Rock n Roll Boston!

Beautifully crafted piano lines complimenting the heartfelt, poignant vocals are just two of the reasons you should listen to Seattle-based indie band Barcelona. Their sound translates into a thrilling, well-crafted rock balladfest exhibiting exquisite musicianship, as I had the pleasure of experiencing this past Sunday when the band played at The Paradise in Boston. The group kept things light admidst the emotionally charged songs by cracking jokes with the audience and bringing upbeat stage presences. Brian Fennell (vox, keys), Chris Bristol (guitar, vox), and Rhett Stonelake (drums) of Barcelona kindly answered my questions a few days before the show.

Liv: The three of you studied at Seattle Pacific; were your academic endeavors music related? How did you all start making music, individually, and as a group?

Barcelona: Chris and I (Brian) both studied music at Seattle Pacific University. The three of us met playing in a musical group on campus.

Liv: You began by starting your own label, NBD music. Why did you decide to create it? Difficulties? Process? Does the label still exist?

Barcelona: Based on our early experiences in the music industry back when we started the band in 2006, we chose to release our music independently via our own label. It seemed like the most practical and controlled way of releasing our first record. We learned a great deal during the process and are proud of how it has progressed.

Liv: What is your song writing and lyrical process and inspiration?

Barcelona: I (Brian) write the lyrics, melodies, and basic song structure. Then when we rehearse as a band, I bring the song to the guys and we add parts and work it out until we have a finished product. Most of my inspiration comes from relationships I’ve been involved with, whether it’s me and someone else, or relationships outside of myself.

Liv: Your songs are emotionally driven and seem to include very personal messages. Do you ever get nervous when you perform them?

Barcelona: We are all proud of performing emotionally charged songs. As far as nerves go, we have become pretty good at transforming them into excitement and energy.

Liv: What’s your favorite song on Absolutes? Favorite song to perform live?

Barcelona: Each song has it’s own unique life, so it’s hard to pick favorites. Buuuuut… Chris likes “The Takers” because of the energy and the crowd sing-a-long on the bridge, Rhett likes to play “First Floor People” because of the dynamic movement and build throughout the song, and I love to play “Time To Mend” because it’s the most personal song I’ve written and it’s very raw in its presentation.

Liv: You’re currently involved in a month-long tour of the U.S. What is your favorite thing about being on tour?

Barcelona: It’s very fun to return to cities we love. Currently we are in Chicago on our way to New Haven, CT. It is amazing to feel like the people we meet on tour, who were once strangers, are now some of our close friends. Beyond friends, Barcelona loves to eat good food and drink good drinks. We get silly sometimes.

Liv: Have you got a favorite city to play for, or most exciting performance thus far?

Barcelona: Well, let’s start off with our least favorite show experience, shall we? Earlier this year we drove overnight to play at Crawfish Festival at a community college in Shreveport. Our set was basically the sound check for the other bands because class wasn’t out yet. We didn’t even get no crawfish! But, when crawfish are out of season, we really enjoy playing shows in Denver, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and of course, beautiful Seattle.

Liv: Ever played for Boston before? What was your experience like?

Barcelona: We’ve played Boston twice. Once at Great Scott and once at the Paradise. Both times were FRIGID, but the crowds are always piping hot, like a fresh pot of baked beans. We love Boston.

Liv: What new music have you been listening to lately? What’s on your iPod?

Barcelona: Rhett: J. Tillman – Year in the Kingdom, Chris: Jay-Z – The Blueprint 3, and Brian: Allen Stone – Last to Speak

Liv: Where do you see yourself as a band ten years from now?

Barcelona: We all want wives and kids and dogs, although Rhett wants no children, just a large cat. In all seriousness, we are in this for the long haul. As long as people are willing to listen, we will keep creating music. It’s the best job ever. And Rhett hates cats …. and children.

*Thank you to Nicole Garvey of Universal Motown Records for setting up the interview. Pictures courtesy of the band’s myspace.