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Rock Talk, Vol. IX
Rumor has it that Joe Williams shared the stage with the likes of The Rapture and Black Dice back in 1999. That would mean that at 15, Williams shared the stage with some of the most innovative indie electro acts of the time.
Eight years later, he continues to rub elbows with some of the finest names in the industry, including Dan Deacon, Greg Gillis of Girl Talk and Battles, only this time as White Williams.
White Williams, the band, has gone all over the globe, not to mention gained notable (and positive) attention from critics, both mainstream and otherwise. Supporting their debut album, Smoke, White Williams is on tour again and make their second visit to Houston on Saturday, February 2 at Walter's on Washington.
MP3: "New Violence" from Smoke (Purchase from InSound)
Houstonist was able to share a few words with Joe himself before his stop by the Bayou City.
Now that you've finished tours with Dan Deacon, Girl Talk and Battles, what was the most rewarding part of such massive undertaking?
Seeing new places, laughing, living in a time tunnel, meeting new people.
You recently came to Houston with Dan Deacon (unfortunately, sans Girl Talk). Did you like any of what you saw?
I like a lot of bands from Houston and I think Texas has a lot of potential. I don't really know the city very intimately so I feel like I need to get acquainted with it a bit more before I have a substantial opinion.
Your cover of "I Want Candy" gives us a major case of Day-Glo and slap bracelet nostalgia. What music did you listen to growing up?
The first cd I remember hearing was Simon and Garfunkel and Paul Simon's concert in the park. My mom listened to Cat Stevens a lot. I liked Nirvana when I was 12, and I liked Antioch Arrow when I was 17.
Speaking of "I Want Candy," what drove you to do a cover of such an awesomely tawdry song?
I wouldnt call it tawdry, it seemed generic enough to be suitable for a cover song.
We were extremely happy when we read that the synth is your favorite musical instrument and thought that "Lice In The Rainbow" is a great example of their viability as instruments. Is there a particular reason you prefer synths?
"Lice in the Rainbow" began with a synth but the major part of the sound came from software editing. I think for a studio instrument its important to have an instrument that is adaptable. Synthesizers can always make an impression of a sound, it can make percussive sounds or long droning sounds, short stabbing sounds etc. It can be extremely versatile and in the end I think its more interesting to craft a new sound or make a hybrid of sounds than use traditional untreated instruments.
If you could nonviolently force any disbanded group and/or retired musician to play again, which would it be?
Maybe My Bloody Valentine but they're back together apparently.
What's your personal preference: a) records, b) CD's, c) MP3's or d) none of the above?
Probably records or CD's. I have a harder time tolerating MP3's recently. CD's and records actually sound much much better.
Besides touring, what else do you have in mind for White Williams this year?
I'm going to be working on some remixes, helping some of my friends produce music, and working on the next record. We may go to Brazil in the summer, which I am really excited about. Traveling to any new place is always refreshing...
White Williams themselves are pretty refreshing, actually. Check them out live when they play at Walter's on Saturday.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Walter's on Washington: 4215 Washington Ave
Doors at 8 p.m., $8
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