There are several exciting bands coming into town this weekend for the Pitchfork Music Festival. Bands like Neon Indian, Best Coast, Free Energy, Sleigh Bells, and others are exciting new acts that will be performing at Pitchfork. However, there are a few local bands that will get the opportunity to perform in front of a potentially new crowd. The Smith Westerns, Alla, and Cave (Alla and Cave perform at the same time) will be there, but I was happy to Netherfriends returning home are spending a few months on the road completing the first leg of his ambitious 50 Songs for 50 States. I recently asked Shaun Rosenblatt, the man behind Netherfriends about the tour and his thoughts on performing at Pitchfork.
The Deli (TD): You just wrapped up the first part of your 50 Songs for 50 States tour. Overall how do you think the tour went? Did it is accomplishing what you hoped it would?
Shaun Rosenblatt (SB): Well, it’s only 3 months in. I finished up the east coast and some of the mid-west. I have 21 states done. It is accomplishing exactly what I hope it would… Keeping my mind busy.
TD: Would you do something similar in the future? Do you feel bands need to tour like to this to make any kind of a living?
SR: I have a feeling after the year is up, I will be do the whole project again. Yes, OF COURSE!!! If they can, bands need to give up their apartments and hit the road forever.
TD: How are you feeling about playing Pitchfork Music Fest? How did they approach you?
SR: Very excited, but not expecting much. They emailed me and asked.
TD: What can fans expect to hear and see at your set on Saturday (1:00pm Balance Stage)?
SR: Some new, some old songs. See some new and some old band members.
TD: What’s coming up next for Netherfriends?
SR: Moving to Seattle for a month for the 50 songs 50 states West Coast tour and then Alaska tour in September.
Netherfriends plays Pitchfork Music Fest on Saturday at 1pm on the Balance Stage, and will also be performing later that night at The Inconvience at 9pm. In addition to that he will be also be playing at Double Door on July 18th and at Ball Hall (with The Zookeepers) on July 23rd. Netherfriends self-released a new album called Barry & Sherry on June 15th.