Follow That Bird!
Girl-punk bands are feverishly gaining popularity amongst today’s indie-music lovers, and Follow That Bird! has been no exception to the rule. With a sound often likened to the Riot Grrrl genre of decades past, the Austin-based trio has been on the rise since appearing at last year’s SXSW. FTB has since traded one girl for one guy, and judging by the start of 2010, the year promises to be a fruitful one; the band barreled out of January’s gates with a highly sought after opening track on Matador’s Casual Victim Pile: Austin 2010 compilation. And though FTB does employ some of the characteristic female wailings of the 1990s, they fancy themselves a distinctly contemporary reverb-drenched, garage-rock band.
Upon sitting down with the group and picking their collective brain, I was surprised to find them endearing, demure, and easygoing. Members Lauren Green (guitar/vocals) and Tiffanie Lanmon (drums) are the cutest East Side darlings you’ve ever seen, while Mitchell Tellstrom (bass) embodies something of a father figure, down to the charming—yet undeniable—disapproving looks he fondly doled out to his fellow bandmates and I over the course of our motley interview.
In an arena crowded with musician hopefuls vying for the apex of local celebrity stardom, FTB stands out as a genuine act uninterested in the tawdry VIP perks regional celebrity often grants. With talent surpassing their years (two-thirds of the band is still in college), FTB is a young, spunky bunch who loves what they do. And currently poised to reach audiences far beyond Austin’s music scene, they would simply love if you loved it, too.
So tell me how you came together? Was it love at first drum kit, or did you all high five each other in a bar one night and the rest is history?
LG: Yes! Well sort of. Tiffanie and I grew up in Temple, and we met Mitchell through friends.
I noticed you’re no longer an all-girl band, unless I missed something about Mitchell. Care to elaborate?
TL: It’s nothing that exciting. We were trying to do the long-distance thing with our old band-mate (Rachel Badger), and it just became too difficult trying to play shows and practice. So when we were looking for a replacement we thought of Mitchell, and it just kind of worked out.
I know this is sometimes a bone of contention for FTB, so tell me how you really feel about being compared to the Riot Grrrl genre.
TL: It’s not so much that we get pissed off, it’s just unoriginal.
MT: It’s too easy. It seems like it’s more based on the band’s lineup than the music.
TL: Before Mitchell was in the band, it was a far more common comparison. Now it’s become less prevalent. We didn’t even grow up listening to Riot Grrrl.
Did you lose it when Matador contacted you about putting together the compilation album (released January 2010)?
TL: Yeah I think I did! We found out when we were on tour in El Paso. I was checking our email, and I found out we were going to be the first track on the album. It was surreal.
Do you anticipate getting a lot more tail now that you’re affiliated with a major indie label?
MT: Yes. No. I really hadn’t thought about it. Would be nice though…
TL: Stuff is happening, and it’s definitely exciting. It’s nice because we can afford to be picky. I think Mitchell really had an impact on the band in that way. I think it makes people feel we have reason to be picky.
Austin claims to be the live music center of the planet, agreed? Do you think it has the potential to rival LA or NY as a contender in terms of financial and musical influence?
MT: We wouldn’t move. It seems unnecessary. There is a regional concept of music, but there is a supportive scene here. You can still affect people in Austin as much as you could in other cities.
Tell me about your obscure hobbies. Do you collect Lisa Frank stickers or Tom Arnold coasters?
TL: It’s funny you mentioned that. We were recently approached by Esopus Magazine to do a themed compilation. The only stipulation is the song title has to be loosely related to a contemporary artist. We want to be “Lisa Frank”! (laughs)
LG: Does that count as contemporary?
MT: I like to bake sourdough bread and savory treats and watch No Reservations with Anthony Bourdaine. Oh, and I drink a lot.
LG: Tiffanie sews mountains. Out of fabric. Will you buy one?
Do you have any irrational phobias? Are you scared of mustaches or Jeff Goldblum?
LG: Unsolved Mysteries! Jeff Goldblum is pretty scary, too.
TL: June bugs. I got a big welt on my dome dodging one once. My friend’s little brother threw one at my head and it got lodged in my hair.
MT: I am legitimately scared of heights. And parasites.
What would be on your ideal rider? Don’t be cliché and say black socks.
LG & TL: Pickles, push-up bras, Russell Stover marshmallow candies, ranch-style beans, pickled eggs…preferably ones that smell like farts.
MT: Argyle socks.
I feel like I’ve learned a lot tonight. Before you go, could you tell me what your rapper pseudonyms would be?
LG: Rosy Rose, on account of my rosy cheeks.
MT: Michelada Mitch.
TL: Beef Tips!
www.myspace.com/followthatbiiird
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