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FILE-O-FACTS: MATTY O'BRIEN OF MEMPHIS CRAWL
"Tomorrow I Will: Write a song"
August 31, 2011



Name: Matty o'Brien
Star Sign: Leo
Place of Birth: New York
Now Based At: New York
Level of Education: Rhodes Scholar

First Instrument Played: Voice
Current Instrument: Voice
Last Venue Played: Great South Bay Music Festival
Last Gig Attended: Chris Robinson Brotherhood
Can't Go On Tour Without: Money
The Best Thing About Live Music Is: : The push and pull with the audience.

The Person I Would Most Want To Collaborate With Is: Neil Young
Worst Thing To Happen To Music Is: Auto-Tune
Best Thing About The Current Music Industry: That’s a tough one
Turn On: Rock n Roll
Turn Off: Open mouth chewing-cheapness



Biggest Influence: My mother
My Favourite Person On TV Right Now Is: n/a
Childhood Hero: Hendrix
When I Was Younger I Wanted To Be: A rock n roll singer

Last Album Bought: Grateful Dead - American Beauty
Last Song Listened To On MP3 Player: Five Years by David Bowie
The Music I'm Into Is: Rock n Roll and Raga
Favourite Current Band: That’s a no brainer

My Favourite Drink Has To Be: Coca-Cola
My Favourite Book Is: On the road
My Favourite Website Is: Craigslist
My Favourite Item Of Clothing Is: My leather jacket
My Favourite Shop Is: Thrift shop

The Best Boredom Buster Is: Writing lyrics
The Best Film I Ever Saw Was: Cool hand Luke
My Ultimate Snack Is: French fries
The Worst Food Invented Is: Pizza
The First Thing I Do When I Wake Up Is:Laugh

I Can't Leave The House Without: Aspirin
I'm Well Known For: Ranking on people around me and my gigantic voice
My Hobbies Are: Motorcycles, cars, Rock n Roll, travel, provoking thought
I Have A Passion For: Nature

First Band Name: Mourning Would
Tomorrow I Will: Write a song
My Biggest Aspiration: Spread Memphis crawl's music across the world
I Think AltSounds is: Beautiful
- WWW.ALTSOUNDS.COM

Interview with Band Memphis Crawl!
Sally Rosen - OFC Contributor


Memphis Crawl
September 25, 2011. OFC recently did a Q&A with Matty O'Brien, front man for rock n roll's best kept secret - Memphis Crawl! Based out of NYC, these fellas are bringing southern rock n roll up north where it definitely stands out and breathes like a breath of fresh air. Memphis just released their debut EP FALLING DOWN AGAINST THE SUN this year and their fan-favorite track, "Wildflower Annie", has been garnering them all sorts of success!

Formed in the summer of 2004 by songwriter and singer, Matty O’Brien, Memphis Crawl has been regarded as one of the best and most exciting live acts around. O’Brien himself has been described as “one of the most charismatic rock n roll front men of all time, with the voice and looks to back it up”. He amplified and perfected the sound with the addition of lead guitarist Bryan Stevens, bassist Mad Freik, drummer Mike Vincenti, and rhythm guitarist Nick Vincenti.

Armed with a 40-song arsenal, Memphis is no stranger to the stage. The band has performed from NY to LA. sharing the stage with notable acts like Leon Russel and Silvertide, building a solid following with their fusion of psychedelic rock-blues and hypnotic live performances.
- WWW.OFFICIALFANCLUB.NET

Make your hair stand up at the Brickhouse Brewery with Memphis Crawl
Published: Tuesday, September 13, 2011


Time, where have you gone?
I don’t want to see your face no more
—From “Skeletons in Time” by Memphis Crawl

LI natives Memphis Crawl—singer/songwriter Matty O’Brien, guitarist Bryan Stevens, bassist Mad Freik, and drummer Mike Vincenti—recently released their debut EP, “Falling Down Against the Sun.” And the psychedelic blues rockers will put on an electric performance Saturday night in Patchogue:

“Since day one Memphis Crawl shows have always been wild,” says O’Brien. “It’s like a big cult dancing around the fire—the audience is feeding off the music and then giving it back to the band. MC is a very visceral band with primitive music made by real people, not computers… And I think listeners are looking for that honesty.”

