Film School [rank: 208] based on users subscribed

"The band was formed in the late 1990s by lead singer Greg Bertens. Initially the band only consisted of Bertens working with members of Fuck and Pavement when they released their debut album A Brilliant Career on MeToo! records in 2001. Jason Ruck (keyboards), Nyles Lannon (guitarist), Justin LaBo (bass guitar), and Ben Montesano (drums) joined the band on a permanent basis later that year. In 2003, the band released AlwaysNever, an EP on Amazing Grease Records, a record label founded by Scott Kannberg from the band Pavement. Donny Newenhouse later replaced Montesano on drums. Their self-titled album was released in January of 2006 on Beggars Banquet Records."

[reproduced or excerpted from the Wikipedia article "Film School (band)" and its use is thus licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License]

Bandega Interview with Greg Bertens of Film School (August 2007)

It's all about the Bottom of the Hill PB&J.

Q: How have your shows changed over the years? Has your perspective on performing live changed?
A: My perspective hasn't changed much - I'm still interested in layered melodies and big washes of sound. When writing songs I think about how they will translate live. The live show is very important to me, it's a big part of the experience for me as a musician and for our fans. But I feel like the way it's done is always changing and is something I'll always be striving to do better. The addition of Lorelei's vocals adds an ethereal, softer quality. And James and Dave are both talented guys who bring their own good energy.

Q: Describe the most memorable live show you've played.
A: The best show for me was when we played in a small club in Austin I think called the Copper Tank Brewery in 2003. Actually, I'm not even sure it's a club, but more of a bar that has a small nook next to the front window where bands can play when SXSW comes to town. As we were setting up there really wasn't anyone there and I figured no-one had heard of us. About 10 minutes before we went on the room filled to capacity (which was about 70) and a line formed outside. It was the first time I had proof we had fans outside of our hometown and the audience was really excited. It felt pretty cool. And surprisingly the show sounded good.

Q: What venue do you consider to be your "home", where you feel most comfortable, with the crowd and the place itself?
A: I like Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco a lot. It's a smallish club, I think capacity is around 350, so there's a good band/audience connection and it sounds about perfect. It's a real music-lovers venue. I started playing in bands in SF and respected the place not only as a top place to play, but a place to hear my favorite bands sound their best. They've also been extremely supportive of us over the years and have helped us in numerous ways - we love the club and the people at Bottom of the Hill.

Q: Describe the most enjoyable show you've ever experienced as a fan.
A: When I read this I started to think back to shows as a kid, but I feel like some of the best live experiences I've had have been in the last couple years. When we were touring with The National in Europe, they pretty much put a spell on me. We were seeing them night after night on a 30 day tour and soon into the tour I was in the middle of the audience singing along with the rest of the crowd. It was kinda weird actually. And there's something about seeing a string of shows in different towns of a band you're a fan of - I felt like a 16 year old groupie!

Q: Have you ever tasted any better venue-prepared food than the peanut butter and jelly sandwich at Bottom of the Hill? If so, how is that possible, and please explain.
A: Wow, how did I miss that one? I'll get it on Wednesday!

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