Chicago’s NE-HI was born at the hilt of the recent garage rock revival when it formed in 2013 — formed in a DIY basement, college friends Jason Balla (guitar/vocals), Mikey Wells (guitar/vocals) and James Weir (bass) joined drummer Alex Otake to make music for a friend’s film. On its second album Offers (Grand Jury), the quartet reels in its brash energy for more refined guitar anthems and meticulous songwriting. The post-garage punk ethos led to higher standards; Balla says, “Making this record became about the struggle to figure out what we actually wanted. We have the opportunity to say something, what is that going to be?”
What Offers is, is cerebral guitar pop. James Weir gave Myspace an idea of what NE-HI is really about in between bouts of Resident Evil 7. “I don't really play video games, but I think I put a solid 30 hours into that sucker. I'm trying to rescue my fictional wife Mia from a demented family who kidnapped her and are currently holding her hostage in their house in the Bayou. I'll disclose more after I reach 60 hours.” Hop to the next page to read the full interview.
Hometown: Mankato, Minnesota
Homebase: Chicago
What is NE-HI’s origin story?
Jason, Mikey, and I were dorm mates at DePaul University during our freshman year of college. Alex and I met as cooks at a now defunct restaurant called Melt (RIP). We started the band because being cooks at Melt wasn't exactly helping us meet girls.
Who do people say you sound like?
The nice thing is people generally compare us to bands we love. The Replacements. R.E.M. The Byrds. Echo and The Bunnymen. Wire. We will take those compliments!
Describe NE-HI to someone who's never heard of you before.
Four dorky white dudes from the Midwest who really like 80s college rock and 60s psychedelia.
Why are you called NE-HI?
We thought it looked good and sounded good!
Does living in Chicago impact your music?
There's an earnestness in Chicago that I think is reflected in the current sound of the city. A sort of no bullshit, heart on the sleeve attitude. The rock scene right now is also just so good. There's a healthy level of competition that pushes us to work harder.
How did you discover the bands you love and influence you now?
I grew up mostly listening to my parent's CD collection. I remember being around 9-10 and meticulously digging through it, eventually picking one, putting it in my purple Walkman and taking my sweet time mowing the lawn. Psychedelic Furs, Squeeze, Violent Femmes, Prince, James Taylor. My parents didn't play [music], but through that CD collection, they showed me a lot of music that I still love today.
Is there anyone you would love to collaborate with?
Hall and Oates. We have to practice a little more to get our musical chops up, but give us a year or two.
Why is your album called Offers?
The second installment. A series of tunes. I'd say it's about perseverance in songwriting and kind of figuring out who you are, your place in the world during your mid-20s.
If you were a hashtag, what would you be?
#winning!!!!
My dad uses this one quite a bit and adds the multiple exclamation points, which I think is awesome, even though it goes against the hashtag formula. I'll go with that.
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from Myspace - Editorial http://ift.tt/2mQIdf3
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