Brightest Young Things

Grizzly Bear produced one of the most buzzed about releases in recent years with a timeless, yet otherworldly sound, and then set about wowing audiences worldwide with their transcendent live show. We were fortunate enough to catch the always fab Ed Droste of Grizzly Bear on their way into town in-between festivals, opening for the biggest rock band on the planet and appearing on Late Night with David Letterman. Listen in.

You are fitting in shows during your tour opening for Radiohead - how is the Grizzly Bear experience translating to big open stages early in the evening?

We do what we can! We aren't totally made for that kind of setting, but it's always fun for us to try and figure out the best possible festival/outdoor stage setting. That said I'm not sure we've totally figured it out yet and found our footing, but we are having a blast trying to. Luckily for us, Radiohead's audience has been extremely receptive and enthusiastic (or so it seems) but of course we'll never have that deafening roar that they get when they first walk on stage. That's some serious rock star stuff.

How have the Radiohead fans been to you?

Like I said, really nice. We've sold the most merch ever with them, which is exciting. I'm sure some of them hate it but that's life as an opening band for the biggest band in the world.

Word on the street is that the new album will be much "sunnier" - what does that mean exactly and what is inspiring this shift?

Hmmm, I'm sort of regretting saying that once. I think i was just referencing a couple new tracks that are a bit more upbeat, poppy but it'll still have our brand of doom and gloom (joke). Actually I think the new album will just be a lot more dynamic, higher highs, lower lows. Some stripped down tracks, some super orchestrated lush ones. I'm really excited about it.

"Yellow House" was the result in a way of you collectively learning how to write together. The dynamic has certainly evolved over the years - what is the writing process for the new songs?

Even more collaborative really. Some of us had taken trips together to get out of town and sketch songs. Then recently while recording the newer songs they've gone through lots of revamping as a four piece. It's exciting because it's a new experience for us to write so collaboratively.

What is the gameplan for recording the new album?

We're about half way done. Radiohead caused us to take a break from it but we hope to finish it this fall.

When can we expect a double trouble package of Grizzly Bear and Department of Eagles touring?

I don't think so, although perhaps! DOE's live band would essentially be Grizzly Bear without me and the addition of Fred. Dan and Fred's new album is absolutely spectacular. I think people are going to go nuts over it.

A lot of your shows have been in appropriately offbeat venues (such as tonight's show at Sixth and I.) Has the band been seeking those out or have the venues been soliciting you?

We really enjoy playing memorable spaces. Sometimes it backfires on us if the space ends up not having good acoustics, but sometimes it just makes for such a more exciting intimate evening compared to the average rock club with bar in back.

Would it make things easier or harder if everyone in the band changed their name to "Chris."

We all have nicknames so it'd probably be ok actually.

I love that you have been appearing on late night television frequently and using it as a playful forum (guests sitting in, debuting new songs, frequent bookings, supporting Feist etc...) It harkens back to the 70s and 80s when those shows were looser. You seem to have a lot of leeway from the producers of Letterman and Conan - how are you managing that?

Our manager hooked that up. We were tired of just playing "Knife" over and over again and wanted to do something fresh. Luckily the booking agents there were excited about us doing things differently , which I think was much more exciting than rehashing the same song on late night TV each time we play it. Plus it was really exciting debuting a song live on national television before any album leaks, or anyone has the chance to judge it.

My days of trying to turn you on to anything new have ended in embarrassment (hey Ed - you should check out Seabear. Uh thanks John - I actually played on some songs with that guy already...) and I still owe you for recommending Sleeping States so what should I be listening to now?

I never played with seabear! we just were on a 7" together. Lately? I'm still obsessed with Beach House. Can't say enough about how awesome I think they are. Radiohead are pretty great too, haha.

What do you think it is about "Yellow House" that draws people to become so devoted to the band and also for musicians to feel a need to reach out to you?

Not sure? I think it's a grower not a shower. Takes people months to get excited about it, which I guess allows people to form a relationship with it, which (hopefully) means the music has a bit of longevity.

You seemed horrified upon seeing the poster for your last show in the area (Red Emma's at the church in Baltimore.) Was it the guns everywhere or the large photo of your face? Related: do you know J Penry stuck an extra eyeball on the cat for your new t-shirts? Sneaky bastard!

I was a bit horrified about that poster because it was only my face and we are a band and it's not a "lead singer" type situation. Dan and I share "lead singer" roles equally now so it's just bizarre for myself to be singled out. I guess I do more interviews then he does, but the band is a total democracy. As for that third eye, of course I saw it, we love it. J. Penry is the best and that T shirt is our most popular design yet.

How in the world do you guys stay so damn skinny with all the touring and road living you have done?

I'm not that skinny! I have a little beer belly that I desperately try to get rid of when I get home but I'm almost thirty and my metabolism isn't what it used to be. Sigh....

You are one of a handful of groups playing today, where live it seems like almost a spiritual process of the music flowing through you to the audience. What does playing take out of you (or require of you) or has it become run of the mill at this point?

Every night is different which is what makes touring exciting. Every crowd and space and set means each night will be different, which always keeps you on your toes. Some nights can be disasterous and some can be the best night of your life. It's an exhausting process but one that I love very much.

Thank you kind sir!

The Good, The Bad & The Queen "History Song"
The Tacticians "Girls Grow Up Faster Than Boys" - getting britpoppy so far...
Grizzly Bear "Central and Remote" - totally unplanned piece of magic...
Pale Saints "Baby Maker" - yes I do love some shoegazer muzak...

Wow - I look like a real nerd here. Not one thing you can dance to...

Huge manly hugs! Looking forward to the show on Monday.

Unfortunately Ed didn't have time to play as he was busy getting ready to wow DC once again. Come out to Sixth and I tonight and feel the love!