Photos by: JJ Moffatt
Full Names: Chris and Nick Venti, Martin Niwinski, Adrian Thorstensen
Ages: Collectively mid-late twenties
Functions: Chris-vocals,guitar, Nick-drums, Martin-bass guitar, Adrian-guitar
Currently Residing: San Diego, CA
Currently Listening to: Editors, Kate Bush, The Clash, David Bowie, LCD Soundsystem, Springsteen, Neil Finn, Nada Surf, Mute Math, Interpol
Current Release: Spirit of the Ghost
I owe Republic of Letters a very public apology since they had to wait so long for this. I will however gloat about their honest music. ROL is just straight up American rock music. The outfit from San Diego reminds me of the songs complementing the background of a CW show. It's a West Coast drama of wide openness and I like them because they just are who they are. They play well, their lyrics are meaningful and they work hard at their craft. How did you decide on the sound of Republic of Letters and why did you name it such?
The sound evolved organically over time and still is evolving. We didn't ever set out trying to create or emulate any type of sound. We’ve just always gone with what felt right, putting out a sound that was honest to ourselves. All our influences sort of mix into the equation, but through the process of writing together, you hopefully end up taking it a bit further than what’s been done. As far as the name, it came from my brother Nick when he was in college. "Republic of Letters" was a collection of letters written by James Madison and Thomas Jefferson. Basically these letters said what couldn’t be said openly because there was no public forum. That is what he felt like good music did, which is to say what needs to be said. Our take on it now is always changing, but basically it’s of the sharing ideas and communicating through our music. All art forms find a way to communicate, or they won’t last.
What was it like working with Ben Moore on your EP? Did he aid you guys in developing
He was great to work with and I think we all learned a lot during the recording process with him. We had the song structures pretty much put together prior to recording, so we had to make it all come off on tape. Ben is great at that and he definitely helped shape the overall sound of the record, he has an amazing ear. A lot of those tones translated to our live show.
Where do you see yourself fitting in the music culture today?
I think our band offers a real sense of honesty and heart. This is what we have always looked for in music, and I think listeners will always have a need for it. I think the world is always in need of honest music. What do you feel you are most challenged by as musicians?
The day to day life stuff; making rent, deciding we’re going to eat :). Writing choruses that are as better than the verse or just trying to find our place in the world of music. But really it’s the challenges that make it interesting.
Any plans for a coast to coast tour?
Absolutely, hopefully we can get on the road before summer. We’re actually working out the details right now.
When you are creating music who is the ring leader in the creative process or is it more of a joint effort?
Really every song has a different story. A lot of the songs spark from a collective moment, which can be pretty amazing when everything just comes together. Like the song was just floating around and we somehow grabbed it, in that moment. Also, I do bring in some finished or near finished ideas and everyone else brings in parts, drum beats, guitar and bass lines, etc. Once the ideas are cultivated, I have the job of connecting a melody and writing the lyrics.
Who did you listen to growing up and who are you really turned on to at this moment?
Chris: Growing up there was everything from classical music to the Carpenters and Dylan. Oingo Boingo, Duran Duran. I think the first CD I bought was INXS Kick. Currently listening to the Editors, Springsteen and Neil Finn.
Nick: There was always music going on at home. I liked Oingo Boingo, Duran Duran, (same older brother) then Bad Religion, and Nirvana. Now: Mutemath, Interpol, the clash.
Adrian: Kate Bush and The Clash.
Martin: Growing up I listened to a lot of Bob Marley, Operation Ivy and Pearl Jam, right now I'm really into David Bowie and LCD Soundsystem
What do you feel is missing in the music industry today? Wow, that is a big one. A solid source of revenue, ha , no really. Number one is the great big bands of old, like stadium rock shows. The best ones out are still U2, Pearl Jam and Springsteen. I think someone will emerge to bring back the live experience and connect it to the younger generations.
Who has been the most exciting to play with and who would you most want to tour with?
Chris: We did play a show with Mike Watt a while back and that was pretty cool. Watt is an amazing musician and the coolest guy. “a man in a van, with a bass in his hand”. I’d love to play with Idlewild and of course U2 or Springsteen. The energy at those shows is amazing…
Nick: I really want to play with the Frames. Or maybe U2 :)
Adrian:
Martin: Mike Watt was fun to play with because he is a legend. Nada Surf seems like they'd be a lot of fun to tour with.
Favorite thing to do on a Sunday?
Chris: Write music, check out a film, get lost in a good book
Nick: Just wake up late and go out to breakfast. Go watch a movie and slow down for a change.
Adrian:
Martin: Write music, drink green tea
Here's their latest performance via YouTube.
For More info on Republic of Letters, visit their Website or have a listen on their Myspace.
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