The Primary

Solid rock music is a rare find. It's also subjective and varies from one listener to the next. So let me give you my incomplete list in no particular order of good rock bands over the years:
Marcy Playground
U2
The Smiths
Maktub
Chubby
Garbage
Radiohead

The list goes on of course, but this serves as the backdrop for my review of a local band called The Primary. With solid musicianship and some really cool vocals, this four man band is poised to join my list. "People Going Places," the band's current CD showcases a band on the verge on going somewhere good.

Instantly, The Primary sets themselves a part with bass lines that are framed perfectly by great guitar riffs and tight percussion. "Exit" is a prime example of how in sync this band plays. It's clear they've been together a while.

On "A Life," the lead singer almost channels Thom Yorke. There's a desperate, brooding tone that give the words a whole new life. The vocal becomes a full out wail on "Heart of Darkness" ala the Smashing Pumpkins. The Primary obviously takes cues from some of their favorite bands and infuses their own flavor to make a new sound.

"The Last Breath" flows like a thank you letter to Radiohead. It is probably the least accessible song from a radio programming perspective, but one of the most interesting cuts on the album. Whatever the inspiration was for this tune, the band should continue to tap into this type of sound. They do it well.

The Primary currently performs live in the area. One of the limitations of a studio release is that you don't get the full out jam session that this band is certainly capable of. Still, "People Going Places" is definitely worth several listens. This band deserves some local support!!
- Maurice Moss - Examiner.com

Fans will enjoy the melodic tunes of The Primary especially their Rock/Pop/Alternative sound that mixes many of the band's influences into their overall musical style. The strong songwriting craftsmanship of the band is also shown in the beautiful crafted lyrics that simply amazed fans when first listening to the band's music. One of my favorite tracks from the band is titled "Dear Old Friend"; a tune that certainly shows the diversity of the band's wonderful sound. In this recent interview with our Webzine, we speak with the band about their music, influences, and upcoming news/events. Here is the outcome. Enjoy!

Isaac: What's the name of your band? What's the origin of that name? Have you changed the band's name before?

The Primary: We are called The Primary and the origins of our name come from Josh who thought it up while at work. He liked some of the various definitions of the word like "first in time; earliest; constituting or belonging to the first stage in any process; original; not derived or subordinate; fundamental; basic." So basically we feel that the word primary can sum up what we do and who we are as a collective. We actually have not changed our band name and we hope we won't have to.

Isaac: What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?

The Primary: As far as genres go, we tend to skate along the edge of many different ones but we are usually associated with rock or alternative rock music. However, we are better described as a plethora of everything we have ever listened to and remained in our heads. We are influenced by a very wide range of artists but our main influences draw from The Beatles, Radiohead, Miles Davis, Olivier Messiaen, John Lennon, Mute Math, Mars Volta, P.O.D., The Bad Plus, Metallica, Deftones, Dave Matthews Band, Pantera, The Shins, Interpol, Death Cab for Cutie, Beirut and Postal Service.

Isaac: How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?

The Primary: We have known each other in a band context for about two years. Matt and Jose have been friends for about 3 years before the band and Josh and Jek met about two months before Jek decided to join the group. Josh met Jek at a coffee shop he was playing at regularly called America's Best Coffee. Jek would drop in every now and then and sit in with random people at times to play drums for them. Jose contacted Josh through craigslist replying to an add Josh posted looking for a bassist. Jose and Matt met at the University of North Texas in 2005 and Jose subsequently recommended Matt to join the band.

Isaac: When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?

The Primary: The origins of the band date back to 2007 but we didn't come together as a band until February 2008 and Matt didn't join us until March 2009. We all have a passion for music and we have all wanted to strike out into the world and put some interesting music out there for people to listen to. We bring different styles and ideas to the table so that it makes it very interesting to hear the outcome. We have this connection when we play which is hard to explain. Jose puts it as: "It's like a great pair of shoes that fit very comfortably and look great when you wear them too!"

Isaac: Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?

The Primary: No, currently we do not have a record label but we are trying to get that set up. We have looked into some music organizations but haven't taken that step either. However, if you consider Myspace and Twitter musical organizations then count us in!

Isaac: What can you tell me about your instruments? (i.e., Are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play with whatever's available? What made you choose the instruments you have now? Was it cost or was it a style/model/brand/color preference?

The Primary: Josh plays an Epiphone Casino and an Epiphone Riviera Custom P93 with an Epiphone Blues Custom 30 amp and if you haven't guessed it by now, yes he has an Epiphone brand loyalty. Jek has a Pearl drum set. Jose plays a Yamaha TRB 6II, six string bass named Abigale. Matt has an Epiphone Les Paul. Josh likes the vintage look and is influenced by John Lennon in his choice with the Epi Casino. Jose was influenced by his teacher, mentor and friend Billy Pixley who also owns a six string bass. Matt and Jek don't have a particular brand and are more fiscal in mind basing their purchases on pricing and quality.

Isaac: Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?

