California folk-rock band Branches plays Vangarde Friday
The California-based string band Branches blends indie folk-rock fun to create a style that has been compared to Death Cab for Cutie and the Lumineers. Their songs have been on popular TV shows like Cougar Town and One Tree Hill.
Now they are bringing their trademark sound to Vangarde Arts on Friday night.
We caught up with the band on the road and snagged a Q&A with Branches’ primary songwriter, Tyler Madsen.
Question: How did Branches form, and what makes the band different from other bands you have been in?
Answer: We met in college.We formed in the fall of 2010 in Azusa, Calif., and now consider our hometown to be San Francisco, CA. I think what really defines us as a band is that we were friends first, and then kind’ve stumbled into being in a band together.
Q: Musical genres have become very splintered in recent years. How do you define the music of Branches?
A: I know what you mean! We’ve had that conversation a lot, as it seems that less and less music is being made that clearly fits into one traditional sound. We’ve been describing our music as “harmony-driven-indie rock”, which seems to be fitting, especially given the newer tunes we’ve been working on.
Q: Bands today seem to have to do a lot of self promotion with social, video and web channels just to make a name for themselves. How have you tried to do this and remain focused on making great music?
A: I think unless you have music you’re proud of, you don’t really have anything that’s worth promoting. So for us, the two go hand-in-hand: Make music you are proud of, then hustle to make sure people get a chance to hear it. Rinse, repeat.
Q: What influences you as an artist – musical or otherwise?
A: There’s just so much good music out there. There isn’t a day that goes by on tour when we don’t hear some new album that inspires us to be better. Other than that, I think just spending time with each other is what is the inspirational glue holding us together and motivating us as a band. We all influence each other a lot.
Q: What has touring taught you about being a musician?
A: Being on tour means seeing the worst of people – unshowered, unfed, unrested… So make sure you are traveling with kind and gracious friends. Obviously making music that you enjoy and that your audience enjoys is super important… but just as important is to surround yourself with people you love. The audience can tell when the band gets along, and if you can spend 10 hours in a van together, and still arrive at the venue smiling and laughing together, your audience, and your venue staff, will believe in you as a band even more.
Q: What’s your favorite road food?
A: We get plenty of pizza… so I’ll leave that one off the list. For us, it’s usually somewhere in between sandwiches and Chipotle. If we can find one of those things, we’ll be happy.
Branches perform at the Vangarde Arts at 8 p.m. Friday Tickets are $10 at the door. Find more on the band on their website.
About the Author
Thomas Ritchie I love food, cycling, family, music, social media and especially Sioux City. Got an idea for a story - shoot me a note at siouxcitynow1@gmail.com.
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