Tag: Music Hall of Williamsburg

SSHH’s Zak Starkey & Sshh Liguz on their new album “Issues,” The Who, New York City & more

Post author By Downtown Magazine
Post date December 13, 2016

SSHH may be a relatively-new band, but its members — guitarist Zak Starkey and vocalist Sshh Liguz — are not so new to the music scene. Sshh began recording with Zak around a decade ago under the name PENGUINS. Beyond that collaborating with Sshh, Zak has played drums for The Who, Oasis, Paul Weller, Johnny Marr and father Ringo.

Issues, the new album from SSHH, features 11 great rock covers. Beyond Sshh and Zak, Issues includes appearances from Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder, The Sex Pistols’ Glen Matlock and Paul Cook, Primal Scream’s Darrin Mooney and Simone Butler, Mott The Hoople’s Mick Ralphs, The Pretenders’ Martin Chambers, Blondie’s Clem Burke, Marilyn Manson’s Twiggy Ramirez, and Nathan Allen and Dale Davis of Amy Winehouse’s band. All proceeds from Issues will benefit the U.S.’s Teen Cancer America and the U.K.’s Teenage Cancer Trust.

Downtown had the pleasure of conducting Q&A with both Zak and Sshh following their October show at New York’s Roxy Hotel. More info on SSHH can be found at www.sshh.co.uk.

Where did the nickname Sshh come from? Was it always spelled that way?

Sshh Liguz: We decided to change the name of the band last year. Zak had always wanted to call the band SSHH, but I fought against it for years. First we were PENGUINS, then PenguinsRising, now its SSHH. We like SSHH the best. We’re also loud AF, so it’s total dichotomy. That’s kinda the point. I got the nickname because I have an amazing ability to not shut up.

How long did Issues take to record?

SL: Recording Issues was a total whirlwind. We were just talking about it the other day, actually. This time last year we hadn’t even started the record — the idea hadn’t even occurred to us! But then everything just fell into place really quickly. We did a few sessions at Sunset Sound in Hollywood, that took about a week, then we flew back to London on the Friday and hit the studio on Monday. We recorded two tracks a day with each band. So in two weeks we recorded 20 tracks! It took about another month or two to master it. It was amazingly-intense.

Do you have a favorite song on Issues?

SL: I find it really difficult to chose just one song as a favorite…All of them! (laughs) Different tracks have different elements that appeal to me. I love “Problems.” It’s really therapeutic to sing — get some aggression out. “Get Up Stand Up” is another big one. “Private Life” is also pretty cool. “Shoot Speed Kill Light” is great, too. We merged two Primal Scream tunes together for it, and it has an almost Bowie-esque guitar vibe. I really like “Back To Black” too. It’s got a kind of psychedelic dub take on it. “Jah War” is super-cool, too. Argh, can’t pick just one!

ZS: “Get Up, Stand Up” — it’s the most powerful lyrically. Sshh really sings it great.

There are lots of great guest appearances on Issues. Were any planned but hadn’t happened?

SL: The great thing about this project is that it can be the gift that keeps giving. We’ve been talking to some people who can’t be named about working together in the future. Never say never!

Zak, you have been part of two of the biggest British bands of all time. Do you have a top accomplishment?

Zak Starkey: Yes, I have a daughter called Tatia.

Folklore goes that Keith Moon taught you how to play the drums. Do you have a lot of memories of Keith?

ZS: I spent a lot of time with Keith when I was young. I used to go and stay at house and play Monopoly. We talked drums but we never sat at a drum kit together. Keith was very encouraging though, and taught me a lot about surfing and girls!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWog2Ol5dZI

Who had recommended you for The Who gig? Had you been on Pete or Roger’s radar as a drummer?

ZS: I had played in a band with John Entwistle and recorded with Roger in my teens, so they convinced Pete!

What do you remember about the first gig you ever played in New York? Was it the one last month in Manhattan?

ZS: I’m not sure where or when!

SL: I’ve been going to New York City for years, but my first gig in New York City was a couple of years ago. We supported Ride at Williamsburg Music Hall and we played our own show at Santos Party House in Manhattan. We had done a photoshoot earlier in the day and Zak still had this metallic jacket. We had a load of people back to our hotel after the show and everyone had a go wearing this jacket. It was kind of like the mascot of the night. Shits and giggles!

Any musical projects coming up for you beyond promoting the new SSHH album?

