Austin TX band UME…ready for Loufest 2011
As I read through the line-up for Loufest 2011, there were, undoubtedly, a few bands that I hadn’t heard. I began researching these artists ‘one by one’ many weeks ago – I downloaded, I listened, I looked, I read, I had some iced-lemonade… and then I came upon the band Ume. I’m not really sure what Ume meant or how to pronounce it (‘You’-‘Me’). However, when I heard this great garage/indie rock guitar running alongside Lauren Larsen’s edgy vocal lead; I began to sweat, foam at the mouth and shake uncontrollably (*mild exaggeration). Next thing I can recall, I’m up at 3am learning as much as I can about them… it’s weird… so goes my habit with numerous lady lead vocal rock bands… and yes, I have a playlist of my favorites here.
But, my relationship with Ume was new at this point, so I only know what I could find on the Internet. Fortunately my continued persistence for information has actually ‘paid’ off via interview-question/answer-bucks. I have been chatting with band leader, Lauren, about their upcoming performance at Loufest in Forrest Park, Saint Louis. Here is some of our chat:
Patrick: Is there anything you are excited to see in the city of Saint Louis? What are you most excited about for Loufest?
Lauren: We’re super excited to see the city and Forest Park. I also heard there were some great micro brews in town, other than the big one. My parents actually recently moved to Saint Louis, so we get to spend some time with family too. We love playing festivals and are honored to be a part of such a rad line-up!
Patrick: Who are your influences musically? Lyrically? (Since I read that Lauren enjoys philosophy)
All: Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Fugazi, Blonde Redhead, Archers of Loaf, Miles Davis, Pink Floyd, etc.
Lauren: yes, I was in a PhD program in philosophy but left to play music full-time… my lyrics though are motivated more by sounds, emotions, and what’s called forth by a guitar riff, rather than cerebral ideas.
Patrick: I read that Cat Power was one of your favorite female artists, are you excited to hear her and any of the other bands?
Lauren: I’m super excited to also see TV on the Radio and Deerhunter. Early on in Ume’s career, we were booked to open for Catpower in Pennsylvania. Then some manager dropped us from the bill b/c they said we were too loud :-) We’re so thrilled to finally get to share the stage with Catpower!
Patrick: Eric, who are you excited to hear at Loufest? (of course if you all have time to stay to see the bands… :))
Eric: So many great bands, especially excited to see The Roots and Deerhunter.
Patrick: What is your favorite memory from being on the road?
Lauren: We’ve been plagued with van troubles and recently broke down on our way to Denver’s Westword Fest. It forced us to be super late, so we literally ran out of the van and onto the stage… jumped on the next band’s equipment, and started playing. We only had time to play one song, but the crowd was so supportive and screamed for more. It turned out to be the most fun two song set ever and we got to see Yo La Tengo and The Sword later that afternoon. We also got to play a full set at a rad house party that night :-)
Patrick: Correct me if I’m wrong, but Rachel joined the band in February as the drummer, will she be drumming at Loufest? And how did Rachel find her way into the band UME?
Lauren: Yes, Rachel will be drumming at Loufest. We first saw Rachel play when she was drumming with Many Birthdays at our Sunshower EP release show. We were blown away by her drumming and so when we were looking for a new drummer, she was the first person we asked. We started playing together in February and recorded a Daytrotter Session after a week of practice… she’s really good.
Patrick: Since you reside in Austin TX, who are some of your favorite bands/artists from Texas?
All: The Sword, Black Angels, Ringo Deathstarr, Schmillion, The Black and White Years… there are soo many amazing Austin bands.
Patrick: Eric, is Lauren as fiesty and energetic off-stage as she seems on-stage? :)
Eric: We’re actually all a very laid-back and easy-going bunch.
Patrick: As musicians, what is the most important message you can get across to your fans?
All: Do what you love.
Patrick: Perfect answer for any question, really! :)
Thanks again to UME for the interview!! Their EP, Sunshower, is currently available for purchase and free listen on their website. Their new album, Phantoms, is just recently available for pre-order on their website at, Umemusic.com. The album was produced on Modern Outsider Records, and when I asked about Phantoms, Lauren noted, “The album adds some new orchestral textures, keys, and vocal harmonies to our sound. We still strove to keep the intensity and passion of our live show, but there’s also more of an emphasis on melody and a bit more lyrical intmacy on this one.” If you haven’t already seen their video from the Music Monday post, check out their video for their single, Conductor. And!!! Go get their music and support Ume at Loufest in Forrest Park on August 27th and 28th. I am definitely looking forward to their concert approaching on Sunday at 2pm on the Blue Stage. It is easily one of shows I am looking forward to most! It should be an amazing show.
