Warren Teagarden [rank: 1570] based on users subscribed

"Warren Teagarden grew up in the 80s listening to New Wave and old Beatles records, but quickly discovered punk rock. Those punk rock roots are hard to hide, even when singing a folky lullaby, strumming an acoustic guitar. After playing in a friend's local San Francisco band, he set out on his own writing songs and playing shows in the Bay Area in 2002. The songs can be funny, sad, strange and smart assed, depending on who you ask. With frantic guitar strumming and lyrics that leave you scratching your head in all the right places, a Warren Teagarden show has become a very special event. Someone once asked Warren what his songs were about; 'Love, death, God, sex, drugs, loneliness...you know, the same shit all songs are about.'"

[reproduced or excerpted from band website linked above]

Bandega Interview with Warren Teagarden (August 2009)

Leaving behind the socialist band experiment.

Q: How have your shows changed over the years? Has your perspective on performing live changed?
A: Well, the shows are a lot better now. I played a few shows toward the beginning that just kinda sucked, there's nothing like playing a bad show to underscore the importance of preparation. Touring helped out quite a bit; going through a period of several weeks where you're playing a show every single night really tends to tighten things up musically. My perspective has changed a little I guess, in the beginning I tried to make each performance the exact same, trying to perform an idealized version of the song each time. While there definitely is something to be said for consistency, I also like to hear some variations in live performances. It's especially easy to do different versions when I play solo/acoustic, when I'm playing with the band it's generally a little more straight forward, although I still try to throw a few improvised guitar parts or vocals in there to keep things interesting.

Q: Describe the most memorable live show you've played.
A: Actually the most memorable show I've done was the last one, I had the opportunity to open for Black Francis at Hotel Utah. It was an amazing night. It was the first time I've had a chance to open for someone who I truly consider a musical hero. It was pretty special.

Q: What venue do you consider to be your "home", where you feel most comfortable, with the crowd and the place itself?
A: That would probably be Kimo's. It's the place I've played the most often (especially early on) and it just seems to have a real relaxed atmosphere. They've always been great to work with and have made some remarkable improvement to the place over the years. I like it there quite a bit.

Q: Describe the most enjoyable show you've ever experienced as a fan.
A: I've seen so many great shows over the years it's hard to pick. But the very first show I ever went to was Primus opening, Pixies next, and Jane's Addiction headlining. I left that show convinced that live rock music is one of the most important things people can do with their lives.

Q: You were in a band before you struck out on your own. Years later, how do you look back on that decision? Do you have any regrets? Have you ever considered the possibility of one day forming another band?
A: The band eventually just kind of disintegrated. It started off as something of a socialist band experiment, five members all of whom would share songwriting duties. It ended up being a bit too chaotic, our live set just sounded like a mismash five bands taking turns. It was tons of fun though, and basically taught me how to be in a band. I don't have any regrets about being in that band or leaving that band. The band that I have backing me nowadays just learns and plays the songs that I've written, so it works out very well. I would definitely consider being in another band, or at least in another "project." I have a few ideas cooking.

Show Reviews for Warren Teagarden

Date & Venue	Reviewed by
Mar 6, 2008 - Hotel Utah	deleted_login_1263429833

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