Middle Class Rut Interview: SXSW 2010

Posted on Feb 22nd 2010 3:30PM by Melissa Harrison
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Less is more -- that's according to Middle Class Rut guitarist Zack Lopez and drummer Sean Stockham, a duo known for producing sounds as large and layered as its four-piece counterparts. Musically, Lopez and Stockham have partnered up in bands for more than a decade, but it was only in 2006 -- when they decided to shed everyone else and form MC Rut -- that they were they finally satisfied with what they heard. Since then, the Sacramento-based pair has been doing time on the road, sharing stages with Social Distortion and Alice in Chains. Alternative Press says of the two-piece: "It's mind-blowing to witness the sheer depth and complexity of the sound these two guys are capable of unleashing on their own, but once the novelty subsides, you're left with incendiary post-rock with visible traces of '90s alternative." Spinner caught up with Lopez in anticipation of the duo's SXSW appearance.

How did Middle Class Rut form?

About 15 years ago, [manager] Albert Grossman paired us up with the hopes of making us into an indie duo supergroup. It took a while for the concept to take, but now, here we are.

Where did the name come from?

Our hometown: Sacramento, California.

Who are your biggest musical influences?

Parallel Order, My Ecstasy, Mushroom Cloud, Polypore [and] the Intricate Simpletons.

Prior to MC Rut, you were both members of another band, Leisure, which had a more traditional four-piece lineup. Being a duo now, how does it compare to that?

Although there were other people with us [in Leisure], we've always existed as a band within a band. We've always been a duo, and it just took a long time to get rid of the dead weight. Creatively speaking, the process is exactly the same, [just] without the part where the other two guys come in and ruin what we've created.

You've done your fair share of touring in the UK. What's the biggest difference between US and UK audiences?

The difference is more about what tour you're on, rather than what part of the world you're in. At first, it felt like the UK was the promised land, until we realized that we were just on on really good tours there. The States are just as good, but you've got to be out there with the right bands. Until you've reached the point where you can headline your own tours, you're at the mercy of another band's crowd, and it's usually hit-or-miss. There's absolutely no substitute for playing for your own crowd.

What's in your SXSW survival kit?

Viagra, water and prunes.

What other bands are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?

We actually haven't even had a chance to see who else is going to be there. We're jumping off the Alice in Chains tour for a quick SXSW stop, so I can't see us having much time to do anything other then get there, play and leave. Unfortunately, we're going to miss a lot of open bars and broken generators.

After SXSW, what's next for MC Rut in 2010?

Touring as much as possible, and getting our new record out. It will be released in the US and Europe in late June.

What's an album that the two of you can agree is one of the best of all-time?

Tom Petty's 'Pack Up the Plantation.'

Rage Against the Machine or Jane's Addiction?

Depends on the day. For us, they both are at that top of the food chain in terms of what they do.

Craziest thing you've seen or experienced while on tour?

Waffle House in Virginia.

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