All of their exhausting efforts have clearly paid off, and it seems that despite the enormous amount of output PTM has produced over the last four years, the band is only now beginning to find their stride. They've found time between gigs to work on production of their yet to be named forthcoming album, parts of which they've recorded in El Paso, San Diego, and London, and this fall they'll be embarking on the highly anticipated Oddity Faire Tour supporting alternative heavyweights Primus alongside bluegrass thrashers Split Lip Rayfield. The tour stops at Logan Square's Congress Theatre tomorrow night, Saturday, October 2nd, for a show that is sure to be as weird as it is musically inspiring. In anticipation of the show, we spoke with PTM bassist and vocalist Zach Carothers about festivals, dogs, wallets, and Cranium.
Zach Carothers: It was a fun time. There are a lot of differences between the two, especially when it comes to the bands, crowds, and catering. Most of them seem to have an extremely broad collection of genres, which automatically makes the crowds much more diverse. But the same feeling is there, just a big crazy party. Everyone there just loving music. It's so amazing to have the opportunity to be a part of it.
LSD: A few years ago you guys founded your own label, Approaching AIRballoons, and self-released Censored Colors in 2008. What thoughts went into the decision to leave Fearless Records?
ZC: Most of the decision was made due to the fact that our contract with them had ended. We've always wanted to self release and jumped at the chance to do so.
LSD: Was the process of self-releasing the record a more enjoyable experience as opposed to working with an outside label?
ZC: It was way more satisfying for sure, not that any label has ever messed with us too much, we've been very lucky with that. Everyone has kinda sat back and let us do what we do when it came to the music and art. It's a really amazing feeling to see a record through from start to finish on your own, saving all your money for studio time and press, working hard to get everything together for the release, just very satisfying. I suggest every band give it a shot at one point.
LSD: Have you signed any other bands to Approaching AIRballoons? Are there plans to expand the roster in the future?
ZC: As much as we would like to do that, we really just don't have the time. It's just a way for us to release music on our own, and all the labels we have worked with have been very understanding about us wanting to do that sometimes, even if it's just a weirdo EP or something. Maybe in the future we will be able to work with other artists, but I don't see that happening any time soon.
LSD: I've read that the band creates its own artwork, which is consistently a beautiful blend of color and psychedelia. Who is the artist of the group?
ZC: John, who is also our singer, does all the artwork. He and our good buddy, Austin Sellers, always work on it together. Both of them have a great eye for color and concept and we're very lucky to have those guys with us in that department.
LSD: How many Portugal. The Man wallets have you sold?
ZC: Ha....you know, I'm not too sure. Can't be too many, we still have a huge box of them in the trailer.
LSD: How has PTM's recent surge in success affected the bands DIY attitude on things like recording and artwork?
ZC: We've always just wanted to do things ourselves--well, with things we can do I guess. Obviously we need a lot of help with the business side of things, but we have a really awesome manager. He's been with us for years now and he is a part of our family. I imagine we will always need help recording despite my attempts to learn how to do it myself. It takes a long time to learn that stuff well, and time is something we never have a lot of.
LSD: Your October 2nd show brings you to the Congress Theatre alongside Primus and Split Lip Rayfield. Do you remember where and when you first played Chicago? Any favorite venues you've played here in the past? Fond or interesting memories?
ZC: My first time playing there was actually in our old band. We played at the Fireside Bowl, shot a silly music video, and ate the most amazing deep dish Chicago-style pizza ever. We stayed up all night playing Cranium with friends. By now, there are too many good memories to recall. Lollapalooza has to be up there at the top, and playing with Bandit. You may not know this, but the cutest dog in the world lives in Hyde Park. We visit him often.
LSD: Supporting Primus could be considered by some to be a pretty big deal. Did you guys listen to them growing up? There are some noticeable differences in musical styles between you guys and Primus, what about PTM do you think inspired the possibility of a co-bill?
ZC: It is a huge deal to us. Primus was the very first band I ever saw live, I was 13 and they played Anchorage, Alaska. So amazing. One of my favorite bands of all time. I have no idea why they picked us for this tour but I am very pumped they did.
LSD: As a bass player, has Les Claypool influenced your style or approach to the instrument?
ZC: I don't think any bassist can deny that, he's the best in the world. If there's one thing this tour has taught me... it's that I need some serious practice. Ha.
LSD: You guys are booked up through the end of October with U.S. dates. Whats in store for the band after this tour?
ZC: We plan on finishing up our record that we've been working on in chunks. It'll be a big load off of us. Then we actually get a few weeks off! I'm going to Alaska to relax with ma and practice bass.
LSD: Thanks so much for your time. Best of luck with your show October 2nd at the Congress Theatre.
ZC: Thank you! Come say howdy at the Congress!
Again, Portugal. The Man plays the Congress Theatre tomorrow night, Saturday, October 2nd, with Primus and Split Lip Rayfield. Check it out.
