Sic Alps interview with Mike Donovan

In early 2000s Sic Alps started as a collaboration between Adam Stonehouse and Mike Donovan. They have released several singles and the first LP. Sic Alps already released three LP’s. Currently they are recording a new one. They are also on a tour (you can check their dates at: http://www.sicalps.com/). I spoke with Mike about some plans. Check our short interview below.

Interview:

Hi guys, how are you?

Very good, thanks.

What are you up to lately? Any new stuff coming out?

A 7" just came out called "Vedley"....there’s also another 7" called "Pangea Globe" coming out April 24th...it’s all covers of Tronics songs. Both records are on Drag City.

Let’s start with a bit of band history. How did you guys came together to form Sic Alps and why such name?

It started in 2004 when I befriended Adam from the Hospitals. The name had already popped into my head.

What are some of the main influences? What are some obscure albums or films you dig?

Pip Proud is obscure....his first album. George Brassens is a favorite. Also the Dead C.

I love the movie "Ali: Fear Eats the Soul" by Fassbinder....or "Broadway by Light" by William Klein..obscure in the U.S. anyways!

You released a couple of EP’s in 2006 and then you recorded your first album called Pleasures and Treasures. Tell me about this recording sessions?

We threw a large pile of gear into a minivan and drove to a rented house in Mendicino, north coast of California for a weekend. A lot of mixing came later.

Many people consider LO-FI as a genre. I don’t agree with that. How bout’ you?

I disagree with all genres.

After that you released a really great EP called Description of the Harbor and an album U.S. EZ. Would you like to share a story about that two releases?

Description was recorded for a friends label which is why it’s good I think... we recorded the songs in the same order they are on the record....U.S EZ was very difficult to make- the working title was "Apocalypse Nowadays"