5 bloggers, 5 questions, 1 band, hand-picked by the MWA writers. Welcome to FIVE x FIVE. This week: Chicago pop rock group, Archie Powell & The Exports.
It’s been just under two years since the release of Archie Powell & The Exports‘ Great Ideas In Action, and this Monday will bring the release of its follow-up and the group’s third full length record, Back In Black. Archie and the gang are well known for writing high-energy rock and roll tunes, and the new LP does not disappoint. Mr. Powell himself was kind enough to answer a few of our questions for this week’s FIVE x FIVE.
How did the approach to writing and recording Back In Black differ from its predecessors? | Dan Jarvis
This one involved cleaning house on every pre-existing idea I’ve had to date. It was the logical end to an arc that we had been developing since day one, so a lot of it felt like concluding many things the band had been presenting over the years. We’re at a really cool place now where we can start from absolute scratch.
You guys consistently release very creative music videos. How important to you is the visual portrayal of your songs? | Eric Slager
I think that the whole idea of being in a band can and should involve more than just music. It’s a vehicle for you to make whatever you want and express yourself through any and all media available. Exploring the visual side of things allows you to access a different zone of your creative capacity, so we like to do it fairly regularly. It’s good for you and promotes healthy, well-rounded artistic practice.
What made you guys get the band together in 2009? | Alyssa Welch
My previous band had thrown in the towel and I wasn’t about to quit music entirely. I recorded an EP with my friends and we took it from there.
The listening party/pub crawl on April 14th was an awesome idea. How did you come up with it and what was your goal? | Patrick David
Well, we’re drinkers. That’s no secret. And we really just wanted to give our friends and fans an opportunity to share our new tunes in a fun, informal setting where we aren’t constantly peddling merch or schmoozing with industry types. Also, these people keep us afloat. The least we can do is take them out for drinks now and again.
Coming off of a month-long tour for the new record as well as a trip down to Austin for SXSW, is there anything exciting in the works for the summer? | Dan Fiorio
More videos, more shows, outdoor festivals, and general tomfoolery. You aren’t rid of us yet.
Back In Black will be released on Monday, 4/28, and Archie Powell & The Exports will be taking the stage at the the Subterranean next Saturday, 5/2, to celebrate its release with Soft Speaker, Pet Lions, and Hot Broadcast. Pre-order the album here on CD or vinyl, and grab all the release show details here.
Archie Powell & The Exports Official | Facebook | Twitter | Pre-Order
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