LA-Based Pop Band STAMPS Returns to Sweet Home Chicago
By Staff in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 21, 2011 9:00PM
Los Angeles-based indie-pop group STAMPS have an intuitive understanding of the Chicago music scene. That is because two of its members, Bob Morris (guitar/vocals) and Adam James (drums), grew up cutting their teeth in Chicago bands before making the move to LA to form STAMPS.
STAMPS (which also includes Ren Patrick (vocals/keys) and Hannah Smith (guitar/vocals) played Lincoln Hall this past Saturday night, fresh off of their first national tour. The band played almost all of the material on their two self-released EPs, Tramps and Stamps and Ventures of a Lifetime, with a poised sense of confidence. Although the 30-minute set contained its light-hearted moments (such as Adam James taking center stage to sing his acoustic ballad, "I'm Not Just a Drummer"), it was apparent STAMPS takes their performance very seriously. Their set was not just a collection of songs: it was a fluent surge of melodic and rhythmic synergy amongst the members from start to finish.
After catching up with family and friends, Bob and Adam sat down with Chicagoist to discuss the differences between the music scene in Chicago and the music scene in Los Angeles, as well as offer advice to Chicago musicians looking to relocate to the west coast.
CHICAGOIST: How does it feel to be back in your hometown?
ADAM JAMES: It feels great to be back in Chicago. We just finished up a tour, so it's nice to come back home and see familiar faces - friends and family.
BOB MORRIS: The girls are easier here (laughs). Seriously though, everyone from Chicago is so friendly and supportive. I'm glad to be back.
C: You both grew up playing in Chicago bands, so what made you decide to move to Los Angeles to form STAMPS?
BM: I think independently, both Adam and myself wanted to eventually move to LA. The last band I was in (The Hush Sound) was based in Chicago, and when that ended, it gave me a reason to leave Chicago and head to Los Angeles. I happened to know a few people in LA who invited me to stay with them, and it eventually became home. For me, moving to LA was more of a personal decision than it was a musical decision - I just wanted a change. I wanted to be in an area I was unfamiliar with, and to be inspired by new people and places.
C: In your opinion, what are the biggest differences between the music scene in Chicago verses the music scene in Los Angeles?
AJ: LA is a big pond, and it's very easy to be a small fish there. There are a lot more shows every night of the week compared to Chicago, so there's a lot more to compete with.
BM: Things are much more calculated in LA. You get a lot of artists and bands who are premeditating their careers by playing with certain musicians, or working with certain producers, whereas in Chicago everyone just wants to have a good time. People play in bands for the fun of it. There’s a lot of love here.
C: Your latest EP, Stamps Venture of a Lifetime, was recorded here in Chicago at Gallery of Carpet Studios with Brian Zieske, and you recently recorded a new single at Wonder Studios in Chicago. Why have you chosen to record in Chicago studios as opposed to studios in Los Angeles?
BM: We've recorded in Chicago mostly out of convenience, and because we have long-time friends here who we trust, like Zieske. Right now, we have plans to work with a bunch of different producers once we get back to LA. We’ll see what happens.
C: L.A is often referred to as "la-la land," due to the fact that so many of its inhabitants are living in their own little bubble and chasing their dreams, whereas Chicago is referred to as "the city of broad shoulders," due to the hard work ethic and straight forward attitude of its residents. Do you find these generalizations to be true amongst the music scenes?
BM: Most people aren't born in Los Angeles; they move there to pursue their dream, which is why it seems like everyone is in their own bubble. A lot of people are lead to LA by the notion that they'll go to a party and someone will discover them and they'll be rich and famous, and usually that doesn't happen. It seems like Chicagoans are willing to work harder to pursue their dreams and careers as opposed to waiting for someone else to hand it to them. There's a lot of people in LA who are assuming that their train is coming, and that they're about to get on it at any minute, and then all of a sudden they're 40 years old, still waiting at the station.
C: Do you have any advice to give to Chicago bands or musicians looking to relocate to Los Angeles?
BM: The best part about being a band in Chicago is that when you start and end tours, you never have to drive more than twenty hours or so to get to where you need to be. It's great to be in the middle of the country for travel purposes, which is something to consider if you're serious about being a touring musician. I also think change spurs creativity, and if you're going to move yourself or your band out to LA, you should be doing it for creative reasons.
AJ: You have to be relentless. You have to be willing to play all the time and get in front of as many people as possible. Regardless of where you're going - whether it is LA or NYC - you have to be willing to work hard.
C: When you're back in Chicago, are their any specific places that you absolutely have to go to?
BM: Portillos.
AJ: Always have to go to Portillos. I love Chicago pizza - Baccis is another favorite of mine.
BM: I also love this cute little coffee shop called Starbucks. Have you ever heard of it? It’s great.
For more information on STAMPS and their music, visit http://stampstheband.com/
Become friends with STAMPS at http://www.facebook.com/stampstheband
Follow STAMPS at http://www.twitter.com/stampstheband
By Eric Hehr