Jamaican Queens may be a new band, but the band members are no strangers to the industry. Lead singer Ryan Spencer was in the band Prussia, and as soon as future partner Adam Pressley moved to Detroit in late 2011 to join, the group dissolved and the two figured they worked better as a pair. They spent that winter writing and recording Wormfood, which was mixed by High Bias Recording engineer, Christopher Lazlo Koltay (Akron/Family, Dirtbombs). The fusion of Spencer’s melodies and Pressley’s knowledge of underground music and production gave birth to their unique “odd pop” sound. Wormfood draws influences from southern hip hop, electronic, dub, downbeat, folk, and New York City as a whole. . The band is touring in support of their debut album Wormfood, out February 26!
We caught up with the band before their show at Ohmpark Music Fest, at The Earl & 529, this Saturday, January 12th!
What is the strangest thing a fan has done for you? or at your show?
Probably a combo of instagraming a pic of us, tweeting about us, or just tediously watching us.
What is the funniest moment you have had as an artist/band so far?
We lied to a bunch of people and told them that we met Bonnie Prince Billy when we were in KY and then a few hours later he walked into the coffee shop we were hangin at… random
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
I like to get slightly inebriated on at least one or two illegal substances. My personal fav’s in no exact order: XTC (although it’s rare to find at shows) , Pot, Alcohol, Xanax… Just in case anyone reading wants to help a brother out.
If you could describe your music in one word, what would it be?
Overambitious
How do you connect with a crowd?
I have trouble connecting with anyone. Maybe sympathy thru isolation.
How did you come up with your band name?
I don’t really know. We almost called it Community Crack Party.
What is the best way to write music?
while driving.
Jamaican Queens – Water (live) from Jamaican Queens on Vimeo.
wondering what these guys have been up to, havent hear much since that ‘500 miles’ song.