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| Drummer MC |
There are plenty of Amandas in the world, but in the world of indie rock, there is only one Mandy. This Brush, Colorado native has spent years paying her dues working in the music business and still saved up enough time to learn how to play the drums. Currently, she is rocking the skins in the indie rock band Circles and Squares. Mandy truly has her own voice on the drums. Plus, there is a power and presence to her playing. And she ain't half-bad as a human being to boot.....here's the lady of the hour.
Interview by Greno
1. With a lack of female drummers around, how does it feel to be one of the chosen few?
That’s always been a weird one for me. On the one hand, I don’t want to get extra points for being a “chick drummer” – I’d like to have my playing stand on its own, for better or worse – BUT I can’t say I don’t enjoy being somewhat of a novelty. It’s always kinda fun to see people’s reaction when they find out I’m actually in the band and not just carrying stuff around for a boyfriend or something.
2. What made you decide to start drumming?
I honestly have no idea. Something must have been appealing to me about it when I was kiddo. We had these huge oil barrels out “in the trees” when I was growing up. I used to find just the right pair of sticks and just beat the living daylights out of them. I’m sure my parents were soooo impressed. Luckily, we lived way far away from civilization so the only people I punished with the racket were my family.
3. Are you self-taught?
Yes and no. I started with concert percussion in 5th grade and played through the end of high school. I usually just played concert snare, timpani or, you know, triangle or something. I didn’t play again until my senior year of college when I bought myself a ratty drum set off a high school kid for $200. I’m not sure it was actually worth the $200, but I couldn’t have been happier. I, and a couple of my very best friends, proceeded to torment our apartment complex for the rest of the year. So, long story short, I had a nice foundation on to build on when I finally got up the nerve to try playing a kit.
4. Do you play any other instruments?
I learned to play guitar pretty well before I started on the drum set. I eventually added some not-so-skilled bass playing to the mix.
5. Talk about your past bands/projects.
The first real band I was in was Three Girl Rumba and we were totally awesome. We were an all-girl power trio (Me, Jess & Erin) playing a mix of originals and covers. We played all of two shows. Somewhere there’s video from a house show we played…I’d pay, like, at least $75 to see it. After that, Jess and I (and Erin for a bit) moved into this killer house with an obscenely large basement. We kept a full arsenal of instruments down there and we recorded straight to my Dell with the mic that came with the computer. Hi tech stuff! We eventually started a pretty free-form project called Retard Rainbow. It was comprised of anyone who had an instrument and showed up. Four guitar players? Sure! Two drummers? Why not! We played one whole show and it was magnificent. There’s video somewhere of that one too. After Retard Rainbow sorta disbanded, I went through a series of groups with two of the guys in RR, Matt and Jason. There was Idiosyncratic Routine (me & Jason), Drowning Dolphins (me, Matt & Jason), Jerkapotamus (me, Matt & Shawn) and Often Coiled (me, Matt & Jeff). And now, it’s Circles & Squares time!
6. If the dealer has 14, should you hold?
I have no idea. I am the world’s worst gambler.
7. If your daughter wanted to play the drums, what would your reaction be?
Oh, heck yeah. I would be all for it.
8. Favorite city in the world?
Hmm…that’s a tough one. In the world, huh? I will say Vathi on Meganissi Island in Greece. It’s only a village, but I don’t care. It is absolutely stunning. For my city answer, I’ll go with Baltimore – I’ve had some excellent times in that city.
9. Where do you see yourself in 5 years, musically speaking?
Haha – I have no idea. My everyday plans barely extend to into next week sometimes.
10. Is it true that you dislike most female singers? Who especially annoys you in this realm?
Oh no, now I’ll be in trouble. It’s true that in the past, the music I’ve added to my collection has been fronted primarily by dudes. Maybe I’m getting old or something, but this year I’ve had a streak of female artists enter the rotation. As for those I find annoying? I’m not really into the dramatic or theatrical, so the Lady Gaga’s and Nicki Minaj’s of the world are tough to listen to. Not that I don’t think that what they do has artistic merit, but it is just so not for me.
11. Top 5 movies.
Silence of the Lambs
Royal Tenenbaums
Love Actually
Sound of Music
Anchorman
12. What songwriters do you admire? Why?
Robert Pollard – he is grossly prolific and his basic understanding of how a pop/rock song works is otherworldly.
13. Favorite sport to play and to watch?
To watch: Football
To play: Ping Pong!!!
14. Are you a Fantasy Football geek?
Yes. I’m not sure I qualify for ‘geek’ status, as my team, Space Station Unicorns (that’s right) is 4 and 7 so far this season, but I do quite enjoy it. I’m hoping for a late run so I can make it into the playoffs!
15. Do you consider yourself a musician, artist or just a drummer?
I dunno, I guess I’ve never really parsed that one out. I’m not really the creative type. I see myself as more of a means for those who are. Is that weird?
16. What is the key to the universe?
Probably sandwiches.
17. Desert Island Discs for 2012
I’m limiting it to things that came out in 2012 because I think that’s what this question is:
Shearwater “Animal Life”
Ane Brun “It All Starts With One”
Corin Tucker Band “Kill My Blues”
Santigold “Master Of My Make Believe”
*I reserve the right to revise this answer in the near future.
18. Food that you cannot live without.
Oh, damn. If I knew that this question was coming, I would have saved my sandwiches answer. But, yeah, sandwiches.
19. Favorite Circles and Squares song and why?
Probably “Door #3” because I try to play super, extra loud on that one.
20. Is it true that Anthony wears a Superman cape on stage?
Yeah, what is with that anyway? I’ve been afraid to ask.
21. Is Frankie G the guy from Frankie Goes To Hollywood?
So. Many. Jokes. About. Frank. MUST RESIST.
22. Favorite Steve Martin Movie?
Is it terrible if I don’t? hilarious. (ed)
23. Top 5 Female musical crimes.
lolwut?
24. Best Fugazi song ever is.............
WAITING ROOM!!!!!!
25. Spaghetti or Fettuccine?
Spaghetti, duh.
26. Tell us a great bar story.
One time I helped Trail of Dead run up a $400 tab on tequila shots before their show in Denver. That was a fun night.
