Interview with Blind Autumn

Who: Blind Autumn
What: Instrumental rock /jazz group
Where: The Vinyl Perk
When: Friday, November 20, 2009. Starts at 7:00 p.m.
How Much: Free! But bring some money for drinks / snacks

Blind Autumn is just getting started in the S.E. Idaho music scene. A group of high school seniors, these guys have plenty to which they can look forward. I caught up with Patrick Kennedy about the band, their music and their upcoming show at the Vinyl Perk.


SLG: Describe your genre of music in as much detail as you like. Maybe list your three best crowd-pleasing songs? Can you explain in what way do you most appeal to your fans?

PK: Our style is kind of a fusion of rock and jazz. We mix in some funk, reggae, blues, and other stuff. There's a lot of variety in our songs. Some of our songs could be considered straight-up rock while others are a lot jazzier. We have an alto sax player which makes us different than a typical rock band. Right now all of our songs are instrumental, but we hope to add in some vocals in the future.

People who know us pretty well like the song "Topsy Turvy." It starts out with a catchy melody on the sax, and the whole thing builds to a guitar/sax solo at the end. It was one of our first songs and kind of our "signature" song.

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

Isaac Frantz - alto sax, keyboard
John Hunt - guitar
Terran Engle - bass
Patrick Kennedy - drums

PK: We've been playing together for about a year and a half.

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

PK: We're all from Pocatello. We're all seniors at Poky high right now.

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

PK: This will be our second time playing at Vinyl Perk. We've played a few fundraisers and we played at the College Market last month. Basically we're just getting started and enjoying the gigs we're able to get.

SLG: Describe this particular show. What can people expect if they come to this show? All ages or 21+? Ticket prices or cover charge?

PK: It's happening on Friday, November 20 at Vinyl Perk on 150 S Main St. We're the only band playing, and we'll start around 7:00 pm. There is no cover charge, but of course Vinyl Perk will have some delicious beverages for sale.

We want anyone who's curious to come check us out. We play a wide variety of stuff and I think most people will find at least some of our songs good or interesting.

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?

PKL There are a lot of really cool local bands to see if you look for them. Pocatello has a pretty good music scene considering its size. Vinyl Perk is a great new addition for live music around here. It's got a great atmosphere and the bands are usually very good. More places like that would be good.

I don't think a person should have to be 21 to get a chance to enjoy live music.

For more on Blind Autumn, visit www.myspace.com/blindautumn