Previously featured on our humble blog, as we reviewed their EP Rochelle, Rochelle Chicago natives Picture Books took some time out of their busy 2009 to talk to us about what a year it’s been, what lies in 2010, and to grace us with some of their favorite albums of the year.
Telegram Sam: What has Picture Books been up to since we last spoke?
Nicholas Papaleo of Picture Books: What’ve we been up to? Quite a bit actually. Went on tour, did a film shoot where our entire set was filmed in HD (we learned all about Dutch Angles), and played a lot of Playstation 3. We built a practice/recording space in Josh’s basement and that’s lead to a recent creative spurt and a number of new songs as we prepare to record our first full length album.
TS: Where does the Metro rate on your scale of venues to play?
NP: Metro rates very high on our list of venues to play. For most kids who grew up playing music in the Chicago are, Metro was the goal. If you played Metro you’ve made it. To have the opportunity to play there once is incredible, but now for a second time is really quite a thrill for a band at our level.
TS: Any band resolutions for the New Year?
NP: Any and all band resolutions will probably revolve around getting our record done and to accomplish the vision we have for it. In the past we’ve always rushed through the recording process, thus neglecting something that easily could’ve been addressed had we taken a bit more time. So that’s what we’re gonna do with this full length. Personally, I resolve to spend as much time playing Super Mario Bros. Wii as possible.
TS: What can we look forward to in 2010, regarding your music?
NP: 2010 is going to be a big year for us. First we’ll access the secret military spy satellite that’s in a geo-synchronous orbit that’s over the midwest. Then, we’ll locate the limo by the vanity plate Mr. Bigg and get his approximate position. Then, we’ll reposition the transmitter dish in the remote truck to 17.32 degrees east, hit west up over the Atlantic bounce the signal down into the Abors up the Conzact 6 beam it back through to Zack through transmitter number 137 and down to the dish in the back of Mr.Bigg’s limo. It’s almost too easy”
TS: What are your top albums of 2009?
NP: Good god I’m terrible at this question…I enjoyed a lot of music in 2009. This is just a taste of some things I loved:
Everything released by the labels Numero Group and Mississippi records.
Kid, You’ll Move Mountains - Loomings
The Flaming Lips - Embryonic
Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest
Japandroids - Post Nothing
And now a special performance of Nicholas Papaleo taking on multiple roles in order to answer our burning questions ENTIRELY in Wayne’s World quotes (as opposed to just question #4)
1. What has Picture Books been up to since we last spoke?
- I have an extensive collection of nametags and hairnets.
2. Where does the Metro rate on your scale of venues to play?
-We’re not worthy! We’re not worthy!
3. Any band resolutions for the New Year?
-Purchase feeble cable access show, and exploit it.
4. What can we look forward to in 2010, regarding your music?
-Contract or no, I will not bow to any sponsor. Maybe I’m wrong on this one, but for me, the beast doesn’t include selling out. It’s like people only do these things because they can get paid. And that’s just really sad.
5. What are your top albums of 2009?
- I mean Led Zeppelin didn’t write tunes everybody liked. They left that to the Bee Gees.
Visit them at www.picturebooksmusic.com
Click the flier and be taken to www.greatestshowever.com where you can print a free ticket for Picture Books at the Metro tomorrow, January 2nd, and get a free download of their EP Rochelle, Rochelle.
Tags: Interview, Local Music, Upcoming Shows
