Our last poll was the most intense ever between City Rain and Slutever so we thought that both bands definitely deserved to share some of the honors. Below is our Q&A with City Rain’s Ben Runyan and Jarrett Z. Take a gander at what drives the duo to do what they do, or you can just catch them live tonight at Tritone and ask them yourself.
The Deli: How did the band start?
Ben Runyan: Between a rock and a hard place – went to Temple University, broke up with girlfriends, jobless and on the down and out, we thought starting a band might be a good idea.
TD: Where did the band name City Rain come from?
Jarrett Z: City Rain was originally a solo project by Ben that consisted of downtempo electronic and dancefloor oriented techno. City Rain was a random song title.
TD: What are your biggest musical influences?
BR: Talking Heads first and foremost. David Byrne is my personal jesus. After that, everything from Alphaville (Marian Gold!) to Joy Division.
JZ: Neil Young, Pink Floyd, classic rock and that funky ball from outer space!
TD: What artists (local, national and/or international) are you currently listening to?
BR: Gary Glitter, Drums of Death and Helios.
JZ: Flaming Lips, Phoenix, Bill Withers.
TD: What’s the first concert that you ever attended and first album that you ever bought?
BR: Some Mariachi band in my hometown. Curtis Mayfield – Superfly
JZ: Probably that same Mariachi band. Dr. Dre – The Chronic 2001
TD: What do you love about Philly?
BR: The Broad Street Line.
JZ: The Broad Street Line.
TD: What do you hate about Philly?
BR: The Broad Street Line.
JZ: The Broad Street Line.
TD: What are your plans for 2011?
BR: Put out a free ambient/space jam EP and play at some festivals during the summer.
TD: What was your most memorable live show?
BR: Jonsi from Sigur Ros at the Electric Factory was UNREAL.
JZ: Radiohead and The Roots.
TD: What’s your favorite thing to get at the deli?
BR: Meatballs.
JZ: Meatballs.
– The Deli Staff