Philly power trio Cannons’ mission is simple – to blow you away! So invite them over to rock out at your next birthday party, but just make sure to give them some cake. Guitarist Adam Riggar recently took time out of his phrenology studies to answer our get-to-know-ya questions. Below is what transpired.
The Deli: How did the band start?
Adam Riggar: We all met in 2005 when bands of ours started playing the same scene in West Philly. We dug each other’s music, became friends, and eventually began playing together. CANNONS formed as a four piece in 2009, and we re-organized into a trio this past November.
TD: Where did the band name Cannons come from?
AR: We wanted something simple to convey our sound – heavy, explosive and capable of sinking ships.*
*Non metal-clad.
TD: What are your biggest musical influences?
AR: Fugazi, KARP, Drive Like Jehu, Federation X, Hoover, The Jesus Lizard, Tanner… Email us – we’ll make a mix for you.
TD: What artists (local, national and/or international) are you currently listening to?
National: Wavves, Fatal Flying Guilloteens, Kanye West, Devo
International: Future of the Left, Take It Easy Hospital, Reykjavik!, Devil Eyes
TD: What’s the first concert that you ever attended and first album that you ever bought?
Ian Kiesel: First album was DJ Jazzy Jeff‘s Homebase. First concert was Jawbox at the Troc.
Adam Black: First album was Sonic Youth’s Experimental Jet Set, Trash and No Star. First concert was Radiohead at Hershey Park Stadium.
AR: First album was The Beach Boys’ Surfin’ USA. First concert was Metallica and Danzig at the Mann.
TD: What do you love about Philly?
AR: Good food, good beer, Fairmount Park, and fellow SEPTA riders telling you to "fuck off."
TD: What do you hate about Philly?
AR: The PPA, it’s dirty, the PPA, and fellow SEPTA riders telling you to "fuck off."
TD: What are your plans for 2011?
AR: Releasing a new EP in May (that we are currently recording). Touring in support of it over this spring and summer. Working on writing our next full length. Playing at your birthday party (our rider includes free cake).
TD: What was your most memorable live show?
AR: We once deputized a rowdy member of the crowd to be our hype man. He proceeded to shout out, "FLAAAAVA FLAAAAAAAV" after every song. In general, we enjoy well-meaning hecklers.
TD: What’s your favorite thing to get at the deli?
AR: A bag of kaiser rolls and a 6-pack.
– The Deli Staff