Oakland, CA-based Rock & Soul band Idiot Grins release their fifth studio album this March. Titled Hounds of Mess Around, it’s an upbeat, energetic collection filled with pep and rhythm. Called the perfect road trip album, it’s a fully evolved sound from a well-established band with a big following in the Bay Area they call home. Comprised of John Hansen (lead vocals), Evan Eustis (bass, mandolin and vocals), Mike Conner (keyboard), Michael Melgoza (drums) and Randy Strauss (guitar), the group took a full year to complete the album and they say it’s been their best received work to date. Idiot Grins discussed their latest album, how they make it as a band and what sets them apart and sets them up for continued success.
First off. How did the band come together? And, how did you come up with the name Idiot Grins?
We’ve all been friends for years. We’ve known each other from playing in different bands in different combinations at various points over the years. Most recently, Evan and Michael were members of the Naked Barbies, one of the Bay Area’s most popular live acts for years. Randy, Michael and John were together in Fatty Lovebuckle, another East Bay live act. When those bands broke up, we got together.
The name Idiot Grins comes from a lyric John came up with for the song “Raspberry” off our first album titled Quarry. When we heard it, it was pretty much agreed that it would make an apt band name.
You released your fifth album almost a year ago. Five albums is quite an accomplishment. What sets this one apart from the others? And, what was the reaction?
The fifth album, Hounds of Mess Around was our best received to date. The single “Not Reggae” made it all the way to #3 on the digital Independent Chart. That may not mean much commercially, but it sounds good to us and we love repeating it every chance we get!
To be such a seasoned band that’s been around together for awhile, are there still some things that surprise you, or that you discover about one another?
We know each other pretty well by now. We all have our quirks and strengths (and weaknesses). Still, we constantly discover we have common ground in pop culture and musical references that we hadn’t explored before.
What’s the secret sauce for really melding together both musically and personally?
That’s easy. We’re all pretty good friends who have known each other for literally decades. We’re like an old married couple that puts up with each other forever.
What are you working on now?
The last album was released in March 2024. The first recording session for the next album was literally that month. We have 12 songs recorded and are just polishing up with overdubs. Mixing is next. It should be out in a couple of months.
What message do you hope to share with your listeners? What do you hope anyone listening to your music will take from it?
Don’t give up. Keep fighting. The world may seem like it’s turning to shit, but there’s always hope. Some of the new songs address this.
What makes for a great song or performance?
Art is all about making you feel something. Remember the feeling when you first discovered the Beatles?
Websites:
Splash Magazines
Be the first to comment