Interview with Nyr Lif

Who: Nyr Lif
What: Indie / Ambient band in two upcoming concerts
Where: The Vinyl Perk , Pocatello, Idaho - map
When: Friday, July 17, 2009 at 7:00pm

I first started hearing about (and writing about) Nyr Lif more than two years ago, in January of '06. I wrote, "Nyr Lif’s music is a mix of indie rock and folk. There is acoustic layering of guitars, creative percussion, and great harmonies. Oh yeah, and they’re a group of good looking young men. That doesn’t hurt."

Formed six months before, Nyr Lif has played at venues all around Pocatello. They took first in ISU’s Guitar Unplugged Battle of the Bands. They are regulars at the local coffee shops, and then landed a coveted spot at ISU’s Halloween bash, Fright Night, playing in front of hundreds at Reed Gym.

I caught up with guitarist Casey Cathey about what's new with the band.


SLG: Describe your genre of music in as much detail as you like. Maybe list your three best crowd-pleasing songs?

CC: We are an indie acoustic folk/blues band. Our style is super hard to explain, since there isn’t much to compare it to. Kind of like Frosted Flakes.

Our three most crowd pleasing songs are "Capoed," (bluegrassy), "Yani," (harmonica blues), and "The Bicycle of Fate" (indie).

SLG: Band member first and last names / instruments. How long has this line-up been together?

Casey Cathey – Guitar Shawn Barkdull – Vocals, Guitar

CC: We have a bassist who will assist when our drummer comes back. But for now, we are a duo. We have been playing for over two years now.

SLG: Tell us where you're from and currently based in what town?

CC: We are from Pocatello, Idaho, but plan to expand in Seattle, Washington.

SLG: Past shows or venues you'd like to brag about? Past or future shows in the Pocatello area?

CC: We went to Salt Lake City and played a radio house show, which was great exposure, lots of fun, and lots of compliments. The Icon here in Poky was good for the publicity, but it was hard to work with those employed.

SLG: Describe this particular show. What can ppl expect?

For the Vinyl Perk show (July 17th), we will simply be our acoustic set, made for weary ears who want solitude. Our bassist will be opening for us at 7:00pm with his solo stuff, then Shawn and I will hit the stage at 7:30 or 7:45-ish. All ages, free of charge.

SLG: Any comments about the local live music scene, the music industry in general? What do you think is the best way to get your music out there?

CC: For us, all we ever hope for is to make a comfortable living doing something we think about every waking minute. Except when we’re hungry. Our best music pusher has been CD Baby and word of mouth.

SLG: Do you have any videos on YouTube?

CC: Yes, we have videos of our full band down to our solo stuff. Check it.


More Nyr Lif videos at www.youtube.com/transistorsendpm

SLG: Recordings? Will you have CD's or more for sale at the show?

CC: Hm… We try to print and bring CDs to our shows. Things get in the way sometimes. We may or may not have CD’s there. It’s good incentive to get people to come.

SLG: How can fans contact you? Myspace? or another website?

CC: Yes, we have a plethora of sites.

www.myspace.com/nyrlif
cdbaby.com/cd/nyrlif
www.thesixtyone.com/nyrlif
www.purevolume.com/nyrlif

Any one of those should do ‘er.