Chaotic, dense, complex, atmospheric, emotional and, most importantly, loud. Those are just some of the terms that have been used to describe Salome, the debut full length released earlier this year by Los Angeles three-piece Marriages.
The band, made up of guitarist/vocalist Emma Ruth Rundle, bassist/keyboardist Greg Burns (both formally of post-rock heavyweights Red Sparowes) and drummer Andrew Clinco, will attempt to blow the roof off Great Scott on Tuesday as part of their first ever headlining tour. They’ll be joined by Philly’s Creepoid as well as local act Sneeze.
We had a chance to speak with Rundle prior to the band’s set in New York last week about the pressures that come with being the “band in the spotlight” every night, as well the group’s song writing process and why the band could care less whether the audience pays attention or texts away on their phones all night.
Allston Pudding: You guys are on a pretty extensive headlining tour in support of this new record – how has it gone so far?
Emma Ruth Rundle: It’s been good. It’s been rigorous. We’ve been playing a show almost every day and traveling quite a bit. It’s been nice to be playing with Creepoid – we really like them as people and as a band.
AP: So your new record – it’s pretty complex and most of the songs push the five minute mark. What’s your approach to the live show? How much does keeping an audience’s attention factor into how you present the songs live?
ERR: I don’t really think about trying to keep anyone’s attention. People can come and pay attention, or they can come and pay and talk right in front of the stage and get their beers spilled on them, like what happened in Chicago.
I wouldn’t say we do a ton of branching out or improvising, but we do have some sections where we know that we’re maybe going to change the timing of it, and we’ll cue each other by looking. The songs are up for interpretation, so the lyrics might change a little bit here or there, so we’re not a band that tries to stick to the record exactly. I think a lot of our songs come out sounding a lot heavier in a live situation.
AP: So this is basically your first full scale headlining tour. How has it been different than the opening gigs you’ve done in the past?
ERR: It’s totally different. Being an opening band is kind of cozy. You’re sort of riding on the coattails of the band you’re opening for. It’s just a lot different to have the responsibility of “how many people showed up?” and needing to get there earlier to handle the logistics.
When I was in Red Sparowes we used to headline but we were a much bigger band when I joined, so things were a little cushier. This feels much different because we’re starting from the ground up and we’re not really sure what to expect. We’re putting in a lot more of the work from a logistics perspective. When you’re opening there’s a bigger band that has a tour manager and all you have to do is show up and do your best. When you’re the headliner, all the responsibilities and repercussions (and successes) fall on your shoulders.
AP: Being from LA and hitting the East Coast on this tour, are there any shows in particular that you’re excited for?
ERR: Well, we’re playing New York tonight, which a lot of people look forward to, but I kind of dread it because people put so much pressure on it. But I am looking forward to Boston and Austin – we’ve always had great shows in both of those places. People seem to really appreciate you and there’s always a great vibe.
AP: So you say you dread the New York thing. Why’s that?
ERR: Well it’s just me. I don’t know what it is, but every band I’ve been in it’s been like “oh it’s New York” or “oh it’s Chicago” and it’s like “these are the places we have to do our best” and I don’t know why that is. Maybe because those places are “influential” culturally, or because our booking agency is there. I don’t like feeling that extra pressure. I have a lot anxiety as it is, and adding to that is painful.
AP: Does that anxiety go away once you step on stage?
ERR: No….. no it doesn’t. I mean, over the years it has diminished. But I think everyone is different – I don’t think my band mates have that issue.
AP: So to finish things up, I just want to do a little “For or Against.” Taco Bell delivery now available in some cities – For or Against?
ERR: I’ll go for that. For every drunk lazy stoner, it’s safer for them to get delivery than to drive over there
AP: Converse changing Chuck Taylors after 98 years – For or Against?
ERR: Against. Unless it’s going to somehow save the environment. But if it’s just an aesthetic or fashion thing, I vote against it.
AP: Awesome. One more thing, any bands from your LA scene that you’re really exciting about right now?
ERR: Well I’m kind of reclusive and don’t pay as much attention to the local scene as my band mates do, but I have been really into Them Are Us Too lately- you definitely want to check them out.
Catch Marriages this Tuesday at Great Scott along with Creepoid and Sneeze. It’s $10 and starts at 9PM.