Influenced by “anything that makes your hair stand up,” including Indian music, delta blues, soul, R&B, and music from the 60’s and 70’s, Memphis Crawl is renowned for its energetic performances lead by the charismatic O’Brien with a voice sometimes reminiscent of the Doors’ Jim Morrison.

MC’s followers have been referred to as the Memphis Mafia and Crawl Dogs for their dionysian antics. And while you might hear a cover of the Beatles’ “Don’t Let Me Down,” the band has been known to play a three-hour set of originals before a rapt audience.

Memphis Crawl has shared the stage with the likes of Leon Russell and Silvertide, but whom would they most like to open for?

“In my eyes, Neil Young is and always has been an artist of true integrity,” reveals O’Brien. “He never sold out, and never had a disco phase in the 70’s—sorry Mick and Keith! And his music has remained soulful since the day he started.”

Check out MC at the Brickhouse Brewery on Saturday, September 17th at 10pm for a night of real rock ‘n roll.

For more info: www.memphiscrawl.com
- WWW.LIPULSE.COM

The brainchild of songwriter and front man, Matty O’Brien, NYC Rockers Memphis Crawl have been mesmerizing audiences with their trademark brand of Blues/Rock/Psychedelia since 2004. Their debut album, Falling Down Against The Sun, was released in January. The standout Southern-flavored jam, Wildflower Annie, has since been featured as Eat Sleep Breathe Music’s “Song of the Day.” You can download it now as a free MP3.

Band members include O’Brien, lead guitarist Bryan Stevens, bassist Mad Freik, drummer Mike Vincenti, and rhythm guitarist Nick Vincenti.

Here’s the full track listing for the EP.

1. Wildflower Annie
2. Howlin’ In Blue
3. Skeletons In Time
4. Wintertime

Memphis Crawl are currently appearing around New York State, with dates in September in Setauket, Williamsburg and Patchogue.
- WWW.MEVIOMUSIC.COM

Grateful Web recently had an opportunity to chat with Memphis Crawl's Matty O'Brien about the bands influences, his love of Memphis music, a sexy dance down in the south, and where he'd like to live 'down under.'

--

GW: Hi Matty O’Brien. My name is Sarah; I’m with the Grateful Web. How are you doing today?I

MO: I'M DOING GREAT ITS A PLEASURE TO MEET YOU


Matty O'Brien | Memphis Crawl
GW: Memphis Crawl, formed in the summer of 2004 has had a revolving door of band members. It’s my understanding that in 2008 you made a final decision on band members. There are five people than make up your band, am I correct?

MO: WELL AT THE TIME OF THIS INTERVIEW ITS ACTUALLY BACK TO A FOUR PIECE.....OUR GUITARIST NICK VINCENTI IS ON HIATUS....HE WENT TO INDIA TO FIND HIMSELF LOL

GW: Who is “Mr. Powder,” and does your cousin “Red” still play the drums for the band?NO MY COUSIN RED WAS ON BOARD FOR YEARS,HE LEFT IN 2008, MIKEY POWDER WAS RED'S REPLACEMENT AND LET ME TELL YA ..HE'S AN ANIMAL ON THE DRUM KIT, A MUST SEE!!!

GW: The newest member of Memphis Crawl is Nick Vincienti, who plays rhythm and lead guitar. How would you describe the impact that adding Nick has made on the style of your band?

MO: NICK WAS A GREAT ADDITION-BUT WE HAD SOME DIFFERENCES ABOUT THE DIRECTION OF THE CRAWL ......HE'S STILL PART OF THE MC FAMILY AND WE LOVE HIM...BUT AS OF NOW WERE BACK TO A FOUR PIECE

GW: Memphis Crawl was founded in NY. Is that also where you grew up?

MO: YES...WERE ALL FROM NY

GW: Music Influences every fan. What was your inspiration that pushed you to start the Memphis Crawl?

MO: OH MAN WE HAVE SUCH WIDE INFLUENCES ANYWHERE FROM HENDRIX AND ZEPPELIN TO RAVI SHANKAR THE GRATEFUL DEAD...JACK WHITE ETC.

GW: Mad Friek is a bass guitarist that you played in another band with in high school. What bands have you been a part of through the years, and how has your style changed/stayed the same since high school?

