Q&A: King Sparrow

In a big city filled with hordes of indie bands, it's not unusual to feel accosted with boring music that sounds like it was created after reading some sort of "Indie Rock for Dummies" book. King Sparrow want to play you something different.

The local three-piece recently completed their forthcoming debut EP, "Derailer," a 5-song record of driving rock that's consistently hard-hitting yet strangely inviting. Crunchy guitar and persistent bass and drums make the melodic vocals of Eric Georgevich strike you right away. Think a mixture of punk and garage with a singer that could easily be singing power pop.

You can check out the band live at Double Door on Saturday, November 15, but for now, read what they have to say about themselves:

How do you describe your music?

We play a driving brand of rock music that can sometimes sound complex, but is really created from very simple parts. When we write the music for our songs we try to be as precise and deliberate as possible, often cutting out anything that can be mistaken as unnecessary flash, but usually leaving in some constructive dissidence. After that we throw some melodic vocal lines on top of it and let her rip. As far as our content is concerned, the subject matter of most of our music is pretty much about chaos. Since the music is tight and exact, but a little bit atonal, and the vocals are melodic, we end up with a strange relationship between form and content. There is definitely some serious tension bubbling underneath the surface.

Where'd you get the name "King Sparrow"?

After a couple of months of passionate, alcohol-fueled debate, we decided that no matter how important someone is within their circle, in the grand scheme of things, it really does not matter all that much. Sure, your friends may look up to you a little, or you may be well respected in your neighborhood, but ultimately you are destined to be deeply effected by events that are entirely out of your control. It feels good to be the King of the Sparrows until some crow comes by and puts you in your place.

Who or what are your biggest influences?

We are influenced by a very broad spectrum of sounds. In fact, the spectrum is so broad naming individual bands would not really be the best way to describe our influences. Let's just say that all the band members have an unnatural obsession with music, drinking and chess. We are pretty tight with one another, so I guess our biggest influence is really each other.

When and how did King Sparrow start making music?

Interestingly enough, we all went to the same high school together and after years of being in other bands, going off to college, the navy, etc., it was funny to see things come full-circle when Sean (bass) and Eric (guitar & vocals) met each other quite randomly at a soccer bar one night and got rip roaring drunk. Soon after, John (drums) was drafted to complete the lineup.

You've just completed a new EP called "Derailer." What was the inspiration for it, and why should people listen?

The inspiration for the EP was our shared experience of growing up in the city. Living in a place like Chicago can sometimes lend itself to a certain kind of pent up aggression and paranoia. In addition, these songs are also the first songs we have ever written together, so we also thought that it was important for us to document this stage in our musical careers.

What has been your most memorable experience as a band to date?

It would probably have to be while we were recording the EP at Bside Audio. Aside from the fact that we were so stoked to record professionally, Eric had to record the vocals while having a severe sore throat and a 103 degree fever. Nothing like gargling whiskey to help keep your voice in tact.

How has living and playing in Chicago influenced or shaped your sound?

Our music is undoubtedly influenced by the fact that there is such a wide variety of music to see and listen to in a big city like this. We were lucky enough to grow up here and take it all in from a pretty early age. Also, when you live in the middle of a town like Chicago, you get to meet and interact with many different people. All of the good and bad things about living in this country are constantly slapping you in the face. It gives you a very healthy sense of perspective.

What is your favorite place to play in Chicago, or the place you most want to play?

We haven't played the Metro yet, but it would be great to get on the stage there and play our set. We have seen way too many shows there for it to not a have a special significance for us.

What should people expect from King Sparrow in the future?

We are going to try and play out as much as we can in the next year. We are also writing new songs and should also be releasing a full length sometime in 2009.

What's the one thing you most want people to know about the band and its music?

We are really busy dudes with full-time jobs so we play music not only because we want to, but because we need to. Seriously. It is the only thing that keeps us from pinging out. Also, if you offer us scotch whiskey, we will never, ever turn it down.

How can people check out King Sparrow?

People can check us out on MySpace at: www.myspace.com/kingsparrowmusic or email us at kingsparrow3@gmail.com