The Primary: We have played all over the Dallas/Ft. Worth area: America's Best Coffee, Stout Bar, Speed's Bar, Blackfinn, The Door (Ft. Worth), Tarrant County College (Southeast Campus), Studio 216, Opening Bell at The Mosaic, Absinthe Lounge, The Aardvark, and The Hydrant. Our favorite venue is Studio 216 in Granbury. The people there are so welcoming and enjoy a good show so despite the 1 hour and 30 minute drive to get down there we all really look forward to playing at Studio 216! Our least favorite venue was a garage behind a car dealership in downtown Dallas. We took the gig at the last minute and found that we were going to be playing on a cardboard stage propped up on tires to an audience of about 5 guys who left as soon as we finished playing two cover songs and one original. Needless to say they didn't like our original music.

We have a few upcoming shows:

- August 27th at The Cavern Club in Dallas
- September 5th at the Coffee Creek Music Complex in Marlow, OK
- October 24th at the Pearl Street Music Festival in Granbury, TX

Isaac: Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?

The Primary: We play all but one of the songs from our first CD at almost every show but of those we've played "For You" and "Getting Strange" the most. We do play some covers like "In My Place" by Coldplay, "Song 2" by Blur, "Exit Music (For a Film) by Radiohead and "I Will Survive" by Cake but we are going to try some more diverse songs if we get a chance ranging from artists like John Legend, Bob Marley, Louis Armstrong, The Killers and Mute Math. The only thing that is set on our playlist is that we usually open with "Heart of Darkness," other than that we try to mix up the set list every night.

Isaac: Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?

The Primary: We all collaborate on the songs but Josh writes the majority of our material. However, Matt has been working on contributing songs to our lineup since he joined the group in March. The main themes of our songs are usually very personal to Josh as he tends to write about his personal situation but he does strive to look past that and write more about the surrounding world. The main themes of Matt's songs are usually about people changing emotionally over time as they mature. We stress that music is art however and that it should reflect the world that is around us but our music also has a conscious and is not intended to be allegorical but rather connotative. As time changes, we will change and yes our topics will change as well.

Isaac: Could you briefly describe the music-making process?

The Primary: In brief, Josh will write out some chords or a melody and will either record it or just audition it for the band. We will all then play on the chords and melodies while Josh records it live and then we will listen back to what we did and keep some things, edit other things or toss whole sections out if needed. At other times, Josh will write and record the song in its entirety and will present it to us and we will edit the parts to our liking. Usually our songs start out slow until it gets to Jek and then they speed up.

Isaac: What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?

The Primary: We try to rehearse on Saturday or Sunday and we usually play for a good three to four hours on those days. Rehearsals can be very tiring but we always have a good time and go out for a bite to eat afterwards if we can.

Isaac: How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?

The Primary: We are beginning to understand one another's interests and learn how we can combine our various influences into one sound. When the band started, Josh had written and recorded all of the songs so his influences are greatly expressed in those songs which make up the majority of our first CD. However, since that time we are collaborating on everything and ultimately everyone is more pleased with the results.

Isaac: What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

The Primary: Our biggest challenge as a band has been juggling our personal lives, daytime jobs and our band so that each is accommodated. We have, thus far, overcome that challenge but we will be tested once again as we are looking to broader horizons and want to play shows out of our city, state, and ultimately our country. We all work hard to keep this band going and reaching newer heights every day, month and year.

Isaac: What's your ultimate direction for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune?

The Primary: We want to be a successful band in the music industry who can write, record and play shows for a living. We aren't seeking fame and fortune as those things are temporary and are relegated to those who limit themselves to being content with just themselves. We want to make a good name in the music industry but we also want to make a good name for ourselves or our band within the larger world. We have donated some of our earnings to a couple charities and want to do a lot more charity and benefit work in the near future.

Isaac: What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?

The Primary: DONT DO IT!!! Just kidding. Starting a band is hard and it can be extremely frustrating at times. But, if everyone is on point and there with the same goals; then your ride will be much smoother and much longer. So in short...organization and communication! Also, patience is a must as well as understanding. Realize that a band is just like a relationship you would have with a loved one. There is give and take and that no matter who you are or who you think you are the people that are with you do so by choice, not by obligation. Jek says practice your instruments or vocals. Be excellent at it and finding or forming a band won't be a problem.

Isaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?

The Primary: Our main website is www.theprimarymusic.com where you can navigate through some songs we have recorded, project songs, pictures, etc. This is also where you can find our booking info and merchandise lineup as well. It will also take you to our many other sites like Myspace and Reverbnation, etc. We completed our first album earlier this year in January which we sell online and at our shows. If you want to catch us live we have a calendar on our main website as well as a newsletter advertising our events.

Isaac: Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?

The Primary: Jose would like to acknowledge his Dad for having music in the house and his Mom for telling him he can accomplish anything if he puts his mind to it. Josh would like to acknowledge every member of the band for their financial and emotional support as well as his Father for constantly playing new and different music for him when he was growing up. Matt would like to acknowledge his family as they have been very supportive of him. Jek would like to acknowledge God, family and friends. But we would all like to thank, sincerely, everyone who supports us in our endeavors as a band. The things they do to help us succeed are beyond thanking them a million times over.