MO: YEAH MAD FREIK AND I HAVE BEEN PLAYING ON AND OFF SINCE WE WERE 17 YEARS OLD...HE'S THE ONLY CONSTANT MEMBER OF MC BESIDES MYSELF...THE DUDE WAILS ON THE BASS!!!....I'VE BEEN IN BANDS FROM NY TO CALIFORNIA...BUT MEMPHIS CRAWL HAS MY HEART

GW: With forty original compositions, where do you see yourself and the band in the next five years?

MO: MAKING A TON OF ALBUMS AND TOURING

GW: What was the inspiration of the bands name, Memphis Crawl?

MO: THE MEMPHIS PART COMES FROM MY LOVE OF THE MUSIC THAT CAME OUT OF MEMPHIS...SO MUCH GREAT INFLUENTIAL MUSIC CAME OUT OF THERE....THE CRAWL PART IS FROM THE GEORGIA CRAWL, WHICH WAS A SEXY DANCE THAT PEOPLE WOULD DO IN JUKE JOINTS DOWN SOUTH

GW: What is the Georgia Crawl?

MO: THE GEORGIA CRAWL WAS A SEXY BLUES DANCE FROM BACK IN THE DAY

GW: Your latest album, “Falling Down Against The Sun” is a woven texture of styles. How would you describe the bands “texture”?

MO: OUR TEXTURE IS JUST A BUNCH OF DIFFERENT EMOTIONS FROM THE FOUR OF US PUT INTO A BLENDER

GW: Do you feel that the EP release of “Falling Down Against The Sun” gives fans an accurate depiction of your style?

MO: YEAH I THINK IT TENDER AS WELL AS ROUGH AND BALLSY.ITS LOUD AND SWEET..LIKE A GOOD ROCK N ROLL EXPERIENCE SHOULD BE

GW: Your newest most listened too song, “Wildflower Annie’s” lyrics hold meanings on several levels touching on loyalty, poisonous love, and addiction. Translations of songs vary for everyone, on what level were you touching when you wrote this song?

MO: TO BE HONEST WHEN I WROTE THE LYRICS THEY JUST SPEWED OUT!!!!.....IT WASN'T FOR A LITTLE WHILE THAT I STARTED REALIZING WHAT I WAS TRYING TO SAY.THAT HAPPENS A LOT-YOU HAVE A STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS AND THEN YOU SAY"WOW OK THAT'S WHAT I WAS TRYING TO GET AT".

GW: Memphis Crawl is regarded as one of the most exciting live acts around with fans as infamous as the band. What about your shows brings out the “wild behavior” out of your fans?

MO: I THINK THE EMOTIONS THAT OUR MUSIC BRINGS OUT KIND OF MAKE THE LISTENER LOSE THEIR INHIBITIONS IN A LIVE SITUATION ITS LIKE A PRIMITIVE DANCE AROUND TE FIRE-ITS A REaLLY MAGICAL EXPERIENCE


Memphis Crawl
GW: How has touring this year influenced your music?

MO: IT JUST HELPS YOU GAIN MORE THINGS TO WRITE ABOUT AND IT ALSO HELPS YOU LEARN ABOUT YOURSELF AND MEET CRAZY PEOPLE AND THAT'S WHAT KEEPS IT WILD!!!

GW: Your next tour is on the ninth of September at the Trash Bar, in Williamsburg, NY. Will you be covering Wildflower Annie at that show?

MO: ITS ACTUALLY SEPTEMBER 15TH.....YEAH WILDFLOWER IS A MUST AT EVERY CRAWL SHOW!!!!!

GW: This year you attended one of the largest music festivals in the U.S. Was it epic for you?

MO: YEAH IT WAS WILD...WE HARDLY REMEMBER BEING THERE...I KNOW WERE ALL LOOKING FORWARD TO PLAYING SXSW IN MARCH

GW: If you moved to Australia, where would it be, and why?

MO: WE'D PROBABLY HAVE A PLACE IN SYDNEY,WHERE WE COULD GET INTO TROUBLE AND A HIDEOUT IN THE BUSH LOL

GW: You are considered one of the most powerful, charismatic rock singers of this day, with a strong background in songwriting. Were you once a solo act, and what lyricists have been the most inspiring for you in regards to your singing style, and writing style of your songs?

MO: WHY THANK YOU!!!! MEMPHIS CRAWL HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY LOVE...I'VE NEVER REALLY HAD A DESIRE GO SOLO....I THINK THE GUYS IN MC ARE THE BEST MUSICIANS IN THE WORLD AND AS FAR AS LYRICAL INSPIRATION ...BOB DYLAN IS THE KING!!!!!!!

