Kiev plays in Santa Barbara at Velvet Jones Aug. 15
Photo by: Murphy Karges
Kiev is an indie band that was founded in Orange, CA and consists of Alex Wright, Andrew Stavas, Brandon Corn, Derek Poulsen and Robert Brinkerhoff. This Southern California band will be playing at Velvet Jones in Santa Barbara on Aug. 15.
In 2010, their first self-released EP, “Ain’t No Scary Folks in On Around Here” was described as, “having your ear work on a good puzzle.” In 2011, Kiev was named as the “Best Indie Band” at the 2011 Orange County Music Awards.
The OC Concert Guide had the opportunity to chat with Kiev about their musical inspirations, accomplishments and upcoming tour with the Bad Suns.
OCCG: Why did you guys decide to call yourselves Kiev? Where did that name originate from and where did you guys meet?
Kiev: We found a short poem about traveling in winter written by a family member… There was a footnote about the Ukraine on the bottom. We like it. It wasn’t as topical of a city at the time.
OCCG: What has been your biggest accomplishment thus far and what has been your biggest challenge?
Kiev: We’re pretty damn grateful to have released a proper full-length album this past year. Having a super nice vinyl copy of a concept record you made with your amigos is a great thing. Biggest challenge has been writing a song under 4 min.
OCCG: Where does the inspiration for your music root from?
Kiev: “The 3 C’s” – The Cosmos, Camping, and Cuckoo nuts that made art before us.
OCCG: What do you want your listeners to gain out of your latest LP debut, Falling Bough Wisdom Teeth?
Kiev: We put a lot of love into make a cohesive album that can be appreciated as whole. Hope people can reconnect with the gratification of taking a minute to get deep into something.
OCCG: What are you most looking forward to on your West Coast Tour with Bad Suns?
Kiev: Like we always say “New towns no frowns.” Bad Suns are killing it right now – so we’re happy to be riding the wave together.
OCCG: How do you interpret being reviewed as, “Like having your ear work on a good puzzle?”
Kiev: We tend to make layered intricate tunes. A lot of folks say you can hear something different every listen.
OCCG: What are you most looking forward to your show at Velvet Jones on Aug. 15?
Kiev: It’s the last night of the tour so it’ll naturally be a super fun rowdy show. We’re playing with our new amigos Hunny who are also hombres with Bad Suns… It’s gonna be a great last hurrah.
OCCG: What’s next on your agenda in terms of your career?
Kiev: Do the dew – keep making tunes and spreading around as far as possible.