How to go
Who: Kerchief
Where: Oregon Express, 336 E. Fifth St., Dayton
When: 9 p.m. Friday
Cost: $5
More info: 937-223-9205 or www.oregonexpressdayton.com
Artist info: www.kerchiefmusic.com
Brittany Hill has been under the radar a bit since Vanity Theft broke up in August 2013, but she didn’t stop making music. Now, the singer-guitarist is back with a great new album, “Machines and Animals,” and a new band, Kerchief, which performs at Oregon Express in Dayton on Friday, June 19.
Hill, who relocated to Chattanooga, Tenn., in 2013, recently answered some questions about Kerchief and recording the new album with producer Matty Amendola, who also released “Machines and Animals” on his Brooklyn-based 825 Records.
“Machines and Animals” will be released by 825 Records on July 14. Copies will be available at Oregon Express on Friday and when Kerchief returns to town to perform at Blind Bob’s on July 10.
Q. How is Chattanooga treating you?
A. “It’s kind of like starting over, but it’s going really well. I’ve got a really great network of friends and family down here. The cost of living is similar to Dayton, so it’s pretty affordable. I don’t plan on staying here forever, but now that we’re starting to tour it’s definitely a good base for us.”
Q. What was Matty’s biggest contribution to the recording process?
A. “He did so many things, but we just clicked well as far as our work philosophy. We’re both super-hard workers, and he understands what I’m trying to do. He gets there’s a pop sensibility to it but also a raw edge I also wanted to come across. He’s just great in the studio. It’s little talk and a lot of action and that’s how I like to work.”
Q. Making an album in 10 days is great for a well-rehearsed band. How did you work so quickly with you two playing every instrument?
A. “Our days started around 10 a.m. and we’d normally work until 3 or 4 a.m. We cranked it out but it was awesome. Most of the time since then has gone into grassroots marketing and trying to generate interest. That’s been going really well, so it’s time well spent.”
Q. Now you’re out supporting the album. After years of touring and releasing albums and videos with Vanity Theft, what did you want to do differently with Kerchief?
A. “It’s always hard starting out doing this DIY touring, but I still have a good base of connections I was able to build when I was in Vanity Theft. I’m just going to take everything I learned and use it with the new band to do everything as smart as I can.”
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