Interview with Old Man Markley
I recently had the opportunity to interview Katie Weed from the band Old Man Markley, a punk bluegrass band out of the San Fernando Valley. Check out the interview below!
Q: How did you come up with the name Old Man Markley for your band?
KW: “Old Man Markley” is the nickname our washboard player, Ryan Markley, earned due to his bad back. Even though he’s still young, the way he hobbles around at times belies his age. He is definitely one of the focal points of our live show, and it seems fitting that he is the band’s namesake.
Q: Tell me about your writing process. Do you create the music than the lyrics, or vice versa?
KW: The longer the band has been together, the more we all contribute to the creative process. Sometimes the lyrics come first, and sometimes the melodies do.
Q: How did you all come together?
KW: We came together via childhood friendships, shared musical influences, and the almighty Craigslist.
Q: What are some of your individual influences?
KW: Our individual influences vary greatly, but some shared influences include The Beatles, The Band, and Bill Monroe. Individual influences run the gamut from classic rock groups to jazz artists to 80s pop, and probably some bands we’ve all never even admitted liking to each other.
Q: You’re a mixture of musical styles, how did you decide to combine the bluegrass with the punk?
KW: Like peanut butter and jelly, it just felt right.
Q: Does it get difficult having a group of people contributing, or does it make it easier?
KW: Having more ideas usually yields a better product, even if it takes longer to arrive at it.
Q: What instruments can all of you play (in and out of the band)?
KW: Too many to list, really. Everyone plays multiple instruments, which is so awesome. It makes for more fun, and more song ideas.
Q: What has been your favourite moment so far?
KW: Every single moment in Tokyo.
Q: You’re heading to Europe for a few shows soon. What made you decide to go there next?
KW: We haven’t been to Europe since our first album came out. We were due for a return trip, and we all wanted so much to go back. We had an incredible time there, and can’t wait to see our old friends there again and play some new songs for them.
Q: If you had to choose only one country in Europe to live in for the rest of your life, where would you live and why?
KW: Definitely Spain. Me encanta la oportunidad a hablar en Español. The crowds are amazing, and I spent a month bicycling across the whole country with my family when I was in high school, so I feel at home in Spain.
Q: Where would you like to perform most?
KW: Africa
Q: What’s next for Old Man Markley?
KW: Touring, touring, touring. And hopefully another album this year or next. We’re all still writing and loving the life we’re leading.
Q: Do you have anything you’d like to say to your fans?
KW: THANK YOU. Gracias. Merci beaucoup. Arigato. You make this all possible. Also, if you live in Africa, can you help book us a show there?