beatlanta.com
INTERVIEW + OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO :: “Auto Odium” from Atlanta band The Killakee House
The Interview:
BA: Who is in the band and what do you play? How do you know each other?
The band consists of myself (vocals), Craigan Hogeland (guitar and vocals), Brian Albertz Jr (bass), and Juergie Landstrom (drums).
Craigan is actually my significant other. I met Juergie when he joined Craigan’s other band, Heathersett, and I met Brian through an old boyfriend.
BA: Is this your first album? What is the title? What is your favorite track from the album and why?
It is! The EP is called “Without Wax”. Back when marble sculptures were taking off, if a sculptor made a mistake, they would fill the cracks with wax and sand it down. This was considered cheating. If a piece was created without this process, it was said to be made “sine cera”, which is Latin for “Without Wax”. People began signing their letters with “sine cera” to emphasize that the letters contained no dishonesty or ill meaning, which eventually turned into the word “Sincerely”. My favorite track is definitely “Milk and Honey.” In my opinion, it’s the strongest song lyrically and instrumentally, and it’s the most fun to perform. It’s lyrics also differ in the sense that the rest of the EP contains a lot of references to my self-hatred and agony, while this one shines a light on my discovery of self-worth. It’s empowering.
BA: What do you hope a potential fan is thinking after listening through the entire album?
I hope they really pay attention to the lyrics and can relate to them and find them meaningful. I also hope they appreciate the time and effort put into the recording and producing. But more than anything, I hope they’re thinking, “I want to see them live! Let me go see when their next show is.”
BA: We noticed the description on your Facebook page…What is ‘Denim Ashtray Punk?’
That was a joke I made after Craigan described the band as “jean jacket punk” (which is pretty accurate), and one of our biggest influences is The Menzingers, and they make a lot of cigarette-smoking references in their songs. We try not to take ourselves too seriously.
BA: How has the pandemic affected your ability to play shows or make music? Have you played live in a venue last year or this year?
We actually formed in 2019. At the beginning it was just Craigan and me, doing an acoustic performance at the very first 59 X Fest. (Juergie joined the band in late 2020, and we had a fill-in bassist up until Brian joined a few months ago). That was only months before the pandemic hit. Our recording was pushed back until late 2020-early 2021, and we weren’t able to play a live show until June 5th, 2021. That’s the only time we’ve played in a venue this year. Booking is insane right now, but we have a couple more shows coming soon.
BA: Do you have a collaborative writing process? Or do you find that each, or just one, member writes full songs and then the band contributes? Can you tell us a bit about your writing process?
I write the lyrics and I already have a melody for them. Craigan then has to read my mind (thank you Craigan) and put instrumentals behind them because I’m terrible at playing guitar. The bass and drums are added afterward. So I would say that each member definitely contributes.
BA: How do you feel about the Atlanta “music scene” currently? Do you think Atlanta has a fostering atmosphere for new bands and artists?
I think everyone is sort of trying to stay afloat right now. Artists are struggling, venues can’t pay as much as they used to because they’re also struggling. There’s a constant, looming fear of another shut down lingering over us. Everyone’s mental health took a hit over the past year or so, and it’s really obvious (at least it is to me). On the bright side, I’ve seen the birth of a new sense of solidarity between artists, and that’s something really special. We all know how hard it is, and even bands that didn’t struggle in the past know how it is now. But I think even before the pandemic, Atlanta has been a great atmosphere for new artists. Every scene has its bad apples, of course, but I immediately felt very welcomed and valued in the community when The Killakee House formed.
BA: Does your music include any political or social activist elements?
No… not yet. We all have our individual stances and they align pretty well. I think Juergie and I are probably the most outspoken about our social and political feelings. The next album, however, will dig a little deeper into that stuff. We just wanted this first EP to introduce ourselves and touch on the deeper, personal emotions we might share with others.
BA: Do you feel it’s important for musicians and artists to speak to the current times when releasing new music?
It depends. I’ve seen some artists do it for the sake of staying current. I don’t find that genuine or tasteful. However, I also find it strange to hear people say “punk shouldn’t be political.” Punk has ALWAYS been political. I think people forget that we aren’t just content machines. We’re human beings with feelings and opinions. If we feel strongly about something, we’re gonna speak out about it. We’re punks. We’re loud. We don’t give a damn if you don’t like it. I also believe that artists should use their platform to help other people, and if speaking out does that, then that’s important.
BA: What has been your favorite thing about Atlanta music or Atlanta in general during the pandemic?
I’ve loved seeing how resilient people can be. I’ve also loved seeing how quickly people can come together to solve a problem and help each other out. There’s a lot to be upset by, but looking at the little, wholesome things has really helped get me through it.
BA: Tell us about the house show coming up…will you be playing your entire new EP? (Update: The show happened this past weekend – BeAtlanta was a little late on this interview posting 🙂 – but info on their next show is below)
Well, we couldn’t find a venue, so we said “fuck it, let’s release the EP in our garage”. It’s gonna be Saturday, August 21st and there’s no cover charge! We will have a tip jar out for donations to Partners Against Domestic Violence, and we will be playing our entire new EP, plus a couple fun covers we think everyone will love.
BA: And finally, what are your thoughts on skinny jeans?
I think people should wear whatever makes them comfortable. It’s funny, actually, I had a conversation with a friend about this the other day. I think there was a whole thing on the internet about Gen Z and millennials arguing over skinny jeans. We were wondering with the new “pop punk revival” if they were going to come back in style. Personally, I wear whatever I like. I like baggy clothes more, because they’re more comfortable for me, but I don’t put much thought into what other people are wearing. It seems trivial.
13. Please share all your social media links (is there one you prefer to push over others?):
We prefer Instagram over other platforms.
IG: https://instagram.com/thekillakeehouse?utm_medium=copy_link
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheKillakeeHouse/
Twitter: http://Twitter.com/KillakeeHouse
A Message from the band via facebook: “If you missed our house show, no worries! We’ll be at Furnace 41 on September 18th.”
Horrible Idea is on this show...learn more about friends of BeAtlanta, and amazing band, Horrible Idea on Beatlanta.com here.
