Words and Photos by: Laura Prpich
The Lazy Mks and friends recently played a show over the August long weekend on a Saskatchewan ranch for ChriStock. The aptly named shin-dig, hosted by Chris Prpich (Electric/Stand-up Bass) of the Lazy Mks, is now into it’s 4th year, where friends and family alike come from all over the country to cater in good food, good times and real good music.
Their debut CD release in March 2009 (Young Soul Records) with “A Field Guide To…”, the Lazy Mks have been flooding the press for their diverse, melodic sound that is not like anything else you’ve heard. The infectious moody beat that Tyler Hammer (Drums) throws at you creates an uplifting vibe that resonates through Etienne Soulodre’s (Lap/Steel Guitar) twangy western sound. Combined with Prpich’s old soul driven stand-up bass riffage, there is historical appeal to this band that seems to have disolved in most bands these days, and for that it’s a refreshing and exciting change.
I had a chance to sit down and talk with Tyler Hammer, to offer some insight on what these boys are up to next. And for those of you in the Calgary area, you can check them out at the Spaghetti Western Festival on August 22nd, (3-10pm) Olympic Plaza and The Legion #1 (9pm-2am).
Q: Describe your personal music backgrounds, previous bands, and how the three of you collectively came together to form The Lazy Mks.
A: We all have backgrounds as backing musicians. Chris and I have both played together and separately in previous bands. While on tour with one of these acts we sat in as a rhythm section with a couple of solo musicians.. We realized that we had a synergy that we could utilize with almost anyone. At the same time we were very aware of the limitations that came with being a backing musician. So the idea came about that we should form our own band with the intent of being a backing band without a full time singer. That way we could work with who we wanted to but not be bound to them entirely. Chris knew Etienne who played locally in a couple of bands, so we called him and all got together. Once we jammed, we found that we all had these ideas with no outlet to let them live in. We then started to write collectively by bringing ideas or songs to the table to be adapted to our instrumentation.
Q: What do you folks do when you’re not The Lazy Mks?
A: We all have day jobs to pay the bills and such. We all have beautiful wives who support us. Chris and Etienne have kids (not together) and I have a dog. Chris and Etienne have also been busy with session work around town. Also, Chris and I play in another local band.
Q: What music has influenced the sound of The Lazy Mks?
A: I would say our respective musical tastes inform our sound more than anything. For example, Etienne has a country sound in his tone, but his background as a horn player informs his phrasing which is a big plus when it comes to melody. Chris has classical guitar training as well as an old school rock aesthetic, so he plays bass differently than what one normally gets to hear. As for myself, I’m such an old pop fan that melody is key, so when I’m drumming I’m trying to create a melody or support a melody in the groove.
Q: Since there are no lyrics on The Lazy Mks latest album ‘A Field Guide To…’ pick a favourite song and depict the meaning/inspiration behind it in words.
A: Burgess Lake is probably my favourite on the album. It’s about this true story where all these horses were killed in the middle of the night on a farm near Burgess Lake and no one really knows how or why. Not all our songs have a narrative but the ones that do have stories, are used as we write the song to give us a subtle intangible direction.
Q: When you play live, you often have a lot of guest artists come up and join for a song or two, what inspired this idea? Is it something we can hope to see for the next album?
A: Well as I said earlier, that was part of the inspiration to form the band in the first place. Now at live shows we find it can serve as an anchor for the uninitiated to our sound or for those who just might not “get” what we do. Something to tie it all together so to speak. We are going to be recording soon with some guys from Regina on their records for a couple tracks. It’s also an idea we have been tossing around for the next record.
Q: Which band have you had the most fun playing/touring with so far?
A: I think we have been fortunate to play shows with all the bands we have and not have any bad experiences. I always have a great time playing with the Deep Dark Woods from Saskatoon. (Pipes up in a bad hillbilly accent) “Them boys are good people!”, Matt Goud in Regina, He’s one of the nicest guys we’ve met recently.
Q: What are The Lazy Mks future endeavors?
A: We are heading up your way on Aug 22nd for the Spaghetti Western Festival. That will be our first time playing in Calgary for us as this band. Hopefully we can get out for a few more out of town shows and maybe get working on our second album. We are also currently developing a cologne based on a combination of our post show musk.
Website: www.myspace.com/thelazymks
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