The Untitled Interview #210: Starring James Barreto (Ancient River)

I've been a fan of Ancient River for a little while now, and can solidly testify that these two dudes make some of the finest, loudest, full throttle psych rock that you're likely to find.

The duo is currently touring up a storm to support latest long player Keeper of The Dawn, another excellent collection of their expansive, time warp noise. Their shape-shifting sound has undergone more manipulations, with this record feeling even more in the ether than I think I've ever heard them. 

Hopefully you DC folks caught the show last night, and Richmond, you can check the pair out this very evening. Don't miss it. Theirs is a live show you do not want to miss. James (otherwise known as J.) Barreto (guitar/vocals) so very kindly took some time to answer the following questions. Read on to see what Spiritualized,  Mercury Rev, and Neil Young have to do with it. 

Fuzzy Logic: How the hell are you?
James Barreto: I'm great, just on the road right now for our new album Keeper of the Dawn.

FL: What was the last song you listened to?
JB: Heard "Don't Be Cruel" by Elvis at a truck stop.

FL: Playing music is:
JB: A chance to escape to another world.

FL: What album most made you realize you wanted to make music?
JB: Spiritualized - Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space.

FL: Beatles or Stones?
JB: Ha! The Beach Boys.

FL: Top 5 albums (of now, of this week, of ever):
JB: 5) Obscured by Clouds 4) Meddle 3) Wish You Were Here 2) Dark Side of The Moon 1) Piper at The Gates of Dawn

FL: Favorite music-related movie?
JB: Live at Pompeii.

FL: Half-full or half-empty?
JB: Hall-full.

FL: Which of your peers do you think is making the best music these days?
JB: Peers? I don't consider us to be a part of any class or scene... but we are big fans of Dead Meadow and Flavor Crystals.

FL: What's the first thing you think when you wake up in the morning?
JB: My wife and my family.

FL: Little-known Ancient River fact?
JB: The band name comes from the Neil Young song "Thrasher."

FL: The greatest record store in the world is:
JB: Hear again records in Gainesville, Florida.

FL: Your boots were made for:
JB: Stomping on effect pedals.

FL: Shaken or stirred?
JB: Shaken.

FL: Favorite venue (either to play or to visit)?
JB: Well it was the Bottletree in Birmingham, Alabama. Amazing venue and sound. They recently closed, so we need to find a new one.

FL: Best piece of advice you've ever been given?
JB: Use your mind, your body will only perform well for so long.

FL: If you weren't in a band you'd be?
JB: A track and field coach or a psychologist.

FL: If you were so inclined, whom would you form a tribute band in honor of?
JB: Mercury Rev.

FL: Best song ever written?
JB: The Delfonics "La La La Means I love You."







[posted 6.4.15]