Recently we caught up with Deer Tick bassist, Chris Ryan (Deer Tick is a rad alt-country band from Rhode Island). Ryan had the good grace to play along with the following series of disorderly questions because he’s awesome. Catch Deer Tick this Thursday at the Gothic Theater, tickets here.
Who do you hear Deer Tick compared to most frequently?
We wear our influences on our sleeves pretty shamelessly. Nirvana and the Replacements are two bands we’ve been vocal about our relationship with, so people often bring that up, but I don’t think we sound like either of them very much.
Who would you like (artist or band) to be associated with?
Queens of the Stone Age; Buena Vista Social Club; Alicia Keys; George Martin; and we’ve always wanted to be guests on Sesame Street.
What adjectives would you like Deer Tick to be associated with?
In Tents.
Your band is named after experiencing a deer tick found while hiking in Indiana, right? What was the back-up band name?
Dogs on Parade.
What’s one of the weirdest things you’ve experienced, on tour?
Our former tour manager, a sweet, southern beau once fell asleep in bumper-to-bumper traffic. He pushed the little old lady’s car in front of us into the little old lady’s car in front of that, before he woke up. All the drivers got out to exchange information, but this man was so charming the grandmas ended up thanking him for the experience and wishing him well. I think one of them even invited him over for dinner.
One of your happiest tour memories?
Driving overnight to Portland. Everyone was asleep in the back and I listened to Beethoven’s 6th while driving I-84 along the Columbia River. The world began within my headlights, then the sun slowly rose and infused the gorges and waterfalls with light as they were learning to glow of their own volition. The cellos came and the sun popped up behind the mountains and everything was the calm chaos of the universe in a moment.
Drink of choice?
With the combinations of five people, four seasons, and four humours, there’s much to consider. Some short list favorites are Tempranillo, margaritas, Singapore Sling, Manhattan, and the Moscow Mule.
Thoughts on marijuana legislation in Colorado?
Jealousy. Cell phones are more dangerous than THC. It’s silly and sinister for it to be illegal.
Any specific memories made in Colorado that you’d care to share?
Watching the sunset at the Monolith Festival to the music of the Mars Volta was probably one of the funniest things that’s ever happened to me.
I’ve seen your Twitter. You were raised by wolves, no? How has it been- acclimating to human society?
Human beings have an infinite capacity for complication. Being one of them, but having to let go of certain canine tendencies fills me each day with frustration and awe. Learning how to see the world in color can be incredibly overwhelming. Often I just want to turn around three times, lick my asshole for a while, and sleep the day off.
Tell me about your experience working with Daniel Johnston, on Space Ducks: Soundtrack.
We didn’t work with Daniel Johnston directly. We were asked to be a part of Space Ducks, we were given a trailer for the project, and we wrote a song. I still haven’t played the game because I don’t have an iPad, but I love the story.
Who do you wish were alive today, to jam with?
Billy Preston, Levon Helm, Frank Sinatra.
What can we expect from Deer Tick, in the coming year?
An easy summer and a jam-packed fall. Our next record comes out in September, so we’ll spend our time until then wrapping everything up.
What are you currently listening to?
“Amber” by 311, actually. This coffee shop has the funniest five CDs on random, including: Bob Marley’s Greatest Hits, Blood Sugar Sex Magik (Red Hot Chili Peppers), The Better Life (3 Doors Down), and Sublime.
Deertick is F***ing awesome!!!!