Looking at the line up, Mexican Slum Rats, Winona Forever, Israel's Arcade, and Lure Division. I've listened to a two of these artists, but when it came to Israel's Arcade, a friend of mine, Kiki put the song "Car Crash" on one of her story posts. A snippet of a song that had me by the throat, a snippet of a song that had me listening to their "Live Your Fantasy" Album. Israel Arcade scratched an itch of what I've been looking for at the time of listening and continue to do so.
Now, with their arrival to the Valley in a few days what better way to learn about them than to get a few words from the band! Here is an interview with Izzy from Israel's Arcade.
The members behind the band are:
Marcus Laughren: Bass Guitar
Christopher Ramont: Saxophone & Synthesizer
Joseph Hernandez: Lead guitar
Daniel Ramirez: Drums
Israel “Izzy” Pinedo: Vocals/Guitar
What's the story behind Israel's Arcade? How did the band start? Any fond memory you wish to share of your time together so far as Izzy shares by saying "The project started in 2018 when I (Israel) started putting out bedroom recordings on soundcloud. I then started piecing together a live band where we began to play almost exclusively back yard shows. We all met at our high school." There's something about a back yard show that just fucking hits. Isn't it interesting or incredible? How one day you go from a "backyard show" to playing at a venue? Not just a venue, but opening for a headliner or being a part of a traveling tour. Reminds me my friends who I'd see playing in garage/house shows to seeing them open for headliners or having their own tours! It's just so cool.
Where does the band name come from? How did it come together?
"The band name comes from the movie Waynes World. There's an arcade in that movie called 'Jenny’s Arcade.' I was watching it one day and it sparked the idea for our name." Calling myself out rn rn...I've never watched Wayne's World, BUT now I have a reason to look into it. Added to my watch list.
For those who may not know Israel's Arcade could you describe the band itself and the work you put out together as Izzy mentions "Our sound can vaguely be categorized as post-punk. However, the ethos of the band derives from my love of punk rock and the idea of keeping things raw, authentic and honest. We are gritty and often in your face but also have tunes like 'Wages of Fear' and 'she made eyes at me' that are more mellow love songs. Our sound is also the product of living in the desert our whole lives and constantly battling through 125 degree weather. We embrace being from the desert and draw inspiration from it." After listening to "Car Crash" I went on to listening to "12 Regrets" and I would that the intention is "raw." Especially Izzy's vocals throughout each track just delivers the message in combination of the sounds. Whether "gritty" or "mellow" Izzy and his band mates are setting the tone to their work as "raw, authentic, and honest."
In terms of sound I really dislike using general labels such as "alternative" or "indie rock" so here's my question to you. If you could create your OWN label, your own self described WORD(S) to describe your sound what would it be and why?
"I would say, post punk from the desert. The desert part is very important." With the mention of the "desert", it's kinda like how we in Valley deal with this scorching heat, the 1 week long winters, and songs dedicated to our home or "home." The different arts/mediums done to represent where we are, where we're from, and the culture/lifestyles.
With the album Live Your Fantasy, going through the album. There seems to be topics on breaking patterns/cycles, self betterment and the outlook on the past as better days are ahead of you being the future. Through these topics, do they come from personal experiences? As these experiences are conveyed through lyricism and the instrumentals. Is there a sentiment you wish to evoke from the listener as Izzy explains "going into write Live Your Fantasy, I was always conscious of how powerful music can be in terms of how it can make you feel or enhance a feeling for better or for worse. As a teenager I often tried to stay away from sad music or even angry music at times because I was already feeling that way so listening to that type of music would just make me sort of spiral. These days my emotions are more controlled but I still tried to be cautious of the listener that might still be in that state of mind. One of my biggest goals when going into write Live Your Fantasy was to write uplifting and optimistic lyrics that can hopefully empower the listener. Of course there is also some more grim themes but they were written as a way to move past them and move on to better days." Y'know that's the first time I read/hear someone say a comment being "cautious" of the listener. For example reading the lyrics to "Live Your Fantasy" as it says "be that low budget movie." A low budget movie can make it big and leave a mark. Choosing to take the step into the right direction. I like that a lot.
With the show On October 11th with Mexican Slum Rats, Winona Forever and Lure Division (the homies <3). Especially everyone coming to SOUTH TEXAS! With the line up and sounds from each band. What are your thoughts on it all? Anything in particular you're excited about? "Playing with Slum Rats and Winona Forever has been such a treat. Getting to see different styles of music and performances done really well every night has been extremely eye opening. There is no right way to do this, only finding your way and learning to improve it. We feel very lucky to be a part of this touring lineup. Im sure it’ll age really well. This will be our first time performing in Texas and its been a dream of ours for a very long time. Im also a new fan of Lure Division’s music and with having them a part of the bill there’s no doubt it’ll be a special one." This show is going to kick ass. IM WORKING OUT OF TOWN THIS WEEKEND! AHHHHH! Someone please spill a beer for me, send me photos and videos of the show!
Before Israel's Arcade were you still making music or did you have a different outlet for self-expression? If you were making music before are folks able to find some of your earlier work online as Izzy shares by saying "I originally began releasing music on soundcloud as 'israel' but then changed the account name to Israel’s Arcade once our demo of Wimp came out. You can still find my first releases ever on that soundcloud page. I can’t guarantee you’ll like them but they’re there." Man really said "can't guarantee you'll like them." I listened to "How Are You?" I turned my chair around to give this my full attention. I lost myself within the instrumental, it was so wonderful.
The first song I listened to was Car Crash due to a homie's Instagram Story. From there I went on to listen to the other singles/the Live Your Fantasy album. If you could recommend 1-2 songs to those reading to check out. Which ones would they be and why? "I would say Car Crash is a good introduction to us. Id also recommend Wages of Fear, she made eyes at me and La Tipica which includes some saxophone."
With a new song out named She Made Eyes At Me. What could you tell us about this track in particular? "She put most normal ghosts to shame...that's when her teeth started to show" is what caught my attention lyrically especially creating the image in my head. The energy she carries, the INTENTION she carries. This doesn't end well. "Its actually 'girls' not ghosts but its still the same idea. This track is simply about falling for someone who is so impressive and beautiful that you might neglect seeing any of the warning signs they might be showing." It's just a hmmmm haunting track with the imagery it builds up, its insane! Especially at certain parts of the instrumental that has me feeling like I should be looking over my shoulder, that her eyes are looming over me and that the air itself gets stiff. SHE'S MADE EYES AT ME!
Could we be expecting another release any time soon?
"We are soon to release a couple more singles before the year ends. One being probably our saddest song to date featuring some saxophone and no drums at all called 'Your Sorrow.' The other is our first collaboration with another artist. This artist is a friend of ours named Sinnerella and the track is titled 'Texas Goth.' Looking forward to the release of these tracks!"
Any final comments? A message you wish to put out for those coming out to the show? "Come with energy and prepare for us to interact with you. Especially with doing so many shows on this tour we’ve learned a few tricks to crack a stiff crowd. Lastly, thanks to anyone who listens to our tunes and supports us in any way. You truly are making our dreams come true."
And thanks to you guys for the questions. We appreciate the attention to detail.
Love, Izzy
Links
Thank you Damien for allowing me to use your photos
Check out their Instagram!
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