SL: Obviously Zak has other gigs going on playing the drums, and I’ve been collaborating with other musicians as well. But we plan on releasing an album of original material.

ZS: No. Just SSHH!

When not busy with music, how do you like to spend your free time?

SL: I started making art when I was a teenager. Using wax as a medium over collage. Painting portraits. I won awards and went to art school in Australia but dropped out to make music — archetypal musician, it’s almost a bloody rite of passage! Anyway, I still make art. Wax will always be a material I love to work with. I’m in the process of putting together a body of work for an exhibit of wax artworks. I also love baaaaaaad tv. Like really shockingly-bad. Theres a show called Sex Sent Me To The ER, which is pretty funny. I’m pretty sure it’s meant to be amusing. Shit. Maybe not. Errrr. I like long walks on the beach…

ZS: I play music all the time. Obviously sometimes I watch TV or go out, but music is where it’s at for me.

Do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?

ZS: Good ones!

SL:I love the wonton soup from Republic. It’s like a hug from a long-lost friend. It’s soooo good. Proper comfort style. The sandwiches at Katz’s Deli are obviously amaze, too. And there’s always Nobu if you’re feeling fancy.

Finally, any last words for the kids?

SL: The kids are alright!

Book Club Culture Music

Andy Shauf on his sold-out Dec. 7 show at Rough Trade, his history with New York & more

Post author By Downtown Magazine
Post date December 7, 2016

A singer-songwriter from Saskatchewan, Andy Shauf began his solo career with 2009’s Darker Days. 2015 was Andy’s break-out year as he signed with Epitaph Records off-shoot ANTI- and his single “Jenny Come Home” charted well in his native Canada. 2016 brought the release of The Party, which was a shortlisted finalist for the 2016 Polaris Music Prize, and led to Andy hitting the road as an opening act for The Lumineers.

In support of The Party, Andy will be playing a show at Brooklyn’s Rough Trade tonight, Dec. 7. While the Rough Trade show — which also features Chris Cohen — is already sold out, Andy already has a follow-up appearance booked at the Music Hall of Williamsburg for May 17. Tickets for the May gig go on-sale this Friday at 12:00 PM, and Julia Jacklin is scheduled to be Andy’s direct support act.

Downtown caught up with Andy for some Q&A over e-mail. More on Andy can be found on his website, www.andyshauf.com, while Andy himself has been known to be active on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

What do you remember about the first gig you ever played in New York City? Where was it?

Andy Shauf: The first time I played in New York I was on a super-long tour with Chris Staples and we played at a place called Pete’s Candy Store. I remember someone coming up to me and showing me a tattoo that they had of my lyrics. That was pretty shocking.

For you, is playing in New York different than it is in other cities?

AS: I don’t know if it feels that different to me. I usually expect no one to show up because there are so many things to do. And I usually just hope I’m not the one driving the van.

Have you ever run into someone from Saskatchewan while in New York?

AS: Yeah. We Saskies like to stick together.

When was it that you first realized that Canadians are universally-loved and regarded as being among the world’s most polite people?

AS: Well, I don’t think that’s super-true.

Last year you toured with The Lumineers. How did that pairing come about?

AS: I think that their management liked one of my albums and had shared it with the band.

For your upcoming show at Rough Trade, who will be in your backing band?

AS: Colin Nealis on keys, Josh Daignault on bass and Olivier Fairfield on drums.

After this upcoming tour wraps, what is coming up for you?

AS: I’m gonna go to British Columbia to visit my family for the holidays.

Is there an accomplishment you are most proud of? The 2016 SOCAN Songwriting Prize and the 2016 Polaris Music Prize nominations?

AS: I think just finally finishing The Party after a few years of re-recording it and rearranging songs was satisfying. Nominations are a nice bonus, I guess.

Do you have a favorite song to perform live?

AS: “To You” has been a favorite on this last tour, and is still my favorite song from the record.

When not busy with music, how do you like to spend your free time?

AS: I am pretty much always busy with music, unless I’m sleeping. I like to play hockey on the outdoor rink when I can.

What was your favorite album of 2016?

AS: Probably Riley Walker’s new record, Golden Sings That Have Been Sung.

What was the last concert you attended for fun?

AS: I went to see the band Two Minute Miracles play. They’re a band from London — the Canadian London.

Anywhere you hope to go while in New York City if you have a free moment?

AS: We’re going to be there for about eight hours total, so I don’t think I’ll be able to do much. Maybe get some pizza.

