Filligar’s new album Hexagon has just been listed as ‘Best New Music’ by American Songwriter Magazine. This is the latest endorsement in a whirlwind year for the band. SPIN dubbed them “One of Music’s Next Big Things” after CMJ Music Festival, they were listed alongside Wilco, Delta Spirit, and Heartless Bastards as “One of America’s Top 8 Live Acts” (RSL Music) and in June, the US State Department handpicked the band to perform in the Middle East as representatives of the “Best of the US Arts Community.”
Filligar is playing at Smith’s Olde Bar this Sunday, August 4, in support of Hexagon– the band’s fifth and most impressive record yet. Though their sound has become more layered and complex over the years, it still has its roots in classic American Rock and Roll.
We caught up with Johnny Mathias of the band and asked him some of our fun 5GB questions. Check it out!
What’s the first gig you ever attended?
Q101’s Twisted Concert Series at the United Center in Chicago. Cypress Hill got arrested after the show. I thought all the smoke onstage was from the fog machine. I was wrong.
What is the best gig that you ever played/performed?
The first gig I played after I learned how to tune a guitar.
What is the best gig you have ever seen?
ZZ Top. There’s something about being in the nosebleed section while watching those guys play fur guitars with beards and sunglasses on. Kind of looked like gerbils from that far back. Good show.
Gig you would most like to play?
The gig Metallica played in front of a million Russians.
What would be the lineup for your dream gig?
I’m not sure about the dream gig. It changes. Cirque du Soleil would open up the set though.
Grab tickets to see Filligar play at Smith’s Olde Bar this Sunday, August 4th!
