Interview by Shaun Christie
Los Angeles band Acidic may be a new name to you but they have been steadily building a fan base and releasing their unique blend of alternative rock since 2008. Despite their young age, this band has managed to release 3 albums since their formation, with the latest release ‘Chronic Satisfaction’ arriving on September 20th 2011.
Front man Michael Gossard explains how the band first formed “Around 2008 I decided there was no other alternative for me but to be in a band. So with that in mind I went out papering the whole of LA trying to explain the sound I wanted to create in the hopes like minded musicians would reply.” As Michael stated he papered the whole of Los Angeles yet received only one response. Luckily for him it turned out that person was Matt Whitaker who is now better known as the drummer for Acidic.
Michael then enlisted the help of childhood friend Ted Dubrawski, California surf loving bass player; to step in on bass duties. They were then rounded out by Michael Thompson on lead/rhythm guitar who the band “scoured for months before finding him on Craigslist.” With the band line-up now complete they could put their efforts into making music and touring.
Touring is a big part of what makes this band special. Michael Gossard states “We have been building our sound as we tour. Our influences range from rock, blues and punk but we give it our own twist. This band has played over a 1000 shows and has really helped contribute to our sound and to making us a better band, all whilst building a fan base.” Not surprisingly the band is currently on tour with another popular Los Angeles band Alien Ant Farm. “We are having a great time with Alien Ant Farm. We have never been on tour with such a nice and generous group of guys” says Michael.
Relentless touring in the states is one thing but going to Kosovo to play shows is an entirely different matter. “It’s a different world over there. Looking out the tour bus in US you can see great cities, but in Kosovo all the buildings were bombed out and it was very sad to see” said Michael G. Acidic were over in Kosovo and Germany performing for the troops. “It was a great experience and very inspiring to meet these people and hear their stories” says Michael.
The title for the new album ‘Chronic Satisfaction’ came from an off the cuff remark from drummer Matt Whitakers father. Michael says “I asked Matt’s dad how we would describe our bands sound and he said ‘chronically satisfying’ and I was like alright we’ll go with that.”
The band got to work with record producer John Ryan, who was worked with the likes of Lynrd Skynrd, Styx and Santana. Michael says of the experience working with John “It was amazing. He literally came in and took the thing and turned it on its head. It was just an immediate jump up. He bolstered us into activity and we recorded it differently. We recorded it entirely live, each of us in a booth playing together.”
Michael described the finished album as sounding like “The next logical step in the band. It’s a familiar sound but with a twist. Familiar yet nothing you have ever heard before.”
When asked about the bands future prospects Michael responds “We have already gotten the green light and will be recording album number 4. After that we will be continuing to tour all over.”
Acidic’s latest album will be out on September 20th. For more info and tour dates check out http://www.acidicband.com/