GW: When do you expect to tour again on the West Coast? Thank-you for being a part of the Grateful Web, Is there anything else you’d like to add?

MO: HOPEFULLY THIS WINTER WE'LL BE TOURING THE WEST COAST AGAIN.......THE PATH HAS ALWAYS LED WEST.........THANK YOU FOR YOUR HOSPITALITY!!!! - WWW.GRATEFULWEB.COM

Memphis Crawl: for the love of rock ‘n’ roll
Sun, 14/08/2011 - 22:02
Hailing from New York City, if you like your rock straight up, then you’ll want to get acquainted with MEMPHIS CRAWL. Whilst they may be a new name to people in the Southern Hemisphere, they’re certainly not newcomers in their hometown. Robyn Morrison has a chat to lead vocalist and founder of the band, Matty O’Brien.
Being the founder of the band, O’Brien kicks off the interview by giving us the lowdown on how the band came together. “Well, I began putting this band together in early 2003. The first person that I recruited was my cousin Red on drums. After trying a bunch of different cats, I then asked my old bass player from high school Mad Freik to sign on and from there we went through about a hundred different line-up changes,” he laughs. “In early 2008, I wanted to make the final line-up once and for all and lead guitarist Bryan Stevens and drummer Michael Powder signed on quickly followed by his cousin Nick Vincenti on guitar.”
O’Brien further explains about the band’s name and its origin. “The name MEMPHIS CRAWL comes from my love of rock ‘n’ roll and I always told other people who were hip to good music, that I could trace any contemporary music back to Memphis and The Blues. The crawl part came from a sexy blues dance called the Georgia Crawl.”
When scouting through the MEMPHIS CRAWL collection, it’s clear that Wildflower Annie is one of the more popular songs. O’Brien gives an insight into the meaning behind the lyrics. “It has a bunch of different meanings. One is about a girl in the midst of addiction, another is about how love can sometimes be the most beautiful thing on earth or it can turn into poison,” he explains. “Another is loyalty, but like any great song it’s open to interpretation by the listener.”
And what about the rest of their music? Where does MEMPHIS CRAWL gather their inspiration? O’Brien shares some insight. “Our inspiration comes from and can come from a very broad spectrum. Our songs are about love, freedom, heartache, desperation, the earth and some things we cant even describe in words. It’s just a feeling or an emotion.”
MEMPHIS CRAWL’s latest EP is titled Falling Down Against The Sun. O’Brien explains simply, why they decided to release an EP and not a full-length album. “It was cheaper at the time,” he laughs. “Seriously though, that’s the reason. We wanted to do an EP and then if an important person was diggin’ it, they could fund the full length. And that’s still the plan.”
Falling Down Against The Sun contains four tracks but when they went into the studio, O’Brien explains they had much more material. “We actually have about forty songs in our arsenal right now. We chose those four because we felt that the summed up the different textures of our overall sound.”
O’Brien has been described as ‘one of the most charismatic frontmen of all time.’ When quizzed as to whether this was a fair statement, O’Brien responds. “I think you will just have to catch one of our lives shows yourself and let me work my magic...if you know what I mean.”
Speaking of the MEMPHIS CRAWL live show, the band took part in SXSW earlier this year. O’Brien shares some highlights. “It’s a very big and eclectic festival. Unfortunately, I don’t think the band even remembers being there,” he jokes, “but we’ll be back, for sure in 2012.” And if he could describe their live show succinctly? “Soul music,” he replies. “That’s the term I would use to keep it simple.”
But digging a little deeper, O’Brien shares the band’s musical influences. “There’s a million we’re into; rock ‘n’ roll, blues, jazz, music from India and so on. As far as specific influence, we’ve heard from fans (that our influences are) LED ZEPPELIN, THE DOORS, THE BLACK CROWES and a million others all of which are usually huge compliments to be compare to such inspiring artists.” And a little bit closer to home, I asked O’Brien how MEMPHIS CRAWL might fit into the New York scene right now. “Actually, I don’t think we really fit into the New York scene. For the most part, it’s either hipster, indie or rap. I think we would be considered a heavy rock ‘n’ roll band. We don’t really see much of that in New York. It doesn’t really bum me out though. If anything it makes us stick out even more, which is great!”
Wrapping up the interview, O’Brien says that MEMPHIS CRAWL would love to head over to Australia. Hopefully, that sentiment comes to fruition soon.
Falling Down Against The Sun is out now. - WWW.SLUDGEFACTORY.COM.AU

