In this interview spotlight, I chat with From Parts Unknown about their latest music, challenges, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
Hello. We’re From parts unknown.
Ben McCracken-Guitar/Vocals
Chris Parrish- upright bass
Jimmy Sefcik-drums
We’re from Dallas, Texas. We write and perform rock and roll songs, with an upright bass, mainly inspired by punk rock, country, metal and reggae in that order
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
We all three wanted to be in bands as kids, and simultaneously found each other for this band, through the years. What motivates us and keeps us together, is the love of creating a unique sound and traveling across the world, to play with rad bands for amazing people, while forging new experiences and making a difference. Also sex and drugs.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
Our latest release(s8n-Stupid rad records and distro/Stars at night ATX) definitely represents how eclectic our tastes and influences are. We blend a lot into our musical soup, and then serve it live in a very sweaty, reckless fast manner. We didn’t set out to do anything in particular for this album. It all came together organically.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
One challenge is reaching people, beyond a simple visceral level. But at the same time, we have a viable marketing tool at our fingertips. For us, I think learning and staying ahead of the curve. Being able to release music and content into the world, and have people access it is crazy to us, given how hard it used to be. That would be the best benefit, since at the end of the day, we’re all trying to make art and connect with people.
What was the last song you listened to?
The entire leavetaking album by elway-Ben
Green light by lorde-Chris
fireworks by katy perry- Jimmy
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I like vinyl at home, and anything, anywhere else-Ben
Music is good- Chris
Cds(narrowly avoids deez nuts joke)-Jimmy
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Spotify. The playlists are amazing and never have we been able to discover so much new music, so easily. The pay may suck, but I think the worlds just changing in the way and you have to make up for it by touring and selling other things, than music, I.e. merch.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
Probably instagram or Facebook
ig @promfartsunknown
Also email us at f.p.unknown@gmail.com and ask us questions. We’ll answer them, eventually.
Anything else before we sign off?
Be sure to go to www.stupidradmarch.com to order our new record(limited color vinyl) or other stuffs and subscribe to our social media’s to findout when we’re coming back through Tennessee.
And let us know what you think of the latest release. And have a great day and don’t treat people like jerks.
