Welcome to a journey down memory lane, into the soulful world of ‘The Basements.’ This interview delves into the music, the passion, and the sheer spirit that fuels this Garage Rock band. We explore their roots, their inspirations, and what makes this group so unique in today’s music scene. From discussing their creation as a band to the influences that shape their sound, we’ve got an exclusive insight into the world of ‘The Basements.’ Brace yourselves for a kaleidoscopic journey into the underground 60’s music scene – a cherished era that continues to inspire and shape their musical identity.
Forming The Basements – A Serendipitous Encounter
Can you tell us about your journey and how you all came together to form The Basements?
“Back in 2009, that’s when it all began. Nick and I, were just jamming out some tunes we’d penned down in his basement. A handful of those tracks made it onto our debut album. As time went on, we went through a few lineup changes, but eventually, we found our groove with the current members we have now.”
“What sparked your interest in creating music, particularly Garage Rock and why did you decide to form a band?
“Music has always played a significant role in our lives, spanning genres from pop and rock to various other styles. However, it was when we stumbled upon 60’s garage punk that everything changed. The raw energy and authenticity of the genre instantly captivated us, drawing us into the underground world of the 60’s music scene. It was this profound connection that ultimately inspired the formation of The Basements.”
A Sound Born from Decades Past
6O’s Folk and 60’s moody ballads have been instrumental in shaping the sound on your last record. Can you delve a little deeper into how this music has influenced you?
“This music has had a profound impact on us, both in the past and present. It just fits. There are countless reasons why we’re drawn to it. It’s about the bands, the creativity, the way that even 15 or 16-year-old kids, or even younger or older, could write such music with such an authentic approach. It’s about the attitude, the love, the passion, and even the sadness that’s conveyed with such raw energy in garage music. It’s simply perfect, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have discovered and fallen in love with this music. We could talk for days about this whole scene.”
Your tunes carry a nostalgic aura, often tapping into lesser-known 60’s bands. Who are some of these “unknown bands” that have shaped your sound??
“Well, yes, I can name a few. There’s The Benders, The Weads, The Painted Ship, The Thursday’s Children, The Stoics, The Outsiders (USA)… and the list goes on!”
The Song-Crafting Process and The ‘Sound of Yesterday’
Could you share some insights into your song-making process? How do the band members collaborate to bring a song to life?
“Well, you know, new songs often emerge from our jams, sparked by ideas that are just floating around in our heads. Other times, Nick and I brainstorm ideas and bring them to the table, and then we all collaborate from there. And, I mean, sometimes we might even ‘borrow’ a riff or two, consciously or unconsciously. You know how it is, right? Ha ha!”
Can you share one or two of your favorite songs that you’ve composed and what makes them special to you?
“The Sounds of Yesterday had been lingering in my mind for quite some time. I’d catch myself humming it while working my day job.”
Talk to us about your latest album, “Sound of Yesterday”. What inspired the name, and what messages are you trying to convey through this album?
“So far, our recent answers have provided a clear overview of the album and its title. Some songs were conceived before the onset of Covid, while others were penned during quarantine. Additionally, a few tracks were composed well before the societal upheaval in Greece regarding the revelations about child abuse and rape rings (reflected in songs like ‘Children of Tomorrow’ and ‘Time Will Do the Rest’) in what is typically known as a Christian and conservative society.”
What has been the most challenging part of creating “Sound of Yesterday” and how did you overcome it?
“The real challenge lies in songwriting, creativity, and honing our sound. It’s interesting how the moodier we get, the more punk our music becomes, and vice versa. We’re constantly evolving, always learning from listening to music and engaging in discussions. However, we always stay true to our guiding principles rooted in 60’s garage, 60’s punk, moody, folk, and psych influences.”
Navigating the Greek Garage Scene and Future Endeavors
Can you discuss the Greek Garage Scene nowadays?
“The Sences are fantastic! With an average age of just 17, their live performances are absolutely awesome! They’re really immersed in 60’s garage music – basically, it’s all about 60’s garage music, haha! Some of my favorite bands like The Frantic V, Yesterdays Thoughts, and the Sound Explosion share that vibe too. But you know, it’s kind of tricky to talk about a cohesive Greek garage scene.”
If you could collaborate with any musician, past or present, who would it be and why?
“That’s a tough one… I guess Gaunga Dyns is my favorite band this time around.”
What’s next for ‘The Basements’? Can we expect more of the 60’s influences in your future projects?
“As a band, we’re incredibly active, always brimming with new ideas. In fact, we’re gearing up to release a brand new 7-inch vinyl soon, featuring a cover of one of our favorite songs from the 60s era.”
Staying True to their Roots in a Digital World
Finally, in a world that’s increasingly digital and evolving, how do you stay authentic and keep your music grounded in the roots of garage rock and ’60s folk?
“The digital world is both a blessing and a curse, depending on how you look at it. When it comes to the internet, it helps us discover bands from the US and all over the world that we wouldn’t have access to otherwise. It also allows us to explore new bands that play this kind of music. We strive to capture the spirit of 1966, or the 60s in general, if you will, when we create and record music.”
Unplugging The Basements: The Echoes of the Past Reverberate in the Present
As our musical trip with ‘The Basements’ comes to an end, we’re left with a deeper appreciation of their passion for Garage Rock and the 60’s music scene. Their dedication to keeping this genre alive amid the digital era is truly inspiring and lends a timeless quality to their music. As they continue to explore their sound and create music that remains true to their roots, we’re excited to see what the future holds for them. It’s been a journey of discovery, nostalgia, and a reaffirmation of the transformative power of music. ‘The Basements’ are a testament to the enduring allure of 60’s music, proving that good music, much like good wine, only gets better with time. Stay tuned to their future endeavors, as we’re certain there’s much more to come from this dynamic band!
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