Know Your LA Bands: Castledoor Interview

LA.CityZine brings you band, Castledoor, as part of our Know Your LA Bands series. There is no doubt that this group of care free youngsters from Silverlake is the band to keep your eye on. Sure, they photograph well but take in a show of theirs or listen to either of their EPs, and you’ll find yourself completely mesmorized. Frontman, Nate Cole, could lock in any soul with his intense but honest pure voice and it’s more than cool that his wife, Lisa, backs him up on the keys. Also, this band has not only one married couple but two: Gabe Combs on guitar is accompanied by his wife and synth player, Coury. They could just be one happy family playing music. However, they also have friends. Friends who can rock such as Brandon Schwartzel on bass and Joel Plotnik on drums.

Castledoor recently released their second EP, ‘Til We Sink. If you haven’t gotten your hands on it yet (and you really should have), but want to hear more than what’s up on MySpace, make sure to see them live this Saturday. They’re set to play at 1:40 PM as a part of Sunset Junction. They’re also bound to play favorites from their last EP, Follow the Dove, so make sure you get your tickets! You’ll definitely regret it if you don’t. I’ll regret for you. Castledoor is Of Montreal and Belle & Sebastian’s love child who grew up listening to Rufus Wainwright and Muse.

The street fair is a few days away but right now, right here, we have an exclusive interview with vocalist, Nate Cole. Learn about his mysterious dreams, how Billy Joel can annoy him, and more.

Could you give a brief description of your sound?

We use elements of a traditional rock band, including piano, to make soulful pop music that doesn’t sound traditional.

Is Castledoor open to being signed to a major label? Or would you rather stick with the DIY philosophy and go about it that way until the end?

We’ve spoken with major labels because at this point it’s kind of foolish not to look into any and every option. We’re more drawn to the ideals of the independent route, but there’s such a wide range of ways to go about things now. In other words, I don’t know. Ha.

Both of your wives are in the band. How is it being in a band with your spouses?

It’s nice not having to call and see when she’s available to rehearse… and we value having a female presence in our music and in our band in general.

How did Joel and Brando become part of the band?

We met both of them through a mutual friend from San Diego. They were the first musicians we tried playing with and we never turned back. What a treat!

Where did your band name come from and what were some of the other contenders?

It came from a dream I had. I was actually locked inside of a castle, but I only perceived it was locked. I felt trapped. Towards the end of the dream, I tried the door and it was open. Other contenders: c for castledoor

Is “Nightlight” a spiritual song? Are you trying to send out a message to your listeners?

I’m certainly not trying to send anyone a message with that song. I grew up being heavily informed in the Protestant Christian Faith. The idea that you could be in constant conversation with a being bigger than yourself seemed tangible. I think most people raised like that have to wrestle with the reality that God is not readily available to your personal needs. The song is very attached to a specific time in my mind and although I enjoy playing it, I don’t plan on writing another song like it.

How is your newly released ‘Til We Sink EP different from your last EP, Follow the Dove?

Gabe and I had most of the Follow the Dove songs completed when we brought them to the band… With ‘Til We Sink it was much more of a band effort. Even if I brought chords or melodies to the band, the end product was drastically modified by a collective influence. It feels like the songs have increased in their uniqueness and boldness.

What was the last song you played on your iPod?

The Smiths’ “Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want.”

Do you prefer gearing up for a tour or coming home from one?

Gearing up. We enjoy being on the road, so coming home is incredibly depressing for us.

How do you get ready for a show?

Depends on the show. Sometimes it includes sewing things together, painting, or shopping on ebay. A lot of the time, it simply includes watching other bands play while sipping on a beverage.

What’s your favorite song to play live and why?

We have a new one called “Skipping Stepping Stones.” We always love playing our most recent material, and this song captures what we’re feeling and also stays musically interesting the entire time.

If you could rid the world of one song, what would it be?

Well, first of all, it’s not my nature to ever do such a thing! But, I’d say “She’s Got A Way” by Billy Joel. The reason being, I just had to sing it at a family member’s wedding and it just feels so easy and souless. Sorry, Billy.

Dead or alive. Which five acts would you have play with you at a festival?

Easily the hardest question so far! Okay, i’ll just do off the top of my head.
1. The Beatles (of 1968)
2. Sam Cooke
3. Radiohead
4. Bob Dylan
5. Rufus Wainwright (No one else it the band would choose that one.)

What would be your perfect LA day?

Coffee at Intelligentsia, lunch at Flore, dinner at Pure Luck, desert at Scoops. Then head to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery for a movie with a bottle of wine. And you never have to get in your car once!

Where is your favorite place to see a band play in LA?

The Echo / Hollywood Bowl

What are you looking forward to most when you play at Sunset Junction this Saturday?

Sweating, seeing bodies of water, and simply putting on the best show of our lives!

What’s the best cure for a hangover?

People are always saying greasy food, but when you’re REALLY hungover all you can do is drink water and ride it out.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Apple fritters

Who would play you in a film based on your life after you make it big?

Scarlett Johansson