Having taken a two month hiatus from playing shows in order to work on their self-produced full length, Absolutely Nothing, Absolutely Everything, Chicago musicians The Highlife are making a gallant return to the stage in a big way, playing the Metro this Saturday. Guitarist Corey Kauzlarich and drummer Adam Derza have been making music since their school yard days, adding guitarist Justen Gombac when they hit high school, after which the members split to play new projects such as Par Four Cindy and A Fading Memory. At the end of 2007 the three regrouped, adding vocalist Jimmy Lopez (Marla) in May of last year, thus creating The Highlife we know today. The quartet recently grew one larger, adding new bassist Joe Lussa, previously of The Audition.
Offering a Pop/Rock sound along the likes of Just Surrender and Anberlin, The Highlife are making noise with the intention of not only putting out music they love, but music that will be accessible to almost anyone.
Telegram Sam spoke with the band about their upcoming album, favorite music, and big plans for the coming year.
Telegram Sam: Tell us a little bit about your upcoming full-length,
Absolutely Nothing, Absolutely Everything.
The Highlife: A question that always arises from our friends and fans is, “when is this album coming out?” and although we’ve pushed it back maybe three times now, it’s only because we’ve been trying to put out the best product possible. In having our own studio and self-producing everything, we have the freedom to keep writing and keep incorporating new ideas into everything that we do (the track listing has changed about 5 or 6 times already). With that being said, we’re not only trying to put out music that WE love, but we also feel that every single person, no matter what kind of music you’re in to, will be able to find something they like on this record.
T.S: What are your top three favorite venues to play?
T.H:
1. House of Blues
2. Metro
3. Mojoe’s (which was recently torn down)
T.S: Any music resolutions for the New Year?
T.H: Our biggest resolution has to be to just finally release this full-length record and hopefully gain the attention we feel it deserves. For all of us, this is the first full length we’re releasing from any band any of us have ever been in, so that makes it even more exciting and meaningful to us.
T.S: What are your top three musical influences as a band? Individually?
T.H: To pick three influences as a band is practically impossible because we all listen to a plethora of different music.
Influences by member:
Adam: MUTEMATH, Neil Peart (Rush), Carter Beauford (Dave Matthews Band)
Justen: Taking Back Sunday, Anberlin, Northstar
Corey: Taking Back Sunday, Boys Night Out, Sublime
Jimmy: Justin Timberlake, Jesse Lacey, Lil’ Wayne
Joey: Pink Floyd, The Cure, Beck
T.S: What’s in store for your music in 2010?
T.H: As soon as this album comes out, we’re going to let the music speak for itself. However, we’re going to try to be as diverse as possible this year in terms of doing things that we have never done before. We don’t follow trends, nor do we sound like any other band (local or not), and we’re going to keep strong to that, all while continuing to have fun and love what we do.
T.S: Most memorable show you have played to date?
T.H: Our sold out show at the House of Blues with our friends in Lucky Boys Confusion, it was a surreal experience.
T.S: Where does the Metro rate on your list of venues to play?
T.H: Definitely one of our favorites. House of Blues holds a pretty big spot in all of our hearts, but at the same time every show is a different experience, so choosing one or the other all depends on what you make of it. All in all, we absolutely LOVE playing at the Metro and couldn’t be more excited for January 16th. We all used to go see our favorite bands play at the Metro so playing there now is always exciting.
The Highlife will be playing at The Metro this Saturday, January 16th . Buy tickets here for $6, and enter the password “HIGH” to bring a friend for free.
For those of you who are 21+ an after party will be hosted at the 44th Ward, with no cover, and a drink special for those with a Metro wristband. Visit The Highlife’s myspace for more info.
Tags: Upcoming Release, Upcoming Shows
January 16, 2010 at 12:19 pm |
[...] at the Metro along with A Kidnap in Color, Footlight Frenzy, Indecent Exposure, and The Highlife (check out Reviewsic’s post on them here) Show at 6pm, All [...]