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Wildcat! Wildcat! released their new album No Moon At All earlier this year and are out touring the US until the end of November. We recently caught up with Michael Wilson to discuss the band’s formation and the new album. Check out the interview below, along with tour dates and their song “Hero”
Tell us about how you met and formed the band
We actually all met in high school. The Jesses played in various projects together and I was always just kinda off in my own world. About three years ago we just started randomly making some tunes. Our goal was to play one show and that was it. But after the first show we kept getting offers to play so we figured we would make it official and become band (I still don’t know what that means. haha)
How long was the writing & recording process for No Moon At All? What was your goal for the sound/style of the album?
The writing was spread out over the last few years and we ended up recording it in a few weeks at Bronson Island in LA. I think the main goal was to create an album that had movement to it, to create something that works well in its entirety, start to finish.
One of my favorites from the album is “Hero.” What inspired the song?
“Hero” took a long time to write. I guess we wanted to write an underdog anthem but not with the cliché victorious outcome. We tried to go a bit deeper than that.
“Nothing Below” is a song I am really impressed with. What is the story behind it?
I’m glad you like that song. I’m not sure about a story but I remember being really excited about writing a song with multiple melodies repeating and have the music do more of the navigating. And I remember in the studio Jesse Taylor went off for a few hours and came up with the psych ending. That was fun to listen to the first time I heard it.
I’m always interested in how albums end. When in the writing process did “Marfa” come about and when did you decide to close the album with it?
“Marfa” has been around since the beginning. We’ve pretty much ended every show with that song. We have always felt it has a sort of culminating feel to it. It just had to end the album.
How did the Sam Jones project come about with you and Passion Pit? What did you think of how it turned out?
I think it was as simple as us submitting for it and got chosen. It was amazing working with Sam and his crew. They are all so incredibly talented. Yeah, it’s been a while since its release and we still get great feedback from it.
What are your plans for the rest of the year and into 2015?
We are working on getting overseas. Our fans out there have waited long enough. I’m sure we’ll start writing as well, which I am really excited about.
What are you guys currently listening to?
I know Carmichael has been freaking out over the new a$ap rocky song. I think I overheard Taylor saying he was getting into the new Thom Yorke album. I am actually on a huge electronic kick. The really vibed out stuff. Clams casino, giraffage, cashmere cat, that kind of stuff. Those guys are ridiculous.
When you aren’t on tour, what is your go-to spot around LA when you need to get away?
It’s funny you ask that because I live in Long Beach so I just go home. I love it out there. As far as the Jesses go they just come hang out with me when they need to get away. Haha.
Where is the best place to stay updated with you online?
Well we are trying to be a lot better at our socials but if I had to choose one I would probably say twitter. Carmichael is awesome at it. I really like insta but I don’t think I post enough content. I’ll get better I promise!!!
TOUR DATES
October 21 Los Angeles, CA – El Rey
October 22 Riverside, CA – UC Riverside
October 23 San Diego, CA – Casbah
November 6 El Paso, TX – Lowbrow Palace
November 7 Austin, TX – Fun Fun Fun Fest
November 8 Oklahoma City, OK – The Conservatory
November 9 Kansas City, MO – The Record Bar
November 11 St Louis, MO – The Demo
November 13 Saint Paul, MN – Turf Club
November 14 Chicago, IL – Schubas Tavern
November 15 Madison, WI – The Frequency
November 17 Indianapolis, IN – The Hi – Fi
November 18 Columbus, OH – The Basement
November 20 Philadelphia, PA –Boot & Saddle
November 21 Allston, MA – Great Scott
November 22 Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird Café
November 23 Washington, DC – DC9
November 24 New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
Wildcat! Wildcat! – “Hero”
