Folding Legs is comprised of Katharina Stenbeck on vocals (she also does scenic design), Greg Henits on bass and vocals, Chris Cerny on guitar, and Jesse Richman on drums. They have geographically diverse origins, with Katharina hailing from Sweden and Chris from Austria. According to the band, Folding Legs started as a side project in 2008 but was a full-fledged endeavor the following year. They are an alternative rock band with an affection for incorporating art and performance into their live shows, so you all are in for a treat Saturday.
Their first EP, Drown in Light, was released on October 8, 2013 – to a warm reception, the band added. I certainly believe it. On a song like “This Glass House,” the music surges with power, unfurling melodic hooks that will make you listen and taut rhythms that will make you want to dance. None of that disappears on the next track, “Double Time,” but as more of a ballad, it highlights Folding Legs’ ability to make gorgeous and emotional soundscapes. The EP is available here.
Here are the band’s responses to my questions.
GP: What was one of your favorite musical discoveries of 2013? Doesn’t necessarily have to be a 2013 band or release, just something new to you in the past year.
Folding Legs: Some favorites this past year include Cass McCombs, Earl Sweatshirt and The Blue Nile.
GP: It took me quite awhile to realize you were saying “A shot of vodka with a peanut butter chaser” in “Double Time.” Is that lyric based on a real life experience or habit? (And make sure to check out the cool and artistic video for the song here)
Folding Legs: The line “a shot of vodka with peanut butter chaser” is based on real life experience from a one-off occurrence. In a way, that lyric came to serve as a likeness for all the drastic contrasts in life.
GP: More generally, I was curious about your intent to mix music and art and performance. Who are some artists you admire? And who are some musicians that you consider to incorporate art and interesting performance well?
Folding Legs: The desire to incorporate art and performance into our music has always been a natural part of the creative process, seeing as Katharina, our lead singer, is an artist with a primary background in experimental theatre. Her inspiration is drawn from various sources, ranging from the Brothers Quay to Talking Heads. The whole band has a strong interest in the visual arts, and tapping into that felt very organic from the get-go.
GP: I wanted to know what might be happening soon for Folding Legs. Any shows or releases to promote?
Folding Legs: In the coming year, we will be releasing our second EP, and have several concerts lined up. Besides Saturday’s show at Cameo Gallery, we’ll be at Arlene’s Grocery on February 5.
GP: Finally, our site is all about Greenpoint, so I have to ask, what are some of your favorite things about Greenpoint?
Folding Legs: We rehearsed out of Greenpoint for all of 2012, at a rehearsal space by McCarren Park, before moving to a space in Bushwick. Greenpoint has a great vibe, and that studio served us well.