The Stranded Q & A : Sarah RabDAU and Self-Employed Assassins

I’m not sure Boston has a sound as distinct as, say Los Angeles in the 1980’s, but it certainly has enough of a national stereotype that you probably have an idea of what to expect in Boston by now. Sarah RabDAU and Self-Employed Assassins break any notion that there’s any cohesive relationship of sound in this city.

Call that a blanket statement if you want to, but let’s talk Sarah RabDAU for a moment.

Some may have heard the name Sarah Rabdau from her 2005 release, Benevolent Apollo. If you haven’t, the group has a new self-titled album to christen 2009 with, out January 20.

Sarah RabDAU and Self-Employed Assassins employ a fairly simple, mellow sonic backdrop that really allows her voice to shine through. The combination has the effect of creating a very lush atmosphere of sound, using sounds unique to the softer rock genre.

Don’t just take my word for it, check out their MySpace @ www.myspace.com/sarahrabdau and check out the weekly five.

Hailing from Boston makes us better than all those non-Boston bands because:

We have sarcasm and cynicism to make us stronger.

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:

Arcade Fire, Rufus Wainwright, and it probably doesn’t fit but my dream would be to open up for Tom Waits.
Your favorite Boston venue to perform in is:

It’s a toss up between TT’s and the Lizard. TT’s is great for the louder, more rockin’ shows, and the Lizard is awesome for intimacy and getting audiences involved.

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)

This is going to sound a little arty, but my parents were both artists and exposed me to a lot of this growing up. I think my musical style is somewhat influenced by my connection to mid-late 19th century- early 20th century art and music. During this time you had a lot of people that were starting to blur the lines, from impressionism to abstract expressionism. Work became more layered and filled with color, and people started to explore different ways of looking at obvious things.

Your favorite local bar to hit up when not doing the whole band deal is:

I’m not picky. Newtown Grille in Porter is a dive but it’s great because you can get a pitcher and a large cheese pizza for around $16. Other than that, wherever has good vodka at good prices.