From the desert of California to the stage of Street Mode Festival: The 'fathers' of desert/ stoner rock, Yawning Man, in a unique interview to Summer Rain Radio #StreetModeON
They have been around since 1986. They were present at the birth of desert and stoner rock. Yawning Man could easily be considered as the "fathers" of these genres, as coming from the desert of California they have created sounds out of this world, side by side with other bands like the legendary Kyuss. From 2005, when their first album under the name Yawning Man was released, they have released five LPs and numerous EPs and slit discs.
Yawning Man have written their own history in the world of stoner rock, which started its awesome journey from the so-called "generator parties" they set up in the desert. That's where the people acquainted the real stoner rock, that's where Yawning Man began building on their myth. These days they cosisct of two original members, Gary Arce on the guitar and Mario Lalli on the bass, while a few months ago Greg Saenz was added to their company behind the drums.
Mario Lalli spoke with us, to a big interview, in which we discussed about those times, about Yawning Man's music from '86 till today and their latest album, The Revolt Against Tired Noises, the historical Catamaran, a song of theirs which became world known by Kyuss, and of course about their imminent visit to Greece, for the 10th Street Mode Festival -at this point he told us what he likes about Greece and which band of the greek stoner rock scene he's looking forward to watch perform.
You were there when desert and stoner rock was formed. You were one of the very first.What was that thing that attracted you to this music?
There was no such genre when we started out as a band... We all loved all kinds of diverse music styles, we just play what we hear our hearts, no categories for us. We don't relate to this title at all. Really it all sounds the same, we are attracted to music of true expression, not of fitting into genres and categories.
It's not only desert and stoner though, as your music is deeply influenced from every psychedelic genre, from folk and world music, even jazz or punk. So, could you just add a label to the music that you write?
Yawning Man's music.
Could you also say that the desert itself and that strange feeling that this place is timeless has influenced your music?
Yes, absulutely. We spent a lot of time playing and jamming, improvisations out in the mesas and desert valleys near our home. There days we're not so much about playing for crowds of people, but for us to explore our music and just the cathardic expressions in playing. The open space and environment of the raw beautiful desert landscape fed our musical inspiration.
Your music became widely popular at the same time with your famous "generator parties". How did this idea came up and what are your memories from that time?
The idea started with me and a friend from Los Angeles, Dave Travis. We lived in an area where it was very difficult to play, rehearsal was hard because lived in an appartment. We had a small generator that could power a couple of guitar amps, we went to the high desert and set up, me and Gary Alfredo Hernández... This ritual became a regular way.
Was there any 'bizarre' incidents happening that you'd like to share with us?
The one that stands out for us was a devestating bush fire that was intentionally set to scare the party goers. Cars were trapped and many acres burnt. Another was [when] the police showed up to shut down a party and came with police dogs. When the dogs were released down a hill above the party, they got caught in cholla cactus and you could hear them yelping and crying... there are many other crazy tales.
Though you have always been active and many songs have already been written or released as demos, it took almost 20 years to release your first studio album as Yawning Man. What were your thoughts, plans and aims during this time?
This is actually a misunderstanding with most people, as the band actually recorded seven albums but under the name The Sort of Quartet and at a certain point we have just decided to change the name just because we were bored. But the same members remained to the band for the next 15 years and we recorded many albums.
Your latest album was released just about a month ago and all the tracks have a great connection between them like they are one song. Did this came up from the beginning or did it happen during the proccess? Could you tell us a bit more about the creation of the album?
Our method of writing is mostly born of inspired improvisation, Gary may start with a melody or chord progression and then I counter that with a line that creates tension or a dramatic feel. So yes, the songs are all connected in a way.
In The Revolt Against Tired Noises you have also included a legendary song, written by you many years ago but being brought to the light by another band that is considered of the desert rock greats, Kyuss. I'm talking of course about Catamaran.
The song was really just one of our many tunes, one of the more catchy I guess. We felt so many people enjoyed it, that we should honor it with a proper recording.
At the end of August you are coming to Greece to perform at Street Mode Festival, one of the biggest in the country, which celebrates its 10-year anniversary with more than 100 acts. How does it feel being one of them?
It's honestly a true honor to be playing in Greece, we are so grateful for the opportunity and so excited, we love the culture, music and food of Greece. Can't wait!
The greek audience, especially over the last years, is very enthousiastic about stoner rock. Is there a message you'd like to send to them?
Keep you mind open to all the great sounds out there!
Many great local bands have also 'popped up'. Is there someone you know and someone you'd like to see performing at the festival from this scene?
We are new to the Greek music scene... I'm looking forward to hear some of the bands. We enjoy the band called Villagers of Ioannina City, the folkloric influences are great.
Lambros Loco Papaefthimiou
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Thank you, and may the force be with you.