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If don’t know who Local Natives are at this stage then you can forgive yourself. They only played their first gig nine months ago and have just one release, the excellent Sun Hands EP, under their belts. But from here on in ends forgiveness. It is time to wise up to this L.A. band. One of the highlights of SXSW this year, champions of Daytrotter’s recent Barnstorming tour across the States and close to a record deal over here. You will be hearing a lot more from this band. We spoke to Local Natives’ bassist and keen blogger Andy Hamm.

What is your favourite song to play live?

Hmmmm, I hate to give the middle of the line type of answer, but it does truthfully vary from show to show. It’s usually a safe bet to say I like playing the newest stuff best. I am my own worst critic so I enjoy moving forward on new material.

What is your first memory of playing live as Local Natives?

We jumped on an LA show with a band we are good friends with for their CD release show at this somewhat random venue in LA. I remember it was a great show and a lot of friends came out to see us that night, but the venue was also trying to pull a “double booked” night. This meant that one show that goes from 8pm-10pm(us) and another from 10pm-12pm. It was a small room and there was a line out the door for people to get in, but the owner informed us that they could only let in about half the room capacity because they needed the place cleared by 1015pm to make room for the second show. Not a fond memory and I don’t think we will be playing there again anytime soon, but a distinct one none the less for our first show as Local Natives.  I think that was about 9 months ago.

What is the best gig you’ve played?

There’s two that leek into my brain immediately during our short existence as a band. First would be during this past SXSW in Austin, TX. We played literally at 2am at this amazingly beautiful church in downtown. There might have been 20 people inside by that point, but there was something in the air with the natural reverb and atmosphere that felt just right. Second, would be just a few weeks ago when we had the opportunity to open for Of Montreal at Shepherds Bush Empire in London. We don’t get too nervous before shows and I think everyone was freaking out a little bit during that one. That feeling of playing in front of such a large crowd for us will stick with me for a while. It’s such a tall spiral room that it felt like I was being swallowed alive during the set.

Who was the last artist/band you shared a stage with that made you think – “damn this is good!”?

I would say Of Montreal…they had their act down to a perfect blend of creepy/insane/fun that works with the music and they also did a great cover of Bat For Lashes’ “Daniel” that night.

Do you have any strange rituals you go through when playing?

At this point I don’t. I’m sure with time I’ll start making up all these weird superstitions and soon enough you’ll see me washing my hands 13 times whistling the theme to Jurassic Park or something right before we go on stage.

What’s the best gig you’ve seen?

Ever? I think it really depends on where you are at in your life for what you expect to be a “best gig”. If you asked me when I was 15 I would of based that on completely different criteria, but more recently I was really blown away by Thom Yorke solo and St. Vincent.  What a difference teen angst can make.

Have you any had any bizarre heckles, things thrown at you or the like?

We played a hippie earth day festival and people started throwing pita bread like frisbees onto the stage. I don’t think it was out of anger, but more of a “we are out of hummus so now lets have some fun” type of thing.

You get to curate a festival stage. You’re playing on it and you get to pick five others, four living and one dead, who would they be?

Five other members or bands? I’m assuming bands and by “dead” I’m going to assume you mean broken up.

1. Radiohead

2. Talking Heads

3. Fugazi

4. ELO

5. Violent Femmes

Is there something on your iPod that would shock me?

There is probably plenty as its been around since I was in high school. How about some Faith No More?

What have you been listening to lately?

Really been digging Dirty Projectors, St. Vincent, Abe Vigoda and Wild Beasts to name a few.

In olden times people weren’t thought to be geniuses, they ‘had geniuses’, it was a spirit that attached itself to you, animal or otherwise. What would your genius be?

A hybrid of mixed parts sewn together w/the wings of an eagle, the tail of a whale, the shell of an armadillo and the head of Joan Rivers.

Local Natives hit the UK in September for the NME Radar tour including a show at Koko. Check their MySpace for details of other dates.

In the meantime check out this excellent version of Talking Heads’ ‘Warning Sign’ recorded from the rafters of a 120 year old barn in Iowa during Daytrotter’s recent Barnstorming tour. We think it’s pretty special.

live: NME Radar: Local Natives, Yes Giantess @ Koko, Oct 13th.

buy: Local Natives - Sun Hands 7″

mp3: Local Natives - Airplanes

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