Photos by Mike Rosati via The Stone Foxes Myspace.
For those of us still sad about the Black Crowes' disappointing last album, or wishing that Creedence Clearwater Revival was still making records, San Francisco's The Stone Foxes might just save you from the mountain of booze, you've been saving up in these hard times. A pack of cherubic youngsters that sound like men twice their age who've lived twice as hard, (and recipients of Blues Brother Dan Akroyd's approval, by the way), the Stone Foxes are doing their damnedest to bring the dirty blues back to Los Angeles
Founded by brothers Spence and Shannon Koeler and their childhood friend Aaron Mort, and rounded out bassist Avi Vincour - each of them share lead vocals with equally harsh, scratchy voices - the Stone Foxes have adopted a classic 1960s sound so authentically they even recorded their debut album in their garage. This is no joke - they actually laid mattresses against the walls and draped blankets on the drums. Despite these low budget surroundings (or perhaps because of, who knows?), the Stone Foxes produced a gorgeous self titled record. Drummer, Shannon Koehler, was kind enough to speak to us from outside Amoeba Records in San Francisco last weekend.The Stone Foxes - Rollin' and Tumblin'
How long have you been drumming?
Shoot well, I think I started drumming in fifth grade in band, you know? But I was twelve when I got my first drum set.
Your parents bought you a drum set when you were twelve? Those are some brave parents.
(Laughs) Yeah, they were. They didn't buy them, though. My uncle had an old Ludwig set from the sixties. It was from the John Bonham, Mitch Mitchell era. I loved that set. But I gave it back to my uncle when I went to school and he sold it. If I had known that then, I would not have never given it back to him.
Is it weird being in a band with your brother?
Oh no, we're best friends. (laughs) At least I think so, I could be wrong about that. It's very natural that we're in a band together. He played guitar first, and then I played drums so I could hang out with him.
Where did you get the name the Stone Foxes?
Oh, it's not a great name. Spence and Aaron heard it in a movie and thought it sounded really awesome. We’re not all that attractive...so it works.
Is your band a democracy or a dictatorship?
It's definitely a democracy. We all share lead vocals, and we all share writing.
How do you decide who sings what?
I think we’re all good at different things. Whoever sounds the strongest on that particular song, gets to sing the lead. For example, I wrote the lyrics for Sweep A Road but Avi sounds better singing it. It’s for the greater good really.
Where did you write Sweep A Road?
We used to live up in the hills outside of San Francisco. I wrote that song when we were driving back in a trip or something. I just started writing in the car. But I don’t think it’s fair to say one person wrote the that song. Everybody contributed to that song.
What is your favorite thing to do in LA?
Playing the Mint was awesome! We’re really excited to come back and do that. We went down to the beach. It was like eighty frickin' degrees that day! It was insane. Oh and we went to Pinks had some weird hot dogs. That was cool.
What was the worst show you ever played?
Probably our first one was our worst. We played at this club that had microphones that would shock your lips. We were terrible. We were all worried about being electrocuted. Avi had taken a bunch of Nyquil and was really sleepy. Oh and we played a bunch of Jimi Hendrix covers, which in retrospect is just bad manners.
Are there any local bands in San Francisco that you like?
You know, there is a really small population of blues guys in San Francisco, but I really like Or, the Whale, Ride the Blinds, and Strangefeather. We’re playing with them up here in March. They're great.
I am curious about your song Beneath Mt. Sinai. It's not often songs these days feature Moses.
We’re not a real religious band, but I was reading some Old Testament stuff and I got really curious abut Moses coming down Mt. Sinai and losing his temper. Also, I love old gospel music. I like that sound.
What is the best thing about touring?
Every night you get to count on the fact that you get to rock out. You get to play rock 'n roll and get your shakes out.
What is the worst thing about touring?
The worst part are the night drives. We once played in San Diego got out of there at one am, and had to be in Phoenix at nine the next morning. So that was ugly. But it was really great when we got there.
I heard you recorded your album in your garage. How long did that take?
Yeah, we’re all home grown. It took us a couple of months. I mean it took two days to lay down bass rhythm tracks. We got mattresses and cut cardboard out and laid blankets down. It was as goofy as you can get.
Do you have any guilty musical pleasures?
I love Michael Mcdonald songs and Michael Jackson. Avi likes Toto. I always get beat up for singing Michael McDonald songs.
If you were stuck on a desert island and you could bring three things what would they be?
Hmmm...well, definately some ice cream.
What kind?
I dunno. Any kind of ice cream will work. Also, I would bring The Band’s Music from Big Pink album and my record player. So that’ll work. Ice cream and the Band. That’ll work just fine.
The Stone Foxes will be playing at the Mint this Friday night at 10pm. Be sure to catch them while you can.
