy on the ears while remaining complex and sophisticated. The tracks are beautifully and delicately produced. It reminds you of a long summer day, when the sky is just the right shade of blue and everything is dripping in gold. It's driving around with the window down when you first got your driver's license, it's a warm Southern California twilight when the light seems infinite, it's the lover you can't let go of. It's called The Black Velvet EP for a reason and I've had it on repeat all week.
I contacted Eugene and asked if he would like to be featured here. He agreed and after reading the material he sent me, I was blown away, and you'll see why. The 1914 formed in 2008 after Eugene moved back to California from New York, although Eugene had been busy concocting his magic musical spells while still in Brooklyn, where the demos had garnered some attention. Once in LA, Eugene & The 1914 began playing shows and they're planning a spring west coast tour. Which is good news for you if you're not in Los Angeles! I know I'm going to go check them out as soon as I get a chance to!
As the days grow longer, this is seriously the perfect music to wake you from your winter hibernation. It's simply gorgeous.
Greatest musical influences?
Sam Cooke, Motown, Bob Dylan, My Bloody Valentine, Miles Davis, Radiohead, Michael Jackson, Arvo Part, The Band, The Zombies, and so many of our contemporaries. Make sure to check out Deep Sea Diver aka Jessica Dobson. I (Eugene) have been playing with her. she's an amazing singer and writer (plays with beck). She inspires me daily. Also my brother Ikey Owens (Keyboardist for Mars Volta) has been so influential in my life musically and in all other areas.
What's your gear?
I am endorsed by by Gibson so I usually prefer to play those guitars but I also love Fender Jaguars and Jazz Masters. Mike Franke (Bass) plays a Fender P-Basss, Michael J (Guitar) plays a Gibson semi-hollow body, JP uses a pearl set with A Custom Cymbals. When I recorded the record I was lucky enough to have access to to a tone of vintage gear from my producer James Iha (Smashing Pumpkins) ... we all prefer and use older instruments as much as possible.
Where can people find you?
Myspace.com/eugenetheband ... to book us email eugene1914booking@gmail.com
What's your going out/pre-show ritual?
We like to sleep before the show ... it's more about the after show with us. Which normally entails a few bottles of Jameson's [Liz's note: I love Jameson's!] and a mellow place to hangout and just be the kids that we are.
Something about you that most people don't know
I (Eugene) am an amazing cook. My salmon is amazing. We are planning to open up a restaurant in a few years. Oh and I was the musical director for Lauryn Hill and played with Stevie Wonder when I was 16. It was ... well you can imagine.
River - Eugene and The 1914
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