Q&A: The Janks

With a stellar debut album out right now, LA’s emotive folk outfit The Janks took 5 minutes to answer our Q&A. Their amazing clip for ‘Dead Man’ is sure to jank at anyone’s soul. We can’t recommend the album enough, in the mean-time, get a background on the band below.

Tell us in your own words what your sound is…..

We use styles ranging from folk, glam, country, to classic rock and do our own thing with them. Most of the technical elements involve 2 part vocal harmonies and guitar or keys driven themes… think Everley Brothers, meets Queen, goes out on a date and gets raped by Led Zeppelin.

Who makes up your band?

Zack Zmed, Garth Herberg, Dylan Zmed… occasionally bringing friends in the room…

What were your influences when you first started/now?

Then – Ween, Radiohead, The Beatles, Mr. Bungle, James Brown, Pink Floyd, The Doors
Now – Simon and Garfunkel, Sly and the Family Stone, Tim Maya, Michael McDonald, Grizzly Bear, Bob Dylan, Everley Brothers, The Kinks.

What are you working on at the moment?

We are working on a Rock Operetta. Also, a new batch of tunes aswell.

Do you have a procedure for writing music?

Either one of us brings in an idea varying in its development, and nurtures it to its maturity.

If you could collaborate with any musician in the world who would you collaborate with?

We would love to collaborate with Matt Stone and Trey Parker – the creators of South Park.

What do you think about your local capitols music scene?

We live in Los Angeles, there are so many bands that have great style… but we feel we have only scratched the surface… being in a band you really have to make an effort to be in the audience because you can get so caught up in what your working on… but for the hungry music listener, there is definitely a buffet to feast upon.

If you could play anywhere, where would you play?

first band on the moon. Second, choice… anywhere in Australia.

Any interesting stories?

no.

Where are you playing next?

The Bootleg Theater on the 25 of Oct. 2011 in Los Angeles

Purchase the full length here.