Who/what inspires your music?

My main influences for Answering machines are beat happening, the ramones, 60s/early 80s garage rock and just anything else that’s makes me believe what they are saying in their music. I’m drawn to music with some sort of music limitation. (punk rock/ minimalism)

 

How did you come up with the name?

 I came up with answering machines by making long lists of band/stage names. Answering machines kept coming into my head because of my obsession with little musical do-dads like vintage Casio keyboards and janky old thrifted tape players/recorders.

 

How would you describe your sound? 

 I’d describe my sound as rock music. I try and just emulate what rock music really means to me. Whether it’s super cheesy power stance, fists up, punk Choruses or just keeping the attitude of real human feeling. When writing, performing, recording I need to have a deep connection to what I’m saying for the music to matter to me. But most of the time that idea isn’t really illustrated. I just try to keep that feeling throughout.

I sorta stole this attitude from Jonathan Richman who is so connected to his art, that he will not perform music from that past if he doesn't feel like the same person that he was back when it was written.

 

If you had no choice but to become a cover artist, who would you cover? 

If I could only do covers I’d do old garage rock songs like 96 tears, Louie Louie, The Sonics, etc. Those songs are so simple and perfectly malleable. It would be very fun.

 

What is the hardest part about being a musician?  

Making music is a lot of work but I don't really put much pressure on it and I try to not to rush it so much. Making music is fun though I like it. But it takes lots of work.

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If your grandmother wrote a review on your music, what would it most likely say?

I think my grandma might enjoy it. I think she likes my drawings so she’ll probably enjoy some of my songs.

 

What is the craziest/coolest thing you’ve experienced as a musician?  

 I haven’t experienced anything super punk rock yet, but I just played a show in tyler in Girlo and it was really awesome. It was probably the most fulfilling shows I’ve ever played because the crowd was so energetic. I love the green room the guy who runs it is so sweet.

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