The Untitled Interview #131 – STPP Fest Edition: Starring Milkmachine

DC has, for some time now, not really been in love with festivals. Folks have tried, sure, but there is a substantial void in the festival scene when it comes to the “indie” scene. Fuzzy Logic’s brother blog, Sweet Tea Pumpkin Pie, is valiantly trying to give the people what they want: a legit (and FREE!) festival. And with 120+ bands playing over 2 days, there’s a lot to look forward to. Did I mention the freeness? Cuz yeah. It’s one hundred percent FREE. The STPP Fest is June 4-5, with a pre-party June 3. Check the official site for all the pertinent details.

How to go about making the accordian sound badass is quite possibly one of life’s great mysteries. It’s a mystery DC’s own Milkmachine has figured out, as it so happens. Think of them as perhaps a more urbane version of Gogol Bordello and you’ll be on the right track. Milkmachine is at once bawdy, leering, explosive, sophisticated, and downright enjoyable. Read on for the band’s collective musings on the whole festival thing, and what tends to keep DC festivals grounded.

Fuzzy Logic: Why do you think it’s been so hard to get a festival going here in DC?
Milkmachine: The local music scene in DC does not have a unified identity. It's not the sort of thing most venues want to do. They want to get the bands in and out, sell a lot of drinks and be done. This means musicians don't have the opportunity to cross-pollinate or collaborate with each other... this lack of interaction corresponds to the lack of festival momentum.

FL: Band you're most looking forward to seeing at the festival?
M: We're not familiar with most of the bands... but probably Machine Gun Mustache. Just because we like their name.

FL: What was the first festival you ever attended, either as a musician or member of the general public?
M: Russ grew up in the DC area going to the HFStival and has many fond memories of seeing Primus, Cracker, Meat Puppets, Archers of Loaf, etc.

FL: What would you advise the out-of-towners to see/do while they’re in DC?
M: Gravely point when the wind is blowing northerly.

FL: Favorite thing about festivals?
M: Exposure to so many new and local sounds. Can't wait!

mp3: With The Lights On (Milkmachine from Bees On The Vine)