Talking to Tenrec

Tenrec is a really interesting local band, and we were lucky to get them to open up the Hearts Bleed Radio showcase, March 22nd, at Legion in Williamsburg.  I sat down with Jeremy Garcia (lead singer and guitarist of the year old band), on ye olde Facebook chat to talk a little bit about the band, the show, and music in general...

Hearts Bleed Radio:  Are you the principal songwriter, or do you guys write as a group?

Jeremy:  We write as a group although it usually starts with me writing at home or in my practice space, and the other members writing their own parts.  Creative freedom is encouraged to an extent.

HBR:  I figured it was somewhat of a collaboration when I heard the kinda surf-y outro to "Lizard in the Sun". That strikes me as the kinda part that a guy writing songs on his acoustic in his apartment doesn't usually come up with.  Explain where that part came from. I think its great, and gives the song a totally new dimension.

Jeremy:  Haha, I wrote the lead on my own but the guys just made it work. Sean (drummer) just got it without me having to say much. Those are the best moments.

HBR:  Yeah, when you're on the same page like that, and something that is somewhat counter-intuitive just falls into place. The recordings on Bandcamp sound good, do you guys have plans to release anything more?

Jeremy:  Yes, we are planning to release a 12" EP. The next couple songs are my favorite of the bunch. It will be a 5 song release.

HBR:  Any idea when? Have you started planning the epic release party yet?

Jeremy:  No idea, we ought to be finished mixing in April. It's an independent release so we just need a little time. Hopefully before Fall. Release party is definitely not what we are even thinking about at the moment. But when it happens it will be a fun night for all, I hope.

 That's some real sci-fi shit, right there.

Cleveland's own Kid Tested!

Friday March 22nd is a debutant ball as far as Hearts Bleed Radio is concerned.  We are unveiling ourselves to the world, and while many things are still uncertain (should i use CAPITAL letters?  Should it be solely music based?  How do I trick a college student into being my intern?), we've got the line-up set, and we're ready to talk to the bands!

First up is Shawn Mishak (guitar/vocals) of Kid Tested.  I sat down with Shawn on Gchat the other night (minutes before he had to host an open mic night), and here's what transpired...

Hearts Bleed Radio: Let's go back in time for a second... Kid Tested has been together for over 10 years. Have you guys been active the whole time? Same three dudes?

 Shawn: We have been active since roughly 2001. We are on our 4th drummer, and our second bass player. the new drummer, Jim has been with us for over a year and Dom has been with us for about 5 years..fucking drummers...

   HBR: If they don't die, you consider it a victory and move on. I assume its really hard to find a drummer everywhere, right?

   Shawn: I consider all the people I've had the opportunity to work with a blessing and a privilege. Drummers that don't get sucked into drugs, marriage, or double bass pedals can be tricky. 

Yes, that's an actual Cleveland apartment.