Finally, Andy, any last words for the kids?

AS: Peace…

Events Featured Lifestyle Music

Andrew W.K. to headline in Brooklyn on Nov. 20

Post author By Downtown Magazine
Post date September 27, 2016

When Andrew W.K. put out his first album for Island Records in 2001, a lot of people were confused. After all, I Get Wet featured a unique hybrid of heavy metal guitars, chant-along stadium-style choruses, dance music electronics, and Tony Robbins-style positivity. While no one truly knew how to classify what Andrew W.K. did on that landmark release, he made an immediate splash with hit singles like “Party Hard,” “It’s Time To Party,” and “We Want Fun.”

A second career as a TV personality took off for Andrew in 2004 with the MTV series Your Friend, Andrew W.K., which led to appearances on plenty of other Viacom programming. This ultimately led to him hosting four seasons of the Cartoon Network’s Destroy Build Destroy. Somewhere in between those two shows, Andrew became an in-demand motivational speaker, leading many to initially discover him as an on-air personality rather than as a musician. He also was one of the partners of the popular venue Santos Party House, which had a strong run from 2008 through May of this year.

Andrew W.K. is staying active as ever in the fourth quarter of 2016, embarking on the Power of Partying Tour, which takes him through all 50 states of our country. His New York stop will be at the Music Hall of Williamsburg on Nov. 20. Andrew spoke with Downtown about that November appearance and plenty more.

For more information on Andrew W.K., click on over to www.andrewwk.com and/or follow him via Twitter and Facebook.

You are most associated with the word “party.” Has your definition of what a “party” is changed over the years?

Andrew W.K.: The main quality that first drew me to the word “party” was that its definition was very pure and almost inherent, it almost didn’t even need to be defined more than “to celebrate a specific event, occurrence, or phenomenon.” In the most expansive and specific way, the event/occurrence/phenomenon that I’m celebrating is being alive. So that’s what partying is to me — deciding to be in a constant celebratory state about life, even when it’s hard or painful or there doesn’t seem to be anything worth celebrating.

It seems like most people understand this idea of a “party mindset,” this party approach to daily life. I like that I don’t have to explain it — in order for someone to have their own version of partying, all they have to do is party. The word “party” communicated a sort of basic visceral power and clarity, while at the same time not necessarily offering too many instructions on how exactly to party. That’s why it’s appealing, because it is synonymous with freedom. It’s really the celebration of freedom. It’s the active expression of gratitude for all those most essential qualities life comes with.

What do you remember about the first gig you ever played in New York?

A.W.K.: I remember a great deal about it. It was in a storefront venue on the Lower East Side that is no longer in business. I believe it was called The Artnet. I had some friends playing there who were visiting New York from Michigan. They invited me to play too. I set up my keyboard and my drum machine and played some early versions of some of the songs from my first album. I think there were about 13 people there. I remember there was also a swing made out of a piece of chain hanging from the ceiling. I’m pretty sure there is a video of it on the computer somewhere.

What should we expect from your upcoming appearance at the Music Hall of Williamsburg?

A.W.K.: Well, people should not expect music, so I guess the venue’s name is a little inappropriate for my event! I’m giving a extemporaneous lecture on the power of partying, and then opening the floor to a free-form Q&A discussion on life. This event in Brooklyn is part of my 50 state U.S. speaking tour, and it informally marks my 10-year anniversary as a motivational speaker. My first ever lecture was in 2006 at New York University’s Skirball Center.

Do you have any plans to perform live music in New York anytime soon?

A.W.K.: I’m currently recording my new album and I look forward to doing an eventual world tour for that. In the meantime, my band and I continue to perform concerts here and there. We played in New York City a couple months ago, at Coney Island, and I had played another show a few months before that. I imagine I will play another New York City concert in a few more months. It’s always on the horizon.

When not busy with your career, how do you like to spend your free time?

A.W.K.: Partying.

Finally, Andrew, any last words for the kids?

A.W.K.: I don’t like referring to people as “kids.” I remember adults calling me a kid and it always seemed “off” and meant to be belittling somehow. I guess I was smaller and younger than they were, so maybe they thought less of me and other children. I often hear people describing audience members as “kids,, but sometimes the audience is older than they are. Maybe it’s meant to be complimentary, because youth is seen as being a prized attribute, but of course even children are still people. My last words for any human being who might be reading this is: stay strong, never let down, and party hard.