We had a chance to chat with Steve Philips of the Irish rock band the Elders. For more information or to pick up their latest album Gael Day click here
WR: How are the Elders disrupting the norm in a world of “mind numbing commercialism” ?
ELDERS:We strive to write songs that appeal to our sensibilities, rather than what our culture would have us believe will be accepted by the masses. Most songs can be performed with full band or a single acoustic guitar and voice. In addition to drums & guitars, we use instrumentation that is rarely heard on today’s pop music radio – i.e. fiddle, accordion, banjo, etc.
WR:Where did the band seek inspiration on your latest album Gael Day. Personally I like track 2 “only good news” can you touch upon the message of that tune?
ELDERS: Of the emails we receive, the majority refer to how our songs make people feel good. We are keenly aware of the need for music to uplift the spirit.“Only Good News” is a rabble-rousing party song with undertones of rebellion against corporate propaganda. This is a response to the seemingly endless stream of bad news and political controversy present the 24 hour news cycle.
WR:The last track is a tune written by legendary Steve Earle called Galway Girl. How did you decide to record the tune?
ELDERS:We’ve loved this song since we first heard it a decade or so ago. We got many requests to record it after people heard us play it live so we decided make our version available on CD.
WR:Tell us how it all began in 1998, and what is on the agenda for 2010?
ELDERS: We initially got together to have some fun playing music we all liked – it was something fun to do on the weekends. We’ve come to discover that what is most fun and satisfying is creating new music. We intend to work on a new CD in 2010 and continue to expand our presence in the US and abroad.
WR: Social media can be a major vessel for communicating both a brands and a bands message. How have you transitioned into the generation of web 2.0, and how do you plan on implementing social media in the future to connect with fans?
ELDERS: In addition to adding to our email list, we’ll continue making connections on facebook, myspace & twitter. We learn something new every day.
WR: The 17th of March: Is it a day for green beer and shenanigans or a day to embrace ones heritage?
ELDERS: We embrace our heritage every day and we like our beer the normal color.
WR: What gig stands out in the bands career?
ELDERS: Kansas City Irish Fest just for the incredible size of the audience (25,000 each day-give or take)
WR: OK-Your time has passed and you get to have a wee taste (drink) with any person in the history of time. Who is the lucky person, and what is the topic of conversation?
ELDERS: Thomas Jefferson – How many bottles of wine did it take to finish the Declaration of Independence?
WR: Tell us about the Kansas City Irish music scene and how it is different from other cities in the United States.
ELDERS: When we started a little more than 11 years ago, the Kansas City Irish music scene consisted of The Elders and a few duos & trios mostly playing the old traditional songs … still mostly the same today. Yet after only 5 years, the Kansas City Irish fest is one of the largest in the country.
Two examples of the difference in music scenes in other cities:
N. Wildwood, New Jersey- it’s about drinking and Irish rebel songs.
Grass Valley, CA– it’s about relationship and connection with musician and listener.
WR:Who is a better frontman Shane MacGowan or Bono? Best honest now..
ELDERS: Which is a better drink – Beer or Whiskey? A better fruit – apple or orange?
WR:The band has a classic Johnny Cash meets the traditional lad flavor of style. What is the inspiration behind the bands look? ELDERS: We just try not to look like dorks. We discovered everyone looks good in black.
WR: Congratulations!! You are now the head designer for Wild Rover Clothing. You have one shot to design the perfect tee, or at least come close to it..What’s it going to be?
ELDERS: “MIGHTY FINE CRAIC!”
