U.S. Christmas Interview: SXSW 2010

U.S. Christmas are currently on tour supporting their most recent album, 'Eat the Low Dogs,' and will be playing SXSW in Austin, Texas on March 20. Their next album, 'Run Thick in the Night,' is scheduled for release in late summer/early fall of 2010. The band will also be featured on an upcoming Hawkwind tribute album. Recently, Spinner interviewed guitarist Matt Johnson, vocalist Nate Hall, drummer Justin Whitlow and violinist Meghan Mulhearn in anticipation of their SXSW appearance.

How, when, and where did the band form? Who were the original members?

Nate Hall: Matt and I founded the band in Marion in 2002. Things kind of just came together, and we started jamming and playing. A few of the other guys, including Justin, came aboard last May after we lost several longtime members. Meg joined us in October.

What's the story behind the band name?

NH: It was from the Sam Peckinpaugh film 'Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid.' I can't even remember exactly how it came into play in the movie. I just saw it at some point, and the reference stuck with me.

Describe your sound in your own words.

NH: Loud.

Meg Mulhearn: Yeah, with two drummers going at once, the rest of us have to struggle to keep up with the noise level.

Justin Whitlow: The best thing I've heard, was someone wrote that we were "Americana doom."

NH: I do feel comfortable with the term "psychedelic."

What are your musical influences?

NH: The band Caustic Resin -- Brett Netson from that band also plays in Built to Spill. Also, Neil Young and Bob Dylan.

Matt Johnson: I would say Swans would be a reference point for me. Nick Cave, too. And, of course, Pink Floyd and Black Sabbath.

JW: I have kind of a unique perspective, because I was a fan of U.S. Christmas before I ever started playing with them. So for me, they've been a big influence, and it's been really cool to have the chance to play with them. There's just a lot of passion that they bring, so I've always appreciated that. Even though we all listen to somewhat different things, we seem to come together with a real cohesive sound.

Did each of you always know that you wanted to be involved in music in some way?

NH: Yeah, we wouldn't be doing it otherwise. It's really hard work for little pay, and we work really hard at it.

JW: Yeah, it's the same for me. I started playing and performing when I was 16, and it's great to see a lot of it start to pay off with getting to play SXSW and some bigger tours.

So do you all have "real" jobs?

NH: Yeah, I think pretty much everyone in a band who I know of has to work. I'm a teacher at a community college.

MJ: I work for a construction company as an electrical superintendent.

MM: I'm a headhunter. I have a firm with my father. I started doing this about a year ago -- placing people in highly technical positions.

JW: I have a college degree, but I'm actually a waiter. The place I work at is just really flexible with me taking time off for tours and stuff.

MM: Yeah, it's the same for me, since I can work from home. The flexibility is there.

What are your biggest vices?

NH: Well, there's always beer. And probably anger.

JW: Yeah, I mean, there's always going to be that stuff. But for a band that's been classified as "stoners," there's really not a whole lot of drug use. Probably caffeine is a big one though.

What's in your festival survival kit?

JW: A sense of humor. It's like an adventure [with] every new show. Sometimes playing and touring gets really stressful, so being able to laugh at the end of the day is important.

Who was your first celebrity crush?

MJ: I'd have to say Princess Leia.

JW: Erin Gray, the actress from 'Buck Rogers.' Man, Erin Gray when I was a kid!

NH: As far as guitar players go, it would be Johnny Winter [laughs]. That guy is old and skinny and tattooed, but he's still an awesome guitar player.

MM: Mine was Jason Priestly from '90210.'

What are your musical guilty pleasures?

MJ: To me -- I've said it before, and I have several friends who agree with me-- one of my favorite pop songs of all time is that song 'Laid' by James.

MM: Janet Jackson for me. I mean, 'Rhythm Nation' is a really awesome album.

JW: I actually wrote an article for a local paper here about why I like the album 'Rio' by Duran Duran.

NH: I really don't have any.

MJ: Yeah, right. He locks himself in his room at night and listens to Britney Spears.

What's the best thing about being in a rock band? The worst thing?

NH: Getting guitars. I have a few guitar deals and for me, being able to design guitars that I can play, and having someone who values what I do, is great. The only bad thing is being away from the wife and kids.

MM: I think the best thing is when someone has a positive reaction to what you're doing, and is inspired by it. And the worst thing is working really hard and not really being seen as a valuable member of society. You know, musicians aren't always taken seriously. You put hundreds of hours of work into these songs, which you can't explain to someone who's never done it.

What non-musical activities do you enjoy?

MJ: You mean you can do other things with your time?

What advice would you have for up-and-coming bands in today's music industry?

MJ: Don't sign your band's name to anything. Work with labels you trust. Look at who else they've worked with and what people say about them. Don't sign anything, if you can avoid it. We've been able to get away without doing that.

MM: You have to be flexible and try out lots of things. Whether someone asks you to play on a folk album or a psychedelic rock record, do it. You never know what you'll end up liking.

NH: I'd say, pretty much ignore everything you see and hear on the radio that's not at least 20 years old. Ignore trends and be original. Do something that you feel is right -- not because Band "X" is doing it and making a fortune. I'd love to make a lot of money, but not at the expense of what's in my heart.


Jeremy Sand is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.