DATE: 17/01/08
NAME: Shortstack (Adrian Carroll)
INSTRUMENT(s): Vocals/Guitar
NAME: Shortstack (Adrian Carroll)
INSTRUMENT(s): Vocals/Guitar
CURRENT RELEASE: ‘The History of Cut Nails in America’
(A very special new release is due out February 5th--it's an EP of 5 covers called....’The Covers EP’)
WEBSITE: www.shortstackmusic.com
1. Biggest Influence(s)?
Oh, there are so many! When we started this band we were listening to a lot of John Lee Hooker, Leadbelly, Woody Guthrie, Link Wray, Charlie Feathers, The Cramps, X, Merle Travis, Chet Atkins, Johnny Burnette, and a whole bunch of old country that was featured on a weekly public radio program. We’ve always been into heaps of different things—contemporary and classic. Recently I’ve been on a big Townes Van Zandt kick.
2. Favourite records/tracks old or new?
There are scores to choose from, but here are a few songs I REALLY like…
John Lee Hooker: “Need Somebody”
The Cramps: “Primitive”
Rolling Stones: “Sister Morphine”
Chet Atkins: “Blackjack”
Skip James: “Devil Got My Woman”
Townes Van Zandt: “Rex’s Blues”
Bruce Springsteen: “State Trooper”
X: “White Girl”
3. What would you be if not a musician?
Either a Mongolian yak herder or an aquatic welder on an oil rig in the Russian Arctic. No question!
4. Career high point so far?
There have been a few great shows that were certainly high watermarks. We opened for the Cramps here in DC, and played with fellow Washingtonian Ted Leo at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. The Great American is a beautiful old theatre which once hosted the likes of Duke Ellington and Count Basie—it’s not often you get to be on such a great bill, and play in such a grand setting. And there are killer burritos lurking around every corner in San Francisco. Too good!
5. Perfect night off?
We’re not full-time musicians, so most nights are “nights off” from gigging. But we do spend a lot of time rehearsing, riding in vans, and taking care of other sundry duties required to keep a band together. So a REALLY good night off from those activities, though perhaps atypical, would involve vintage bicycles, quiet streets lit by a full moon, a pretty girl, chocolate truffles, talking birds, and dancing a Fred Astaire routine below the Eiffel Tower.
6. Most recent CD in your CD player?
Uhh…“Jailbreak” by Thin Lizzy.
7. Favourite book/film?
There are too many to collect here. I recently read “Night Train” by Marin Amis, which I really enjoyed. A favorite film…I’d have to say “Werkmeister Harmonies” by Bela Tar.
8. Whiskey - Jack or Jim?
I’m a fan of Wild Turkey, and do like Johnny Walker on occasion. We’re not huge drinkers, and I’d have to say a nice espresso trumps about any beverage.
(A very special new release is due out February 5th-
WEBSITE: www.shortstackmusic.com
1. Biggest Influence(s)?
Oh, there are so many! When we started this band we were listening to a lot of John Lee Hooker, Leadbelly, Woody Guthrie, Link Wray, Charlie Feathers, The Cramps, X, Merle Travis, Chet Atkins, Johnny Burnette, and a whole bunch of old country that was featured on a weekly public radio program. We’ve always been into heaps of different things—contemporary and classic. Recently I’ve been on a big Townes Van Zandt kick.
2. Favourite records/tracks old or new?
There are scores to choose from, but here are a few songs I REALLY like…
John Lee Hooker: “Need Somebody”
The Cramps: “Primitive”
Rolling Stones: “Sister Morphine”
Chet Atkins: “Blackjack”
Skip James: “Devil Got My Woman”
Townes Van Zandt: “Rex’s Blues”
Bruce Springsteen: “State Trooper”
X: “White Girl”
3. What would you be if not a musician?
Either a Mongolian yak herder or an aquatic welder on an oil rig in the Russian Arctic. No question!
4. Career high point so far?
There have been a few great shows that were certainly high watermarks. We opened for the Cramps here in DC, and played with fellow Washingtonian Ted Leo at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. The Great American is a beautiful old theatre which once hosted the likes of Duke Ellington and Count Basie—it’s not often you get to be on such a great bill, and play in such a grand setting. And there are killer burritos lurking around every corner in San Francisco. Too good!
5. Perfect night off?
We’re not full-
6. Most recent CD in your CD player?
Uhh…“Jailbreak” by Thin Lizzy.
7. Favourite book/film?
There are too many to collect here. I recently read “Night Train” by Marin Amis, which I really enjoyed. A favorite film…I’d have to say “Werkmeister Harmonies” by Bela Tar.
8. Whiskey -
