A Conversation with Crash Kings

We had an opportunity to chat with Crash Kings before last night’s killer performance at Showbox SoDo. The amicable trio lounged on leather couches in their surprisingly tidy dressing room as we discussed the tour, music and their affinity for our fair city. Here are some highlights.

How did you come together to form a band?

In 2005, I (Tony) was actually waiting tables in LA when Linda Perry came in. (He yawns as though he’s told this story a thousand times - prompting some teasing from his brother before Tony retorts: I’m just trying to say it in a way that doesn’t sound made up). She said I look like a singer so I should sing. So I did. Then I recruited my brother who was in New York so he came over to LA. At the time we had another drummer but things didn’t work out. We were very motivated and had an opportunity to play an awesome show at the last minute and he just didn’t seem into it. We kind of knew then it wasn’t going to work out. We later connected with Jason who was drumming for one of Perry’s other artists and it all fell into place.

You’re known for using analog keyboards in place of traditional lead guitar - whose idea was this and does it pose any challenges?

It was a collective idea. We started out this way and it worked so we kept doing it. We like that it’s different, it forces you to get a little more creative, especially when we’re doing some cover songs. As a bassist, I (Mike) get to play much more interesting parts.

What bands/artists inspired you growing up?

We grew up listening to a lot of classic rock - Queen, The Beatles. Then 90’s grunge really took off with the whole “Seattle” scene. Growing up in Boston, Seattle was just like this amazing place we always wanted to see. Plus, (Mike adds) Ken Griffey Jr. was my favorite ball player.

Speaking of Seattle, do you have any favorite things to do or places to visit while you’re in town?

The 5 Point Café. We usually stay by the Space Needle. Last time we were here we walked around the market and got some really good seafood but this time we’re just in and out. We really want to come back and experience more of the city.

What was your reaction when you heard “Mountain Man” reached number one on the Billboard charts?

We were on the road heading to Vegas when our radio rep called Tony (he gets all the calls) and they gave us the news. They always say it’s going be number one but you never think it will actually happen. When we got to Vegas we grabbed some champagne and gambled to celebrate. After, things just went on as usual; we were back on the road touring.

Did you guys come out ahead on that trip?

(Long pause accompanied by nervous glances at one another) Jason came out ahead. Jason always wins - the second he gets to Vegas he’s on.

“You Got Me” was an excellent choice for your second single. Any idea what track you’ll be releasing next?

Maybe a ballad. We usually throw out some ideas then leave it up to management to decide.

What do you enjoy the most about touring?

Playing shows, traveling and meeting other bands. We really like exploring the different cities. So many people say the U.S. doesn’t have any culture but if you look around at all of the different parts of the country, it really does. It’s a sort of “new culture.”

You’ve toured with some really big names, any personal favorites?

Jet. Stone Temple Pilots for sure. Chris Cornell - that was our first tour, ever, so it was a really big deal.

Your schedule for this tour sounds rather grueling, how do you keep up with it all?

We drink! There are dirty martinis over here ready to be made. The crew does a lot for us; they do all the driving so we get the nights off to recover. It’s really playing the shows that make it fun, seeing the crowd react and thinking of new cover songs to play, it really makes it all worth it.

What are your plans for after the tour wraps?

We’re going to work on the next record.

Have you selected a producer yet?

We haven’t decided yet, we’re actually meeting with Aaron Sprinkle here in Seattle - he comes highly recommended by Anberlin.

Any last words for our readers?

Hopefully these aren’t any of our last words; we want to be around for a long time! But seriously, we love coming back here; it’s one of our favorite places and audiences. We like the Showbox venues and the people that work here, they have their shit together; it’s awesome. We also hope you’ll all check out our website, www.crashkingsmusic.com, or follow us on Twitter @CrashKings.

So are you guys avid “tweeters” or does someone else do that for you?

We each tweet occasionally. We try to find a balance between updating enough for our fans without posting too many irrelevant details.