So, Alexis’s mum. Now the band has taken off is she the biggest fan of Sleigh Bells?
Derek: She is a huge fan, for sure…very cool woman. I mentioned in a different interview how honest she is, which is true. She came into the studio, heard a rough mix of “Tell ‘Em” was kinda unimpressed and not shy about it. The truth hurts, we just wanna be lied to.
Inside your album Treats are yours and Alexis school photos. Did you enjoy school? Did you always know you wanted to make music for a living?
Derek: I’ve always loved music, but I didn’t always anticipate making a living off it. It slowly became obvious that I was gonna have to pursue it even if it meant being extra broke. I’m approaching “semi broke” which is an improvement.
Is there a difference touring with a girl as opposed to touring with a bunch of guys (Derek was previously in hardcore band Poison the Well)? I’m sure the van must smell a lot nicer…
Derek: Much nicer. This is gonna sound boring, but Alexis and I get along very well. It’s usually fun. Her feet smell though, so the van scent is still “off”!
It’s been a crazy few months for SB. Is there a particular event or moment that has stood out?
Derek: It got pretty heavy for me a few minutes before our set at The Fader Fort during SXSW. We were playing the second to last slot, right before Bone Thugs, on Saturday night. It was our 19th show or something…a ridiculous situation to be in for such a young band. I suppose it’s called “growing pains” but I realized then that it was sink or swim…people aren’t interested in excuses. We were decent at best.
Is it hard not to Google yourself? I just did and about 18,000 pages came up.
Derek: If I’m being honest, yes. I rarely do it anymore. It always feels wrong, even when the results are positive. Best to ignore it all.
Now that you’ve released your album and touring a lot, are days off rare?
Derek: We work hard but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Waiting tables is like a never ending night out…everyone drinks and goes out every night when a shift is over. I had just come off a few years of that so the change is exciting. No complaints.
Photo - Katie Coleslaw
(Source: nothingbadmag.com)
