These days, feel good tunes mixed with funky flare and groovy beats are hard to come by, but Painted Fish, an up-and-coming band based in St. Petersburg, hits all the right notes.
The band, made up of four, multi-instrumentalist members, is set to release their self titled, debut album at their release party at The Ale & The Witch on September 5th in St. Petersburg.
But the road to their release has been winding and long-awaited. Painted Fish’s lead singer and guitarist, Amber Lynn Nicol, discusses how the band met, what you can expect from their album and what they hope the future has in store.
DI: You and your band members are all from different areas. How did you meet up in Florida and decide that you wanted to start Painted Fish?
AN: Everybody moved here from another state besides Vinny (our drummer). All of us have been here for a long time though. I like to tell everyone that we met through a series of fortunate events. (laughs)
DI:You all also have a lot of different musical influences, with many styles of music. How did you come up with your sound?
AN: Everybody brings something different to the table. I always loved 70s rock. I primarily write the lyrics. Tristen is on the guitar. He’s the youngest member, with more of a modern rock edge. He showed me a lot I didn’t know. Mitchell is an amazing bass player. He’s got more of the funk. Vinny lays that solid beat, metal background. He wants to have fun. We spit it back out and hold people like it.
DI: Aside from your original sound, “Painted Fish” is a pretty original name. How did the band decide on it?
AN:My sister is always painting fish. We knew we wanted it to be silly, fun and colorful. And everybody liked it (the name). She also worked on our music video “Stoned in San Fransisco.” She’s a big part of the creative side of Painted Fish, a silent member of the band.
DI: The new album features a range of songs, from (my favorite track on the album), Evermore, which you said dives into someone you thought was the one, but wasn’t, to just being “Happy.” What was your approach to writing these songs (and new ones)?
AN:When I was younger, it was more of like my diary. It was all inside out. The older I get, the more I write from the outside in. Things that move me, I put my own spin on them. I’ll hear a song, and love that groove and write from there.
DI:What’s your favorite song on the album and why?
AN: I really like Happy, it’s such a really pretty song. I love Evermore too, but my favorite to play live is Gimme Love Tonight. I live out my inner Pat Benatar because I get to play a tambourine. I get the chance to step out from behind the guitar and dance a little.
DI:You’re a band on the rise now, but at what moment were you inspired to really go for it, and follow your dream of being a musician?
AN:Maybe I was 18/19. I was taking classes in college and I had a day job, which was more for fun. I remember girls in school would draw those marker pictures. Music was those marker pictures for me. One of my friends wanted me to play bass and paid for my lessons. I went to L.A. and it’s the first time I’ve been out on my own. I remember crying my eyes out and wanting to come home, but I stuck it out. Once I had a taste of being out on the road, I wanted do it my way.
DI: Chasing musical dreams can have its instability. What type of support system do you have backing you?
AN: My dad has really helped me a lot. He gave me extra money if I needed it and if I got discouraged. You doubt yourself every once in a while, but I thought about when I want to have a family and support a child someday. There are all these things that can get in the way, but the next big idea makes those thoughts go away. Set a big goal and work. Give everything, put everything out and hope that it comes back to you.
DI: A lot of artists think being a soloist will work out better for them in the long run. What do you think the best part about being in a band is?
AN: The band is the number one priority. Going on tour by yourself sucks. I drove from San Fran to Seattle last year and it’s kind of scary. I get tired and I’m having to play all these shows by myself, so it’s a big ball of excitement to be with people who love playing as much as you do.
DI: Those who attend the release party at the Ale & the Witch can expect…
AN:We’re going to play the whole record top to bottom, some old songs, and maybe even play a couple of songs we like to play. We will have also have our T-shirts and cds available. We might even bring some colorful jello shots.
You won’t want to miss all of the great music (trust me, I’ve already heard the whole album and LOVE it). The band also has a small tour scheduled for New Jersey and New York City this October and are keeping their fingers crossed for the opportunity to tour in Europe.
In the world of music, Painted Fish delivers a sound and energy that gives new meaning to being a small fish in a big pond.
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