SELINSGROVE - Kingsfoil is a band out of York that sounds a little like U2, a little like Wilco and a little like Radiohead. 2012 has exciting things on the horizon for the group, which will play at 9 p.m. Jan. 21 at Susquehanna University, 514 University Ave.
Kingsfoil features Jordan Davis on guitar and vocals; Tristan Martin on piano, guitar and vocals; Tim Warren on bass and vocals; and Joe Cippolini on drums. Davis talked to the Sun-Gazette while driving around on a Friday afternoon.
APRIL LINE: So, three independent releases since 2002 - that sounds like a ton of work. Talk about the decision to do independent releases and some goals and thoughts for the future of the band.
Article Photos
PHOTO PROVIDED
Kingsfoil will play at 9 p.m. Jan. 21 at Susquehanna University, 514 University Ave.
JORDAN DAVIS: The first two were ones that Tristan and I recorded in our bedroom or basement or wherever. We were just figuring out the songwriting stuff. We were so young and some of it we kind of laugh at. Those were released on our own because we're figuring it out on a small level and distributing it to people in our area. After that, we still self-released [music], but each time we build it up and do a little bit more with each one. It was kind of like a learning process.
AL: Where does the name "Kingsfoil" come from?
JD: Unfortunately, there is no interesting story. It's in a "Lord of the Rings" book. We're not in any way nerds, although we do enjoy the movies and the books. It's a plant from the book that's a healing plant. It's not a real plant - although I've gotten in conversations with people who claim it is. I would be anxious to see it. We just like the sound of it. There's not a huge significance.
AL: I read the bio, but could you please recap Kingsfoil's evolution for our readers?
JD: Tristan and I - he's the guitarist and piano player and he started out playing the drums. He can pretty much play anything-we started the band probably eight years ago. He was in another band and we were just figuring things out. A little under five years ago, we changed our line up, changed our drums and bass players. He ended up being the thing that cemented Kingsfoil as what it is. It was a lucky happening and he ended up being one of our best friends. Since then, we've been growing and figuring out how to write.
AL: Yeah, it seems like the band is really picking up steam. Could you talk about the public affirmation or about growing more visible? Is there more pressure?
JD: You have cool questions!
AL: Thanks!
JD: We've been around as a band [and have] watched the music industry really change. We've watched labels take a huge hit and fall off the face of the earth. The whole industry is changing. So, as far as the online presence and being there, as much as it makes the connection impersonal, it connects the artists and people, [which] is super-exciting. It's the future of music whether we like it or not. This next year, we're going to focus more on making videos and making content that is more interesting. Our goal is not to push buzz - it is to make the music the engine of our band. We want to be organic and original. It's tough, but it's got to be done. It's like a business.
AL: Your videos are really professional looking. Who does them?
JD: One of the things we've been trying to do as a band is to find our own team - people to whom our band is important, who are excited by our work. One of those is a management team called Master Key Management. And they're taking almost no budget and making something that looks really good. We also have a lawyer and a business guy, so we're trying to get things in order so we can work kind of as our own label. Not that we're against labels or wouldn't do something on a label.
AL: Do you have day jobs or do you only do Kingsfoil?
JD: We all have day jobs. A couple of us have random jobs. I do construction, so does Tristan. Our drummer does real estate stuff. We do whatever we have to do to function and buy groceries and stuff.
AL: Do you tour or do you play gigs by the weekend?
JD: We've done a couple of smaller tours. But we've definitely been a band that does more spot shows and weekend shows. We're going to be doing some longer tours, like going to Austin for South By Southwest Music Festival this year. Up until now, we've just done a couple.
