Inkbat

Inkbat is a Chicago based quartet with a distinct love for 1960’s and 1970’s nostalgia. Born of a high school class project back in 2003 between vocalist/guitarist/keyboardist Ryan Whitney and drummer Charlie Dresser, Inkbat became a night and weekend project into college and beyond. Dylan McKenzie later chimed in on guitar and vocals, and Mark Brussy rounded out a killer rhythm section. Inkbat released their debut EP, Under The Clothes, in December of 2008. They are gigging in around Chicago and the mid-west US in 2009 in support.

Inkbat leads off with ’82, a highly rhythmic guitar rocker with a disco beat and a melancholy feel. Go Darling is more of a frenetic alt-rocker and probably the most commercial song on the EP. Under The Clothes is very understated, but perhaps a minute too long at 5:14. All The Same is a mellow bit of musical melancholia that sounds like Pink Floyd being sung by a cabaret singer/band. It’s actually a quite wonderful effect that underlines what may be the best writing on the EP. Inkbat saved the best for last on Under The Clothes. It is, perhaps, a harbinger of things to come.

- Wildy's World (wildysworld.blogspot.com)

hen I first heard Ryan Whitney (vocals, guitars, piano) sing, his soulful melodic voice reminded me of the magic of Chirs Isaak and the 6os Era. He has a way with his words when he sings that instantly draws you into his world. One of my favorite tracks from Inkbat is titled All the Same. It showcases the vocal range of Ryan. When you add the talents of Charlie Dresser (drums/percussion), and Dylan McKenzie (guitars), the final outcome is something magical. In this recent interview with Inkbat, I had the outstanding pleasure of interviewing one of the best bands currently out in the music industry. I hope everyone enjoys reading this spotlight as much as I enjoyed creating it.

Isaac: Hi everyone. Welcome to your interview with Junior's Cave. Now that 2008 has officially ended, what are your reflections of the year 2008 for Inkbat?

Inkbat: 2008 held a lot of accomplishments for us. There was releasing our EP and everything, but more so behind the scenes, we wrote a lot of new songs, and there's a general feeling that our sound is developing into something we are pleased with.

Isaac: What has drawn you to each other musically?

Inkbat: We met in high school and shared a similar general taste in music, but we were into different eras. So we were able to show each other certain things and over the years our tastes have sort of grown into one. And of course that translates well to writing music together. We like the same things and dislike the same things. Most of the time...

Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?

We've always loved a lot of the classic groups, Beatles, Zombies, etc. but specifically artists like Neil Young, John Frusciante or Paul McCartney. It's more their characters that influence us. The fact that they sound so unique cause we're no good at copying the bands we like.

Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel Inkbat will bring to the music industry?

Inkbat: We really just want to give people something to enjoy. Everything is so dismal and concerning these days, it's a strange time for everybody. For us, it is being young adults in this economy and over-policed society trying to support ourselves making music. And with what's going on with how new music is discovered and accessed now, who knows if we'll ever have an impact on the 'industry' in a business sense. We just want to put out our share of good energy, whether with our recordings or when we play live.

Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?

Inkbat: It'd be great to work with a producer we admire, like Jon Brion or Nigel Godrich.

Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?

Inkbat: Tasteful Rock n' Roll.

Isaac: What can fans expect from your debut CD, Under the Clothes EP (Dec. 08)?

Inkbat: Just a good recording of the 4 songs we liked the best of our repertoire at the time. When we originally recorded it, we just wanted a demo and recorded everything live, but then we realized how good it could sound, so we put a little more time and money into it and decided to push it as a release. We think people will enjoy it.

Isaac: What is the inspiration behind the CD?

Inkbat: It has a range of influences, both musically and not. We wrote these songs so long before recording them, they had a lot of time to absorb all the phases we went through. So it's inspired by 60's rock, some alternative from the 90's, but mainly our current generation of fear and technology.

Isaac: Where can fans locate you at online?

Inkbat:

myspace.com/inkbat.

Be our friends, and there's a link to download our EP for free.

Isaac: What can fans expect from Inkbat in 2009?

Inkbat: We want to perform a lot, anywhere we can. So maybe they can expect us to play in their town. We just want to take it all to the next level, get our music heard, and find more people who might enjoy what we do. Also, to keep writing and recording new songs.

Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans…

Inkbat: Just Kevin.

Isaac: Final words from Inkbat…

Inkbat: Download our EP for free at myspace.com/inkbat. Listen to it with your hair up

- Junior's Cave Online Magazine (juniorscave.com)