IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Post Animal (Chicago, Illinois)
With a smooth, synthy, feel-good sound, Post Animal is surely gaining more exposure beyond their local music scene. Formed and based in Chicago, Illinois, Post Animal showcases the musical talents and passion of Dalton Allison, Jake Hirshland, Joe Keery, Javi Reyes, Wesley Toledo, and Matt Williams. They self-released their debut EP, Post Animal Perform the Most Curious Water Activities on October 27, 2015, followed by various singles, available via Bandcamp. They have previously toured with Twin Peaks, alongside playing various shows and festivals, such as Sofar Sounds and the Chicago Psych Fest VIII. Aside from their busy schedules, Matt Williams generously contributed some of his time to discuss the beginnings of Post Animal, shared some restaurant recommendations in Chicago, and additionally, came up with the “Post Animal” drink.
Upcoming Shows:
July 27, 2017 (Brick & Mortar Music Hall, San Francisco)
What’s the story behind the formation of Post Animal? Is there any particular significance to the name “Post Animal”?
The band formed initially when high school buds Matt and Dalton met Jake and decided to jam together. We first started coming up with country tunes, then Matt met Joe, who hopped on drums; we decided to go down a more groovy, watery path. Joe played guitar to fill in for Jake while he was outta town one summer, and Joe brought in Wes on drums. Then came Javi, and we never looked back. The name stems from an experience we had when we were hanging out on Jake’s family farm. We were leisurely enjoying the fruits of nature in rural Wisconsin and it, Post Animal, manifested during that time. It spoke, and we kept quiet.
What sparked your interest in music, both playing and listening?
I think everyone in the band grew up loving music, either through playing instruments or having parents as musicians, or just being lucky enough to be around musical people. Though we all started at different ages, we all ended up wanting to learn how to play, and that just evolved. Music has always been a great way to feel things or say things you can't really explain and connect with the world around you and share it.
Your latest release is the “Garden Series,” with the tracks “When I Get Home” and “Big Boy Smack.” What was the process of writing, recording, and producing those two tracks?
That release was us kind of experimenting with 3 groups of singles in different styles trying to learn new recording techniques and become more collaborative. We did it all in Dalton’s room at various times and figuring it out as we went, I think particularly in “Big Boy Smack.”
Who are some of your prominent musical influences?
We all get down with Black Sabbath, Stevie Wonder, ELO, Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Thin Lizzy, The Beatles, Heart, Steely Dan, etc., but a lot of modern bands really kill it, King Gizz, Boogarins, our buds in Twin Peaks, we get to play with NONAME soon!!, Ty Segall and Fuzz, Angel Olsen, Meatbodies, Frank Ocean, Pond, Mild High Club. It just never ends.
What are you currently listening to?
Literally listening to Homeshake’s album “Midnight Snack”, which is super cool. The van rides are pretty eclectic, depends what we're driving through.
While on the road, what are some of your essential tour items?
Snacks, phone for navigation, tape to aux cord, car charger, all the gear!! Pillows, water, phone dock for navigation, and jokes on jokes.
If you weren’t in a band, what would you see yourself doing?
That is a very good question. I don't know if it will ever let us go. Definitely a mystery to us all, but we have a couple of actors and a couple of smart tech guys and a couple of big thinker types haha. I think we'd sell ideas to detached companies and create an empire. Fair wages for all. Not sure if it will let us go, though.
What are some of your favorite restaurants in Chicago that you’d recommend?
Just had this super good upscale place called Quiote, it's got great Mezcal drinks and great food. I like Thai Lagoon, Rico Fresh has a taqueria inside the grocery store that has a special place in our hearts, Oiistar has the best ramen, La Sirena Clandestina, Wyler Road, Parson’s Chicken & Fish is dope; honestly, there's just so much to be had, gotta do it all.
Who is your favorite superhero character, and why?
Wolverine because I just saw Logan, and it was really good. Jack Black rocks. I don't think many of us are huge comic guys, but the movies are always fun to watch. It is kind of a superhero.
If there were a drink with the name “Post Animal,” what would it consist of?
It would be a create-your-own cocktail with the only stipulation being that you gotta have a drink with Big Matt. But, I don't think it can drink.
A huge thanks to Post Animal for taking the time and thought to respond the questions, and to Rian for coordinating! Be sure to follow them on Twitter (@postanimalmusic), Instagram (@postanimal), and like them on Facebook (/postanimal)!