We interviewed Amber and Mike of Los Angeles dream pop band Boardwalk. Here’s what they had to say:
How did your band form?
Amber: We met through a mutual music friend and hit it off right away. After hanging for awhile we decided to try writing a song together. That was "I'm Not Myself". I recorded the vocals on a little harp mic in Mike's living room. We'd just adopted a puppy so I was holding her in one hand and my mic in the other. Mike was holding his dog Larry on his lap so they would stop wrestling for one minute so we could track.
Who are your major influences?
Mike: Pink Floyd was a huge influence for me on key sounds. Richard Wright is my favorite keyboard player of all time.
Amber: I was just remembering how my sister and I would listen to The Innocence Mission as kids. I loved that it was mellow. That and Mazzy Star were on repeat when we were kids. It's crazy because that stuff was on MTV back then!
What are some bands that you are listening to right now?
Mike: Mac DeMarco
Amber: Townes Van Zandt version of Pancho and Lefty is my favvv song right now.
Do you have any advice for high school students who are interested in joining a band?
Amber: Find band mates who bring different skills to the table. If you're the melodic one, find the technical one or the rhythmic one.
What was high school like for you?
Mike: I had too much fun and got in a lot of trouble.
Amber: We actually both dropped out of high school to do music. But we also both went back and got our diplomas! After high school I studied voice and became a vocal coach. Mike went to school for audio engineering.
When did you begin playing instruments and making music?
Mike: I got into music and playing instruments at 12 or 13 years old.
Amber: I'd been singing my whole life but began writing (terrible) songs when I was like 17.
How did you become interested in music?
Mike: My dad was really into music and always had something playing. He used to take us to Warehouse Music on the weekend and let us pick out two cassette tapes each. My first one was Hall and Oates.
Amber: My dad forced me to listen to the words of "What's going on" by Marvin Gaye and then quizzed me (dead serious) on my interpretation. He also played this Barry White record on repeat in the car.
How did your band get its name?
Amber: We struggled to find a name for a while due to legal conflicts- almost everything is taken! But Boardwalk was available. It seemed fitting since our music has a surfy vibe. I also liked it because I used to sing on the Boardwalk for tips as a kid. It wasn't my idea! My best friend Sarah was a real businesswoman even at age 10. She was always thinking of ways to make money and she'd make me do it.
Can you tell us one funny story from the road?
We have none because we haven't toured yet. We'll get back to you in a year!
What is next for your band?
We're playing more shows, planning a tour.