The LAist Interview: Something For Rockets

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We here at LAist are always on the prowl for L.A.’s hottest new up and coming indie rock bands, and Something For Rockets just may be next. This hip, eclectic musical threesome features Rami Perlman, son of legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman, on lead vocals, Josh Eichenbaum on keyboards, and Barry Davis on the skins. LAist is a big fan of their first full length self-titled album, and we’d like to take this opportunity to pass on the good word.

A wildly original band, MTV, The Los Angeles Times, and the Los Angeles Daily News have all recently run features, and this Monday night the boys conclude their month-long residency at Spaceland. LAist sat down with the band to find out why Something For Rockets has just about Something for Everyone...

1. Band details: Age/Instruments

Rami: Age 25 - Guitar, Keys, and Vocals
Josh: Age 25 – Keyboard and Laptop
Barry: Age 25 - Drums

2. Talk about how this band came together...

Josh: Rami and I went to college together. I was a music major and Rami was a visual art major. But I knew he was a mean drummer, and invited him to play drums on a jungle track I was making. Once he saw the studio, it was on. Over the next year we made a bunch of records together- Rami was developing his songwriting and I was developing my production style. After college I moved to LA, and Rami moved to New York.
A year later, Rami was on tour with “The Natural History” and they came through LA. While he was in town, I invited him to come lay down some tracks at my new studio. Once he saw the studio, it was on, again. Three weeks later he moved out to LA.
We spent a couple of months working on tracks and finding our sound. We performed for about 6 months as a duo, but something was missing. We needed a live drummer.
Barry had moved to LA and was playing with a band called “The Actual.” I had met Barry through some friends, and knew that he was a ridiculous drummer. He had been to a bunch of our shows as a duo, and we invited him to play with us. After a few rehearsals and arm wrestle, Barry joined the band.

3. For Rami: As the son of world-renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman, what kind of introduction to the world of music did you have?

Rami: I grew up listening to a lot of opera and a various assortment of classical music. Of course, I was very exposed to the violin, and piano. But as I grew up, I started getting more interested in pop music and jazz. My older brother was a big influence in that way. He got me into the Beastie Boys when I was 8.

4. For Rami: How does your father's work influence you today? Does he come to SFR shows?

Rami: My dad just came to his first SFR show two weeks ago. He played a concert at the Disney Center and then came to our show after. It was great because the show was sold out, with a hometown crowd. It was a great moment for me. As far as his influence, he does two things. He is on such a high level of music making, that it is humbling. I literally am in shock every time hear him play. He has also been a great influence on my work ethic. That guy is working all the time.

5. What brought you guys to L.A.?

Rami: Josh's studio

Barry: I came to LA for 2 reasons. I wanted to be involved with a band that was not afraid to take chances and that was interested touring as much as possible. And 2- I wanted to live somewhere that was going to be sunny when I returned from Iowa or wherever the road may take us.

Josh: My sublease in New York ran out, and I had a potential job in LA. Plus, in LA, you can surf before going to work. I mean, c'mon.

6. Where do you guys live?

Rami: I live in West Hollywood

Josh: Near the "Twin Dragon."

Barry: Hollywood CA by way of Strong Island - Richmond VA
- Bean town (Boston-Go Sox).

7. Now that you've been in L.A. for a couple of years, will you ever leave?

Rami: Maybe to record a record. Josh and I have always talked about doing one in Providence, where we went to school.

Barry: I will leave as often as possible so we can bring our music to ears that otherwise wouldn't hear it or see it.

Josh: I can't really picture myself really living anywhere else right now- But I could see us spending a month or two in a small town with no distractions writing another record.

8. What's the best part about being in this town? Do you miss the East Coast at all?

Rami: People are nice.

Barry: whether you are a social worker or an actor, everyone's a rock star when they are out into the early hours of the night. The people are here to have fun and to talk big game. I love it and I also love the fact that I could drive from the beach to a snowy mtn in less than 2 hours. As for the east coast, I always have a blast when I'm there and fall is amazing. I miss the crisp air and dunkin donuts and the people I left behind, but for the most part, if I wasn't here right now, I'd still be wishing I was.

Josh: The quality of life, the level of overall happiness, the weather, and really the creative community- Everyone is working on something cool out here. I feel like I am surrounded by people making music, writing books, making movies, making art.

9. You've played gigs at some of the coolest clubs in town. Which shows stand out to you as the best? Which club do you like best?

Rami: I love playing the Knitting Factory. And when we played outside at LACMA for 2000 people. That was a good one.

Josh: We played a Breast Cancer benefit at the Key Club that was awesome. I am a sucker for good sound. When I hear a great sound system with great engineers, it gets me pumped. It means that the audience gets to hear the music how it is supposed to sound. And if the audience is rocking out, then so are we.

Barry: the second Spaceland show of the residency was sold out everyone was dancing and getting loose. We've played sold out shows before but that was probably the best- we got 110 percent from the audience. its all about the fans and the energy we get from them. That's what keeps us going and that's what makes me want to do this every day of my life
Best club - Spaceland

10. What is your favorite place in L.A.?

Rami: Amoeba records

Josh: The gardens at the Getty and the Twin Dragon - Lester takes good care of me.

Barry: Canters is a magical place. The sandwiches are stacked to the top of that crazy looking tripped out ceiling. The bar could be out of anywhere in America and its patrons are extremely unique. And the waitresses... if your not over 60yrsold you aint' gettin this gig. And they don't take shit from no one. 1 bowl of mishmash and a black and white cookie... that's the key to happiness. I used to rock Crazy Girls on the regular but ever since they cracked down and added the tassels I just can't see myself forking over the $5 cover charge. I guess that stuff is better left for the pros in Vegas anyway.
Peace.