CHEW, a trio from Atlanta, is bringing its unique sound to Gainesville for the first time. The group will be playing on Saturday at the Hardback Cafe, with doors opening at 9 p.m.
Three bands are converging at Gainesville’s Hardback Cafe on Saturday. Eve of November, CHEW and Analogue Ghost will be play- ing sets at the venue, located at 211 W. University Ave., starting at 10 p.m., with doors opening at 9 p.m.
CHEW is a trio from Atlanta with Brett Reagan on guitar and electronics, Brandon Pittman on bass and Sarah Wilson on drums. The band has been touring the country since June 2015, and they just released new music with their “3D EP.” We sat down with the band before they play their first Gainesville show.
Kirsten Chuba: How did CHEW get started?
Brett Reagan: CHEW started about a year ago. Our projects we were working on were slowing down and ending. We all wanted to create something unique that focused on a heavy use of electron- ics. The music spoke for itself, and we decided to go fully instrumental. Also, there was nothing hold- ing us back from touring all the time. All the pieces were in place, and we haven’t looked back since.
KC: How would you describe your band’s sound?
BR: The easiest way to describe our sound would be experimental psych. We’re different because our sound spans multiple genres while still fitting into one cohesive pack- age. We try pushing ourselves, and the limits of music in general. We want to make music that sounds like this current moment in time, and not some recycled versions of what our favorite musical crews have done in the past.
KC: Can you tell me about your tour?
BR: We started touring about one year ago and have been as far north as New York, as far south as Miami and as far west as Texas. This summer we’re going on a 30- day tour out towards Denver and Kansas City. Our live shows are fun and super high energy. The combination of Sarah’s driving beat and Brandon’s fuzzed-out bass licks, coupled with his signature dance moves, makes for something definitely more entertaining than just watching a couple people stand- ing around performing their tunes blankly.
KC: What will Friday’s show at the Hardback be like?
BR: This will be the first time CHEW has been in Gainesville. We’re playing a lot of songs off of our new “3D EP.” Also, we have a couple of new songs in store that have yet to be released. Expect some glitched out synth sounds on top of some deep psych grooves, with blasting beat sprinkled with mantis poses and high kicks.
KC: Can you talk about your new EP?
BR: We worked for about six months on our new “3D EP” that we just released. We recorded all the bass, drums and electronics live, which really adds a nice element to the record. Working with Michael Mosca was great. There was nothing we could throw at him that was too weird or off- base. The album art was done by our friend Richie Brown, who has worked with Adult Swim in the past. Everything came together better than we could have ever expected. We’re definitely really proud of the results.
Tickets for the show are $5 at the door, and drink specials will be offered throughout the night.
