Rogue Wave [rank: 53] based on users subscribed

"Rogue Wave is an indie rock band from Oakland, California, signed to Sub Pop, and headed by Zach Schwartz (a.k.a. Zach Rogue) who created the band after losing his job in the dot-com bust. Their first album was Out of the Shadow which was released privately in 2003 and re-released in 2004. In the fall of 2004 they went on a national tour of the US. They have been compared in the music press to The Shins. Their second album Descended Like Vultures was released in October of 2005.

The current band lineup consists of Zach Rogue (vocals, guitar), Pat Spurgeon (drums, samples, guitar, vocals), Gram Lebron (keyboards, guitar, drums, vocals) and Evan Farrell (bass, vocals). Farrell replaced original bassist Sonya Westcott in the fall of 2004. Zach Rogue was previously a guitarist in the Bay Area band The Desoto Reds. Pat Spurgeon has played with bands Antenna, Stranded at the Drive In, Ramona the Pest, Brando, Steve Kowalski, and has also released solo work as The Phantom Drummer. Gram Lebron has been involved in the bands Long and Golden, Schrasj, Sad Like Crazy, Conundrum, Jessica Six, All Transistor and has also released solo work as Golden Gram. Evan Farrell has played with The Japonize Elephants, Mega Mousse, Amaldecor, Big Mule, Hunted Haunted Bazergahn Klezmorchestra, Grande Rouge, Kentucky Nightmare, Mama HooHoo."

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

Bandega Interview with Zach Rogue of Rogue Wave (September 2007)

Like all intelligent human beings, Zach Rogue fears the hugs of John Vanderslice.

Q: How have your shows changed over the years? Has your perspective on performing live changed?
A: We've had different players with us. We are at our best right now, for sure. We've been slowly trying to expand our sound so that it wraps all around you like a soft and furry blanket.

Q: Describe the most memorable live show you've played.
A: That's hard to say. Every night has its moments. One time I accidentally electrocuted Gram. That was memorable. There have been some less-than-well attended shows that we have played sitting on the floor with the people that were there. That was nice.

Q: What venue do you consider to be your "home", where you feel most comfortable, with the crowd and the place itself?
A: I really like the Fillmore in San Francisco. It smells like all of music history to me. Anywhere in Chicago is usually pleasurable.

Q: Describe the most enjoyable show you've ever experienced as a fan. Was it a Yo La Tengo show, by any chance?
A: There is no such thing, but there have been some holy Yo La Tengo moments for sure. The Magnetic Fields doing 69 Love Songs in their entirety. Guided By Voices touring on Alien Lanes. Pavement touring on Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain. I saw the last Polvo show ever at the Great American in SF. That was amazing. Radiohead and Spiritualized at the Bill Graham Civic Center on the OK Computer tour. Donnie and Marie in '80. That was pretty chill.

Q: You recently recorded with John Vanderslice. Is it true that he is the unspoken Godfather of SF Bay Area indie music? Does he rule quietly from the shadows?
A: Please do not ask me questions about the "Emerald" Godfather. You know I can't answer that. All I will say is, he likes hugs. He's a hugger.

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