Hornet Online ExclusiveCall me Ishmael calls its own shots
February 7, 2003
Riding the release of their second self-written and produced album, Indy-rock band Call me Ishmael continues its whirlwind tour of Sacramento’s music scene.
Bryan (guitar/vocals), Nathan (bass/vocals), Robby (drums/vocals), and Andy (keyboard), all twenty-something guys who are known only by their first names while performing, came together as Call me Ishmael a year and a half ago.
The band members are all extremely dedicated to their craft. “We’re ready for anything,” says Bryan. “Basically, what we’re all about is writing music.”
The guys spend most of their time either writing, practicing or playing shows. Bryan attends Sacramento State and has been working on getting the band a gig with the school’s outdoor concert series that comes around later in the spring.
The band has approached each of its albums with a method that includes every member’s input. “Nothing is done until we all are done with it,” Nathan said.
The entire recording process occurs in their own living room, on their own equipment, with Robby overseeing the whole process. Robby attended recording school, so he’s no stranger to the ins and outs of producing records.
After the closing of Bojengels, many of the kids that follow the local music scene were and are unable to see most of the bands in town. “Bojengels made Sac’s music scene what it is today,” Bryan said.
Bass player Nathan admitted that, “it’s really hard to get [younger] people to come see you here [in Sacramento].” Bryan shares his bandmate’s concern about the lack of underage venues available in Sacramento. According to him, the Capitol Garage was the last place for the under 21 crowd to go.
Although the band is not currently on a label they say that the perks would be nice. They are part of a local group of bands that identify themselves with the “bedroom” label Americans are Coming. This puts Call me Ishmael in the ranks of groups like Frank Jordan and the Low Flying Owls.
Bryan would love to see more people attend the band’s performances in support of its efforts and Sacramento’s solid music scene. “I don’t think people actually realize what they have here,” he said.
Call me Ishmael will be headlining on Friday, Feb. 7 at Old Ironsides (21 and over). The show will open at 9 p.m. with performances by Arousal and Umbravox.Samples of the band’s music can be downloaded from the State Hornet’s Web site. Its albums can be purchased at the Beat, off of the Web from callmeishmael.net or in late February from Amazon.com.
