Minus the Bear, an electro-math-pop rock band from Seattle, shares their sound with their audience; literally. The band released the tracks for “My Time” from their latest album, Omni, to be remixed by fans. Last month, the band announced the winners for the remix competition. In an interview with Smile Poletly, Cory Murchy, bassist for the band, admits to liking the remix by Thomas M from the UK better than their own.
Smile Politely: How would you describe your sound?
Minus the Bear: Classic rock for the future.
SP: I was watching the video for “My Time” on the website and it reminded me of those great iPod commercials. You used a lot of striking colors and those dancing bodies on the white background. What made you decide on that approach for your video?
MtB: As far as the colors and “styling” of the video, it was more of a nod to the Dutch painter Piet Mondrian than an Apple commercial. We’ve always wanted to have choreographed dancers included in one of our videos and this seemed like the right song and time. The dancers really came in and kicked ass.
SP: I also saw that you have a remix contest for the song. How did that come about and how has the fan reaction been?
MtB: Putting the song into our fans’ hands and seeing their interpretations was really cool. There were a lot of stinkers, but the one that won was fucking banging!!! Thank you Mr. Thomas M. from Hertfordshire, UK! To be honest, it’s the only version I want to hear these days!
SP: Right now, you guys are touring for your new album. You spent October on the West Coast and in the South, November in Europe, and now you’re in the Midwest. How has it been on the road?
MtB: It’s been really good. Crowds have been fantastic and it’s been a good run so far. Don’t fuck it up “the Midwest”!
SP: Have you ever played the Canopy Club before?
MtB: Not sure. We have definitely played in Urbana before.
SP: You’ve been playing with Tim Kasher and New Idea Society for a few tour dates — how has that been? Are your fan bases similar or are you introducing people to new music?
MtB: I think it’s a similar fan base, yeah. Tim and company and New Idea Society are all such great dudes, so it’s really fun to be out with them. Hopefully people dig them too and pick up some merch from them as well. Don’t miss them!
Minus the Bear perform Saturday (12/11) at the Canopy Club with opening acts Tim Kasher and New Idea Society. Tickets are $17 in advance or $20 at the door, and the show begins at 8:30 p.m.