Review Fix Exclusive: Kidd Bayou Talks ‘Gold’ And More

Review Fix chats with Oregon native Luke Hall and Chicagoan Joey Colando of Kidd Bayou, who discuss their origin as a band, as well as their new single, “Gold.”

About Kid Bayou:

Their mutual influences, which include Death Cab For Cutie, The Shins, Wilco, and Elliott Smith, allowed the two to discover a cohesive vibe that spoke to both of them. Separately, they come from highly musical backgrounds; Hall spent years producing music for bands in the Oregon indie scene while focusing on his solo project Last Home. Previous to that, he was in Los Angeles-based band Dayplayer, while Colando focused mostly on honing his songwriting abilities and playing in his LA based folk band Meekos & Me. But it was their thirst for experimentation and undeniably chemistry that became the driving force behind the music they created.

Review Fix: How did the band get together?

Joey: We met each other in LA, years ago. I was living with one of Luke’s bandmates. I think we may have met at a party at my place? At the time we were both in our own bands, but we hung out a lot and became super good friends. It wasn’t until much later that we started playing together. The first time we jammed, it was in a closet-sized practice space in LA that Luke was renting. It was big enough for a drum set, a guitar amp, and a tiny desk. He was on drums and I was playing the guitar.

I always loved Luke’s music, especially his solo stuff, Last Home. We have the same influences and dig the same music. So, when we did start playing together it just felt natural. We both ended up moving up to Portland and started recording under Kidd Bayou.

Luke: It was love at first sight when I met Joey! Everything felt natural from the start. It only made sense for us to collaborate, and once we started we realized we had to keep it up.

Review Fix: How did you guys both get involved in music?

Joey: My dad played guitar. Also, I’ve always been surrounded by music. Growing up with a musician father you get introduced to really good music at a young age. I’m super proud to say my first CD was Abbey Road. Granted I did pick up some shameful albums on my musical journey.

Luke: My mother got my sister and I involved in music at an early age, as per her “one instrument and one sport at all times”  policy during our childhood. She also sang opera and my father is a music fanatic, so it was ever-present. I think it’s cool that Joey’s first CD was Abbey Road…mine was a twofer of Barenaked Ladies’ Stunt and Rammstein’s Sehnsucht.

Review Fix: What are your influences?

Joey: Elliott Smith, I would say, is probably my biggest influence. James Mercer and Ben Gibbard, lyrical styles, are pretty present in my writing.

Luke: Elliott Smith, for sure! I find comfort in not only his musical genius but his vulnerability and how he wore his troubles on his sleeve. Also, Matthew Caws from Nada Surf is my spirit guide.

Review Fix: What makes “Gold” special?

Joey: Gold was an exercise in writing a story that didn’t place me as a character. Initially, I wanted to write an album that was all based on historical events. Gold was the first and only song that came out if it. It’s about the Gold rush… if you couldn’t gather that.

Review Fix: What makes your brand of music special?

Joey: It’s certainly special to me. But, I am not going to assume it’s special to anyone else. I just hope people like it.

Luke: I’m proud that we created something that represents both of our tastes and inspirations. I don’t think we’re presenting new ideas, musically, but I think we rearranged things in a way that makes it special and impactful to us.

Review Fix: Why do you think people should enjoy it?

Joey: It’s non-intrusive. It doesn’t offend your ears. I think it’s an album that can be enjoyed without really listening to it. But, it can also be enjoyed and appreciated when you listen intently. You can get something out of it both ways.

Luke: It’s pleasant!

Review Fix: How do you want your music to affect people?

Joey: In any way at all. Any kind of emotion is better than indifference, I guess.

Review Fix: What are your goals for 2018?

Joey: I want to play this album live.

Luke: Live to see next year.

Review Fix: What’s next?

Joey: Luke is getting married and I am his minister. Hopefully, we can make an album about that.

Luke: Dude that’s a great idea! There’s a lot of material there.

Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add?

Joey: Check out the album on Spotify or Apple or whatever streaming service you have.