Heavy Planet Interviews Memphis Crawl
Heavy Planet recently caught up with up-and-comers Memphis Crawl. Their EP Falling Down Against the Sun is energetic, nostalgic, fresh, and a rollicking good time. A reputation as a can't-miss live act has garnered them some much-earned attention as well. Describing their sound is as difficult as pissing into the wind, though it's safe to point out the perfect balance of the fresh and the familiar. Rather than doing the band a disservice and stuttering through an analysis of the stunning four tracks on the EP, I decided to let them do the talking. Probably a smart move...

HP: I'm digging the new EP, fellas. Tell me about the recording process for Falling Down Against the Sun.
MC: "WELL WE WENT INTO THE STUDIO WITH A TON OF MATERIAL-WE NARROWED IT DOWN TO THE 4 SONGS THAT ARE ON THE EP-WE FELT THEY REPRESENTED THE DIVERSITY OF OUR SOUND. AS FAR AS THE ACTUAL RECORDING, IT WAS A REALLY FUN PROCESS. I THINK WE REALLY WORK GREAT TOGETHER IN THE STUDIO AND EVERYONE BRINGS DIFFERENT IDEAS TO THE TABLE"

HP: You guys are from New York City, but your sound certainly doesn't pin you to NYC. Who came up with the name Memphis Crawl? Is there an insidious story behind the name?

MC: "I CAME UP WITH NAME (MATTY O'BRIEN) BASICALLY MEMPHIS IS WHERE ALL OF THE GREAT ROCK N' ROLL FIRST STARTED-I CAN TRACE ANY KIND OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC BACK TO MEMPHIS"

HP: Memphis Crawl seamlessly moves from loud, balls-out rollicking to gentler, moodier grooves. How do these transitions carry out live? What can ticket-holders expect to see at a Memphis Crawl show?

MC: "YEAH WE LOVE THE DIVERSITY AND THE DIFFERENT VIBE AND MOODS-OUR LIVE SHOWS ARE WILD, MAN. IT'S AN EXCHANGE WITH THE AUDIENCE. I THINK WE'RE ALL ADDICTED TO THE ENERGY OF THE LIVE SHOWS. I LIKE TO CALL IT THE CHURCH OF ROCK N' ROLL AND I'M THE PREACHER MAN."

HP: Haha, nice! The band's sound certainly takes back listeners to an age when music was more raw and organic than much of today's sound plagued with overproduction. Just when the listener spends two seconds thinking "these guys kinda sound like someone," they immediately question themselves when they hear the next lyric, chord, or sequence. Who are some of Memphis Crawl's influences that might surprise fans?

MC: "WE HAVE A TON OF VERY DIVERSE INFLUENCES-BUT A FEW THAT I THINK WOULD SHOCK FANS WOULD HAVE TO BE SOMEBODY LIKE RITCHIE HAVENS OR CROSBY, STILLS AND NASH. WE REALLY JUST LISTEN TO MUSIC THAT MOVES US, THAT'S THE ONLY PREREQUISITE"

HP: As it should be! Subquestion: Despite the raw and organic nature of these tracks, the musicianship of each individual member is evident on every track. The band sounds so unified while also allowing each band member to contribute and grab the bull by the balls. What's the dynamic between you guys?

MC: "THE DYNAMIC ONSTAGE IS GREAT. OFF-STAGE EVERYONE IS VERY DIFFERENT, BUT I THINK THAT'S WHAT MAKES THE MUSIC INTERESTING - WE ALL BRING DIFFERENT ELEMENTS TO THE BAND"

HP: Some of the songs from Falling Down Against the Sun seem to be about a real person. Wildflower Annie is the obvious example, but lyrics like "Do you remember when we used to go out walkin'?" sound painful and personal. How much do the band members' personal experiences play into what comes through in the music?