Isaac: Any last words?

The Primary: We would just like to thank Junior's Cave Online Magazine for giving us this opportunity to invite people into our world!
- Published: September 14, 2009 By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)

As a Dallas-based music blog it is our fiduciary responsibility to give props to local acts. And as far as Denton goes, it’s a pretty small place in comparison to Dallas and Fort Worth. But it’s a university town, and the university has a Jim Dandy of a music program, so this sleepy little town churns out some of the greatest acts that Texas has to offer. To wit, newer acts like Andrew Tinker, Midlake and Neon Indian, as well as grandpa’s favorites, such as Roy Orbison, Don Henley and Sly Stone.

It’s about time to add The Primary to that list. The band’s newest album, Days Among Giants, plays out like a veteran’s greatest hits box set, mapping out ten, fifteen, twenty years of evolution in under an hour (the early, bar-room days; the initial successes, the platinum record sales and tell-all biographies; and the experimental finale). “Get Out” is a simple, surf guitar tune that gets to the point quickly and doesn’t mince words. “The Trial of the Knave of Hearts” finds the band trading the guitars in for synthesizer and drum machine.

From here the album shifts gears completely, opting for a more jazz-fusion vibe. “Too Tired To Care” sounds as though it could have fit nicely into a Doors album and “All In Time” fries the circuits on a Chorus pedal or two. This is by far the best track on the album. Days Among Giants closes with “Experiment;” it is a bit reminiscent of Pink Floyd’s “Money” (same white rabbit, same wide rabbit hole) opting for heavily reverberating guitars before breaking form about halfway through to produce a clean, slow jam session. - The Muse In Music

As a Dallas-based music blog it is our fiduciary responsibility to give props to local acts. And as far as Denton goes, it’s a pretty small place in comparison to Dallas and Fort Worth. But it’s a university town, and the university has a Jim Dandy of a music program, so this sleepy little town churns out some of the greatest acts that Texas has to offer. To wit, newer acts like Andrew Tinker, Midlake and Neon Indian, as well as grandpa’s favorites, such as Roy Orbison, Don Henley and Sly Stone.

It’s about time to add The Primary to that list. The band’s newest album, Days Among Giants, plays out like a veteran’s greatest hits box set, mapping out ten, fifteen, twenty years of evolution in under an hour (the early, bar-room days; the initial successes, the platinum record sales and tell-all biographies; and the experimental finale). “Get Out” is a simple, surf guitar tune that gets to the point quickly and doesn’t mince words. “The Trial of the Knave of Hearts” finds the band trading the guitars in for synthesizer and drum machine.

From here the album shifts gears completely, opting for a more jazz-fusion vibe. “Too Tired To Care” sounds as though it could have fit nicely into a Doors album and “All In Time” fries the circuits on a Chorus pedal or two. This is by far the best track on the album. Days Among Giants closes with “Experiment;” it is a bit reminiscent of Pink Floyd’s “Money” (same white rabbit, same wide rabbit hole) opting for heavily reverberating guitars before breaking form about halfway through to produce a clean, slow jam session.

If you’re in the Fort Worth area, or even if you’re not, you should make your way over to The Moon Bar on Nov. 5th and catch the band live. - The Muse in Music

The name of the new album is Days Among Giants, the name of the band is The Primary. Full of themselves? Or a firm grip on reality? Well these guys aren’t running with the big dogs just yet but if you hear their new album, you can tell they are definitely headed in the right direction.

The Texas-based band’s influences are The Beatles, Miles Davis, John Lennon, and Radiohead among others. So we know they’ve got good taste in music and it shows on their record. The nine-track LP showcases an array of sounds, some of which miss dearly, and others which remind you of Interpol, Radiohead and even the legendary Pink Floyd.

The record opens up with “Get Out,” where lead singer, Josh Vazquez, shows some amazing range. The song is short and straight to the point, things that strongly missing in the music industry. It sets the tone for the record, definitely keeping your interest. Some other great songs on the album are “Experiment,” and “Until Then.” “Experiment” is a near spot-on interpretation of Pink Floyd, its almost scary, the slow guitar playing and traumatizing vocals.

Their song, “The Trial of the Knave of Hearts” is their attempt to meet the Radiohead gods in musical heaven. It’s a little off kilter and makes you wonder, why? These guys can really jam and Vazquez is no joke behind the mic but you can’t hate on a band for trying to stay out of ‘the box.’

The themes on the record are big on disconnect, breaking apart, and separating from society and loved ones but one thing is for certain, these guys love their music. The passion is there, the song-writing is strong and the instrumentals are top-notch. They may not be first on your music wish-list just yet but The Primary will continue to grow stronger as long as they stay focused. Soon you might find yourself apart of ‘The Secondary,’ which is the name of their ever-growing fan-base. - Independent Media Magazine