The Stranded Local Q&A: Aberdeen City

This week’s band spotlight is on Aberdeen City, a local four-piece described by the Boston Phoenix as creators of "...glimmering, agonized, anthemic indie pop." On the strength of their 2006 album The Freezing Atlantic, they have received a slew of awards, including the Phoenix’s 'Best Local Album' (2006), as well as Boston Music Awards for 'Best Local Album' and 'Best Local Rock Band of the Year' (2006).

Brad Parker, Chris McLaughlin, Ryan Heller, and Rob McCaffrey have been winning over audiences outside of Boston as well with a strong presence on the CMJ charts and appearances at the CMJ Music Marathon and SXSW. They recently teamed up with Grammy-winning producer Steve Lillywhite (U2, Morrissey, Talking Heads) to re-work the tracks on their debut LP, and are currently working on a new record.

Guitarist/keyboardist Ryan Heller took a few minutes to answer the same five questions Stranded In Stereo always asks:

Hailing from Boston makes us better than all those non-Boston bands because
None of us actually grew up here, but as an outsider I have noticed that people seem to be actually miserable here-- not like that fake Williamsburg miserable we've all gotten to used to hearing-- and that makes for some good rock music. But then again I like my rock music with more than a splash of authentic misery. See Elliott Smith.

Name at least three bands that are still around and touring that you’d love to be on a bill with, and think it fits well
I've learned from touring that it's hard to know who you fit with and who you don't- I guess that's why we have booking agents. Our most fun tours have been with bands whose audiences weren’t necessarily down with the sad sounds of abcity-- and it kinda makes sense. But fit aside, and in no particular order: The National, Death Cab and Bloc Party are band I like who seem like they'd be fun lovin' tourmates. Or I'd like to tour with the Electric Six like ten more times.

Your favorite Boston venue to perform in is
The Paradise.

Are there any genres that influence your music conceptually, rather than sonically? (In that you can’t hear from simply listening to the music, but from getting into the structure or mathematics of the song-writing, etc.)
Brad listens to lots of classical music. He likes the idea of interacting lines as an alternative to chords. Chris likes dance music. Come to think of it, I think I'm the only person in the band that might actually listen to us if I wasn't in the band.

Your favorite local bar to hit up when not doing the whole band deal is
Harvard Gardens on weekends. Boston, MA.


[Myspace] http://www.myspace.com/aberdeencity

Download: "God is Going to Get Sick of Me" [mp3]