Help me out, people: Should White Whale be considered a local band?
For those unfamiliar, White Whale came out of Lawrence at the end of last year and spumed right on to Merge Records, playing the label's showcase at SXSW in March. I was there, and I haven't seen them play since. Before that, the Whale did a few local shows -- CD-releases at the Granada and the Record Bar, but the band never seemed to work very hard at building a local following.
Matt Suggs, leader of Whale, had already released several albums on Merge -- both solo and with his band Butterglory -- so that's presumably why Merge harpooned his new project so quickly. Does that alone already disqualify him and White Whale from local status?
I'm asking because it's approaching that time when we name the year's best local albums. I would include White Whale's debut, WWI, in a heartbeat because it's easily good enough. It has quirky, age-of-seafaring themes that evoke Melville and the Decemberists alike, which works well with Suggs' genteel, almost foppish voice (which, mind you, can become that of a very angry fop when provoked). The sound is ambitious and expansive but remains beat-centric, like Wind and Wuthering-era Genesis tempered by the cool pop savvy of Spoon.
But I'll write no more on't until a local/non-local designation is given!
Listen to the first track off WWI, "Nine Good Fingers," as you ponder the question, and, I hope, post a comment with your opinion.
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definitely local...they're just succeeding at what nearly (i can't speak for everyone) every other local band is trying to succeed at; gain recognition beyond the kansas city/lawrence area...no matter where they end up, they're still from here...why ostracize them for being successful?
i'm sticking with the fact that they're local. most of 'em have lived here (and been in "LOCAL" bands) for years. and yeah, they are pretty incredible. i don't know of any band around here that i wouldn't consider a local band...even back in their day, i would still consider the get up kids a "local" band, regardless of touring status.
of course, they're local. WW has been touring and bassist Rob Pope has been recording and touring with Spoon. In reference to the comment above...White Whale is more "radio friendly" than Spoon? Please.
If the band members live and hang out here, then I'd say so. Seattle claims anyone that stayed there more than a week.
I don't really get why this is a dilemma.
Do they live in Lawrence? Do they play in Lawrence/KC more than they tour nationally? If so, then they're local, regardless of who signed them.
Butterglory were criminally underappreciated.
"Nine Good Fingers" is a little too radio-friendly for my tastes. I didn't hear anything reminiscent of your description in that song. I would have liked it more if it had more of the crispness and energy of Spoon.
I'd say they're local. If they're from the area, then what else can you call it?
Just because I don't play shows at venues right now doesn't disqualify me from being a 'local' artist, even if most of the people who listen to my recordings don't live in the greater KC area, does it?
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