Ghostland Observatory Wants to Hit You Like a Storm

by Carlin Stultz

Last April I went to a Black Angels show, at the Ritz upstairs, on Austin’s (in)famous 6th St. I was pals with the band, so was floating around seeing friends and helping watch the Angels merch booth. I had no idea what the band they were opening for, Ghostland Observatory, looked like, yet alone sounded like. I was pleasantly surprised by meeting a couple cool guys, who then went onstage and put on a stellar show. The crowd was mixed with indie kids, folks into the “experimental scene”, and even some jocks. It didn’t seem to matter what side of the tracks you were from, once the music started, you had to move. Since that show, I’ve had the privilege to see them a few more times at sold out shows at Ritz downstairs & Emo’s. They graced Dallas earlier this year with Mazinga Phaser II and will be stopping through Denton, at Rubber Gloves, on their way back from an NYC tour.

This is a brief intro from their myspace site: “Ghostland Observatory is not a band, but an agreement between two friends to create something that not only heals their beat-driven hearts, but pleases their rock ‘n roll souls. Taking the working man’s approach, Ghostland Observatory spend countless hours in their south Austin studio. They have released two albums in less than a year, and have moved audiences from coast to coast with their live performances and unique style. Ghostland Observatory is the duo of front man Aaron Behrens and producer/drummer Thomas Turner.”

In anticipation of their tour, I had a chance to ask the guys, Aaron and Thomas, some questions.

CS: How did you get your start together?

Aaron: Luck of the draw. We met through another band "Waking Helix." That project broke up, but Thomas and I stuck together.

CS: What's your recording/songwriting process?

Thomas: As far as the writing goes, we both have our jobs. I do the beats, synths, keys, and on this last album, vocoder. Aaron sings and plays guitar. We both know what we have to do, and on what level we should be at. So, we push each other. If I'm cutting a track, I know it's got to be bangin' to get Aaron into it vocally. Same with Aaron. If he comes at me with a song he's been working on, it's got to move me so I can get into it. Sometimes it's not a pretty process (due to the fact that we demand so much from each other) but it's necessary for growth.

The recording process is another beast. When I'm producing an album I get obsessed. I know how I want the final product to sound, and I can't rest until the album gets there. There is a lot of tension involved and I'm not that fun to be around, but I've been very lucky to work with Aaron and my engineer (Mark Dufour). I normally say "you guys may hate me for a couple of weeks, but wait 'till you hear the final result." somehow it works out.

CS: Who are your musical and non-musical influences?

Aaron: My musical influences are Freddie Mercury and James Brown. Non-musical, Geronimo

CS: What are you listening to now? Any friend's bands or Austin bands you'd like to plug?

Thomas: I've been listening to Brian Eno, Pink Floyd (Animals), and a couple of Kompact Records compilations. It changes you know. There is a station in town that has been playing some old school favorites that I've been diggin'. "Baby we can do it, take the time, do it right, we can do it baby"

Aaron has been freaking out to "Lions" a local Austin band. We're both excited to play with the Angels, and P.F.A. we haven't played with those guys for a while.

CS: What kind of reactions do you get to your music?

Aaron: An allergic reaction!

CS: What's your outlook on the record industry & such issues as downloading music?

Thomas: The record industry as well as main-stream radio have worked themselves into a bit of a bind. People are sick of these so called "new rock alternative stations" that play 15 year old grunge goldies day after day, year after year. There is nothing new about it. I think that big record companies are just as slow. They have to wait for something to be "acceptable" Cuh..cuh..i mean profitable before they get behind it. Experimentation in mainstream radio, and major record releases has been lost. That’s why kids with open ears are going elsewhere.

CS: What are the biggest obstacles facing bands & Ghostland in particular?

Aaron: Communication! Realizing you are in a relationship.

CS: What's your favorite city/club to play? Where do you want to play?

Thomas: I love playing in Austin. It really feels like they are pulling for us here. I would love to get overseas and play. I have a feeling Europe would really embrace our music.

CS: How would you describe your show, visual & musically?

Aaron: Like being locked in a storm cellar.

CS: How do you juggle family life & being on the road?

Thomas: We both have families and we miss them on the road, but they are very supportive, so that makes it much easier. I think we view the road as if we are going to battle. We set out like barbarians and try to conquer!

Give Ghostland a chance to conquer you! Come see them at Rubber Gloves on May 19th with The Black Angels and Prayer for Animals opening.

Carlin Stultz is a local booking agent/promoter with Callithump Productions.