MC: "WELL AS FAR AS THE LYRICS GO, I AM THE ONE AND ONLY WRITER IN MEMPHIS CRAWL. MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCES ARE A HUGE SOURCE OF INSPIRATION. WITH ALL THE DIFFERENT EMOTIONS AND SITUATIONS THAT A PERSON GOES THROUGH IN LIFE THERE ARE ALWAYS LYRICS THAT CAN BE PULLED OUT. I THINK THAT'S WHAT MAKES OUR MUSIC REAL AND HONEST. ALL OF THE SONGS ARE A SOUNDTRACK TO OUR LIVES.

What advice can you guys give to young, upstart musicians hoping to make some noise?

MC: "50 PERCENT TALENT - 50 PERCENT BALLS. WITHOUT ONE THE OTHER DON'T MEAN SHIT!!!!"

HP: You guys have a reputation for putting on one hell of a live show. When can fans from the Midwest (personally, I'm stuck in Northern Illinois with little hope for great live music) hope to get a taste?

MC: "HOPEFULLY WE'LL BE VISITING THE MIDWEST IN 2012. YOU'LL BE THE FIRST TO KNOW. CAN WE CRASH ON YOUR FLOOR?"

HP: Hell yes, my wife and kids can get a hotel! Falling Down Against the Sun is giving listeners one blazing taste of Memphis Crawl's sound. Can fans be optimistic about a full-length album any time soon?

MC: "YES WE'RE STARTING WORK ON OUR FULL LENGTH IN EARLY 2012. WE'RE VERY EXCITED. WE WONT LET YOU DOWN, TRUST ME. IT'S GOING TO WAIL!"

HP: Alright, let's pretend you guys play a killer show and I feel like buying a round of drinks. Who's drinkin' what?

MC: "BRYAN-BUD BOTTLE

MIKEY POWDER-VODKA HANDS DOWN

MAD FREIK-IS MORE INTO VEGETABLES IF YOU CATCH MY DRIFT

MATTY OBRIEN-IM DRINKIN SHIRLEY TEMPLES THESE DAYS"

HP: Thanks for doing my job for me, fellas! We're looking forward to a full-length and any live shows within a stone's throw! And congrats on a smokin' EP! - WWW.HEAVYPLANET.NET

Heavy Planet Interviews Memphis Crawl
Heavy Planet recently caught up with up-and-comers Memphis Crawl. Their EP Falling Down Against the Sun is energetic, nostalgic, fresh, and a rollicking good time. A reputation as a can't-miss live act has garnered them some much-earned attention as well. Describing their sound is as difficult as pissing into the wind, though it's safe to point out the perfect balance of the fresh and the familiar. Rather than doing the band a disservice and stuttering through an analysis of the stunning four tracks on the EP, I decided to let them do the talking. Probably a smart move...

HP: I'm digging the new EP, fellas. Tell me about the recording process for Falling Down Against the Sun.
MC: "WELL WE WENT INTO THE STUDIO WITH A TON OF MATERIAL-WE NARROWED IT DOWN TO THE 4 SONGS THAT ARE ON THE EP-WE FELT THEY REPRESENTED THE DIVERSITY OF OUR SOUND. AS FAR AS THE ACTUAL RECORDING, IT WAS A REALLY FUN PROCESS. I THINK WE REALLY WORK GREAT TOGETHER IN THE STUDIO AND EVERYONE BRINGS DIFFERENT IDEAS TO THE TABLE"

HP: You guys are from New York City, but your sound certainly doesn't pin you to NYC. Who came up with the name Memphis Crawl? Is there an insidious story behind the name?

MC: "I CAME UP WITH NAME (MATTY O'BRIEN) BASICALLY MEMPHIS IS WHERE ALL OF THE GREAT ROCK N' ROLL FIRST STARTED-I CAN TRACE ANY KIND OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC BACK TO MEMPHIS"

HP: Memphis Crawl seamlessly moves from loud, balls-out rollicking to gentler, moodier grooves. How do these transitions carry out live? What can ticket-holders expect to see at a Memphis Crawl show?

MC: "YEAH WE LOVE THE DIVERSITY AND THE DIFFERENT VIBE AND MOODS-OUR LIVE SHOWS ARE WILD, MAN. IT'S AN EXCHANGE WITH THE AUDIENCE. I THINK WE'RE ALL ADDICTED TO THE ENERGY OF THE LIVE SHOWS. I LIKE TO CALL IT THE CHURCH OF ROCK N' ROLL AND I'M THE PREACHER MAN."

HP: Haha, nice! The band's sound certainly takes back listeners to an age when music was more raw and organic than much of today's sound plagued with overproduction. Just when the listener spends two seconds thinking "these guys kinda sound like someone," they immediately question themselves when they hear the next lyric, chord, or sequence. Who are some of Memphis Crawl's influences that might surprise fans?

MC: "WE HAVE A TON OF VERY DIVERSE INFLUENCES-BUT A FEW THAT I THINK WOULD SHOCK FANS WOULD HAVE TO BE SOMEBODY LIKE RITCHIE HAVENS OR CROSBY, STILLS AND NASH. WE REALLY JUST LISTEN TO MUSIC THAT MOVES US, THAT'S THE ONLY PREREQUISITE"

HP: As it should be! Subquestion: Despite the raw and organic nature of these tracks, the musicianship of each individual member is evident on every track. The band sounds so unified while also allowing each band member to contribute and grab the bull by the balls. What's the dynamic between you guys?

MC: "THE DYNAMIC ONSTAGE IS GREAT. OFF-STAGE EVERYONE IS VERY DIFFERENT, BUT I THINK THAT'S WHAT MAKES THE MUSIC INTERESTING - WE ALL BRING DIFFERENT ELEMENTS TO THE BAND"

HP: Some of the songs from Falling Down Against the Sun seem to be about a real person. Wildflower Annie is the obvious example, but lyrics like "Do you remember when we used to go out walkin'?" sound painful and personal. How much do the band members' personal experiences play into what comes through in the music?

MC: "WELL AS FAR AS THE LYRICS GO, I AM THE ONE AND ONLY WRITER IN MEMPHIS CRAWL. MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCES ARE A HUGE SOURCE OF INSPIRATION. WITH ALL THE DIFFERENT EMOTIONS AND SITUATIONS THAT A PERSON GOES THROUGH IN LIFE THERE ARE ALWAYS LYRICS THAT CAN BE PULLED OUT. I THINK THAT'S WHAT MAKES OUR MUSIC REAL AND HONEST. ALL OF THE SONGS ARE A SOUNDTRACK TO OUR LIVES.

What advice can you guys give to young, upstart musicians hoping to make some noise?

MC: "50 PERCENT TALENT - 50 PERCENT BALLS. WITHOUT ONE THE OTHER DON'T MEAN SHIT!!!!"

HP: You guys have a reputation for putting on one hell of a live show. When can fans from the Midwest (personally, I'm stuck in Northern Illinois with little hope for great live music) hope to get a taste?

MC: "HOPEFULLY WE'LL BE VISITING THE MIDWEST IN 2012. YOU'LL BE THE FIRST TO KNOW. CAN WE CRASH ON YOUR FLOOR?"

HP: Hell yes, my wife and kids can get a hotel! Falling Down Against the Sun is giving listeners one blazing taste of Memphis Crawl's sound. Can fans be optimistic about a full-length album any time soon?

MC: "YES WE'RE STARTING WORK ON OUR FULL LENGTH IN EARLY 2012. WE'RE VERY EXCITED. WE WONT LET YOU DOWN, TRUST ME. IT'S GOING TO WAIL!"

HP: Alright, let's pretend you guys play a killer show and I feel like buying a round of drinks. Who's drinkin' what?

MC: "BRYAN-BUD BOTTLE

MIKEY POWDER-VODKA HANDS DOWN

MAD FREIK-IS MORE INTO VEGETABLES IF YOU CATCH MY DRIFT

MATTY OBRIEN-IM DRINKIN SHIRLEY TEMPLES THESE DAYS"

HP: Thanks for doing my job for me, fellas! We're looking forward to a full-length and any live shows within a stone's throw! And congrats on a smokin' EP! - WWW.HEAVYPLANET.NET

Memphis Crawl, with their distinctively blues soaked riffs, kicked off the night and got the house rockin' with standout numbers "Long Hard Ride" and "Free To Love." Vocalist Matty O'Brien is a natural showman, and while he claims to hail from the blue-collar streets of New York, his powerful, gritty voice is clearly a gift from the colorful, whiskey rich cobbelstone of Beale Street. Bluesy, ballsy, hard-rocking and convention defying, Memphis Crawl's robust repertoire has a cure for whatever ails even the most jaded of music lovers. - GOOD TIMES MAGAZINE