At this point in my life I’d label myself a New Yorker. Its more my home than the small town in Pennsylvania where I spent my adolescence. New York is my adopted hometown and as such, it is my duty to keep all newcomers updated on the brightest musical options the city has to offer.
Enter Bear Hands, a four-piece band from Brooklyn that has been kicking around for a few years, but are poised to breakout this year thanks to their stunning full-length debut Burning Bush Supper Club (Cantora Records). The band first made waves in 2007 with their catchy, angular punk EP Golden and their insatiable appetite for the stage. Lead singer and guitarist Dylan Rau was kind enough to give us a few minutes for a Quickie and you should return the favor by hitting their show at Bowery Ballroom on Friday, December 17 with buzzed upstarts Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.
As a New York based band, what’s the benefit of playing hometown shows? I know no finer city to play shows in than New York. When we're in Canada we want to be in New York. When we're in Omaha we want to be in New York. When we're in Amsterdam maybe we'll stay put. All of my friends live here also FYI.
You've played a number of NYC venues over the last ten years. What has been your most memorable experience? Playing Siren Fest in Coney Island was super. We got into a little bit of trouble backstage with Das Racist but since they've recently taken out a lease on the majority of the blogosphere I think we all got forgiven.
It’s 4:00am and last call has come and gone, what’s next? Are there any speakeasies, late night eats or after party spots you frequent? I like to eat at the Creperie on Ludlow after shows if there aren't any receptive females hanging around. I like to stay up late but I guess it's usually by myself.
What is your local watering hole? Why? I dig Clem's, Wreck Room, Sixth Ward. These bars tend to work for me because sometimes I know who is pouring the drinks. They are not real snooty either.
The courting process is on and a major player is taking you to dinner on the AMEX Black card; where are you eating? What menu item is not to be missed? I prefer to not eat in front of industry people because it makes me look eccentric! Also I have an unhealthy relationship with food (see: Creperie).
It's the holiday season and you've got some gifts to purchase. Where's your favorite place to exercise commerce? In terms of buying things, the dude will usually come to your house. Or at least that's been my experience. It depends on how much you're willing to spend.
Good or bad, have you ever had what you would describe as a quintessential New York moment? Once I saw Lil' Mama in Times Square while I was working as a production assistant on this TV show Bridezillas. That happened in New York quintessentially.
NYC has all sorts of tourist attractions Central Park, the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty to name a few. What's the most touristy thing you've done here? I've never been to the Empire State Building nor the Statue of Liberty. We see her when we're driving to shows in Philly or DC though and even that can make you feel like a tourist.
Finish this sentence: New York City is the sweetest place on earth because… of the grid system.
Check out the video for "Crime Pays" off of Burning Bush Supper Club:
