In advance of their Golden Rules for Golden People release show at Great Scott on May 1, I was able to use the magical wonders of the Internet to ask the guys from Pretty & Nice a few questions. Through my coffee-and-chicken wing-induced zombie existence, they told me about tour cleanliness, sunbasking, having citizenship in Dayton, and Selena Gomez Mistaken Identity (new band name anyone?)
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Where did the band name come from? Is it kind of meant to mess with people/throw them off before you get in their faces with your sound?
Jeremy: It comes from an Ancient Sumerian text Holden read as a child – ‘Bo Ray Me La’ which directly translated means, ‘Fancy Art Fop.’ But ‘Fancy Art Fop’ was already a band from Tallahassee, so we went with ‘Fancy & Nice.’
Roger: But then “Fancy & Nice” was taken by a twee band from the future, so we had to change it to “Pretty & Nice.” Overall, it’s okay, the only problem is all of the related Selena Gomez videos on Youtube.
Who/what have been your biggest influences in the sound of the band?
J: Le Beatles (obvi), Serge Gainsbourg, Failure, Boards of Canada, Brainiac, Broadcast, Cap’n Beefheart, Happy Hamsters sing Michael Jackson…
Holden: We listened to a ton of Donovan and Abba while we were working on this particular record… There are actually a few songs that have sections I actually refer to as “the Phil Collins drum part” or “the Jeff Lynne guitar thing”.
How has being from Boston influenced you musically? I’m relatively new to the Boston scene, but I saw you guys perform 2 years ago with Miniature Tigers and Freelance Whales at the Mid. East and it was a really diverse billing.
J: Well, Holden and I are from VT, but I remember being psyched about Night Rally, Clickers, Codetta… but that was pretty much the extent of my Boston scene knowledge. Then when I met Holden he’d done a year or two at B.U. so I got a bit more of a mainline to the Boston music scene. I love Boston a Lot, but I think the main way that Boston has influenced us is through the flora, the relaxed culture, the small-town feel – it’s the only American city in these parts that has a perfect mix of nature and man-made, you know? I’m still a VT kid. I needs my trees.
R: Boston’s great. I’ve lived in the area most of my life, but I never get bored or tired of it. I grew up coming to shows at venues like Avalon and Axis and when I got to college, I had the chance to be shoulder-to-shoulder at venues like the Middle East and Paradise with members of bands that I’d loved in high school. The Boston music scene is so diverse and there’s so much going on at any given moment that if you want to find something fun to do, chances are pretty high you’ll find it.
Outside of Boston/the Northeast, what’s your favorite city to play in/do you have any favorite clubs/venues in Boston?
J: I love Dayton – we’re like pilgrimers to Dayton.
H: I love playing in St Petersburg, FL. There’s a vibrant scene down there of awesome kids and musicians. I also love getting to visit a beach the morning after a show. In Boston, I’ve enjoyed playing the Middle East Downstairs a lot. I saw some of my favorite shows there growing up, so it’s still a bit surreal to be on that stage and see people there to see Pretty & Nice.
R: I have to second the love for Dayton, we go there so much that we’re in the “local music” section at Omega Music. My favorite venue would have to be Great Scott, it’s the perfect size for a rock show.
Any favorite places to eat on the road/in Boston?
J: Brookline Lunch in Central for sure, Twin Donuts daily. I also love the Penny Cluse in Burlington VT. Holla!
H: We always eat at Blind Bob’s in Dayton, OH. They have the best fried pickles! At home, Brookline Lunch is the best breakfast in town. I’ve been digging the tacos at Lone Star recently, they’re delicious!
R: I really dig Lone Star, Zaftig’s, and Piece O’ Pie for local eateries and definitely have to give Blind Bob’s fried pickles some real life love.
This is a question from one of my friends…as you can tell, some of these are weird, but what the hell: how often do y’all shower when you’re on tour?
J: Daily, generally. Perfume, lace… we stay classy.
H: Yeah, pretty much every day. Once in a while we miss a day, but it’s not often. Sometimes I shower twice a day! I like getting into bed (or sleeping bag) so fresh, so clean.
R: We never sleep in the van, so if there’s a shower available, we’re going to take advantage of that situation!
What’s one thing you can’t leave without when you go on the road?
J: Tech case.
H: Roger.
R: Roger.
Do you guys have any weird band rituals before you record/perform?
J: We stretch. Like Yogis.
H: Stretching is good! We also don’t drink much anymore; especially before playing. Generally our touring habits tend toward good health when possible.
This new album, Golden Rules for Golden People, is really poppy and diverse, and throws a lot of experimental-sounds my way. What influence the writing of this record?
H: Literally, the Sun. We spent a lot of time basking and it inspired metaphors, moods, and a general sense of well-being that I pray permeates the music on Golden Rules. Coincidentally, I say this as “Here comes the sun” plays on the radio.
What was different about the writing/recording of this album from your last release, Us You All We?
H: UYAW was a much quicker thing! As far as production goes, there’s not a vast difference. I think the new album reflects a bit more meditation and soul-searching, going a bit deeper than UYAW.
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Pretty & Nice will be playing their release show for their latest record at Great Scott in Allston on Wednesday, May 1st (TONIGHT). 18+, show starts at 9. Their new record, Golden Rules for Golden People, is out right now. Go get it, you won’t regret it. Later, gators.