DeadJournalist.com Exclusive Interviews:
The Old Believers
Chuck Norton, DeadJournalist.com
08.08.08
MP3: The Old Believers - There It Is
What you need to know about The Old Believers.:
- The Old Believers are Nelson Kempt and Keeley Boyle;
- Their debut album, Eight Golden Greats, was released in July 2008; and
- Kempt and Bolyeare originally from Kenai, Alaska.
For more information on The Old Believers, visit the band's Web site at www.oldbelieversmusic.com or their MySpace.com page at www.myspace.com/oldbelievers.
DeadJournalist.com is brings you this exclusive interview with Nelson Kempf of The Old Believers.
What is the history of The Old Believers?
NK: The Old Believers became separated after 1666–1667 from the hierarchy of the Russian Orthodox Church as a protest against church reforms introduced by Patriarch Nikon. Old Believers continue liturgical practices which the Russian Orthodox Church maintained before the implementation of these reforms.
What was the creative force behind the new album? How long had you been working on the album? Where was it recorded?
NK: We started recording it a couple years ago in Athol, ID at Cider Mountain Recorders, we finished it at the Type Foundry in Portland a couple months ago. Initially we were trying to make a classic country record or something, but when we approached it the second time we leaned toward a lot of electronic sounds.
Who has influenced you the most as an artist?
NK: Mom and dad and Jimi Hendrix.
Which do you enjoy more, performing live or writing and recording?
NK: Probably writing and recording, but each satisfy something different.
To the band, what is the most important aspect of performing in front of a live audience?
NK: Connecting with people on a personal level.
Do you have plans to tour? If so, are any dates available?
NK: Yes, but nothing completely solid. We’ve been touring a lot for the past few months, so we sort of want to settle and just play the NW.
The most bizarre thing that has happened to you while on tour is ... ?
NK: We went to an industry party in LA
What were you listening to in 1998?
NK: We were 10. What ever they were playing down at the VFW.
Vinyl, CDs, Tapes or Mp3?
NK: Vinyl at home. CDs on the road. Tapes in my grandma’s car. MP3s with friends.
One Drink; One Movie; One Album:
NK: Reed’s ginger ale; Doctor Zhivago; Gungle Dungn by Double Dutch