This interview was conducted over a period of time through email so I can’t display or put a specific date on here. I would like say thank you to Joan Hiller for setting up the interview and Sam Axelrod of The Narrator for answering the questions. The Narrator are currently on tour and their album All that to the Wall is out in stores and online. Enjoy the interview and their music!
Can you please state your name and role in the band?
Sam Axelrod. I sing and play guitar, among other things…
If this interview was the first time I was reading about The Narrator,
what unknown fact about the band would you like to put in to grab the readers and my attention?
I can’t think of any good ones at this moment. Ask me tomorrow.
How do you guys feel about Chicago as settling for making music?
Pretty good. None of us have played in any other bands for as long in any
other places, so it’s hard to compare. I don’t think I could handle having a
band in New York. Too much other shit to worry about. Or maybe not- I don’t
know.
The Narrator lyrics are filled with beautiful stories. What process do you
use to figure out what is a lyric and song worthy event?
Thanks. It’s pretty natural. For me, I just start putting together lyrics
while we’re writing the music, and it somehow comes together. I’ve never
really thought about what would be song worthy or not. It just kind of
happens.
What would you guys say were some of your influences in music or in life?
Bob Dylan, cool girls, drinking, our friends and families, the Replacements,
hating jobs, Daniel King, early Modest Mouse, Pavement, Sonic Youth. Oh, and
the fans.
The Narrator parted ways with the drummer. How was it hooking up with the
drummers from Oxford Collapse, Russian Circles, Bound Stems, Sybris, Tight
Phantomz and Lying in States?
Only the drummers from Oxford Collapse and Russian Circles play on the
record. It was great. It worked out very well. Now we have a new drummer,
Kevin. We love him.
I like the record and it’s becoming one of my favorites for year, during
the recording process what song holds the most memories?
I’m really glad to hear that. That’s a tough question. You can probably get
the most thinking done during “All the Tired Horses,” but some people don’t
like that song!
For those people that haven’t listened to The Narrator or we’re doubting
you guys on the making of All that to the Wall, why should they give it a
listen?
Because you tell them to!
You guys covered Bob Dylan “All the Tired Horses”. Is there anything you
would like to cover that you haven’t yet?
Yeah, “Rhiannon” by Fleetwood Mac. “Status Quo” by The Trains. And “Stoney
End” by Laura Nyro.
Any bands/albums you can recommend to our readers?
The End of the World- “You’re Making it Come Alive”
Oxford Collapse- “Remember the Night Parties”
The Pathways- “Boat of Confidence”
Mannequin Men- “Fresh Rot”
Lync- “These Are Not Fall Colors”
In the song “Chocolate Windchimes”, it says “Rock and Roll dreams came
through”, does it hold true for The Narrator?
How do you mean? Have our rock and roll dreams come through? Some days
“yes,” most days “no.” That is an interesting question…
What can we expect from The Narrator in the future?
Who knows?! We are so unpredictable! Touring the eastern half of the country
in September and October. Japan in November. Then…………..
Does The Narrator have a message for the fans?
Don’t be a dick.
