H-Town Rock Interviews: Orange Is In

Before the band sets off for Austin to play SXSW 2009, H-Town Rock decided to take a bit of time to chat with Orange Is In about the event itself, the Houston music scene, and all things in between.

Tell me about the band. How long have you been together? How did you meet up and decide to start making music?

Jeff Balke: We've been together as a band for 5 years. George and I met in 1994 and began playing and writing together. We met Chris and the band came together very quickly at that point. We were all on a similar level musically and had similar influences, so it was a perfect fit.

Your last full-length record, "Another Semi-Lame Tragedy," is filled with songs that call to mind Springsteen, Neil Young, and some quality alt-country. From where does the band derive their ideas for melodies and lyrics?

While our last record was Come and Take It, an EP we released in 2007, ASLT was first released in 2006. The one common denominator for us, musically, is the Beatles. We all grew up on them and music of the '70s, so big hooks are really important to us. Beyond that, we have a wide range of influences, but there is no doubt American roots music and artists like Springsteen are part of that. The lyrics come from a personal place, but are themes anyone can relate to and plug into their own lives.

What do you love most about being a Houston band? How often do you play shows around town? Where do you most enjoy playing?

We've all been playing here a long time and I think the familiarity with so many people around the music scene is great. There is far more talent here than some people think. Last year was our busiest year both in town and on the road. We tend to average about 2 shows per month in and around Houston. Our favorite places are Continental Club and Rudyard's. Both are quintessetial Houston live music venues.

In keeping with the Houston theme, who are some of your favorite bands/artists in Houston?

Arthur Yoria, Tody Castillo, John Evans, Bright Men of Learning, Lee Alexander, Miss Leslie, The Sonnier Brothers, and Astra Heights - thought I'm sure we're missing some.

Your band is playing SXSW 2009. Where and when are you playing? Would we need a pass or badge to get into it?

We're playing one of the day parties at Guero's, 1412 S. Congress, Saturday, March 21 at 1:30 pm. You don't need a pass because it isn't an official showcase and I believe it's free. We hear they have great tacos too.

What are your hopes for your SXSW set? Have you played SXSW before? What do you feel that being on a showcase says about Orange Is in?

We just want to do a good show. We've been around as musicians long enough to remember when it was a festival where acts really did get discovered and not the crazy cluster**** it is today. We've never played it as a band, but we anticipate it will be a lot of fun. The craziness of the whole week makes for interesting shows and lots of energy. I don't know that playing at any showcase during SXSW says something about us as a band or any other band for that matter, but it sure looks nice on a resume. We've heard from friends that playing these day parties are more fun than the actual showcases because the crowds plentiful and energetic, so we're looking forward to the experience.

What does the band have planned for the rest of 2009? Might we see an EP of some sort?

We are working on another full-length record that we hope to have done this summer. We've been writing a lot in preparation for that. We're also planning on doing some traveling like we did last year. Last fall, we played in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding area. We made some really good contacts and hope to get back there again soon. Other than that, lots of playing and writing new music - and tacos.

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The photo of Orange Is In comes from the band's website and was taken by Leland Isley.