"..simple (but effective) attributes; nicely layered vocals, catchy guitar riffs, upbeat drumming, and hints of exuberant/reverberated filler noise.."
Contemporaries of an Arcane Utopia
Drakes Hotel Bio:
Drakes Hotel consists of the magic of Amy Drake, Chris Y and their old-school drum machines, samplers, guitars and technical trickery. The two met in a record store in Santa Cruz, CA in 2003 and found some instant musical chemistry. Soon after meeting, they moved to Seattle to begin work on their first set of songs. They put out a very limited self released CD two months later and it quickly sold out.
Having grown tired of city life they decided to move again to start work on their next CD. They chose the isolation of Amy's family farm in the middle of nowhere outside of Blanchard, Iowa. The isolation served their songs well as they completed two CDs worth of material, some of which would later end up on their official debut album. However, the harsh winter and desolate atmosphere began to take its toll and they fled to Amy's hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. There they finished meticulously mixing their songs. It was about that time that they entered into the world of Myspace. There they found immediate and enthusiastic fans. It was also there that they were first introduced to Reverb Records now home to their music. The music scene in Omaha was in full bloom when Drakes Hotel arrived with the Saddle Creek Record's bands having enjoyed national and international success. They were graciously welcomed by local artists to the area stages where they worked to translate the dynamic intensity and cinematic scope of their recordings to their audiences.
Having done away with drummers the band has taken the beats from their recordings and simplified and reimagined them for the live experience. Their use of multiple older drum machines is integral to their intense live show. Amy Drake's steely, strong stage persona is no doubt rooted in her 11 years as a martial artist. She is an instructor level martial artist in Filipino and Indonesian martial arts. Her experience includes the martial arts of Jeet Kune Do, Kick Boxing, Arnis, Escrima, Silat, American Combative Arts, Jujitsu, and Knife Fighting. This self-confidence comes through as intensity and focus when performing on stage and when recording. Some singers may talk tough, but Amy is something new entirely. Throughout her childhood she sang in the school choir until transferring as the only high school student to a one-room schoolhouse in small town, Iowa. Chris Y. recorded and toured throughout the US in the late 80's and early 90's as a member of Baltimore Post Punk/New Wave band Social Skill which later became Immortal (the US version). They released numerous tapes and one LP "Paradigm" which you can still find in various record shops around Baltimore. He performed solo throughout the 90's as "The Candelions" and released two EPs "Flights and Wires" and "Hearts and Choirs" in 2003. His distinctive style relies on unusual tunings, odd chords, and an imaginative use of effects. He has engineered and produced all of drakes hotel's music.
Hello, how are you?
We are fantastic
What are you currently listening to?
What are you currently listening to?
Currently listening to some older stuff: The Chameleons UK "What Does Anything Mean? Basically", The Church "Heyday", The National " Boxer", and the Go Go's" We Got The Beat" --thats what we listened to today.
Where did you originally meet?
Where did you originally meet?
We met in Santa Cruz California in the record store that I (Chris) worked.
Where does the name Drakes Hotel come from?
Where does the name Drakes Hotel come from?
The name references 3 things -- The last name Amy goes by. What we called the farm house we recorded at. A Reference to a Bill Cosby/Sidney Poitier movie from the 70's that we like.
Who were your main influences when creating your signature Shoegaze sound?
Who were your main influences when creating your signature Shoegaze sound?
Thats a difficult question. Usually people will say they think you sound like this or that band, and those kind of comparisons are completely valid within the context of that persons experience. However it may have absolutely no connection to the writers experience or influences. So influences don't necessarily translate into what you actually sound like. For us our true influences are a result of both of us growing up in different eras of music. It's that history that informs our music. We don't set out (when writing a song ) to achieve a specific sound -- it is very organic and unplanned. We work till it sounds like the song is supposed to sound-- If that makes any sense???
Who is the best band you’ve played with live and why?
Who is the best band you’ve played with live and why?
We've played with so many people that we've loved -- but honestly our favourites were The Lab Partners from Dayton Ohio -- they are everything we like to watch from start to finish -- great songs, great performers, a fantastic sound-- as well as being great people.
Where is your favorite venue to play at?
Where is your favorite venue to play at?
The Record Bar in Kansas City is a great place to play. Great sound , great stage, great Pizza and the best bar coffee ever.
Do you have any odd/obscure hidden talents that you would care to share?
Do you have any odd/obscure hidden talents that you would care to share?
The most interesting hidden and unexpected talent is Amy's lengthy history in martial arts.
You can only keep/listen to ONE album for the rest of your life ..which album would it be?
Amy -- Interpol "Antics" Chris -- The Smiths "The Smiths"
You can only keep/listen to ONE album for the rest of your life ..which album would it be?
Amy -- Interpol "Antics" Chris -- The Smiths "The Smiths"
Are you living your dream?
Working on it
Thanx Chris!
Drakes Hotel are playing EIC's first curated show with A Sunny Day In Glasgow, I can't wait..!
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